Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Something is biting in Deepwater Creek, and it’s not a fish. This graphic novel follows two brothers whose final summer fishing trip turns into a supernatural nightmare. When the adults won’t listen, it’s up to the kids to face the monsters lurking in the depths and in their own minds.
Step into a 1960s coastal mystery where the “Hardy Boys” vibe meets the supernatural. The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand follows Pete and Al as they uncover family secrets and latent magical powers. With expressive art and a moving coming-out story, this graphic novel balances thrilling detective work with a heartfelt exploration of identity and family. A perfect choice for readers who love high-stakes mysteries with a magical twist!
For middle schoolers who aren’t quite ready for Stephen King but crave a real chill, Harrow Lake is the perfect “bridge” horror. Kat Ellis delivers a suspenseful, supernatural thriller featuring a “bone tree,” mysterious disappearances, and the unsettling Mr. Jitters. As the daughter of a horror filmmaker enters a town obsessed with a slasher film, students will be hooked by the cinematic atmosphere and nightmarish plot twists.
These Vengeful Wishes is a gripping YA supernatural thriller that breathes new life into the Latin American legend of La Cegua. When aspiring artist Ceci moves into a cursed mansion and discovers a wishing well, she learns that every desire comes with a sinister price. Appropriate for all high school readers, this standalone novel expertly balances eerie suspense with complex family dynamics and compelling characters.
The Last Resort is a fantastic middle-grade mystery where twelve-year-old Lila discovers her Grandpa Clem’s creepy Victorian Inn is actually a portal for ghosts. While trying to stop being “dramatic,” Lila must solve her grandfather’s murder and battle evil spirits.