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104th out of 2,636 books
—
4,860 voters
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (Scary Stories #1)
Are you brave enough for Scary Stories?
Some boys and girls were at a party one night. There was a graveyard down the street, and they were talking about how scary it was.
"Don't ever stand on a grave after dark," one of the boys said. "The person inside will grab you."
"A grave doesn't scare me," said one of the girls. "I'll do it right now. . . ."
Welcome to the macabre
...morePaperback, 112 pages
Published
October 1989
by Scholastic, Inc.
(first published 1981)
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Oct 27, 2012
Ronyell
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Fans of Scary Stories!!
Shelves:
best-books-of-2012,
book-series,
books-i-want-to-own,
banned-books,
children-books,
chapter-books,
creepy-ending,
drama,
fairy-tales-folktales,
fantasy,
favorites,
horror,
monster-books,
my-blog-reviews,
mystery,
native-american,
read-in-2012,
reviewed-books,
surreal,
alvin-schwartz,
ronyell-s-epinions-reviews
YES…DEFINITELY YES!
I have always loved reading banned books because even though I am usually curious about the reasons why they were banned in the first place, it just makes me really want to read the books even more! Well, I just picked up this spooky book for children called “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz along with illustrations by Stephen Gammell and it basically has several horror folktales collected over the years. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is definitely o...more
I have always loved reading banned books because even though I am usually curious about the reasons why they were banned in the first place, it just makes me really want to read the books even more! Well, I just picked up this spooky book for children called “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” by Alvin Schwartz along with illustrations by Stephen Gammell and it basically has several horror folktales collected over the years. “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is definitely o...more
The illustrations were the really scary part of these books. I remember being afraid to turn the page and look at the next one when I was a kid, peeling the next page over gradually like a Band-Aid. One pictured effed me up so badly I had to tape a piece of construction paper over it so I could flip through the book without having a heart attack.
43 likes · like · see review
Reading All Hallow's Eve made me nostalgic for my introduction to horror. My second grade teacher read us this book through the month of October, one story a day. And I've been trying to scare myself ever since.
So, how does the original hold up, read after more time has passed than I'm willing to admit, and more horror books and movies than I can count? Amazingly well. These are basically campfire stories, of course, but campfire stories need to be scary to work. They are, in many respects, prim...more
So, how does the original hold up, read after more time has passed than I'm willing to admit, and more horror books and movies than I can count? Amazingly well. These are basically campfire stories, of course, but campfire stories need to be scary to work. They are, in many respects, prim...more
6 likes · like · see review
I purchased this book as one that I fondly remembered from childhood. I don't know for certain how many times my brother and I checked this out from the public library, but it was a lot. The stories in it are fun and the artwork is fantastic. As a matter of fact, even though I remember most of the stories from reading them before, it's the artwork that lodged this book into my head so firmly. Although all black and white, the images are spooky and gruesome. Exactly what an impressionable pre-tee...more
3 likes · like · see review
As scary stories go, they are only slightly. Sometimes they are funny, or just weird, or sad. Except the one about Harold the Scarecrow. God, that one is terrifying. Oh and the spiders hatching from your face.
But the illustrations... The illustrations in this book are good old-fashioned nightmare fuel. I really don't know what they were thinking.
I mean, what were they thinking?
Facebook 30 Day Book Challenge Day 8: Book that scares you.
But the illustrations... The illustrations in this book are good old-fashioned nightmare fuel. I really don't know what they were thinking.
I mean, what were they thinking?
Facebook 30 Day Book Challenge Day 8: Book that scares you.
