New York Times bestselling horror author Paul Tremblay (A Head Full of Ghosts, The Cabin at the End of the World) makes his middle-grade debut with Another.
To commemorate its publication today, Bloody Disgusting asked the Bram Stoker Award winner for his favorite horror books for young readers. Here’s what Paul sent us — complete with copious footnotes.
Hey, there. To help celebrate(1) the release of my first middle-grade horror novel, Another, here’s a group of my favorite middle-grade/young adult horror novels books(2). Start the list!
The Nest by Kenneth Oppel
A sick baby brother, parents at their breaking point, a growing wasp’s nest, and a queen that visits Steve’s dreams. The Nest never once talks down to its readers, is beautifully written, and is truly scary. One of my favorite horror novels of the past decade. Friend and writer Mallory O’Meara put this book in my hands and said “READ THIS NOW!”(3)
The Thief of Always by Clive Barker
Pay a visit to Mr. Hood’s holiday house and you’ll want to stay and run screaming. Full of wit and whimsy and danger, and stunning illustrations, this is Clive Barker at the height of his powers. It’s a long-time favorite of mine and I’m due for a re-read.
The Hollow Girl by Hillary Monahan
A timelessly relevant (unfortunately) tale of a Roma girl who survives a brutal attack by a group of boys and uses magic to save a friend and enact revenge. Smart and morally complex, it’s a book that has been criminally overlooked.
Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
Are you afraid of clowns? How about slasher clowns? Adam Cesare’s rollicking first installment(4) in a series knows why you love slashers and how scary it is being a teen in a small, cloistered town in contemporary America. My slasher-loving nephew Max gives this book 100 stars. He dressed as Art the Clown for Halloween. He’s a little messed up, frankly. Also, I will not name Art’s movies, as they are decidedly not YA(5).
Infested by Angel Luis Colon
Creepy bugs (so many bugs!) and a creepier old dude in a tale where infestation is a metaphor for the gentrification of a Bronx neighborhood. Smart, fun, and creepy crawly. Did I mention bugs? Doesn’t your ankle tickle a little now?
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
Lyrical, sensuous, haunting, this graphic novel short story collection should be the starting point for any YA horror fan, and the starting point in Emily Carroll’s stunning body of work. If you’re anything like me(6), when you finish the book, you’ll start over again.
Singing My Sister Down and Other Stories by Margo Lanagan
The title story is one of the most horrifying and disturbing and oddly beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Ever! And that’s all I’m going to say because I don’t want to spoil any of the, um, fun.
Another by Paul Tremblay
You really should read this book. Please. The author is tall. And the book has a creepy clay kid and spooky scary things happen at night in Casey’s bedroom, and he blocks his closet door to prevent it from opening by itself just like you should barricade your closet door too, just in case. What else do you want from a book or from me? You’re so difficult sometimes. I thought about putting this book at the top of the list, but that would’ve been too much.(7)
- Who are you kidding, Paul? You’re not celebrating, you’re promoting your middle-grade book Another. Be honest with kind, discerning readers of BD.
︎ - They aren’t all novels. If there are rules about this kind of list, we’re breaking them. And that includes the footnotes. ︎
- She didn’t yell at me. The all caps is a dramatization. However, you should read Mallory’s wonderful book The Lady from the Black Lagoon. ︎
- Now a movie! ︎
- Of course, if a cranky old adult (that’s me) tells you not to watch something you’re probably going to watch it. But don’t blame me if you do. By reading this footnote I am legally absolved of all responsibility. ︎
- Poor you. ︎
- If you have read this far, thank you. I hope you enjoy the all the creepy books. ︎