Scary Out There

Gr 9 Up—Some of the finest horror YA writers have chimed in to create a collection that showcases a variety of repressed fears that are prominent during adolescence. This anthology draws upon themes such as loneliness, death, and lack of control. Protagonists have realistic motives and concerns while engaging with evil forces. All of the characters have troubled pasts or unforgiving circumstances that infect their daily lives, such as bullying, neglect, and suicidal thoughts. The pacing is steady in most of these entries, but some of the stories are a little slow to start. The selections are not frightening in a spine-tingling way but are thought provoking and conclude with obscure resolutions and cliff-hangers—leaving readers wanting more. The stronger vignettes come from renowned authors in the genre, such as Madeleine Roux, Neal and Brandon Shusterman, Kendare Blake, and R.L. Stine. There are some graphic and violent descriptions of death but nothing too gory.