Invisible Inkling: Dangerous Pumpkins by Emily Jenkins picks up the story of fourth-grade Brooklynite Hank Wolowitz and his bandipat friend Inkling (an invisible, endangered, pumpkin-loving creature). It’s almost Halloween, and Hank has no one to trick-or-treat with. He also gets in major trouble with his older sister when voracious Inkling destroys her amazing jack-o’-lanterns (Hank takes the blame). Droll illustrations by Harry Bliss allow readers to see Inkling in all his furry glory even when the characters in the book do not. (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 8–12 years)

Adam Gidwitz (A Tale Dark & Grimm) presents another folklore takeoff that manages to be both hilarious and macabre at the same time. In a Glass Grimmly follows Princess Jill and her cousin Jack, along with their frog friend, on a quest to find the “seeing glass.” Using only their wits, the three battle hungry giants, scheming mermaids, and other unspeakable creatures before making their way home armed with new knowledge and self-confidence. Both of Gidwitz’s books have lots of kid-appeal; an appended author’s note is useful for readers wanting to know more about the original stories. (Dutton, 10–14 years)

Unbeknownst to anyone else in Sheepsdale, New York, Joshua’s parents are two of the world’s most dastardly supervillains. To Joshua, they’re still Mom and Dad, so when they’re kidnapped, it’s up to him to save the day. Joshua Dread by Lee Bacon features understated, deadpan narration and imaginative details (such as zombies that can be mollified with tofu) that add up to lots of fun. Brandon Dorman’s black-and-white caricature illustrations enhance the comic-book vibe. (Delacorte, 10–14 years)

Candace Fleming’s On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave begins with a near car accident: a teenage boy driving down a deserted road at night almost runs into a young lady—who turns out to be a ghost. He ends up in a graveyard surrounded by other adolescent ghosts who tell the stories of their demise. The tales (which all take place in the Chicago area and span the decades from the 1850s to today) feature plenty of suspense, chills, and, occasionally, some gore—perfect for Halloween ghost-story swapping. (Schwartz & Wade/Random, 10–14 years)

From the October 2012 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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These days, scary stories can seem like the default when it comes to children’s and YA fiction, with zombies and dark angels outnumbering even young wizards. I’m hearing this is changing — one editor friend told me of laughing in disbelief that an agent had actually submitted a vampire novel; another said that dystopian novels are liber non grata at her publishing house. But genre fans need not worry: while the undead may soon be dead again, their corpses will continue to haunt the library for new victims. Come on in…

For our monthly book list of titles recommended by the Horn Book – this one just in time for Halloween! — click here.

Roger Sutton
Editor in Chief

From the October 2012 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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HP Newquist’s The Book of Blood: From Legends and Leeches to Vampires and Veins provides an intriguing, encyclopedic profile of its subject. The text explores blood’s anthropological importance, presents a history of science and medicine, and provides an examination of human and nonhuman blood (“A cockroach can live without its head for weeks due to the way its blood clots in its neck”), as well as discussion of real and legendary bloodthirsty animals. The tastefully blood-splattered design includes numerous illustrations and sidebars. (Houghton, 9–12 years)

Invincible Microbe: Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure by Jim Murphy and Alison Blank offers readers a scientific explanation of the microbe and medical and social histories of the title disease — a medical scourge through much of human history. The thought that new drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis keep the threat of a new pandemic on the horizon is as chilling as any science-fiction thriller. The authors’ engaging and cohesive account is well supported with compelling archival photographs and illustrations. (Clarion, 9–12 years)

Paleontologist Lee R. Berger, working near Johannesburg, South Africa (often accompanied by his young son, Matthew), has made some key contributions to the field. In his book written with Marc Aronson, The Skull in the Rock: How a Scientist, a Boy, and Google Earth Opened a New Window on Human Origins, he shares his and Matthew’s most recent find, a nearly intact skeleton from a new species, Australopithecus sediba. Detailed accounts of advances in paleontology and the technology used are intertwined with Berger’s own story. Photographs of Berger, the research site, the fossils (both in situ and later reconstructed in skeletal form), and striking facial reconstructions enhance the accessible narrative. (National Geographic, 9–12 years)

