It's almost Halloween. Time for the ghosts, ghouls and goblins to pop out of the woodwork and invade our towns. Usually for the candy.
Along with all the typical activities, it's a great time to read some classic horror. Of course, kids have Goosebumps and some of my favorites, Jeff Strand's EEK series. I recommend the Halloween Tree by Bradbury.
My all time favorites tend to be the classics. The stories that are as old as dirt - or close. Stories that many kids haven't experienced, but should. The great thing is that most of these are in the public domain. In fact, I even wrote a blog post on some of the best scary stories you can find on Project Gutenberg.
One story not on the list was The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving. This is an enjoyable story, even if a bit dated in parts. (NOTE: please review to ensure its an acceptable story for your kids.) Everyone's heard of the headless horseman, even if they don't know the original story. Many film adaptations have altered it in various ways.
You can get this book for free at Project Gutenberg. Attached is a pdf of teacher resources with Word to Know for a spelling list, Discussion Questions and Write Your Own story prompts.
Check out my yearly Halloween stories for more fun, scary reads- all with similar teacher resources.
S.A. Schneider stories
I try to get a new Halloween story out each year. I also have reviewed some books that are great for kids to read at Halloween. Note - none of these are public domain and remain the property of the owner - whether that is me or other author.
The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
Curse of the Spiral - Anthology
Halloween 2023 special - The Outsider by S.A. Schneider
Vampires of New Orleans - Anthology
October Tales - Short Story Collection
October Tales: Halloween Short Story Collection
Do you dare read these stories late at night?
Halloween is the season when the shadows seem a little deeper, strange noises carry a little farther, and the things hiding just beyond the light feel a little closer.
October Tales is a collection of ten eerie short stories filled with monsters, unsettling mysteries, dark humor, and things that definitely should not be wandering around after midnight.
Inside these pages, you’ll discover stories that may make you:
- Think twice before your next visit to the doctor.
- Look at New Year’s Eve a little differently.
- Wonder what might really be hiding behind an innocent neighborhood game.
- And follow Jeff into a haunted forest where his biggest problem starts with simply trying to find a place to pee.
Some stories are creepy. Some are strange. Some are darkly funny. And a few may have you checking the hallway before turning out the light.
Perfect for chilly October nights, glowing pumpkins, crackling fires, and anyone who enjoys a good scare without needing Halloween as an excuse.
Turn the page. Just don’t assume you’re reading alone.
