The Haunted Mask

Gr 3-6–While Stine’s original Goosebumps series continues to captivate young readers with its blend of spine-chilling suspense and engaging storytelling, new graphic novel adaptations are sure to win over even more fans. Here, Carly Beth is determined to overcome her reputation as the “scaredy-cat” of her school. After a cruel prank leaves her humiliated, Carly Beth seeks a Halloween costume that will make her peers truly afraid. Her quest leads her to a mysterious costume shop, where she acquires, after a great deal of negotiation, an eerie mask from an off-limits backroom. Initially, the mask seems perfect, but Carly Beth soon discovers that it may hold a power stronger and scarier than she can control. Dark and intense illustrations add a new layer of horror to the original narrative, with a tone that is both grim and darkly humorous. While some expressions in the artwork may seem simplistic, the graphic novel captures the essence of the story and its suspenseful twists, making it a compelling read for fans of the series and newcomers alike.