The Dummy

A parent should reach for this book when their child is ready for a genuine, classic horror story that is more suspenseful than gory. It's perfect for a reader who loves the thrill of being scared and is fascinated by classic tropes like haunted dolls or malevolent inanimate objects. The story follows Trish, a teen babysitter who becomes convinced her young cousin's ventriloquist dummy, Rocky, is alive and evil. The book masterfully builds psychological tension and explores themes of fear, bravery, and the frustration of not being believed by adults. While truly chilling for its intended 10 to 14-year-old audience, it avoids graphic content, making it an excellent bridge from milder spooky stories to more mature horror.