In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

by Alvin Schwartz

First published 2017

A collection of seven spine-tingling stories awaits brave young readers ready for their first taste of fear. In "The Green Ribbon," a girl wears a mysterious ribbon around her neck that hides a shocking secret. "In the Graveyard" follows a boy who must prove his courage by visiting tombstones at midnight. The ghostly figure of John appears to those who dare call his name, while pirates and teeth that move on their own populate other tales. Each story draws from traditional folktales, crafted specifically for children who can read independently but still appreciate help with challenging words. Victor Rivas's illustrations balance silly and spooky elements, making the scares manageable for beginning readers. These stories offer the perfect introduction to horror for kids who want to feel frightened but not terrified.

Genres: short-stories, horror, supernatural

Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful

Tropes: supernatural, suspense

Period: 20th-Century

64 pages · Kindle Edition · HarperCollins

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