Spooky Children's Nonfiction Book Recommendations
Discover the incredible life of Mary Shelley, the English novelist and creator of Frankenstein. When Mary Shelley was a little girl, she used to write stories beneath the trees in her garden. As an adult, Mary was inspired by this same imagination to create a ghost story, which became the famous novel: Frankenstein. This gripping book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the novelist's life.
What Is the Story of the Mummy? By Sheila Keenan
Unlike the other classic Universal horror movie monsters of their time, the Mummy's origins can't be found in the pages of a book. His story was inspired by the opening of King Tut's tomb in 1922. The world fell in love with all things Egyptian and was enthralled with stories of ancient mummies. The film producers of the early Dracula and Frankenstein films wasted no time creating a character who's been creeping out of his coffin and entertaining audiences since 1932.
Who Is R.L. Stine? By M.D. Payne
Reader beware! The biography of R. L. Stine, author of the hugely popular Goosebumps series, is a scary-good time! Often referred to as the "Stephen King of children's literature," R.L. has created some of the scariest books to have ever been passed around a campfire, leaving readers wide awake at night.
What Were the Salem Witch Trials? By Joan Holub, illustrated by Dede Putra
Something wicked was brewing in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. It started when two girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, began having hysterical fits. Soon after, other local girls claimed they were being pricked with pins. With no scientific explanation available, the residents of Salem came to one conclusion: it was witchcraft! Over the next year and a half, nineteen people were convicted of witchcraft and hanged while more languished in prison as hysteria swept the colony.
Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich by Adam Rex
Being a monster isn't all frightening villagers and sucking blood. Monsters have their trials, too. Poor Frankenstein's cupboard is bare, Wolfman is in need of some household help, and it's best not to get started on Dracula’s hygiene issues. What could be scarier? Nineteen hilarious poems delve into the secret lives of the Creature from the Black Lagoon, Bigfoot, Godzilla, and others.
Profiles twenty-five monsters from mythology, folklore, and literature, from Medusa the gorgon and Polyphemus the cyclops to Dracula, Frankenstein's monster, and the headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz, illustrated by Stephen Gammell's
This spooky addition to Alvin Schwartz's popular books on American folklore is filled with tales of eerie horror and dark revenge that will make you jump with fright. There is a story here for everyone -- skeletons with torn and tangled flesh who roam the earth; a ghost who takes revenge on her murderer; and a haunted house where every night a bloody head falls down the chimney. Stephen Gammell's splendidly creepy drawings perfectly capture the mood of more than two dozen scary stories -- and even scary songs -- all just right for reading alone or for telling aloud in the dark.
Monstrous: The Lore Gore and Science Behind Your Favorite Monsters by Carlyn Beccia
Bursting with blood, guts, history, and science, this book is a must-have for monster lovers of all ages. Could Dr. Frankenstein's machine ever animate a body? Why should vampires drink from veins and not arteries? What body parts are best for zombies to eat? (It's not brains.) This fascinating encyclopedia of monsters delves into the history and science behind eight legendary creatures, from Bigfoot and the kraken to zombies and more.
Funny Bones : Posada and his Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh
Funny Bones tells the story of how the amusing calaveras - skeletons performing various everyday or festive activities - came to be. They are the creation of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913). He is best known today for his calavera drawings and they have become synonymous with Mexico's Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival.
Vlad the Impaler: The Real Count Dracula by Enid A. Goldberg & Norman Itzkowitz
Tells the story of the evil Prince Vlad Dracula who ruled with a thirst for blood so terrible that the most famous vampire in literature was named after him.
Creepy and True Ghosts Unveiled! By Kerrie Logan Hollihan
Ghosts unveiled! explores another true and spine-chilling topic that kids are sure to love: ghosts! Packed with facts but light in tone, award-winning author Kerrie Logan Hollihan takes a humorous but meticulously researched, well-balanced look at ghost appearances, unsolved mysteries, and eerie hauntings around the world-from the perennial Vanishing Hitchhiker, the child-nabbing La Llorona, and Korean water ghosts to school hauntings and wraiths in the White House.
Magic Tree House Research Guide: Ghosts by Mary Pope Osborne and Natalie Pope Boyce
When Jack and Annie got back from their adventure in Magic Tree House Merlin Mission #14: A Good Night for Ghosts, they had lots of questions. What are some of the most famous ghost stories? Why do people believe in ghosts? Do most cultures have ghost stories? What are ghost hunters? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts.
Guided by tween "ghostorian" Virgil, readers will discover fascinating facts about calamitous events throughout history as they explore castles, palaces and dungeons and those infamous figures associated with each. For instance, did you know that many castles were made out of wood painted to look like stone? Or that wealthy prisoners in the Tower of London could keep servants? The book is chock-full of details that kids will find intriguing--dungeon life for prisoners, methods of turture, and even the most popular methods of poisoning enemies. So join Virgil and the other ghostly inhabitants for an historical adventure on the dark side.
Missing!: Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries by Brenda Z. Guiberson
In this photo-illustrated middle-grade nonfiction book, Brenda Guiberson explores the stories of six individuals who have disappeared mysteriously throughout history. Jimmy Hoffa, Barbara Follett, Amelia Earhart, D. B. Cooper, two young royal princes--they all disappeared. Throughout history, individuals have gone missing without a trace; some of these disappearances haunt us. Missing!: Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries is exciting middle-grade nonfiction that also discusses the kind and qualities of evidence needed to lay these mysteries to rest.
More Short & Shivery: Thirty Terrifying Tales, retold by Robert D. San Souci
From around the world comes this spooky collection of short stories and folktales: ghosts, ghouls, vampires, and skeletons galore to satisfy all horror hounds and thrill seekers! Horror lives in every corner of the globe, from China to Virginia, Brazil to Japan, Haiti to Nigeria. The most terrifying stories on earth will keep you up all night and are perfect to read to your friends. Can they handle it?
Dr. Ernest Drake's Monsterology: The Complete Book of Monstrous Beasts, Illustrated
Do krakens really lurk below the ocean waves? Do griffins command the air above? For anyone who has ever wondered whether legendary beasts still wander among us, this lush look at an astounding array of creatures offers everything a true believer would want to know.
Investigating the Unexplained: The Bermuda Triangle by Paige V. Polinsky
Dozens of ships and planes have vanished without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle. Are giant rogue waves the culprit? Or could it be something more otherworldly? This title explores the theories, tools, and technology used to investigate the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.
