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

Looking for the perfect chill to thrill your 9-year-old? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of spooky books for 9-year-olds is packed with tales that strike just the right balance between spooky and fun—ensuring your young reader gets a gentle shiver without the nightmares. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to captivate and spook your little ones in the best way possible!

Fun Spooky Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline discovers an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but soon realizes it holds dark secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that teaches about bravery and self-reliance. Coraline's courage in facing her fears can inspire young readers to tackle their own challenges.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love a good scare and learning about overcoming fears.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After the murder of his family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where ghosts and other supernatural beings raise him.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines mystery and fantasy, offering a unique view on the concept of family and growth. The story is engaging and full of life lessons about community and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy spooky stories with a heart.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A boy stumbles upon a gathering of witches who despise children and learns of their plan to eliminate them from the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative tale that highlights the importance of courage and cleverness. Dahl's unique storytelling keeps readers engaged and entertained.
  • Perfect for: Children who delight in magical adventures and tales of good versus evil.

• Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Gammell
  • Genre(s): Horror, Short Stories
  • Synopsis: A collection of spooky tales based on folklore and urban legends, perfect for reading aloud or telling in the dark.
  • Why we recommend this book: These stories capture the essence of classic campfire tales, sparking imagination and a love for storytelling. They are creepy, yet captivating, and perfect for reading sessions.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love ghost stories and the thrill of a good scare.

• Bunnicula: A Rabbit-Tale of Mystery by Deborah Howe and James Howe, illustrated by Alan Daniel
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Humor
  • Synopsis: The Monroe family finds a peculiar rabbit that has fangs and seems to drain vegetables of their color.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hilarious and slightly spooky tale that encourages reading through laughter and mystery. The adventures of Bunnicula are engaging and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of humor and suspense in their stories.

Educational Spooky Books for 9-Year-Olds

• The House with Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Folklore
  • Synopsis: Marinka dreams of a normal life, but her house has chicken legs and moves at its own will, isolating her from the world. She is destined to guide spirits between this world and the next, a role she is reluctant to accept.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, understanding of folklore, empathy, and decision-making
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written story that intertwines Slavic folklore with themes of independence and finding one's path.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in myths and legends, and those grappling with their own place in the world.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After a chilling encounter with a mysterious woman, Ollie discovers a creepy book that tells of sinister events in her town's past. Soon, she and her friends are caught in a terrifying otherworldly adventure.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, courage, friendship dynamics, and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping, atmospheric ghost story that also teaches bravery and loyalty among friends.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy chilling adventures and ghostly mysteries.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings find work in a creepy, crumbling English manor house and discover that the house's sinister secrets are slowly twisting the truth and reality.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, and understanding of sibling relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a Victorian ghost story that is both spooky and thought-provoking, with a focus on moral questions and character growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love a good scare with a substantial plot and complex characters.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Three friends embark on a quest to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl, leading them through strange and eerie adventures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Friendship dynamics, bravery, and a deeper understanding of narrative structure
  • Why we recommend this book: This story masterfully blends real-life emotions with supernatural elements, exploring the transition from childhood to adolescence.
  • Perfect for: Kids dealing with changes in friendships and those who like a mix of adventure and creepiness.

• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: Corinne La Mer must save her home when malevolent creatures of Caribbean folklore, the Jumbies, invade her island and threaten to disrupt the harmony of her world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural folklore, bravery, and community involvement
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces readers to Caribbean folklore in an engaging and suspenseful story that emphasizes the power of courage and community.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in folklore from different cultures and stories that blend fantasy with real-life lessons.

Challenging Spooky Books for 9-Year-Olds

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Supernatural
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, Lucy Carlyle teams up with the charismatic Anthony Lockwood to solve a terrifying mystery involving a haunted house with a deadly secret.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is complex with a sophisticated vocabulary and layered plot that demands attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thrilling mix of suspense and action, perfect for advanced readers who enjoy a good challenge and ghostly mysteries.
  • Perfect for: Young detectives and fans of supernatural thrillers.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Kara Westfall lives in a village that fears magic and the Thickety, a dense forest where dark powers are said to lurk. When she discovers a strange book, she finds herself drawn into a world of dangerous magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features an intricate plot and morally complex characters, which can provoke deeper thinking and discussion.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book masterfully blends fantasy with horror elements, creating a gripping and atmospheric tale that encourages imagination and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dark fantasy and magical adventures.

• The Shadows (The Books of Elsewhere, Vol. 1) by Jacqueline West
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: When Olive moves into an old house, she discovers paintings that she can enter and an array of magical spectacles that allow her to uncover the house's mysterious past.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure that integrates elements of art and fantasy requires readers to interpret visual and contextual clues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of art, mystery, and fantasy that captivates and stimulates the imagination.
  • Perfect for: Creative thinkers and lovers of art and mystery.

• Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Ghost Story
  • Synopsis: A blended family moves to a converted church in the countryside, where Heather, the youngest sibling, encounters the ghost of a girl named Helen who died in a mysterious fire.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story deals with complex family dynamics and psychological depth, offering a more nuanced view of interpersonal relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: This ghost story is not only spooky but also deeply moving, exploring themes of family, loss, and redemption.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate ghost stories with a strong emotional core and psychological intrigue.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magic, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a town that sacrifices a baby each year to the witch in the forest, one child, Luna, is accidentally enmagicked when the witch, who is actually kind and gentle, feeds her moonlight instead of starlight.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's lyrical prose and complex themes involving sacrifice, power, and love require a higher level of reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a beautifully written, thought-provoking story that challenges conventional storytelling and provides profound life lessons.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy beautifully crafted narratives and deep, meaningful stories.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into some spooky books this season, it's a great opportunity to develop solid reading habits that can make the experience even more enjoyable and beneficial. Here are a few exercises tailored for 9-year-olds that can help enhance their reading skills while they enjoy some spine-tingling tales.

• Create a Reading Nook
  • What it is: Set up a special corner dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Creates a personalized and comfortable space that can make reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Include comfy seating, good lighting, and maybe even some spooky decorations to enhance the theme!

• Chapter Summaries
  • What it is: Write a brief summary of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Keep it fun by using colored pens or pencils to sketch or write summaries.

• Reading Out Loud
  • What it is: Read the book aloud to parents, siblings, or even pets.
  • How it helps: Enhances pronunciation skills and builds confidence in reading.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Book-Themed Art Projects
  • What it is: Create art projects based on scenes or characters from the book.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps visualize the story.
  • Tips: Use a variety of materials like clay, paint, or collage to bring scenes to life.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next in the story before reading further.
  • How it helps: Stimulates critical thinking and engagement with the storyline.
  • Tips: Discuss predictions with friends or family members who are also reading the book.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises aren't just about improving reading skills; they're about making reading a fun and integral part of daily life. By incorporating these activities into your reading routine, you'll not only enhance your understanding and enjoyment of spooky stories but also develop lifelong reading habits. Happy reading!