Sally M. Walker and Douglas W. Owsley begin Their Skeletons Speak: Kennewick Man and the Paleoamerican World with the thrill and pacing of a crime drama. The 1996 discovery of a skull on the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State turns from a modern forensic mystery into a critical anthropological find: the nearly ten-thousand-year-old remains of a Paleoamerican. Along with excellent color photographs, this book shows just how much can be learned from a collection of bones and the important ways that each find contributes to our understandings of prehistory. (Carolrhoda, 11–14 years)

From the October 2012 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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While delivering invitations to his Halloween party, ghost Oliver, star of Leo Landry’s Trick or Treat, doesn’t notice when one slips away and floats down to two boys. When “a little cow and a little jack-o’-lantern” unexpectedly arrive at the party (along with real witches, skeletons, and bats), will Oliver be welcoming or scare the kids away? Jovial watercolor and pencil illustrations decorate this not-spooky ghost story. (Houghton, 3–6 years)

The star of Anne Marie Pace’s Vampirina Ballerina may look different from her ballet-school classmates (fangs, for one thing), but deep down she’s just like any other budding ballerina. Aside from a few vampire-student-specific tips, Pace’s text reads like an advice book for any young dancer, with the inspirational message that passion, dedication, and patience can have beautiful results. LeUyen Pham’s watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations offer plenty of visual jokes for both vampire fans and balletomanes. (Disney-Hyperion, 3–6 years)

Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta opens at midnight as a small, stealthy figure creeps through a house. The nimble ninja is gradually revealed to be an imaginative young boy on the prowl for a midnight snack. Illustrator Ed Young’s cut-paper and cloth illustrations imbue mystery, beauty, and emotion into the story as it moves from the boy’s imagination to reality. (Little, Brown, 3–6 years)

In Kate Duke’s Ready for Pumpkins, guinea pig Hercules, a first-grade classroom pet, learns from the students about Halloween, pumpkins, and growing plants. While spending summer vacation in the country, Herky, with help from his new rabbit friend, decides to plant pumpkin seeds—and learns about patience. He returns to school eager to share his new knowledge. Humorous and lively illustrations enhance the simple, relatable story. (Knopf, 3–6 years)

From the October 2012 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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In The Peculiars, author Maureen Doyle McQuerry draws from various genres — historical fiction, romance, mystery, Western, steampunk — to evoke the era of territorial expansion. Outsider Lena wonders whether there is any truth to rumors that her long-absent father is a goblin. She sets out to find him, ending up in the last town before the hinterlands where goblins and other “Peculiars” are exiled. Lena finds refuge at the estate of eccentric Tobias Beasley; the plot thickens when the real nature of Mr. Beasley’s work comes to light. A creative, entertaining, and wholly original fantasy. (Amulet/Abrams, 14–17 years)

Such Wicked Intent, the second book in Kenneth Oppel’s imagined Frankenstein origin story, begins with teenage Victor mourning the loss of his twin brother Konrad, whom he failed to save with the Elixir of Life. Visits to a spirit world revive Victor’s hopes and lead him to attempt the creation of a new body for Konrad’s spirit to inhabit. How far will he go to bring his brother back to life? Vividly descriptive language and complex characters keep the narrative intense and compelling. (Simon, 12–16 years)

Teen Mel believes vampires belong on their own side of town, not fraternizing with humans. When her best friend, Cathy, falls for Francis, the irritatingly stuffy new vampire at their high school, Mel follows him home — and is surprised to meet a human boy named Kit living there. Kit causes Mel to question her preconceptions about vampires, even as they investigate suspicious supernatural doings. Both fearsome and funny, Justine Larbalestier and Sarah Rees Brennan’s Team Human is a fresh entry in the YA vampire subgenre. (HarperTeen, 14–17 years)

After causing a meat contamination incident at the chicken processing plant where he works, Nick is sentenced to a juvenile reform camp. Then all hell breaks loose: what was a few cannibal campers quickly turns into a full-blown zombie outbreak. Nick, his crush Petal, and other survivors fend off the horde and trace the source of the infection to — where else? — the sinister chicken corporation. An original voice, pop-culture references, and a twist ending will keep readers guessing throughout Sean Beaudoin’s blackly comedic The Infects. (Candlewick, (Simon, 12–16 years)

From the October 2012 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.

