Get ready to be spooked with these spine-chilling reads!

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Halloween is full of traditions such as trick-or-treat, costumes, carved pumpkins and themed parties. It has been a source of inspiration for countless movies, books, comics and television series, which has contributed to its worldwide popularity. In addition, it is a good opportunity to have fun, spend time with friends and family and let your imagination run wild.

Its relevance to learning English

It provides us with a fun context to learn vocabulary related to fear, monsters, witches, pumpkins … Studying this topic is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Anglo-Saxon culture and understand its traditions and activities related to Halloween can be a motivating way to practice English, especially for younger students.

“ Scary ” literature

As we have discussed, Halloween has been a great inspiration for many works. Today we would like to focus on books that are ideal for this time of year. And as we always do, we will make recommendations for all interests and ages.

For the little ones and the young ones in the house:

Classic stories:
- « The Little Old Woman Who Was Not Afraid of Anything » : Although not as well-known as other classics, this is a charming story that tells us about the importance of courage and determination. This story is often used to teach children values such as self-esteem and the ability to overcome obstacles.
- « The Legend of Sleepy Hollow » : This famous legend by Washington Irving is a classic of Gothic literature . Set in a small town in New York, the story combines supernatural elements with a touch of black humor.
Modern picture books:
- « The Nightmare Before Christmas » : It was written and illustrated by Tim Burton, the director of the animated film. The novel captures the same essence and atmosphere of the film, but with a more literary and visual approach .
- « Monster » by Walter Dean Myers: This is a young adult novel that immerses us in the story of Steve Harmon, an African-American teenager accused of murder. Through his diaries and trial transcripts, Steve reflects on his life, his friends, and the circumstances that led to his trial.

Book collections:
- “ Goosebumps ” by R.L. Stine: Each book in this series features a different story, usually focused on a young boy or girl who faces supernatural or terrifying situations. From monsters and ghosts to curses and failed scientific experiments, Goosebumps will keep you on the edge of your seat with its unexpected twists.
- « In the Series of Unfortunate Events » by Lemony Snicket: The series follows the misadventures of the Baudelaire orphans, who are pursued by the evil Count Olaf, a distant relative who wants to seize their fortune. Throughout the books, the Baudelaire siblings face a series of dangers and mysteries as they try to survive.

Comics for teens :

Horror classics :
- Bram Stoker’s ” Dracula ” (graphic adaptations): These comic book versions offer a fresh and striking take on this classic vampire story.
- ” Frankenstein ” by Mary Shelley: The comic book version is a fascinating adaptation of this classic horror novel ! There are several graphic adaptations, each with its own interpretation and artistic style .
Modern comics :
- « Sabrina the Teenage Witch » : Sabrina is an iconic character who has captivated generations thanks to her adventures in the world of magic and adolescence.
- « Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark » : The comic adapts some of the most popular stories from the original books, such as « The Tell-Tale Heart » and « The Haunted House » with iconic illustrations by Stephen Gammell.
Manga:
- « Uzumaki by Junji Ito » : Considered a masterpiece of horror manga, Uzumaki explores themes of obsession and madness in a small cursed town. Its detailed and disturbing illustrations will leave you breathless.
- « Ayakashi: Japanese Classic Horror » : This anthology collects classic Japanese horror stories, including ghosts, yokai, and other supernatural beings. It is an excellent choice for delving into Japanese horror
  folklore.

Books for adults:

Horror novels:
- Stephen King: He is known as the master of contemporary horror. His novels are often long and detailed, exploring themes such as evil, madness and the supernatural. We recommend: « It » , « The Shining » , « Misery » , « Carrie »…
- Edgar Allan Poe: A pioneer of the short story of horror and mystery, Poe is considered one of the most influential writers of Gothic literature. Featured works: « The raven » , « The Tell-Tale Heart » , « The Fall of the House of Usher » , « The black cat »…
- Shirley Jackson: Known as the queen of domestic terror : Jackson specialized in psychological horror and domestic terror, exploring the tensions and fears that creep into everyday life. We recommend: » The Haunting of Hill House » , » The lottery » and » We Have Always Lived in the Castle » .
Graphic novels :
- ” Sandman ” is an epic work that reimagines the myths and legends of dreams , death, gods, and demons. Gaiman creates a rich and complex universe, filled with unforgettable characters like Morpheus, the King of Dreams, and his eternal brothers.
- « Hellboy » by Mike Mignola: Hellboy is a demon raised by Allied scientists during World War II, who struggles to find his place in a world that rejects him.

Ready to enter a world of shadows ? Well, you can see that Halloween offers us the perfect chance for exploring the darker side of literature. From timeless classics like the works of Poe to modern comics like Hellboy, there’s a horror story for every reader.

Are you more into monsters and ghosts or do you prefer stories that make you question reality? Whatever, this Halloween you will find the perfect book to spend a night full of scarecrows and emotions with our list of recommendations.

Don’t wait anymore and let be seduced by the magic of terror! Cheer up mate to share your favorite readings on our Instagram and we will discover together new recommendations of others lovers of the genre.

Happy Halloween!