Does your middle grader love scary books, but you have no idea what to recommend? Look no further! The Horror Writers’ Association (HWA) (along with NoveList, ECSCO, Booklist, Book Riot and United for Libraries) has created their Summer Scares 2024 list, and it is amazing! Summer Scares is a reading program intended to encourage readers’ as well as librarians to embrace horror and provides an annual list of recommended horror titles! (HWA, 2024).

This year’s titles were selected by author Clay McLeod Chapman and a panel of six library workers who selected three titles for adult, teen and middle grade.

The middle grade picks are:

Ophie’s Ghost by Justina Ireland

During a horrible night in 1922, Ophie’s father was murdered by a lynch mob. It was also the first time she saw a ghost. Trying to start anew, Ophie and her mother move from Georgia to Pittsburg, but the ghosts remain. Ophie befriends a ghost names Clara who cannot remember how she died, and she soon becomes entangled in this mystery trying to help Clara find out what happened to her...

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel

Steve’s baby brother is very sick. He is shuffled back and forth from the hospital regularly, worrying him greatly. One night, Steve dreams of a wasp queen, who offers him a chance to fix all that is wrong with his baby brother. All he has to do is agree. Steve is intrigued and concerned at the same time, and has a huge decision to make as both choices will have a consequence.

My Aunt is a Monster- by Reimena Yee

This title is a graphic novel that depicts the adventures of Safia, who is taken in by her reclusive Aunt Whimsy when her parents die in a fire. Safia is blind...and she can’t see that her aunt is a monster- with blue fur, horns, taloned feet and three yellow eyes. Aunt Whimsy used to be an adventurer, and is called out of retirement when word comes out that her former rival has reappeared and is causing trouble... Safia and her aunt take the trip of a lifetime, across the globe in search of her rival... and to stop her evil plans....

The Hazeldean Branch of the Ottawa Public Library will be holding a Summer Scares book club on July 23 @ 2:30 pm featuring The Nest by Kenneth Oppel. One can register online via our the OPL website for this program.

Check out some more of the previous HWA Middle Grade Summer Scares7/2556296939 picks on our Bibliocommons book list:

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/list/share/76017677/2556296939

Also, for more information and older Summer Scares selections, check out:

Summer Scares Middle Grade Webinar

Summer Scares 2024 Programming Guide

HWA ANNOUNCES SUMMER SCARES READING PROGRAM 2024 Spokesperson and Timeline

Summer Scares Archive