Spooky season is here! What better way to embrace Halloween and bring some of the creepy, spine-tingling atmosphere into your classroom than with some books to set the mood? Mysteries, problem-solving, and just plain eerie – we’ve got it all! 

Check out our top picks to get middle schoolers excited about reading this Fall!

Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega

Equal parts spooky and fun, Ghost Squad by Claribel A. Ortega is sure to be a hit among your students. The story follows Lucely and Syd, who accidentally cast a spell that awakens malicious spirits and wreaks havoc in their town. The author expertly weaves together elements of family, friendship, and ghost-hunting in a way that will leave readers eager to find out – will Lucelly and Syd be able to reverse the curse with the help of Syd’s witch grandmother and her tabby, Chunk, before it’s too late?

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

Searching for a multiple award winner that takes on big themes like identity and justice … with monsters? Look no further than Pet by Akwaeke Emezi! Young readers will be drawn into protagonist Jam’s world, where monsters have all been defeated – until she meets Pet, a creature from her mom’s painting who is on a quest to hunt down a monster. With a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, this book would make an excellent addition to any classroom library this spooky season! 

Babysitting Nightmares: The Shadow Hand by Kat Shepherd (Author), Rayanne Vieira (Illustrator)

What could be less scary than babysitting? Except it’s not, as babysitters Rebecca, Tanya, Clio, and Maggie discover! In this book, where The Babysitters Club meets Goosebumps, readers will be taken on a fast-paced, action-packed adventure of problem-solving and demon–fighting. What’s more – this is only the first of the series, so your students can continue to enjoy these books all through Fall!

Weird Little Robots, by Carolyn Crimi (Author), Corinna Luyken (Illustrator)

An illustrated chapter book that combines magic and science, Weird Little Robots will be a refreshing read for middle school students. Friendship, technology, and problem-solving are beautifully captured in masterful prose and gorgeous illustrations that will engage young readers and immerse them in a new world where robots come to life. If you are looking to inspire students (especially girls!) to pursue a path in STEM, this book is a must!

The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane by Julia Nobel

What do you get when you mix prestigious boarding schools, creepy secret societies, and a father who vanished without a trace years ago? A thrilling mystery, of course! In The Mystery of Black Hollow Lane, young readers follow the journey of Emmy as she navigates being in a new school in a foreign country while uncovering truths about her missing father and outsmarting sinister forces. It’s sure to leave your students wanting more!

The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow 

For students who prefer their eerie reads with a side of humor, The Curse of the Werepenguin by Allan Woodrow will be a popular choice! With charming characters and a plotline that keeps readers hooked from start to finish, this is a unique and enjoyable book for middle schoolers. If your students are looking for a book that is funny, creative, and perfect for Halloween – this is it!

We hope these book recommendations will make Fall reading for your students an enjoyable and enriching experience while helping them get in the mood for Halloween. Have a spook-tacular Halloween!