What Lives in the Woods

A parent might reach for this book when their middle-grade reader craves a genuinely spooky story that is more mystery than pure horror. "What Lives in the Woods" follows Ginny, a young girl who moves into a rickety old house next to a forest rumored to be haunted. When her new friends start acting strangely and a local legend about a shadow monster seems all too real, Ginny must use her wits to uncover the truth. The story masterfully balances spine-tingling suspense with themes of making new friends, adapting to a new home, and finding bravery in the face of fear. It is an ideal choice for kids ready for a thrilling mystery that empowers its protagonist to solve problems and face her anxieties head on.