The Pumpkin Ghost Files

Reach for this series when your middle-grade reader is seeking the adrenaline of a spooky story but needs a narrative that rewards critical thinking and long-term engagement. While many horror books for this age are episodic, this saga follows a trio of friends who must use teamwork and deductive reasoning to stop a curse that evolves from nature to technology. It provides a safe space for children to explore the concept of fear while emphasizing that bravery is not the absence of fright, but the choice to act despite it. Parents will appreciate the modern cautionary elements regarding screen time and digital identity in File 2, making it an excellent bridge for discussing the pressures of social media and the importance of authenticity in a digital world. It is a pulse-pounding but age-appropriate journey for kids who are ready for slightly more complex stakes than standard spooky fare.