Scary Books for 10 Years Olds: Horror is an interesting genre that teenagers like a lot. People like to share scary stories with friends at a group gathering late at night to make the conversation more interesting. A few books with such stories are suggested here for teens. These horror books are fictional and give the readers an astonishing experience. The horror is mild and does not create a dark space in the readers’ heads, making it best suited for tweens. Check the suggestions and pick one to read today.
Best Horror Books for Teens From Indian Authors
1. "The Other Side: Dare to Visit Alone" by Faraaz Kazi and Vivek Banerjee
Summary: This compilation features a collection of 13 short horror stories, each taking the readers into different levels of fear, from haunted houses to sinister spirits.
Unique Feature: The stories are inspired by real-life events and locations in India, giving readers a taste of the country’s rich and supernatural folklore.
2. "Yakshini" by Neil D'Silva
Summary: The novel follows the story of Meenakshi, a young woman drawn to a supernatural being known as a Yakshini due to her strange birthmark and beauty. The entity's presence grows more sinister as she gets older.
Unique Feature: The book blends Indian mythology with modern horror, creating a unique narrative that explores ancient legends in a contemporary setting.
3. "Dark Tales" by Devashish Sardana
Summary: This collection of short stories explores various aspects of horror, from psychological to supernatural, offering a diverse range of chilling tales.
Unique Feature: Each story is set in a different part of India, providing a rich cultural backdrop that enhances the horror elements.
Best Horror Books for Teens From International Authors
1. "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson
Summary: Four seekers arrive at the notorious Hill House: Dr. Montague, an occult scholar looking for solid evidence of a haunting; Theodora, his lighthearted assistant; Eleanor, a friendless, fragile young woman well acquainted with poltergeists; and Luke, the future heir of Hill House. As they begin to experience unexplained phenomena, the house's grip on Eleanor becomes dangerously powerful.
Unique Feature: Known for its psychological depth and ambiguous ending, this classic novel has been adapted into multiple films and a popular Netflix series.
2. "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman
Summary: Coraline Jones discovers a door in her new home that leads to an alternate version of her life. Initially, it seems better than reality, but soon she realises that this Other World has sinister intentions.
Unique Feature: The book is known for its eerie and surreal atmosphere, combined with a strong and resourceful young female protagonist. It has also been adapted into a critically acclaimed animated film.
3. "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
Summary: After his family is murdered, a young boy named Bod is adopted and raised by the supernatural occupants of a graveyard. As he grows, he learns about the dangers both inside and outside the graveyard.
Unique Feature: This novel blends elements of horror, fantasy, and coming-of-age stories. It has won several awards, including the Newbery Medal and the Carnegie Medal.
4. "The Rest of Us Just Live Here" by Patrick Ness
Summary: This novel tells the story of ordinary teens living in a world where supernatural events (like zombie attacks and vampire slayings) are commonplace, but they are not the "Chosen Ones."
Unique Feature: The book offers a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the lives of background characters who are usually overlooked in typical horror narratives.
5. "The Devouring Gray" by Christine Lynn Herman
Summary: After moving to the town of Four Paths, Violet Saunders discovers she is a descendant of one of the town’s founders and must help protect the town from a mysterious entity known as the Gray.
Unique Feature: The novel combines elements of horror with supernatural powers and small-town secrets, creating an immersive and suspenseful atmosphere.
These books offer a range of horror experiences, from psychological and supernatural elements to folklore and mythology, ensuring a thrilling read for teen audiences.
Related: Best Books for 6–8 Years: Check Summary, and Unique Features
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