Books About Short Stories

The Best Short Stories Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about short stories? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Short Stories

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 1957

Dandelion Wine

By Ray Bradbury · Book #1 in the Greentown series

A boy's summer of wonder and discovery in a small town hides timeless secrets and marvels.

239 pages· 64,709 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 82,174 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Mass Market Paperbound

Summary: In the summer of '28, twelve-year-old Douglas Spaulding experiences a season of enchantment and discovery in Green Town, Illinois. Amidst apple trees and dandelions, he encounters the extraordinary John Huff, a boy who seems to defy the ordinary. As Douglas navigates this magical summer, he faces moments of joy and sorrow, uncovering the mysteries of childhood and the fleeting nature of time. What secrets does this summer hold, and how will it shape Douglas's life forever? Dive into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered.

Sale price

$855

Chapter Book · 2011

Ayiti

By Roxane Gay

Explore the Haitian diaspora through a tapestry of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.

121 pages

4.3 Goodreads · 8,446 ratings

$9.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into a rich tapestry of stories and reflections that capture the essence of the Haitian diaspora. This debut collection weaves together fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, offering a profound exploration of identity and belonging. Each piece invites readers to journey through the complexities of cultural heritage and personal experience, leaving them to ponder the intricate connections that define us all. What truths will you uncover in this vibrant mosaic?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1984

In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories

By Alvin Schwartz, Victor Rivas (Illustrator)

Discover spooky tales that will send shivers down your spine.

64 pages· 871 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

4.3 Goodreads · 5,825 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

Paperback

Summary: Step into a world of eerie tales with 'In a Dark, Dark Room.' Perfect for young readers, this collection of spooky stories, including 'The Green Ribbon' and 'The Ghost of John,' offers a delightful scare. With Victor Rivas's whimsical illustrations, each story unfolds with a mix of suspense and humor. Will you dare to explore the mysteries hidden in the dark? These folktale-inspired stories promise to captivate and thrill, making reading an adventure for those who love a good fright. Ideal for kids ready to read on their own, but who still enjoy a little help.

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1398

Chapter Book · Ages 8–13 · 2021

Rowley Jefferson's Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories

By Jeff Kinney · Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series

Laugh and shiver with Rowley's spooky tales of zombies, vampires, and ghosts.

224 pages· 14,386 words· Est. 2 hour read

4.2 Goodreads · 7,431 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

Hardcover

Summary: Join Rowley Jefferson as he spins hilariously spooky tales filled with zombies, vampires, and ghosts. Each story promises laughter and chills, leaving you wondering if you'll need to sleep with the lights on. Dive into Rowley's imaginative world where the unexpected lurks around every corner. Will you brave the night with a smile or a shiver?

Sale price

$1248

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Camp Half-Blood Confidential

By Rick Riordan

Discover the secrets and chaos of Camp Half-Blood beyond the orientation video.

192 pages· 19,568 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.1 Goodreads · 24,168 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

Hardcover

Summary: At Camp Half-Blood, Percy Jackson and fellow demigods reveal the camp's hidden truths beyond its chaotic orientation video. Explore divine cabins, magical landmarks, and training arenas, while uncovering tales of heroism and discord. With insights from Chiron and divine wisdom from Apollo, this guide offers a glimpse into the unpredictable life of a demigod. Will you survive the camp's challenges and uncover its mysteries?

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · 2022

The English Understand Wool

By Helen DeWitt · Storybook ND series

A 17-year-old faces high society's challenges and deceit in New York.

69 pages

4.0 Goodreads · 16,665 ratings

$18.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Raised in Marrakech, a 17-year-old girl, trained in the art of impeccable taste by her demanding mother, faces a new world in New York. With two million dollars at stake, she must navigate the treacherous waters of high society alone. Can her refined upbringing protect her from the false friends and hidden dangers that lurk in the city? As her assumptions are challenged, she must decide if her cultivated elegance is enough to survive the sharks of New York. Will her upbringing be her salvation or her downfall?

Sale price

$2279

Picture Book · Ages 5–7 · 2019

Beneath the Bed and Other Scary Stories

By Max Brallier, Letizia Rubegni (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Mister Shivers series

A collection of spooky and supernatural short stories for kids.

64 pages· 1,195 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.1 Goodreads · 580 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Dive into five eerie tales where mysterious sounds and hidden secrets await. Perfect for young readers, these stories promise just the right amount of chills to keep them on edge. What lurks under the bed or scratches at the window? Each story invites kids to explore the unknown, sparking their imagination and boosting their reading confidence. With vivid illustrations and simple text, this collection is ideal for sleepovers or campfire storytelling, ensuring a thrilling experience that will have them begging to read with the lights on. Are you brave enough to find out?

Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2020

Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories

By Max Brallier, Letizia Rubegni (Illustrator) · Book #2 in the Mister Shivers series

What lurks in the woods? Discover five chilling tales that will keep young readers on edge.

64 pages· 1,247 words· Est. 21 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 248 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Hugh dreads the walk through the woods, rumored to be home to a lurking monster. But today, he has no choice, and something more than his shadow follows him. This is just one of five eerie tales in a collection perfect for young readers seeking a thrill. Strange sounds, dark messages, and spine-tingling mysteries await. Will they dare to read with the lights on? These stories promise to send shivers down their spines, making them ideal for sleepovers or campfire gatherings. Can they handle the scares?

The Doll in the Hall and Other Scary Stories

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 5–7 · 2021

The Doll in the Hall and Other Scary Stories

By Max Brallier, Letizia Rubegni (Illustrator) · Book #3 in the Mister Shivers series

Discover eerie tales where dolls move and mysteries lurk in shadows.

64 pages· 1,319 words· Est. 22 min read

4.0 Goodreads · 259 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Mia's first babysitting job takes a chilling turn when a life-sized doll appears in the hallway, its eyes following her every move. This is just one of five spine-tingling stories where unexpected twists and eerie mysteries await. Who is watching, and what secrets do these tales hold? Perfect for young readers seeking a thrill, each story promises to captivate and spook, leaving them eager for more. Dare to uncover the mysteries within?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2019

Look Both Ways

By Jason Reynolds, Alexander Nabaum (Illustrator)

Ten blocks, ten stories. What happens when the school bell rings and life takes unexpected turns?

Coretta Scott King Honor (2020)Carnegie Medal for Writing (2021)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)

188 pages· 34,291 words· Est. 4 hour read

3.9 Goodreads · 19,879 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: After the school bell rings, ten kids navigate their way home, each block revealing a new story. From skateboarding mishaps to secret plans, their journeys intertwine in unexpected ways. What detours will they face, and how will these moments shape their lives? Discover the humor and heartache in the everyday adventures of walking home.

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