Spooky Season is all the more fun with a good book! Any of these middle grade titles will be perfect for gifting and borrowing!
Jekyll vs Hyde The Potion of Doom by Jack Meggitt-Phillips, illustrated by Holly Swain, published by Farshore
If you have missed all the antics of Jack promoting this book then do follow him on socials just for the joy of it all! His school and festival visits are legendary and he is a crowd pleaser for sure. In his latest book, we meet Henrik Jekyll and his chaotic alter ego Eddie Hyde! Based on the classic, this one is sure to have readers laughing and doing impressions of Henrik and Eddie! It’s delightfully dark, twisty and funny- trademarks of Jack! What could possibly go wrong in this tale?
Graveyard Gladiators by David Owen, illustrated by Shane Houston, published by Usborne
This book arrived with a yummy packet of sweets which didn’t last very long! They were definitely eaten before I got through the first two chapters! This is a weirdly wonderful book of monsters competing in Graveyard Games for a human sacrifice…Jude’s dad this year. Jude will need to race, wrestle and do other incredible things in order to be the Graveyard Gladiator and save his dad! With the help of his friends, he may just have a chance- or does he? Another dark, funny and spooky tale for the season!
Most Haunted Hotels by Yvette Fielding, illustrated by Hannah Shaw, published by Andersen Press
This is the fourth book in the Most Haunted series and I know how popular these are in libraries. Young readers love the paranormal and discovering haunted places in the UK and beyond. This book visits several haunted hotels and introduces us to the ghosts and stories keeping visitors on their toes. From hearing footsteps, slamming doors, flickering lights- how long would you last? I would be running in seconds but luckily Yvette is braver and spent time investigating and collecting evidence to share with us! An incredible book and perhaps an itinerary for a road trip?
A werewolf ate my homework by Emily Snape, published by Firefly Press
Asher believes his new stepbrother to be a werewolf but can he prove it? Along with his “frenemy” Helga, Asher must find evidence to prove it and it won’t be easy but it is funny! This is a brilliant book for young readers wanting a laugh along with the mystery. The characters are absolutely perfect and readers will love meeting Asher, Helga and Luca! I found this a quirky and fun book to read and the doodles are sure to be a hit as well!
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam The Spooky School Mystery by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Steven Lenton, published by Nosy Crow
I have loved this burglar turned baker dog duo since their first mystery and to see them now in short chapter books is a joy! It means those young readers can read longer books featuring these clever dogs. This book features three short mysteries to solve and enjoy, from a haunted house to wacky weather, these dogs are ready for it all! Word of warning….bring snacks to read with as the delightful treats will make your mouth water. Charming illustrations throughout brining the stories to life!
Dead Teenager Movie by Cethan Leahy, published by Little Island Books
This is one for the older readers as it comes with a bit of a thrill and chill! When a group head off into the countryside for a weekend of fun, they have no idea of the danger they are heading towards! I must admit, I read this before it got properly dark one evening- it has the intensity of a horror film with a stellar cast of characters and a thrilling plot! From the first page, you are thrown into the action and the story! Read with the lights on!
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. I am Children’s Librarian for Suffolk Libraries, a job I adore!
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work I am currently Vice Chair on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups!
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