The most recommended young adult horror books

Who picked these books? Meet our 295 experts.

295 authors created a book list with young adult horror books, and here are their favorites.

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Book cover of The Invisible Man

Robin Friedman Author Of Nothing

From my list on classics that expose the cruelty of society.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am one of those people who always feels sorry for the monster at the end of the movie. I am always more disturbed by the avenging townspeopleā€™s bloodlust than the monsterā€™s destructiveness. At a deeper level, for me these horror stories actually depict compassion, acceptance, and the hysteria whipped up by self-righteous mobs. They are books with very dark themes, and they generally do not have happy endings, but rather than being depressing, I find them instructive, even enriching, and certainly valuable. More than anything, they show me ā€“ in bloody detail ā€“ the terrifying limits of conformity.

Robin's book list on classics that expose the cruelty of society

Robin Friedman Why did Robin love this book?

Similar in vein, a more opaque story than Frankenstein, and with a more indeterminate morality surrounding the main character, who is, after all, a crackpot murderer, but eliciting perhaps the same complex reactions toward him and the other characters at the bookā€™s tragic ending. 

By H.G. Wells,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Invisible Man as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 12, 13, 14, and 15.

What is this book about?

H. G. Wells was one of the founders of science fiction and his novels have remained extremely popular since they were first released.


Book cover of The Island of Doctor Moreau

Kate Rhodes Author Of Hell Bay

From my list on the scariest books set on tiny claustrophobic islands.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion for small islands began as a child. I spent my summer holidays on the Isles of Scilly, where everyone knew each other, and the sea wiped the landscape clean, leaving it pristine each morning. Since then, Iā€™ve visited dozens of islands, keen to understand the islandersā€™ survivalist mindset. I worked as an English teacher before becoming a writer. It allowed me to share my love of storytelling, but the tales that linger with me still take place on small islands where the consequences of our actions are never forgotten. I hope you enjoy exploring the ones on my list as much as I did!

Kate's book list on the scariest books set on tiny claustrophobic islands

Kate Rhodes Why did Kate love this book?

I loved this book because it was so gripping. It made me long to be a writer. Although it was written over a hundred years ago, the dark story spoke directly to me.

I read it at the darkest time in my life. I was fourteen, and my alcoholic father had become a terrifying force in our home, just like Dr. Moreau, who rules his island with vicious power. I had never dreamed that a crazed leader could break an entire population, but the idea seems shockingly prescient now.

The book made me realize that I, too, could escape from the trap around me, just like the bookā€™s hero, and learn to use my imagination to tell stories.

By H.G. Wells,

Why should I read it?

8 authors picked The Island of Doctor Moreau as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 11, 12, 13, and 14.

What is this book about?

The Island of Doctor Moreau has inspired countless homages in literature, film and television.


Book cover of The Madman's Daughter

Reji Ex Author Of The Broken Kingdom of Orion

From Reji's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Space pirate Animal lover Magic enthusiast Story critic Singer

Reji's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Reji Ex Why did Reji love this book?

I really enjoyed the plot twists in this book. They were completely unexpected.

This book has everything to keep and hold my interest! Thereā€™s mystery, science, romance, and secrets. I personally enjoyed finding out who the monster truly is. Let me tell you, you will never, in a million years, guess that!

It left me wanting to read more, and luckily for me, The Madmanā€™s Daughter is only the beginning of the trilogy. 

By Megan Shepherd,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Madman's Daughter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

For fans of Libba Bray, this first book in a gothic suspense trilogy is inspired by H. G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau and has been hailed by New York Times bestseller Carrie Ryan as having "beautiful writing, breakneck pacing, a pulse-pounding mystery, and an irresistible romance."

Following accusations that her scientist father gruesomely experimented on animals, sixteen-year-old Juliet watched as her family and her genteel life in London crumbled around herā€”and only recently has she managed to piece her world back together. But when Juliet learns her father is still alive and working on a remote tropical island,ā€¦


Book cover of Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies: Devin Dexter #1

David Neilsen Author Of Lillian Lovecraft and the Harmless Horrors

From my list on spooky middle grade books.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been writing Spooky Middle Grade for a number of years, and before that, I wrote horror for Hollywood. Living in Sleepy Hollow, spooky is in my blood, and if I didn't write creepy stories, they'd kick me out. I'm also a professional storyteller and have scared the bejeebus out of kids and adults in places like Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, Rockefeller State Park Preserve, and Washington Irving's Sunnyside. Halloween is my favorite time of year. It more or less becomes a month-long village-wide celebration in October. Being inundated with all this crazy rubs off on you, and I have been well-steeped.

David's book list on spooky middle grade books

David Neilsen Why did David love this book?

I like a little humor with my spookiness and this book has humor to spare. Just the idea of a horde of demonic stuffed animals brings a smile to my face. Rosen does a fantastic job creating a fully-fleshed out world and filling it with interesting and engaging characters. But seriously, it's the bunnies that make this shine. Even now, just writing about them brings a smile to my face.

By Jonathan Rosen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 8, 9, 10, and 11.

What is this book about?

Twelve-year-old Devin Dexter has a problem. Well, actually, many of them. His cousin, Tommy, sees conspiracies behind every corner. And Tommy thinks Devin's new neighbor, Herb, is a warlock . . . but nobody believes him. Even Devin's skeptical. But soon strange things start happening. Things like the hot new Christmas toy, the Cuddle Bunny, coming to life.

That would be great, because, after all, who doesn't love a cute bunny? But these aren't the kind of bunnies you can cuddle with. These bunnies are dangerous. Devin and Tommy set out to prove Herb is a warlock and to stopā€¦


Book cover of The Invisible Man
Book cover of The Island of Doctor Moreau
Book cover of The Madman's Daughter

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