The Scarecrows

Robert Westall's Carnegie Medal-winning novel, The Scarecrows, delves into the complex emotional landscape of thirteen-year-old Simon Wood. Still reeling from his father's death six years prior, Simon harbors intense loathing for his mother's new husband, Joe. This psychological novel explores themes of rage, isolation, and grief as Simon's internal turmoil appears to manifest as a terrifying supernatural threat: three scarecrows embodying violent past deaths. Parents should be aware of the prominent horror and psychological elements, which can be quite intense, making it suitable for mature late elementary to middle school readers ready for a deep dive into character psychology and supernatural suspense.

While visiting his mother and new stepfather whom he hates, an English teenager is terrorized by three scarecrows embodying people who met violent death and who silently threaten the entire family.