10+ Best Ghost Story Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect chill and thrill for your young reader? Look no further! Our latest roundup of ghost story books for 10-year-olds is packed with spooky tales that are just the right blend of scary and fun. Whether your child loves gentle haunts or spine-tingling adventures, you'll find something to captivate their imagination. Keep reading to discover our top picks in ghost story books for 10-year-olds that promise to keep those pages turning well past bedtime!
Table of Contents
Fun Ghost Story Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult
- Synopsis: A boy named Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered. As he grows up, he learns about the living world and faces dangers both supernatural and human.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating and spooky adventure that also teaches about growth, bravery, and the meaning of family. The book's mix of humor and suspense makes it a great gateway to more complex reading.
- Perfect for: Kids who love a good ghost story and exploring themes of courage and friendship.
- City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
- Genre(s): Paranormal, Adventure, Fantasy
- Synopsis: Cassidy Blake, who can see ghosts, travels to Edinburgh with her parents and meets Lara, a girl who shares her gift. Together, they face the Red Raven, a sinister specter who haunts the city.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling ghost encounters with fascinating historical details, making it both educational and entertaining. It's great for fostering a love of history and adventure.
- Perfect for: Young readers interested in paranormal stories and history buffs.
- The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery
- Synopsis: Florence goes to live with her great-uncle at Crutchfield Hall and soon encounters the ghost of her cousin Sophia, who met a tragic death and now seeks company to escape her loneliness.
- Why we recommend this book: This ghostly tale is filled with mystery and the right amount of scare, perfect for kids who enjoy a good chill. It also touches on themes of family and resilience.
- Perfect for: Readers who like historical settings and ghostly mysteries.
- Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
- Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: After encountering a mysterious woman and a chilling warning, Ollie discovers a creepy book that predicts disasters. She and her classmates must survive the terrors of a farm haunted by scarecrows and a sinister Smiling Man.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric horror story that also deals with loss and bravery. Great for encouraging resilience and problem-solving.
- Perfect for: Adventurous kids who love a spine-tingling tale and overcoming fears.
Educational Ghost Story Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Witches of Willow Cove by Josh Roberts
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal
- Synopsis: Abby and her friend Robby uncover dark secrets about their seemingly quiet town and its history with witchcraft as they delve into their own developing magical abilities.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, understanding of folklore
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling blend of mystery and magic that also educates about the history of witchcraft and its cultural implications.
- Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a mix of history, mystery, and supernatural elements.
- The Ghost Collector by Allison Mills
- Genre(s): Fantasy, Cultural, Paranormal
- Synopsis: Shelly, with the help of her grandmother, uses her ability to see ghosts to help them pass on, learning more about her Cree heritage and dealing with personal loss along the way.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, understanding of grief
- Why we recommend this book: It combines ghostly tales with important lessons about cultural heritage and dealing with loss.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in ghost stories that offer emotional depth and cultural education.
- The Peculiar Incident on Shady Street by Lindsay Currie
- Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Paranormal
- Synopsis: When Tessa moves to a new home in Chicago, she starts noticing bizarre occurrences which lead her and her friends on a ghostly mystery linked to the city's past.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Problem-solving, historical knowledge, teamwork
- Why we recommend this book: It's a ghostly mystery that's not only spooky but packed with historical tidbits about Chicago, making it educational as well.
- Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery and learning about real historical events through fictional stories.
- The Ghost Road by Charis Cotter
- Genre(s): Mystery, Paranormal, Adventure
- Synopsis: Ruth and Ruby explore their family's secrets and confront a local legend in Newfoundland, discovering a hidden family connection and a haunting past.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical inquiry, genealogical research, narrative skills
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a captivating adventure intertwined with lessons on family history and the importance of understanding one's heritage.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy uncovering family mysteries and exploring ghostly legends.
Challenging Ghost Story Books for 10-Year-Olds
- The Seer of Shadows by Avi
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Paranormal
- Synopsis: In 1872 New York, a young photographer's apprentice named Horace accidentally captures a ghost on film, setting off a series of eerie events tied to a revenge plot.
