The Dread Wood series has ensnared many readers in its web of horror and humour. But what to read next? Here are some suggestions that will also send a shiver down the spine.
More scares
If gore and tension are popular, try Bite Risk by SJ Wills, which features contemporary teens trying to solve terrifying situations. For readers who prefer shorter books, The Invasion of Crooked Oak by Dan Smith is dyslexia-friendly, and packs an equally sinister punch. Similarly, Shiver Point by Gabriel Dylan is short, yet includes a lot of tension and a great team of misfit teens. For readers who prefer the balance tipped in favour of humour and action, try the Horror Heights series by Bec Hill.
Each month, when there’s a full moon, the adults of Tremorglade transform into werewolves and the children must lock them away until they return to their human form. However, a series of escapes puts the whole town at risk. A gripping teenage horror, with just the right balance of gore, tension and humour.
When Nancy mentions that her mum and dad are acting strangely, her friends Pete and Krish are keen to find out more – especially as other people in their village are starting to display similar behaviour. Fast-paced and sinister, this compelling science fiction adventure will have readers on the edge of their seats.
A short, snappy rollercoaster of a horror story with a skilful build-up of tension from ‘This sleepy town is so bland, nothing ever happens here’ to ‘Aargh, we’re all going to die!’.
Connie’s slime is alive – and growing! A funny, short horror story printed with a dyslexia-friendly font.
Unsettling characters
We will never look at certain school staff in the same way after Dread Wood… For more characters that are super unsettling, try The Monsters of Rookhaven by Padraig Kenny, which not only stars various horrific monsters, but includes shadowy, scary illustrations by Edward Bettison. Our Sister, Again by Sophie Cameron and TrooFriend by Kirsty Applebaum both explore whether an android really can be just like a human.
Mirabelle and her family of monsters live in the gothic mansion of Rookhaven, hidden from the human world by a magical glamour. But when two human children stumble into their garden of bloodthirsty flowers, something sinister creeps in after them – something that even the monsters fear.
Exploring a number of ethical questions, Our Sister, Again is simultaneously an intriguing mystery and a moving story of grief, family bonds, and what it means to be human.
When Sarah’s mum buys her a TrooFriend android, she’s not impressed at first – but could there be any truth to the rumours that the robots have feelings? A fascinating exploration of artificial intelligence and what makes us human.
Contemporary teen stories
One of the joys of the Dread Wood series is the banter and growing friendship between the teen protagonists. If your reader is looking for more contemporary, humorous voices in teen fiction, they’ll enjoy Steady for This by Nathanael Lessore and Glow Up Lara Bloom by Dee Benson. If it’s friendship groups that attract them, try Friendship Never Ends by Alexandra Sheppard. And if they’re keen on gritty reality, then Rat by Patrice Lawrence and The Den by Keith Gray, both short and dyslexia-friendly, are gripping reads.
When Shaun, aka MC Growls, goes viral, and not in a good way, he and his mate Shanks become a laughing stock. Told with infectious enthusiasm for life, and with many laugh-out-loud moments, this hilarious and moving coming-of-age story is perfect for young teens.
An insightful and engrossing portrait of a unique friendship that might be threatened when four girls have to spend their summer away from one another.
Al’s mum is back in prison again – and Al thinks it’s their neighbour’s fault, so he plots revenge with his beloved pet rats, Venom and Vulture. A moving insight into the world of a young boy affected by poverty, neglect and crime, who eventually learns to trust.
The story of teenage boys navigating friendship and family in summer holidays.
Jennifer Killick’s recommendations
We asked Jennifer to suggest some books to her fans:
“Books by Phil Hickes (like The Haunting of Aveline Jones) for readers who love suspense and incredibly creepy scenes. Also, the Monstrous Devices series by Damien Love, which is full of action and wonderfully dark. I also love the new Skulduggery Pleasant graphic novel by Derek Landy, PJ Holden and Matt Soffe.”
When Aveline finds a book about local ghosts in a second-hand bookshop, she is intrigued to learn that it once belonged to 11-year-old Primrose Penberthy, who mysteriously disappeared thirty years earlier. As Aveline is drawn deeper into the tales, events take an unsettling turn. This chilling chapter book is the first in a compelling series of ghostly mysteries for confident junior readers.
Meet Skulduggery Pleasant, skeleton detective, fighting to save the world from wizard-gone-to-the-dark-side, Nefarian Serpine.
Join in!
Those are some of our ideas – but what about you? What creepy horror stories do you love reading? Let us know by messaging us on social media @BookTrust using the hashtag #WhatToReadAfter.
Bookfinder
Use the Bookfinder to find the perfect book for you, your family and friends. You can use our special tools to search hundreds of children’s book reviews by age, category and theme.
