10+ Best Scary Books for 9-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect chill-inducing read for your young reader? Look no further! Our roundup of scary books for 9-year-olds is packed with tales that strike just the right balance between spooky and suitable. From mysterious hauntings to light-hearted spooky adventures, we've got something that will captivate and slightly spook your child. Keep reading to discover our top picks for scary books for 9-year-olds that are guaranteed to keep them glued to the pages, flashlight in hand!

Fun Scary Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline discovers an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but soon reveals darker secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches bravery and self-reliance, showing young readers the importance of appreciating what they have.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good scare and exploring imaginary worlds.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Chris Riddell
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the story of Nobody "Bod" Owens, a boy raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and fantasy, providing a captivating and spooky read while highlighting themes of growth and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in ghost stories and adventures of self-discovery.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A boy and his grandmother fight against witches who disguise themselves as ordinary women, planning to eliminate all children.
  • Why we recommend this book: Dahl's imaginative storytelling brings a mix of horror and humor that keeps readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy magical tales and humorous, slightly scary stories.

• Goosebumps: Night of the Living Dummy by R.L. Stine
  • Genre(s): Horror, Thriller, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two sisters contend with a menacing ventriloquist's dummy that comes to life and causes chaos.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic scary story that's just right for kids, offering suspenseful fun without being too frightening.
  • Perfect for: Young thrill-seekers and fans of supernatural adventures.

• A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story into a darker and more enchanted tale, meeting various characters from Grimm's fairy tales.
  • Why we recommend this book: It twists familiar fairy tales into a unique narrative that's both dark and delightful, encouraging a deeper engagement with storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like twisted fairy tales and creative, unexpected adventures.

Educational Scary Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children by Keith McGowan, illustrated by Yoko Tanaka
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Children's Fiction
  • Synopsis: A modern retelling of Hansel and Gretel where a witch cleverly manipulates a local family to further her own sinister plans.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a spooky, engaging story that also teaches about caution and cunning.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy a good twist on classic fairy tales and learning about the consequences of one's actions.

• The Dark-Thirty: Southern Tales of the Supernatural by Patricia McKissack, illustrated by Brian Pinkney
  • Genre(s): Horror, Supernatural, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: A collection of ghost stories rooted in African American history, each set in the South at the eerie time of dark-thirty.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, cultural awareness, reading comprehension
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends the supernatural with historical events, providing a unique and educational reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in history and ghost stories with a cultural twist.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings work at a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover its haunting secrets along with the sinister figure of the Night Gardener.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary building, emotional resilience, understanding themes of greed and hope
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a chilling tale with a deep moral core that challenges readers to think about the consequences of their desires.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love atmospheric, creepy stories that also offer meaningful lessons.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a chilling encounter with a mysterious woman, a girl discovers a creepy local legend about "the smiling man" and must survive the night with only her wits.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, friendship dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides suspenseful entertainment while encouraging bravery and smart decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy thrilling adventures and overcoming fears.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Three friends go on a quest to bury a haunted doll made from the ground-up bones of a girl, facing real and supernatural challenges along the way.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Teamwork, dealing with complex emotions, adventure planning
  • Why we recommend this book: It mixes adventure with a ghostly mystery, offering a story that's both thrilling and emotionally engaging.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who like their tales with a touch of the eerie and the heartfelt.

Challenging Scary Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother Taff uncover a secret about their long-dead mother in a dark, forbidden forest known as the Thickety.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves complex themes of magic, morality, and manipulation in a dense, foreboding setting, pushing readers to think critically about the nature of good and evil.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a gripping, atmospheric fantasy that keeps readers on the edge of their seat while delving into deep ethical questions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy dark, magical stories and are ready to handle more sophisticated themes.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London, where dangerous spirits stalk the streets, Lucy Carlyle teams up with the charismatic Anthony Lockwood to solve a deadly mystery and fight ghosts in a haunted house.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book presents a complex world filled with intricate ghost-hunting technology and a detailed magical system, requiring advanced comprehension skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines spooky elements with detective-style mystery, offering suspense and excitement along with a dose of humor.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who love ghost stories and mysteries with a strong, adventurous team.

• The Nest by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Jon Klassen
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Psychological Thriller
  • Synopsis: Steve's baby brother is ill, and his family is under stress. Then he begins to have dreams of angelic beings offering to "fix" the baby. As the line between dream and reality blurs, Steve confronts terrifying questions about right and wrong.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative explores deep psychological themes and moral dilemmas, woven into a surreal, dream-like plot that challenges perceptions of reality.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hauntingly beautiful tale that tackles complex emotions and ethical questions, perfect for introspective readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are not only looking for a scare but also a thought-provoking story.

• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Caribbean Folklore
  • Synopsis: Corinne La Mer isn't afraid of anything, not even jumbies, the mythical creatures that are said to live in the Caribbean forest. But when a mysterious woman appears and the island begins to change, Corinne must face her fears and protect her home.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story integrates elements of Caribbean folklore with a fast-paced, suspenseful plot, offering cultural education alongside literary enjoyment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a thrilling adventure that introduces readers to a rich, cultural mythology, while showcasing bravery and the importance of community.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in folklore and mythical creatures, and those who love stories about courage and overcoming fears.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest, one child, Luna, is accidentally enmagicked as a baby. As Luna grows, her magic begins to emerge—with dangerous consequences.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s intricate plot and complex characters require readers to engage with and reflect on themes of power, love, and sacrifice.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a beautifully written, deep story that combines magic with emotional depth, encouraging young readers to think about the impact of their actions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love beautifully crafted tales that blend real emotions with fantastical elements.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to help your 9-year-old dive into the spooky world of scary books while developing great reading habits, I've got some fun exercises for you to try. These activities are designed to make reading more engaging and to enhance comprehension and enjoyment. So, grab your favorite ghostly tales, and let's get started!

• Create a Scary Story Map
  • What it is: Draw a map that outlines the plot and settings of the scary story.
  • How it helps: Visualizing the story helps with understanding and remembering the plot.
  • Tips: Use different colors or symbols to mark significant events or scary parts.

• Scary Book Club
  • What it is: Form a book club with friends who are also reading the same scary book.
  • How it helps: Discussing the book with others can enhance understanding and make reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Prepare a few questions or fun activities related to the book for each meeting.

• Character Costume Day
  • What it is: Dress up as a favorite character from the scary book.
  • How it helps: Helps bring the characters to life and deepens connection with the story.
  • Tips: Plan a day where everyone presents a little about their character and why they chose it.

• Scary Story Retell
  • What it is: Retell the story from memory to a family member or friend.
  • How it helps: Reinforces memory and understanding of the story.
  • Tips: Use props or drawings to make the retelling more vivid and engaging.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Before finishing the book, predict what will happen next after each chapter.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and engagement with the story.
  • Tips: Write down predictions in a notebook and check how many were right after finishing the book.

These exercises are not only fun but also incredibly beneficial in fostering a love for reading and improving comprehension skills. By incorporating these activities into their reading routine, your child will find themselves more immersed in the world of books and eager to explore even more spooky stories. Happy reading!