Ghosts, Aliens, Supernatural

Maggie Edkins Willis

Summary: A charming picture book by Maggie Edkins Willis that tells the story of a shy ghost who yearns for companionship. Living with his mother in an old, creaky house, Little Ghost has always been hesitant to venture outside for fear of scaring the neighbors. However, when a new girl named Anya moves in next door, he decides to overcome his fears and make a friend. With Halloween approaching—the one time he feels comfortable among others—Little Ghost plans a Halloween party and invites Anya by leaving an invitation on her porch. The tale highlights themes of courage, friendship, and the importance of being oneself.

Curricular use: This book addresses themes of shyness, courage, and friendship. Educators can use it to facilitate discussions about overcoming fears, initiating friendships, and embracing one's unique qualities. These conversations can help students develop empathy and social skills.

X. Fang

Summary: The humorous and heartwarming picture book follows three peculiar visitors who crash-land in Mr. Li's field, claiming to be humans from Europe. Despite their blue skin and unusual behaviors—such as stating their professions as "making business," "playing sportsball," and "wearing hat"—Mr. Li and his wife graciously welcome them into their home and, along with their neighbors, assist in repairing their "car." The narrative emphasizes themes of kindness, acceptance, and community, illustrating how acts of goodwill can bridge even the most apparent differences. The book's gentle irony and whimsical illustrations, set against a 1950s American Midwest backdrop, have been praised for celebrating the uniqueness of outsiders. ​

Curricular use: The story’s subtle satire about identity and belonging can help students think about how we perceive and treat people who are “other” or unfamiliar. This book can be used to discuss stereotypes, cultural misunderstandings and diversity in a lighthearted and age-appropriate way.

Chris Colfer

Summary: The story follows eleven-year-old Roswell Johnson, a boy named after the  infamous UFO incident in Roswell, New Mexico. Raised by his grandparents after the death of his parents, Roswell is passionate about astronomy and extraterrestrial life. His fascination becomes reality when he is accidentally abducted by aliens. Upon discovering that Earth is under threat from the tyrannical Reptoids, Roswell teams up with a diverse group of extraterrestrials—including two bickering Grays, a humorless Cyborg, a germaphobic Mantis, an overly confident Furgarian, and an overachieving Pleiadean—to save his planet.

Curricular use: This book Integrates accurate astronomical facts and concepts, making it a valuable resource for introducing students to space science and fostering interest in astronomy.

Kate DiCamillo

Summary: This middle-grade novel that explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth through the eyes of young Ferris Wilkey. Set during the summer before she enters fifth grade, Ferris's life becomes a whirlwind of unusual events: her younger sister, Pinky, aspires to be an outlaw; her Uncle Ted moves into their basement to paint a history of the world after separating from Aunt Shirley; and her grandmother, Charisse, claims to see a ghost at her bedroom door. As Ferris navigates these challenges, she learns valuable lessons about love, resilience, and the interconnectedness of her family.

Curricular use: Through Ferris's experiences, students can discuss topics like empathy, coping with change, and understanding diverse family structures, fostering emotional intelligence and self-awareness.

Louise Hung

Summary: This is a middle-grade novel that intertwines supernatural elements with historical themes. The story follows 13-year-old Molly Teng, who has the unique ability to experience glimpses into the lives of the deceased by touching their belongings. Upon moving into a new home in Buckeye Creek, Texas, Molly encounters Jade, a "hungry ghost" who has been trapped in the house for over a century, surviving on food offerings from the living. Together, they embark on a journey to uncover Jade's forgotten past, delving into themes of friendship, identity, and the lingering effects of historical injustices.

Curricular use: The novel provides insights into Chinese American history, addressing issues of racism and discrimination. Educators can use it to facilitate discussions on immigration, cultural heritage, and social justice.

Anne Ursu

Summary: This middle-grade novel that intertwines elements of the supernatural with real-life challenges. The story follows eleven-year-old Violet Hart, who moves into a new home with her family. Her attic bedroom features unsettling yellow wallpaper, reminiscent of Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." Soon after moving in, Violet falls ill with an undiagnosed condition, leading her to suspect that her room might be haunted. As she navigates her mysterious illness, Violet also faces the complexities of changing friendships and family dynamics.

Curricular use: The book delves into themes of isolation, friendship dynamics, and family changes. Educators can use Violet's experiences to facilitate discussions on coping strategies, resilience, and the importance of support systems during transitional periods.

The War That Saved My Life meets Coraline in this chilling middle grade historical novel that follows an anxious young girl learning to face her fears and her ghosts against the backdrop of the typhoid epidemic. 2021 copyright (From the publisher)

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An equal parts heart-pounding and heartfelt middle-grade mystery about facing--and accepting--your fears, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and The Parker Inheritance. Bones Malone feels like he can't do anything right in his new small town: He almost punched the son of the woman who babysits him and his brothers, he's one of the only Black kids in Langille, and now his baseball team (the one place where he really feels like he shines) just lost their first game. To make matters worse, things in town are getting weird. (From the publisher)

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Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule: Stay away from the river. It's all they've heard since a schoolmate of theirs drowned a year ago. Pao is embarrassed to admit that she has been told to stay away for even longer than that, because her mother is constantly warning her about La Llorona, the wailing ghost woman who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for young people to drag into its murky depths.
2020 copyright (From the publisher)

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K-3 : From the publisher, "Cuyler's read aloud-friendly narration is loaded with bone puns and makes good use of repetition and rhyme, and Terry creates an impish monster cast in moody scenes...."

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K-3 : From the publisher, "This winning debut picture book from Mexican artist Flavia Z. Drago about finding the courage to make friends is perfect for the spooky season — or anytime."

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Grades 3-4 : From the publisher, "Hahn's tales are typically gut-wrenchingly terrifying, often with grotesque monsters and an abundance of horrifying detail; but the stories included in this selection tend more on the side of creepy, eerie incidents. These stories are more accessible for sensitive readers who are still looking for a scare, but are not ready to delve into more ghastly selections."

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Grades 3-4 : From the publisher, "12-year-old Paola Santiago and her two best friends, Emma and Dante, know the rule: Stay away from the river because of La Llorona, the wailing ghost woman who wanders the banks of the Gila at night, looking for young people to drag into its murky depths."

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Grades 5-6 : From the publisher, "Legend says that a tall man in a dark tattered coat lurks near the local reservoir, and anyone who gets too close to old Lemuel Hush is never heard from again."

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Grades 5-6 : From the publisher, "Summary: The invasion begins--but not as you'd expect. It begins with rain. Rain that carries seeds. Seeds that sprout--overnight, everywhere. These new plants take over crop fields, twine up houses, and burrow below streets. They bloom--and release toxic pollen. They bloom--and form Venus flytrap-like pods that swallow animals and people. They bloom--everywhere unstoppable. Or are they?"

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