When Halloween approaches, the kids at the library always start looking for spooky books. This year, I have a new recommendation for them: Small Spaces by Katherine Arden. It’s a quick read that combines chilling action sequences and a satisfying supernatural mystery.
One day, Sixth grader Ollie Adler sees a woman preparing to throw a book in the creek. She can’t bear to see a book destroyed, so she grabs it, takes it home, and starts to read it. It’s a very old book called Small Spaces about a farmer from Smoky Hollow who makes a deal with the Smiling Man.
The next day is Farm Day at Ollie’s school, and the whole sixth grade class takes a field trip to a local farm. As Ollie explores, she discovers hints that Small Spaces is a true story set on this very farm. Then, on the way back to school, the bus breaks down. With darkness falling and the mist rising, Ollie flees with two of her classmates, Brian and Coco, and the real adventure begins.
I promise you, after reading this book, you will never look at scarecrows the same way again!
And if you want more chills, check out the sequel, Dead Voices.
Imaginary Friends 
I read this one and it has the kind of creepy and spooky perfect for MG audiences. Good time for me to pick up the sequel. Thanks for featuring on MMGM.
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I have this book and the sequel and now I really can’t wait to read them. I love a good spooky book. Thanks for your review.
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Dead Voices is very good too–but you should definitely read Small Spaces first.
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I may be the only one who doesn’t really care for scary or spooky books! They give me nightmares. But for kids who love them, this one sounds perfect.
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My older son and I like them and my younger son doesn’t. It’s good that there are books out there for everyone. 🙂
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Perfect Halloween read for kids who like scary books. I’m not a fan of really scary books. But I know a lot of kids who do.
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I like a good scare now and then. I will have to get my hands on this one. Thanks for the review.
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Just checked this out from library as an audio book and can’t wait to start listening. To me, spooky stories are the perfect books for audio.
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True! Let me know what you think of the audio book version.
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I have had this book out a few times from the library but never finished it! I’m still interested, though, so one day…
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