If your middle-grade reader liked Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House, they might also like…

• Small Spaces

• Doll Bones

• The Night Librarian

• The Graveyard Book

All of these books offer spooky fun with mystery and suspense, delivering chills that entertain without overwhelming sensitive readers.

Here’s what they’re about

Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House

When siblings Josh and Amanda move to the strange town of Dark Falls, something feels very wrong. The people act oddly, the house seems alive, and the town’s history is deeply unsettling. As the siblings investigate, they uncover a chilling secret that puts them in real danger. Packed with creepy twists, eerie settings, and a shock ending, this classic Goosebumps tale delivers just enough fear to thrill young readers without overwhelming them — making it a perfect introduction to spooky fiction.

Small Spaces

When Ollie discovers a mysterious book warning her to stay out of small spaces, she ignores it — and soon finds herself trapped in a terrifying field of scarecrows. As the creatures come to life, Ollie must rely on her courage and quick thinking to survive the night. With eerie imagery, relentless tension, and a brave, resourceful protagonist, Small Spaces delivers genuine chills while remaining firmly kid-appropriate. It’s a gripping introduction to horror for middle-grade readers who love being scared just enough to keep the lights on.

Doll Bones

When three friends discover a creepy doll said to contain a girl’s spirit, what begins as a game quickly becomes a dangerous quest. As they travel farther from home, the line between imagination and reality blurs, forcing them to confront fear, guilt, and growing up. Doll Bones combines genuine spookiness with emotional depth, exploring friendship and bravery in a way that feels both unsettling and heartfelt. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy creepy objects, suspense, and stories that linger long after the final page.

The Night Librarian

When siblings Paige and Turner are locked inside their town library overnight, they discover the books — and the characters inside them — are coming to life. Guided by a mysterious Night Librarian, the children must solve puzzles and restore order before chaos spills into the real world. Blending fantasy, mystery, and a deep love of books, this adventure is playful, clever, and immersive. It’s a wonderful pick for readers who enjoy magical libraries, literary references, and fast-paced problem-solving.

The Graveyard Book

After a toddler escapes tragedy and wanders into a graveyard, he is raised by ghosts who become his unlikely family. Known as Nobody Owens, Bod grows up learning ghostly customs while slowly uncovering the danger still lurking beyond the gates. Equal parts eerie and tender, The Graveyard Book blends spooky atmosphere with humour and heart. Neil Gaiman crafts a story about belonging, growing up, and finding courage — perfect for readers who like their chills wrapped in warmth.