25 Short
Spooky
Stories
Spine-Tingling Fun for Kids Who Love a Good Scare
Creeping shadows that stretch a little too far. Whispering voices that sound closer each time you listen. Things that go bump in the dark, just when you think you're completely alone… Spooky enough to make your heart race — safe enough to sleep with the lights off.
What Waits Inside…
Every story is short enough to finish before the lights go out — and scary enough to make you wish you hadn't.
The Music Box
A music box that plays a song you've never heard — but somehow already know.
The Bicycle
It leans against the garage every morning. Nobody rides it. Nobody ever has.
The Whispering Tree
Deep in the woods there's a tree that knows your name — and it's been waiting.
The Doll
She sits on the shelf. She watches. She waits. And sometimes… she blinks.
The Creepy Neighbor
He's always home. He's always watching. And he knows things he shouldn't.
Ghostly Whispers
The voice says your name at 3 AM. The problem is — you live alone.
The Mirror
Your reflection started moving on its own. Just a little. Just at night.
The Letter
It was addressed to you. The postmark was dated 20 years from now.
And So Much More…
Shadows that move on their own, enchanted objects, haunted houses — each one a perfectly-sized scare.
Everything a Brave Reader Needs
Perfect for bedtime, sleepovers, campfires, or any dark and stormy night.
25 Complete Stories
Each tale is perfectly bite-sized — long enough to get scary, short enough to finish in one sitting.
Just-Right Scares
Spooky enough to send shivers down your spine — not so scary you won't sleep with the lights off.
Twists & Surprises
Every story delivers unexpected turns that'll leave you guessing — and gasping.
Great for Reading Aloud
Short enough to read in one go. Perfect for families, classrooms, and sleepovers.
139 Pages
Compact and easy to hold — ideal for backpacks, nightstands, and camping trips.
Written for Ages 8–12
Vocabulary, themes, and scares are crafted specifically for middle-grade readers.
What Readers Are Saying
4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon · Verified Kindle & Paperback readers
"I read this book to my 7 year old and he wasn't too scared and I've been through a lot of books!"
"Perfectly appropriate and inclusive for all kids. This book deserves way more praise."
"Great short stories with plenty of thrill. My little brother loved hearing these stories and the excitement of what came next kept him intrigued in the book!"
"Children will absolutely love this book of short stories and parents will enjoy reading the stories to their kids. Definitely 5 stars."
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything parents want to know before handing this to their brave young reader.
Ready for Your Scare?
25 stories. 139 pages. One very brave young reader. Available now on Amazon — in paperback and as an eBook.
Available in Paperback & Kindle · ISBN 979-8303322943 · By Nina Blackwelder · Ages 8–12
What Waits Inside…
Every story is short enough to finish before the lights go out — and scary enough to make you wish you hadn't.
The Music Box
A music box that plays a song you've never heard — but somehow already know.
The Bicycle
It leans against the garage every morning. Nobody rides it. Nobody ever has.
The Whispering Tree
Deep in the woods there's a tree that knows your name — and it's been waiting.
The Doll
She sits on the shelf. She watches. She waits. And sometimes… she blinks.
The Creepy Neighbor
He's always home. He's always watching. And he knows things he shouldn't.
Ghostly Whispers
The voice says your name at 3 AM. The problem is — you live alone.
The Mirror
Your reflection started moving on its own. Just a little. Just at night.
The Letter
It was addressed to you. The postmark was dated 20 years from now.
And So Much More…
Each one a perfectly-sized scare. Shadows that move on their own, enchanted objects, haunted houses, and more.
Everything a Brave Reader Needs
Perfect for bedtime, sleepovers, campfires, or any dark and stormy night.
25 Complete Stories
Each tale is perfectly bite-sized — long enough to get scary, short enough to finish in one sitting.
Just-Right Scares
Spooky enough to send shivers down your spine — not so scary you won't sleep with the lights off.
Twists & Surprises
Every story delivers unexpected turns that'll leave you guessing — and gasping.
Great for Reading Aloud
Short enough to read aloud in one go. Perfect for families, classrooms, and sleepovers.
139 Pages
Compact and easy to hold — ideal for backpacks, nightstands, and camping trips.
Written for Ages 8–12
Vocabulary, themes, and scares are crafted specifically for middle-grade readers.
What Readers Are Saying
From brave young readers to the parents who bought them a nightlight afterward.
"My 9-year-old devoured this in two days. She keeps insisting we read one more story before lights out. She's now scared of music boxes, but totally worth it."
"I'm 11 and I read this FIVE TIMES. The doll story had me checking under my bed for a week. The best kind of scary."
"Used this for our 4th grade reading group and the kids were HOOKED. Each story sparked great discussion and the length is perfect for classroom use."