29 likes · like · see review
This book terrified and enthralled me as a child, so much so that I actually forgot it existed until I read about its re-release this afternoon. These stories and illustrations defined my nightmares, and they frightened me to the point that, after so many many many re-readings as an elementary schooler, I somewhere in the intervening years stopped remembering that the tales and images even came from a specific book. Schwartz condenses and simplifies various folk tales and urban legends, as frigh...more
3 likes · like · see review
Timeless stories adapted in an ageless manner, mixed with some of the most phenomenally horrific illustrations ever. These elements make Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark (and its sequels) the best horror stories ever catered to children. All the stories were well researched and no more watered down than they had to be to find their audience. All the grotesque and grossly horrific tales that once I read as a child, I never forgot. Whether they generated an eerie chill or an uneasy laugh, they ar...more
Aug 26, 2008
Jackie "the Librarian"
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
kids going to a sleepover
Shelves:
horror,
childrensbooks
The best collection of stories to tell at a slumber party, ever! A great mix of scary tales and funny ones. Kids especially love the creepy illustrations by Stephen Gammell. Love them, and are freaked out by them, too.
Interesting fact: This book is frequently stolen from libraries.
Interesting fact: This book is frequently stolen from libraries.
5 likes · like · see review
Apr 18, 2008
Jennifer Svogar
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Those looking to recapture their childhood
My father was a huge fan of all things "scary" when I was a child. My brothers and I grew up reading this and other collections, not to mention the classics of Frankenstein, Dracula, and other horrors. It was surprising to me when my younger brother mentioned missing this book, because I had been feeling the same way! Nostalgia takes over sometimes....
I found another copy recently, and got to read it once more. It took a little while for me to recapture that same fear I felt when I read the book...more
I found another copy recently, and got to read it once more. It took a little while for me to recapture that same fear I felt when I read the book...more
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (part of the highly recommended Scary Stories Treasury) is good for more than a laugh, some of the stories are actually scary! Many of them are meant to be read or recited aloud, often with a BOO! or a shout at the end to send your nervous sleep-over guests under their pillows with fright.
But what's truly unique about this collection is Stephen Gammell's illustrations. The images haunted me as a child, and have more than likely shaped some of my nightmares. They...more
But what's truly unique about this collection is Stephen Gammell's illustrations. The images haunted me as a child, and have more than likely shaped some of my nightmares. They...more
its really more funny than scary
2 likes · like · see review
Jan 15, 2009
Sunny
added it
Scary Stories (to tell in the dark) Series by Alvin Schwartz
Rating 7/10. I remember reading (and loving!) these highly contraversial books in about fifth grade. Essentially, they are a collection of short stories adapted from mostly American folklore and "urban legends." There are ghost stories, songs, jokes, and other creepy stuff. The stories all lend themselves to being retold around the campfire (or the urban equivelent) with the possible exception of some of the longer, more detailed storie...more
Rating 7/10. I remember reading (and loving!) these highly contraversial books in about fifth grade. Essentially, they are a collection of short stories adapted from mostly American folklore and "urban legends." There are ghost stories, songs, jokes, and other creepy stuff. The stories all lend themselves to being retold around the campfire (or the urban equivelent) with the possible exception of some of the longer, more detailed storie...more
I have a feeling that I'm not the only one that added this to my goodreads many years after having read the book. Should we be doing that? Do we really remember how we felt, and even the essentials of what happeend, from books we read in our childhood? I'm guilty of making the attempt here, and while I recall enjoying these stories, and even becoming slightly frightened by a few of them, I never thought of this as a favorite book, or became particuarly excited when the second set of Scary Storie...more
2 likes · like · see review
Dec 04, 2012
Kruti
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people who enjoy a dose of fear now and again
Warning:
Proceed with caution!!
Oh bejesus, what was I thinking reading this at night?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is not for the faint of heart. As the name suggests, you’ll find a collection of scary stories here that are perfect to tell around campfires, or at slumber parties, or if you’re like me, they’re perfect reading material at night with the lights turned off. If you do opt for the third option, I’d suggest you prepare for a rather sleepless night!
In terms of the stories themselv...more
Oh bejesus, what was I thinking reading this at night?
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is not for the faint of heart. As the name suggests, you’ll find a collection of scary stories here that are perfect to tell around campfires, or at slumber parties, or if you’re like me, they’re perfect reading material at night with the lights turned off. If you do opt for the third option, I’d suggest you prepare for a rather sleepless night!