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PICTURE BOOKS
Suggested grade level listed with each entry.

Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohara (Roaring Brook)
After moving into a haunted house, a young witch hops on her broom and starts ghost-wrangling; the smiling characters make clear that no one’s really scared. Grade level: PS. 32 pages.

Only a Witch Can Fly Alison McGhee; illus. by Taeeun Yoo (Feiwel)
After trick-or-treating, a girl wearing a witch hat sets out to fly on her broom; two false starts precede triumphant success. Rhythmic second-person verse resembles a lullaby. Grade level: K–3. 32 pages.

There’s No Such Thing as Ghosts! by Emmanuelle Eeckhout (Kane/Miller)
A boy, armed with his trusty butterfly net, goes ghost-hunting at a haunted house. Though he doesn’t see a single ghost, young viewers will spot a whole bevy of them. Grade level: K–3. 32 pages.

The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories by David LaRochelle (Dutton)
Ghost siblings Franny and Frankie demand a story before bed. Of course, one is never enough, and Father Ghost is persuaded to tell three full of perfectly calibrated humor. Grade level: 1–3. 40 pages.

Bone Dog by Eric Rohmann (Roaring Brook)
Skeletons come out of the graveyard to taunt trick-or-treater Gus; he’s protected by the ghost of his beloved dog. The skeletons’ silliness nicely balances the poignant reunion of boy and pet. Grade level: K–3. 32 pages.

YOUNGER FICTION
Suggested grade level for each entry: 1–3

Babymouse: Monster Mash by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House)
Felicia Furrypaw tells Babymouse that girls have to be something pretty for Halloween. Should Babymouse go along with Felicia’s rules? Grade level: 1–3. 94 pages.

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances written by Lenore Look, illus. by LeUyen Pham (Random House/Schwartz & Wade)
A misunderstanding leads Alvin’s classmates to first think Alvin’s grandfather has died–then to believe he’s a zombie. Copious illustrations capture moments both silly and sad. Grade level: 1–3. 199 pages.

INTERMEDIATE FICTION
Suggested grade level for each entry: 4–6

Seer of Shadows by Avi (HarperCollins)
Photographer’s apprentice Horace becomes engaged in spiritualist fleecing. The story’s suspense comes to a head when Horace’s photographs unleash a vengeful ghost. 202 pages.

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion)
Travis and Corey are excited to stay at a reputedly haunted inn—until the ghosts awake. Spectral hijinks lighten the backstory of abused children and their malevolent guardian. 182 pages.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn (Clarion)
Florence is happy to leave the orphanage, but soon senses that Something Is Not Right in Crutchfield Hall. This truly scary period tale is both rousing historical fiction and ghost story. 153 pages.

Dying to Meet You: 43 Old Cemetery Road, Book 1 written by Kate Klise; illus. by M. Sarah Klise (Harcourt)
The ghost of a never-published writer encounters a (live) author with writer’s block. Together they write a ghost story, illustrated by eleven-year-old Seymour Hope. 156 pages.

Hannah’s Winter by Kierin Meehan (Kane/Miller)
While her mom crisscrosses Japan, Hannah stays with the Maekawa family. The daughter, Miki, is thrilled when Hannah discovers a ghost—a boy who needs their help. 212 pages.

OLDER FICTION
Suggested grade level for each entry: 7 and up

Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol (Roaring Brook/First Second)
In this wry and spine-tingling graphic novel, Anya falls into an abandoned well and meets Emily, who’s been dead and trapped inside for ninety years. When Anya is rescued, Emily goes too. 222 pages.

