Home
Halloween reads: a brief all-ages guide
October is the perfect month to read something spooky that weaves together supernatural elements to entertain or scare you. Here are some suggestions for readers of all ages.
Kids
There are many books written about witches, monsters and pumpkins aimed at preschoolers and their parents. School-age kids may like The Witches by Roald Dahl. Preteens are likely to be intrigued by the mysteries of Nancy Drew or thrilled by volumes from the long-lived Goosebumps series. You can also try Coraline or The Grave¬yard Book, both written for kids by author Neil Gaiman.
Teens
If your younger teens haven’t yet been introduced to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, this is the perfect time for them to be initiated. Older teens may prefer something a little different like Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. Or try some classic horror stories like Bram Stoker’s Dracula or Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Adults
If you haven’t read the Gothic classic, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, October is the perfect month. Or, discover why H.P. Lovecraft and Edgar Allan Poe are considered masters of their craft. Stephen King has countless scary stories to choose from and Anne Rice’s The Vampire Chronicles are among the best in the genre. If you prefer whodunnits, you can’t go wrong with an Agatha Christie mystery.
If you’re looking for a way to make your Halloween reading a family affair, choose a story that everyone will appreciate and listen to the
together. It’s the perfect activity to enjoy while munching on Halloween candy.
That Flashing Orange Hand Doesn’t Mean Run: What Pedestrian Signals Really Mean
The Secret to Perfect Snickerdoodles?
Nationwide Emergency Alert Test Set for November 17: What to Expect on Your TV and Radio
Kathy McDonald Butler (1973 – 2026)
UVA Researchers Develop Powerful AI Tool to Help Unlock Causes of Disease and Speed New Treatments
Samuels Public Library Holiday Open House Brings Santa, Mini Alpaca, and New Youth Gift Market December 12
Would You Drive With Your Eyes Closed? Virginia DMV Launches Powerful New Distracted Driving Campaign
Mead Mile Takes a Turn Towards Youth-Oriented Community Nonprofit ‘Reaching Out Now’ for 2026 Event Fundraising
Virginia Could Lose Representation, Funding Under Proposed Census Rule Change, AG Jones, Housing Orgs Say
Virginia Localities Rethink Use of License Plate Readers Amid Privacy Concerns, Report States
Commentary: After the Blue Tsunami, Democrats in Virginia, Nationwide Should Avoid Misinterpreting Their Mandate
Cars Changing Lives Car Show Breaks Attendance Record as Organization Nears 100th Vehicle Giveaway
GOP Congress Faces Funding Deadline, Farm Bill, Lengthy To-Do List in Year-End Session
The Childhood Illness That Looks Like Slapped Cheeks: What Parents Should Know About Fifth Disease
Unmarked Police Car Pulling You Over? Here’s What Drivers Should Know
Their Military Service Ended, But Their Commitment to Serving Others Never Did
Route 66 Turns 100: The Highway That Became America’s Mother Road
Front Royal Calls for Voluntary Water Conservation as Shenandoah River Levels Drop Again
Salvation Army Kicks Off Red Kettle Campaign in Front Royal, Calling on Community to Ring the Bell
Constitution 101: Intellectual Property Clause
Charles Frederick “Chucki” Henry II (1963 – 2026)
After 164 Years, Young Civil War Soldier Finally Laid to Rest at Arlington National Cemetery
The Cheapest Medicare Plan Could Cost You More: Three Things to Check Before December 7
Can Sound Waves Put Out a House Fire? Startup Says Its Technology Could Replace Sprinklers