In terms of the stories themselv...more
4 likes · like · see review
I have loved this book ever since I was a kid. I own a compilation of all three volumes, and I recommend both sequels to anyone who enjoyed the first one. I see a lot of criticism from adults saying the book is not really "scary" and to most adults it won't be. Keep in mind this book was written to terrify kids, and at least for me as a child it did a fine job of that.
This book series is a compilation of folklore, ghost stories, and strange tales from around the world, from rural folklore to...more
This book series is a compilation of folklore, ghost stories, and strange tales from around the world, from rural folklore to...more
I bought all three of these books when I was about nine years old, and got the scare of my life when I, reading in a semi-darkened house, turned to the next page in a story, expecting only text, and came face-to-face with the most frightening image I'd ever seen- the face of a lady's moldering corpse! I immediately turned the page back to cover it up again, sure that it would move, or attack me if I looked at it long enough. Dropping the book, I ran upstairs, seeking light and human company. Tha...more
i read this when i was a child and the memories of how much i loved it still haunt me. (pun intended ;) ) the stories, while not always scary, are all fun to read nonetheless. this book's art is one of the best features. it's gloomy and macabre, and in stark black and white which makes the images more terrifying. these images are what nightmares are made of my dears. when i was a child they frightened me a bit, but i wanted to be scared. that's what scary books are supposed to do. now, i find th...more
My daughter picked this book up at the school book fair last year, and I was sitting in the house this past weekend, and I just didn't feel like starting a new book, just wanted something small to read at that moment, and I picked this book up.
It is a collection of old stories to scare you, some are better than others, but then again, some have been around for centuries. What I liked the most was the Notes and Sources sections of the book at the end, that told where the author found these storie...more
It is a collection of old stories to scare you, some are better than others, but then again, some have been around for centuries. What I liked the most was the Notes and Sources sections of the book at the end, that told where the author found these storie...more
Perhaps the reason I've an affinity for dark & twisted art lies with a trio of books I read as a child. Alvin Schwartz is most known for his collection of folktales marketed towards children. His most famous books--Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, and Scary Stories 3: More Tales to Chill Your Bones--were some of my most favorite reads as a lad, and when I recently happened upon my personal copy of SS3, I couldn't help but dive in. I went to the libra...more
Aug 20, 2011
Maranda L.
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
people who enjoy scary stories
Shelves:
scary-books
Do you enjoy books that make you want to scream or chill your bones? Well the book I read Scary Stories to Tell In the Dark by Alvin Schwartz and illustrated by Stephen Gammell is a book that tells several tales about people and their different situations they are going through. They would always end in a scary way or just to chill your bones. This book was published in October of 1989.
Several of these tales made me feel afraid but some of them didn't. Alvin Schwartz has a series of these scar...more
Several of these tales made me feel afraid but some of them didn't. Alvin Schwartz has a series of these scar...more
It sure was AMAZING!
My cousin had this book, she borrowed it from the library, and I was skimming the pages. I later asked to borrow it and I am SO happy I did. It is such a great book for the younger generations. Throughout it's pages are short ghost-stories that you can tell around the campfire, but before each one at the bottom of the 'Title' page is a mini synopsis of the story you are about to read aloud to members of your 'Slumber Party', 'campfire' or anywhere else you have people wantin...more
My cousin had this book, she borrowed it from the library, and I was skimming the pages. I later asked to borrow it and I am SO happy I did. It is such a great book for the younger generations. Throughout it's pages are short ghost-stories that you can tell around the campfire, but before each one at the bottom of the 'Title' page is a mini synopsis of the story you are about to read aloud to members of your 'Slumber Party', 'campfire' or anywhere else you have people wantin...more
I remember reading this book and its sequels when I was younger and being creeped out. However, that was mostly because of Stephen Gammell's illustrations, described by The Horn Book as "ghoulish," which is an apt word. Now that I'm older, the book still remind me of being scared as a child, and the illustrations are still the freakiest part of the book. I've seen that the newer reprint editions have more benign illustrations by a new artist. While this may allay some of the fears parents appare...more
Author: Alvin Schwartz
Scary Stories
The book Scary Stories has a series of stories that will knock your socks off. Alvin Schwartz is very good at putting his and others thoughts in to words. If you read this book you might not be able to pick a favorite story. The plots are very interesting. Its all good in the beginning and BOOM, you see something ab normal. Along with that then it’s following you home!