A Banquet for Hungry Ghosts written by Ying Chang Compestine; illus. by Coleman Polhemus (Holt/Ottaviano)
In Chinese tradition, hungry ghosts are appeased with food. Eight grisly ghost stories introduce various elements of Chinese history and culture, with cuisine playing a key role. 180 pages.

The House of Dead Maids written by Clare B. Dunkle; illus. by Patrick Arrasmith (Holt)
In this gothic tale inspired by Wuthering Heights, Tabby is taken to dreary Seldom House to watch over a small, wild boy; the children are soon visited by a ghost. 151 pages.

The Graveyard Book written by Neil Gaiman; illus. by Dave McKean (HarperCollins)
After escaping the murder of his family, a toddler is adopted by the ghostly denizens of a local graveyard. This ghost-story-cum-coming-of-age novel is both bittersweet and action-filled. 312 pages.

Ghost Town by Richard W. Jennings (Houghton)
Former residents of Paisley start appearing in Spencer’s photographs of the town’s old haunts. The premise of a ghost town coming back to life through photos and dreams is delicious. 169 pages.

The Ghosts of Kerfol by Deborah Noyes (Candlewick)
Five linked ghost stories begin with a retelling of  Edith Wharton’s “Kerfol”, then span 1802 to 2006. Each tale is firmly grounded in its time but maintains the gothic atmosphere. 165 pages.

This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel (Simon)
When sixteen-year-old Konrad contracts a mysterious illness, his twin brother Victor risks his own neck to concoct the Elixir of Life. A meticulously researched Frankenstein prequel. 298 pages.

Three Quarters Dead by Richard Peck (Dial)
Sophomore Kerry is thrilled to be allowed into a clique of super-cool seniors. When the other girls are killed in a car crash, Kerry feels she’s “three quarters dead”–until the dead return. 195 pages.

The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith (Atheneum)
When ghosts of slaves begin haunting Katie, she and classmate Law suspect the so-called “treasure” in a mansion slated for demolition is money meant to finance the illegal importation of slaves. 312 pages.

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The goofiest of the group is David LaRochelle’s picture book The Haunted Hamburger and Other Ghostly Stories. Ghost siblings Franny and Frankie demand a story before bed. Of course, one is never enough, and Father Ghost is persuaded to tell three. The humor is freewheeling and perfectly calibrated — diapers! lipsticky smooches! yuck! — for the book’s audience. Paul Meisel’s illustrations lend an exaggerated tongue-in-cheek quality. Perfect for Halloween (but too good not to read all year round). (6–8 years)

Bone Dog by Eric Rohmann takes place on Halloween night. When skeletons come out of the graveyard to taunt trick-or-treater Gus, he’s protected by the ghost of his beloved, recently deceased dog, Ella. The skeletons’ corniness (“You’ve got guts kid . . . but not for long!”) doesn’t detract from Gus’s grief or the book’s moving scenes of boy and dog together. The forceful black lines and high contrast of Rohmann’s relief prints give his potentially spectral characters pleasing solidity. (4–8 years)

For chapter book readers, Lenore Look’s Alvin Ho: Allergic to Dead Bodies, Funerals, and Other Fatal Circumstances also combines humor and death. A misunderstanding leads second-grader Alvin’s classmates to first think GungGung, Alvin’s grandfather, has passed away–then to believe he’s a zombie. Copious illustrations by LeUyen Pham capture moments both silly and sad as Look tackles real-kid worries in a truly funny story. (6–10 years)

For older readers who prefer their Halloween macabre, Kenneth Oppel’s This Dark Endeavor: The Apprenticeship of Victor Frankenstein is just the thing. When sixteen-year-old Konrad Frankenstein contracts a mysterious illness, his twin brother Victor — headstrong and rash — risks his own neck to concoct the Elixir of Life. Secrecy, a love triangle, and ultimately deception complicate this meticulously researched and highly original Frankenstein prequel. (12–16 years)

—Elissa Gershowitz

From Notes from the Horn Book, October 2011

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