Inspired by a terrifying true story, acclaimed author Guadalupe Garcia McCall creates a twisty tale about a boy desperately trying to survive in a new town with a secret past. James always knew moving from Texas to Oregon was going to be horrible… But no sooner have he and his family arrived in their “perfect” new home in their “perfect” new town than he starts getting mysterious letters from someone called the Keeper. Someone who claims to be watching him. Someone who is looking for “young blood.” Can James and his sister, Ava, uncover the truth before it’s too late? So, when I started compiling a list of middle grade paranormal books for this post, I was a little overwhelmed. There are so many. And so many of them are so good. So, I wound up asking my fellow Rioters what their favorite middle grade paranormal books were, and they certainly had opinions. Behold some excellent stories where the unsettling, spooky factor is ramped up to a thousand. Now, not all the books I included in this list are terrifying. Some of them are, of course. Others refuse to cross that threshold and stay at a more sedate level of spookiness. This way, regardless of how much horror the young reader in your life wants in their books, they’ll be able to find something just for them. And, you know, we’re never too old to read children’s books, so why don’t you give them a try yourself? Can’t get enough scary middle grade books? Try these horror books for middle school and these spooky middle grade reads. Now, working as a maid in Daffodil Manor, Ophie learns that the house is full of ghosts. Both of the literal and metaphorical variety. Things get complicated, however, when she meets a girl named Lara. Lara, who can also see ghosts, informs Cassidy that it’s their responsibility to send the dead permanently beyond the Veil. Cue in a larger than life mission, and an epic battle between good and evil. No big deal, right? As it turns out, however, there is more power hidden within them. And they will need every drop of it to face the evils to come. Needless to say, graveyards hold no fear for Bod. The outside world is another matter, for that where Jack, the man who murdered Bod’s family, lurks.
