10+ Best Scary Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Looking for the perfect chill to send down your 13-year-old's spine? You're in the right spot! Our roundup of scary books for 13-year-olds is packed with eerie tales that are just the right blend of spooky and safe for young teens. Whether your young reader is a seasoned fan of frights or just dipping their toes into the world of horror, we've got something that will keep the pages turning and the nightlight on. Keep reading to discover our top picks for scary books that are sure to haunt their bookshelves!

Fun Scary Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Coraline by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Coraline discovers an alternate universe that initially seems better than her own but quickly reveals its dark secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure that mixes spookiness with a strong, relatable young protagonist, perfect for encouraging imagination and resilience.
  • Perfect for: Fans of spooky stories and young adventurers.

• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Dave McKean
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Nobody Owens, a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is mysteriously killed.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and a captivating plot that keeps readers engaged while exploring themes of growth and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy ghost stories and tales of personal growth.

• City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal
  • Synopsis: Cassidy Blake has a strange ability to see ghosts, and her adventures begin when she travels to Edinburgh, where she meets a girl who shares her unusual gift.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, ghostly adventure that's both entertaining and a great introduction to historical settings through supernatural elements.
  • Perfect for: Young explorers who love thrilling ghost stories and learning about new places.

• Doll Bones by Holly Black
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Three friends go on a quest to bury a haunted doll made from the ashes of a girl who was killed long ago.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a creepy plot with a deep dive into friendship and the challenges of growing up.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of adventure, horror, and coming-of-age stories.

• Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
  • Genre(s): Horror, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: After Ollie saves a book from being destroyed, she finds herself trapped in a creepy farm during a school trip, surrounded by scarecrows that may be more alive than they seem.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping, atmospheric horror story that's just right for young teens looking to get lost in a spooky adventure.
  • Perfect for: Fans of supernatural mysteries and rural ghost tales.

• Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery
  • Synopsis: In an alternate London overrun by ghosts, only young operatives are equipped to handle them. The story follows three young operatives of a small, disorganized agency as they tackle deadly haunts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed series starter that offers thrilling ghost-hunting adventures, making it a great pick for enhancing reading engagement.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love thrilling paranormal activities and detective stories.

Educational Scary Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: In 1687, Kit Tyler moves from her tropical home in Barbados to the cold, strict colony of Connecticut. She struggles to fit in until she befriends an old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of the American colonies, understanding of religious and cultural differences, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines historical detail with a gripping, somewhat eerie story, providing both education and entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in history and stories about social acceptance and individuality.

• The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier
  • Genre(s): Horror, Mystery, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Two abandoned Irish siblings, Molly and Kip, work at a decrepit English manor house and discover its grim secrets, including a mysterious figure who visits each night to tend to a sinister garden.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Vocabulary expansion, understanding of narrative structure and character development, moral reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spooky tale that also teaches about the consequences of greed and the importance of storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy creepy stories with deep moral questions.

• Wait Till Helen Comes by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Ghost Stories
  • Synopsis: A blended family moves to a converted church in the country where Heather, the youngest sibling, befriends a ghost named Helen who has a disturbing past.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of family dynamics, empathy, historical knowledge about different time periods
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines ghostly suspense with complex family relationships, providing a thrilling yet thoughtful reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who like ghost stories that are scary but also delve into emotional depth.

• The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: In the 19th century, 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 companionship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical understanding, reading comprehension, empathy and ethical reasoning
  • Why we recommend this book: This ghost story is not only chilling but also rich in historical detail, making it a great crossover between education and entertainment.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who appreciate a spooky atmosphere combined with a historical setting.

Challenging Scary Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
  • Genre(s): Horror, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the late 19th century, this novel follows the adventures of young Will Henry and his mentor, Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a scientist who studies monstrous creatures. Together, they encounter a variety of terrifying beings and uncover chilling mysteries.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative style is dense and sophisticated, featuring an extensive vocabulary and complex sentence structures that demand a higher reading comprehension level.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling, intellectually stimulating read that combines elements of horror with scientific inquiry and moral questions, providing a rich, immersive experience.
  • Perfect for: Fans of gothic horror and historical adventures who are ready for a challenging read.

• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Mystery
  • Synopsis: After a family tragedy, Jacob discovers clues that lead him to a mysterious island, where he finds the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores the abandoned bedrooms and hallways, he realizes that the children were more than just peculiar; they may have been dangerous, and they might still be alive.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features a complex plot with an intricate blend of photographs and text, requiring readers to engage deeply with both visual and textual storytelling.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique reading experience that is both visually engaging and intellectually challenging, encouraging creativity and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a blend of historical intrigue, supernatural elements, and mystery.

• The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, discover that their mother’s old spell book is the key to unraveling the truth about their past and entering the mysterious, dangerous Thickety.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book deals with complex themes such as magic, morality, and survival, presented through an intricate narrative that requires careful interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a captivating, eerie fantasy that explores the dark sides of magic and power, ideal for fostering imagination and ethical reasoning.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are fascinated by dark fantasy and complex moral dilemmas.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Magical Realism
  • Synopsis: Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest to keep her from terrorizing their town. But the witch, Xan, is kind and rescues the children, delivering them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest. One year, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight, filling the ordinary child with extraordinary magic.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative weaves multiple perspectives and employs lyrical language that requires readers to appreciate subtle nuances and complex character developments.
  • Why we recommend this book: This beautifully written tale offers profound themes of love, growth, and what it means to be family, making it a rich reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Those who love beautifully crafted stories that blend magic with emotional depth.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the world of scary books, you might be wondering how to make the most out of your reading experience, especially if you're around 13 years old. Here are some exercises designed to enhance your reading habits while keeping the thrill of those spooky stories alive!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you want to read.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and motivated to finish the book.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Discuss with Friends
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends who are reading it too.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and makes reading a social activity.
  • Tips: Try to bring up different perspectives or predictions about the story in your discussions.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Set up a specific spot in your home where you can read without interruptions.
  • How it helps: Improves concentration and helps you get into a reading routine.
  • Tips: Make sure your reading space is comfortable and has good lighting.

• Visualize the Story
  • What it is: Imagine the scenes as you read, like you're watching a movie in your mind.
  • How it helps: Makes the story more engaging and memorable.
  • Tips: Pay close attention to the descriptive parts of the book to help form vivid images.

• Reflect After Reading
  • What it is: Spend a few minutes thinking about what you read after each session.
  • How it helps: Helps with comprehension and retention of the story.
  • Tips: Consider how the story's events could relate to your own experiences or feelings.

By incorporating these exercises into your reading routine, not only will you enhance your enjoyment and understanding of scary books, but you'll also develop stronger reading habits that can benefit all areas of your learning. Happy reading, and don't let the spooky parts keep you up at night!