- Why this book is challenging: The novel incorporates complex themes of guilt, retribution, and societal class distinctions, which are woven into a suspenseful narrative.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ghost story that also offers a glimpse into historical New York, enhancing both historical understanding and enjoyment of a good scare.
- Perfect for: Readers who appreciate historical settings and ghostly tales with a deeper meaning.
- Doll Bones by Holly Black
- Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Adventure
- Synopsis: Three friends embark on a journey to bury a haunted doll made from the ground-up bones of a witch girl. Their adventure forces them to confront the realities of growing up.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves into complex themes of friendship, the transition from childhood to adolescence, and the power of storytelling.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines an eerie quest with the emotional challenges of growing up, making it a compelling read for young readers facing similar transitions.
- Perfect for: Those who enjoy a mix of adventure, horror, and coming-of-age themes.
- Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
- Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Psychological
- Synopsis: A blended family moves to a converted church in the countryside, where Heather, the youngest sibling, starts communicating with a ghost named Helen who has sinister plans.
- Why this book is challenging: It explores complex family dynamics and psychological depth through the lens of a ghost story, which requires a sophisticated level of emotional understanding.
- Why we recommend this book: This book is perfect for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and ghost stories, offering both chills and a deep dive into interpersonal relationships.
- Perfect for: Young readers who are interested in thrilling, emotionally complex ghost stories.
- The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage
- Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Paranormal
- Synopsis: When Mo and Dale, part of the Desperado Detective Agency, are hired to investigate a haunted inn, they uncover much more than just ghostly happenings.
- Why this book is challenging: The book features witty language, a complex plot, and a deep exploration of community and history, all of which demand a higher level of reading comprehension and analytical thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a ghostly mystery that's also funny and heartwarming, providing a rich narrative that enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Perfect for: Kids who love a good mystery with a dose of humor and historical intrigue.
- The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
- Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Two orphaned siblings, Molly and Kip, work for a family that is haunted by a sinister presence in their crumbling estate, leading them to uncover dark secrets.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative combines elements of gothic horror with complex moral questions, requiring readers to engage with both the text and the underlying ethical dilemmas.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a spine-tingling tale that also poses questions about greed, courage, and human nature, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
- Perfect for: Advanced young readers who enjoy a scary story with depth and ethical challenges.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Exploring ghost stories can be an exhilarating way for your 10-year-old to dive into the world of reading. To make this journey even more beneficial, I've put together a list of exercises that can help develop strong reading habits while keeping the thrill of the ghostly tales alive. Here’s how you can get started:
- Set Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
- How it helps: Encourages a consistent reading habit and helps in completing books.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Create a Reading Nook
- What it is: Designate a special corner in the house just for reading.
- How it helps: Provides a comfortable and inviting space that can make reading more enjoyable.
- Tips: Let your child personalize the space with comfy cushions, good lighting, and maybe even some spooky decorations!
- Discuss the Stories
- What it is: Talk about the ghost stories with friends or family members who have read the books.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the story, and can make reading a more social activity.
- Tips: Try to steer the conversation towards predictions, character motives, and themes.
- Illustrate the Scenes
- What it is: Draw scenes or characters from the story.
- How it helps: Boosts imagination and helps with visual memory of the story.
- Tips: Use a variety of materials like pencils, crayons, or markers to make it more fun and engaging.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize an app that tracks reading progress or provides interactive story elements.
- How it helps: Makes reading more interactive and can offer new ways to engage with the story.
- Tips: Choose apps that are age-appropriate and have educational value.
- Read Aloud Sessions
- What it is: Schedule times to read the story aloud, either to oneself, a pet, or a family member.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in understanding the rhythm of the language.
- Tips: Change your voice for different characters to make the reading more entertaining and lively.
By integrating these exercises into your child's reading routine, not only will they enjoy their ghost stories more, but they'll also develop stronger reading skills that will benefit them for years to come. Happy reading and ghost-hunting!