Spooky & Cozy October Book Selections for Kids and Teens

October is officially here! Which means the air is getting a little cooler, it's officially ok for me to decorate for Halloween (according to my son) and it's the perfect excuse to curl up with a good book.

Whether you and your reader like to laugh it up with silly pumpkins, a spine-tingling (but age appropriate) ghost story, or an atmospheric YA fantasy, we have you covered. We’ve pulled together another round of age-group recommendations to carry your family through spooky season.

All of our lists are available to browse on our Bookshop.org page, so you can shop online while supporting indie bookstores like ours.

Cozy Spooky Stories for Early Readers

Featuring picture books and early chapter books

Halloween for the littlest readers is all about cozy fall vibes with just a dash of fright. These books are perfect for bedtime stories, classroom read-alouds, or that big stack you’ll read again and again to get you in the spirit before the trick-or-treating begins.

Our top picks for picture books include:

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson — a rhyming romp that turns teamwork into a Halloween treat.

• Creepy Carrots! by Aaron Reynolds — proof that even vegetables can be mischievous (and hilarious).

• The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason — soft, sweet, and perfect for kids who feel a little different.

Early Chapter Books: First Spooky Adventures

For early readers, we have some slightly spooky reads ready to dive into short chapters or graphic novels, these books balance friendly frights with lots of fun.  

Two must-haves:

• Bunnicula by Deborah & James Howe. The iconic vampire bunny mystery that’s spooky, funny, and timeless.

• Amulet graphic novel series by Kazu Kibuishi. Gorgeously drawn, adventurous, and full of magical creatures.

A Little Haunting for Middle Grade Readers

Spooky Adventures & Fall Escapes

Middle grade readers are at the sweet spot for spooky season. They want books that feel thrilling but won’t cross into nightmare fuel. In these stories the setting matters, the characters face real fears, and friendship and courage always shines through.

Standouts for the season:

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. The perfect “gateway scary” book. If your reader loved Goosebumps, this is their next obsession.

• Scary Stories for Young Foxes by Christian McKay Heidicker. Dark and clever, told through eerie animal fables.

• Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh. A fast-paced ghost story with heart and cultural depth.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier. Gothic and haunting, for kids who like their spooky reads literary.

Young Adult Books with a Dark Edge

Dark, Haunting, & Atmospheric Reads

For teens (and adults who sneak their YA!), October reads often lean into atmosphere: lush writing, eerie settings, haunted romance, and mysteries with a supernatural edge. These are the books to read on a stormy night when you want a little thrill.

Our October favorites include:

• Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross. A romantic fantasy that feels both sweeping and intimate. (note, this was originally set to be an October book club pick but setting up a bookshop has taken more time than expected! So read it now, and join us for the YA book club in November!

• House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland. Strange, haunting, and impossible to put down.

• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas. Themes of identity, family, and paranormal romance weave throughout this groundbreaking story.

• A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee. Fans of boarding school gothic will love this psychological thriller.

• Gallant by V.E. Schwab. Schwab is always top notch but this eerie, elegant, and wonderfully atmospheric tale is destined to be a cult classic.

Celebrate Spooky Season with Books

Halloween may be focused on costumes and candy, but the season is also the perfect time to fall into a story. Scary (or even just slightly spooky) tales let readers test their bravery in a safe space. Cozy seasonal reads remind us of the beauty of change, community, and togetherness. And most importantly, these books make reading fun.

So grab a blanket, pour your kiddo a mug of something warm, and let one of these stories carry them away.

Explore all of our October Bookshop.org lists here or grab many of these titles at our next pop-up Oct 4, 11-7 at our new home Our Mutual Friend | 1219 Frankford Ave.