We love horror and sci-fi. We do. You guys know we do. We like the deep, dark psychological torments, the arm-ripping, blood-gushing splatters and the oh-so-squishable humans in a chomp ‘n’ stomp. We like the sleek lines of newfangled technology and the excitement of exploring the unexplored. And you can find all of this in young adult and middle grade reads, as well. Albeit toned down a little for age appropriateness.
Below you’ll find a list of our favorite Young Adult and Middle Grade reads that we’d love to share with you.
Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
“This was an amazing book that makes you face real monsters, sits on your chest and still manages to leave you with hope. With a transgender main character and a diverse cast it is truly an amazing read.” – Lilyn
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz
“Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was my first brush with urban legends and I would wait eagerly for those damn Scholastic pamphlets to see if a new Scary Stories was in there.” – GracieKat
Check out GracieKat’s review of the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark movie!
And if you want a little more, check out our guest post by Joe Oliveto!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
“Even though I love the book, this is one where I think the movie is actually better.” – Tracy
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
“Percy Jackson but with African-American characters, mythos and West African gods. Also, it’s much better.” – Lilyn
Curses, Inc. and Other Stories by Vivian Vande Velde
“I generally like almost all of Vivian Vande Velde’s collections. The stories range from hilarious to heart-breaking. Most times within the same story.” – GracieKat
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Watch Hollow by Gregory Funaro
“Awesome ideas, loveable characters and that damn clock. That. Damn. Clock.” – Lilyn
Check out Lilyn’s review of Watch Hollow!
Whispers from the Grave by Leslie Rule
“The book cover (new or old) does not accurately reflect the story. It’s more of a time-travel murder mystery with a bit of sci-fi flair to it. It’s also not surprising that the murder mystery aspect was done so well, with Ann Rule as a mother it’s pretty apparent that talent runs in the family!” – GracieKat
Carry On (Simon Snow #1) by Rainbow Rowell
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
“The author does a great job of putting you inside the main character’s head and making you experience everything as her. There’s no writing down or writing up. You live it as you are intended to and Cassidy Blake’s world is a very atmospheric one to be in. You couldn’t pay me to be her.” – Lilyn
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
“The Westing Game is like a book version of Clue. A ramped up, bizarre adventure that has some very memorable characters. And the puzzle is solvable by a kid but never overtly spells it out. It doesn’t write down to the reader.” – GracieKat
Apocalypse Taco by Nathan Hale
“It felt like a Twilight Zone/Outer Limits episode for the younger generation. And it’s a graphic novel!” – Lilyn
Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings
Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid
“Mystery, adventure, and mischievousness all combine to make a thoroughly pleasing reading experience.” – Lilyn
Check out Lilyn’s review of Ollie Oxley and the Ghost: The Search for the Lost Gold by Lisa Schmid!
Let us know what your middle grade and young adult books, past and present, are! Let us know down below!
GracieKat was the first co-host of Sci-Fi & Scary, Lilyn’s partner-in-crime, and sub-head of the Kali Krew. She reviews horror books, movies, and games for the site. She also does a weekly Focus on the Frightful feature, and is the site list-maker. She is also in control of the Sci-Fi & Scary podcast which will relaunch soon.
