47. The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion Books, 2004)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10-14)

Brief Description: 12-year-old Diana narrates this story of she and her brother as they watch the new caretakers of the Old Willis Place move in. Something is not right with these two imps, and Hahn slowly reveals more and more information until the reader comprehends the nature of these characters who have many secrets. Lissa is the new caretaker's daughter who seeks friendship and finds it in Diana. When Lissa decides to explore the Old Willis Place with Diana, she unwittingly unleashes the fierce and frightening ghost of Miss Lilian. A surprise ending will satisfy even the most nervous readers.

Awards: Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award, 2006; Heartland Award for Excellence, 2007; Iowa Children's Choice Award, 2008; Mark Twain Award, 2007; South Carolina Children's Book Award, 2008

Personal Opinion: I enjoyed this book very much! Hahn carefully crafts a tone of building tension with the slow revelation of Georgie and his sister Diana's true nature. Kids will notice that they are rather mischievous and not too remorseful about their actions. Other clues will lead them to understand that George and Diana are ghosts themselves, although they, too, are afraid of ghost Miss Lilian. I found the ending very surprising and didn't see it coming at all; I wondered how Hahn would end this creepy tale, but she did a wonderful job. Finally, Hahn succeeds in her scaring of kids when Lissa remarks that her idea of ghosts had changed forever - she now realized that a ghost can be flesh and blood, and may be sitting next to you on the bus. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This would make a great read aloud for Halloween. Also, kids could design a spooky game board incorporating the ghosts, the Old Willis Place, the shed, and other areas on the farm etc. and create a game like Chutes and Ladders - would they include cards? How about screaming, running, etc. for various points?

41. Half-Minute Horrors edited by Susan Rich (Harper, 2009)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 10+)

Brief Description: An incredible 73 authors contributed to this great book of quick stories told in both text and through artwork. As the cover states - it's packed with "instant frights" with stories that get to the heart of a young person's fears. The most effectively frightening stories turn common occurrences and daily life into something to fear, and nothing is sacred: parents, black lab pets, killing a spider, babysitting, caring for a younger sibling, and even scratching your face. Kids won't soon forget these stories when they go through their typical day.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I thought the variety of famous authors and types of stories and poems was quite amazing. I'm not a horror fan, but I found several of the stories a little creepy - made me jump at noises in the house! Not all the stories are outstanding - several are actually stinkers. My favorite is the one page illustration entitled "The Legend of Alexandra and Rose." Pictured is a grayscale house with trees, a shovel, and a tool shed. After examining the map-style legend, the reader comes to understand that Alexandra has killed her sister and buried her in three spots in the yard...in order to have the bigger bedroom. Nice.

Curriculum/Programming: This is the perfect book to help kids learn about writing a short story or poem, and I would use it without hesitation as a writing resource and tool. The work includes pantoums, haiku, short stories, and illustrations that tell a story - plenty of everything for individual interests, and ideal for teaching writing.

21. Wereling by Steve Feasey (Feiwel & Friends, 2010)

BOOK: HORROR (ages 11-16)

Brief Description: Orphan Trey LaPorte wakes up one morning to find his room in the care home completely trashed - including his brand new and highly adored pair of trainers. Nothing makes sense as he tries to defend himself to the nasty sadistic director of the care home, when he is told he has a visitor. A man purporting to be his uncle comes to claim him and uses strange powers to control the director, but they still have to steal away in his "uncle" Lucien's Lexis to a luxury apartment in London. So begins the story of Trey, who discovers that he is a werewolf. He learns the true cause of death for his parents and must put his trust in a man he's never met, and who is a vampire, for forces are conspiring to destroy Trey even as he is whisked to safety. Readers are set up for the next in the series as one situation ends, but another looms on the horizon.

Awards: None

Personal Opinion: I've put off reading this title, but found it refreshingly interesting and lacking in the romantic vampire images portrayed in much of contemporary teen fiction. While there is an element of romance present, the character development and originality of the story kept me interested. Trey is a likable guy about whom I came to care quite a bit. His love interest, Lucien's daughter and part vampire, is charming as well.

Programming/Curriculum: With all the hype over vampires and other supernatural beings, this book would be perfect to include in a supernatural book club. In a classroom, it may bring an element of interest in the study of mythology and legend, particularly of supernatural beasts and possibly a comparison of werewolves in different stories.