This book takes place in well; let’s just say the scary times. Some stories take place in th...more
Scary Stories
The book Scary Stories has a series of stories that will knock your socks off. Alvin Schwartz is very good at putting his and others thoughts in to words. If you read this book you might not be able to pick a favorite story. The plots are very interesting. Its all good in the beginning and BOOM, you see something ab normal. Along with that then it’s following you home!
This book takes place in well; let’s just say the scary times. Some stories take place in th...more
Apr 03, 2011
Evan Banned
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
young adults, adults studying oral storytelling,
Shelves:
100-books
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
"That person is calling from a telephone upstairs." she said. "You'd better leave. I'll get the police."
If those lines are familiar to you, you've got a pretty good idea of how scary you can expect Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz to be. A collection of urban legends, scary stories, and miscellany, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and its sequels were the most frequently challenged books during the nineties, according to the American Library Association.
If the stories aren’t...more
If those lines are familiar to you, you've got a pretty good idea of how scary you can expect Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz to be. A collection of urban legends, scary stories, and miscellany, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and its sequels were the most frequently challenged books during the nineties, according to the American Library Association.
If the stories aren’t...more
I am usually such a scary movie/book fanatic! But the illustrations in this book make it twice as creepy. It actually made it too creepy to read in the dark! I have to admit, I got a couple of nightmares after I read these stories. There are about 15 total stories in this book, and they all have a heart pounding twist at the end of each. Seriously, these stories make me think someone is always watching me now! The first half of the book are the really intense scary stories, and then the second p...more
This book pretty much scared the crap out of me while I was growing up. I remember looking at the pictures over and over and frieking myself out over them. The art is super-creepy and unforgettable. The stories are a little less creepy, but great for campfires with children. I don't think I'll let my son see this book until he's quite a bit older. Some of the images are pretty frightening(for me anyway). I guess it still creeps me out.
Jul 07, 2007
Emiley
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
childrens-ya,
generalfiction
A staple in every elementary school classroom. I don't remember the illustrations, but I think I had an overactive enough imagination. The story about the girl with the green ribbon was pretty freaky, mainly because it was a "boy meets girl" type of story, but with a macabre twist. Around the same time, the story of La Llorona also gave me nightmares, but I am not sure where I heard it from; it wasn't from this book.
1 like · like · see review
I love reading short spooky stories. I gobble them up like good candy. I always like to read what other authors write for inspiration for my own spooky stories and books.
I was surprised at how graphic some of the stories could be, and as for the adults reviewing this book who read it earlier in life, I can see where is may not be as scary now.
These stories are based on folklore and may have been passed down over time. It is a great book for children who love spooky stories. I immediately rememb...more
I was surprised at how graphic some of the stories could be, and as for the adults reviewing this book who read it earlier in life, I can see where is may not be as scary now.
These stories are based on folklore and may have been passed down over time. It is a great book for children who love spooky stories. I immediately rememb...more
When I was in third grade, I discovered these books. I enjoyed them so much that I used to read them to my little brother. We always had to read them during the day, seeing as they frightened both of us. Along with reading them to my little brother, I brought the books to school and allowed everyone in my classroom to borrow them and read them during reading time. They also enjoyed these books. I recently rediscovered these books and decided to read them again. This time, they were not nearly as...more
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Alvin Schwartz was the author of more than fifty books dedicated to and dealing with topics such as folklore and word play, many of which were intended for young readers. He is often confused with another Alvin Schwartz, who wrote Superman and Batman daily comics strips and a novel titled The Blowtop.
More about Alvin Schwartz...
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Oct 28, 2012 01:09am
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