October Round-Up: Spooky Stories Galore!
It’s month three here on STORYVOR, and this month, it’s all about (mildly) spooky things.
The Spooky Issue
Fall is here, and with it the irresistible pull of spooky stories told in whispers or read by firelight in the depths of the woods. What is the appeal? And why are scary stories such an integral — and useful — part of literacy and education? Read on to find out!
Dear reader,
It’s STORYVOR’s third month in the wilds, and once again, we couldn’t be more grateful for the community of parents, teachers, librarians, literacy advocates, and bookish folk that is taking shape. Thank you for working with us to promote reading.
This month at STORYVOR, it’s all about scary stories: Why have humans been reading and writing them from the very advent of storytelling? And why is it okay for children to read things that frighten them? We explore these and other questions in our October feature.
We’ve also got some last-minute, DIY Halloween costume ideas based on favorite children’s book characters, a printable resource to hang up in your school, home, or library, reading lists, book reviews, and some great, bookish news from around the globe.
If you enjoy our work, we’d love it if you would follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, check out our past articles and resources, and as usual, forward this newsletter to a parent or educator who might find it helpful.
Read voraciously,
The STORYVOR Team
Bookish Quote of the Month
Bookish Comic of the Month
“Scary Stories” by Lisa Adib
Literacy Tips of the Month
THU, OCT 9
How Scary Stories Help: The Enduring Importance of Spooky Children’s Literature
What could possibly be the point of reading things that frighten us? Dive into how scary stories help young people understand, manage, and even master what frightens them.
MON, OCT 27
5 Easy Literary Halloween Costumes Inspired by Classic Children’s Books
This Halloween, skip the throwaway plastic costumes and have your children or students make their own based on classic children’s book characters.
Reading Lists of the Month
FRI, OCT 10
5 New, Not-Too-Spooky Picture Books for Halloween
If you’re looking for picture books with just the right level of spookiness for your children, here are five easy picks.
SUN, SEP 28
5 Nonfiction Books About the Mysteries of Nature for Curious Young Scientists
Who knew the natural world could be this spine-tingling? These nonfiction reads are perfect for back-to-school and the beginning of Spooky Season.
Book Recommendations
THU, OCT 23
We Are Already Haunting Here
While the cool-toned art may look spooky, this picture book is sweet and warm-hearted, perfect for the most gentle of introductions to the concept of ghosts.
FRI, OCT 24
I’m Not Scary
A sweet book in the truest sense of the word, filled with apple pies, cake, and fine messages on friendship and connection.
Teaching Resources
SAT, OCT 4
Print it! 10 Reading Tips to Hang in Your Library, School, or Home
Print out these colorful, eye-catching reading encouragements, laminate them, frame them, or tack them up on a bulletin board, in libraries, classrooms, or at home.
Useful Links
Booker Prize is launching a £50,000 children’s award in 2026 to boost reading for pleasure — The Guardian
The prestigious Booker Prize Foundation is launching a major children’s fiction award (ages 8-12) to inspire young readers, and plans to distribute 30,000 copies of the shortlisted and winning books to children each year.
On the Front Lines of Information Literacy — Publishers Weekly
This article examines how school librarians and media specialists are addressing students’ growing digital device and social media use by teaching information literacy, media literacy, and news literacy.
2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes spotlight literacy in the digital era — UNESCO
A look at how the 2025 UNESCO Literacy Prizes recognize innovative literacy programs that use digital tools across countries and promote inclusion in literacy.
In the Spotlight
Reading Lists of the Month
Teaching Resources of the Month
Book Reviews
