Best Scary Books for 9 Year Olds (2026): 5 Compared

Finding the best scary books for 9 year olds is easier once you know the reader. We compared five by reading age, grade level, page count and series.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Scary Stories Set by Schwartz	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Arthur Blackwood by Luzzader	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	More Scary Stories by Schwartz	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Before Bed by Claybourne	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Book of Ghost Stories by Dahl	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Scary Stories Set by Schwartz

Alvin Schwartz·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A three-book hardcover collection of classic folklore horror tales and supernatural legends featuring iconic original artwork.

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Pros

• Collects all 3 complete original books in the series in a single hardcover volume
• Features the classic original artwork by Stephen Gammell
• Substantial 368-page collection offering dozens of standalone short stories
• Lists both grade level 3 to 7 and a customer-listed reading age of 7+ years

Cons

• Reading age of 7+ years is marked as from customers rather than publisher guidance
• The description mentions terrifying tales of horror, revenge and supernatural events that may be intense for some seven-year-olds
• Jacketed hardcover format is bulkier than individual paperbacks
• Published July 30, 2019, rather than being an original release

2

Arthur Blackwood by Luzzader

A.M. Luzzader·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A horror collection for brave readers.

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Pros

• Reading age 7 to 12 years and grade level 3 to 8, per the listing
• Book 1 of 1 in its series
• August 4, 2026, the most recent listing here

Cons

• Not for the faint-hearted, per the description
• The reading age is marked as from customers
• 144 pages is quick for strong readers

3

More Scary Stories by Schwartz

Alvin Schwartz·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A classic horror anthology of folklore and ghost stories.

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Pros

• Reading age 6 to 13 years and grade level 3 to 7, per the listing
• Book 2 of 3, Revised edition
• Folklore, urban legends and ghost stories, per the description

Cons

• The reading age is marked as from customers
• Horror and dark revenge in the description
• Book 2 of 3; series fans may want the other volumes

4

Before Bed by Claybourne

Anna Claybourne·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Spooky true stories, each rated for scariness.

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Pros

• Reading age 7 to 10 years and grade level 5 to 9, per the listing
• Illustrated edition from National Geographic Kids
• A Fright-o-meter rates each story's scariness

Cons

• Grade level 5 to 9 skews older than reading age 7 to 10
• The reading age is marked as from customers
• Ghosts, zombies and haunted houses; preview for easily scared readers

5

Book of Ghost Stories by Dahl

Roald Dahl·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Roald Dahl gathers 14 eerie supernatural tales from classic authors into a disquieting 235-page anthology for readers seeking traditional chills.

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Pros

• Collects 14 supernatural tales chosen by Roald Dahl from writers like Edith Wharton and J. Sheridan Le Fanu.
• A 235-page print length provides substantial variety across multiple classic ghost stories.
• Includes Dahl's erudite introduction explaining the purpose and atmosphere of supernatural tales.

Cons

• The listing displays an unusual grade level of 7 to 6 alongside a customer-listed reading age of 9+ years.
• The description states the stories are disquieting and meant to disturb your thoughts, which may frighten younger children.
• First published in October 1984, representing an older collection without modern formatting.

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More picks to compare

• Spooky Ghost Stories by Reed21 short ghost stories for ages 9 to 12, 186 pages.Check on Amazon
• Ghoul School by DeGuiseThree-book spooky series for ages 9 to 12, 244 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 20 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. Three listings state a level; two state none.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best scary books for 9 year olds

Match the scare level to the reader

The Arthur Blackwood collection warns it is not for the faint-hearted; the National Geographic book rates each story with a Fright-o-meter. For stronger scares, see horror books for 9 year olds.

Check the reading age and grade together

Three listings give both numbers, all marked as from customers. Read them together, since one listing’s grade band skews older than its reading age. Seasonal readers can also browse Halloween books for 9 year olds.

Before you buy

• Confirm the reading age and grade level on the listing.
• For a series, check the book number first.
• Read the description for themes first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these books too scary for a 9 year old?

The Arthur Blackwood description says its stories are not for the faint-hearted, while the Claybourne book rates each story for scariness. Preview before buying.

Which pick is part of a series?

More Scary Stories is Book 2 of 3; Arthur Blackwood is Book 1 of 1. The collection gathers three volumes in one.

Do any listings state a reading age?

Three do: 6 to 13, 7 to 10 and 7 to 12 years, all marked as from customers. Two state none.

Still deciding? Our top pickScary Stories Set by Schwartz

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: browse thriller books for 9 year olds, detective books for 9 year olds, story books for 9 year olds.