Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom

Gr 3-8--Allen (Out to Get You: 13 Tales of Weirdness and Woe) has done it again in his second volume of scary stories. This collection of 13 atmospheric scares centers characters (monster and human alike) that are rooted just enough in reality to make an impact. In "The Substitute," a middle school class sits down to a teacher who is strange and refusing to stay on topic, instead talking about "Them"--a race of monsters that don't even have a name or if they did, it's been forgotten. Like the best stories in the genre, there is a twist. Adept at crafting effective horror for youngsters, Allen has cemented himself as the heir-apparent of Alvin Schwartz; this is the new quick pick for patrons who want more after reading all the classic "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark." Put this book into reluctant readers' hands, and they will beg for more. VERDICT This is a must-buy for middle grade collections; a chilling anthology of memorable scares that will leave even the biggest horror buffs sleeping with the light on.--Patrick Tierney, Barrington P.L., RI

From creepy dolls to self-aware smartphones, cursed ice cream to prophetic board games, tween protagonists are plagued by speculative terrors beyond their control in Allen's (Out to Get You) unnerving collection. Thirteen tales of existential dread, everyday nightmares, and disquieting fates offer fare ready to thrill, nauseate, and disturb younger readers. Happy endings are few and far between, as characters--mostly implied white, though casts feature an inclusive range of names--find themselves unable to escape consequences both accidental and deserved, such as in "Lumpy, Lumpy," in which the protagonist, after refusing to eat a bowl of oatmeal, confronts the increasingly disgusting leftovers every night, or in "My Hand, Right There," which presents an unwelcome surprise for a boy determined to leave his mark in wet cement. Attempting to assert individuality proves impossible in "One of a Kind," while a dismissive substitute teacher gets a rude awakening in "The Substitute." Realistically sketched b&w full-page illustrations by Coleman, augmented by hand-lettering and washes of ink, lend additional ambiance to each well-paced tale. Though horror fans will enjoy this spine-tingling selection, readers with more delicate sensibilities may wish to approach with caution. Ages 8-12. Agent: Rick Margolis, Rising Bear Literary. (Aug.)