Scary Story Reader (American Storytelling) [Paperback]

Richard Young (Author), Judy Dockrey Young (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 1 and up | Series: American Storytelling

Back by popular demand, these timeless, scary favorites and contemporary thrillers are collected together for young readers by storytellers Richard and Judy Dockrey Young. Spine-tingling tales of dating, cars, part-time jobs, being home alone, and being on one's own in the world address the concerns and interests of every young adult.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Compiled and retold by the Youngs, this anthology of 41 spine-tingling short-short stories is aimed at the pre-teen set. Included in the collection are familiar campfire favorites such as "Hook-Arm," "11:11," "Step-Drag," as well as numerous lesser-known hair-raisers from a variety of ethnic and regional backgrounds. Though according to the authors' afterword, the stories reflect various upbeat social messages such as "Choose friends carefully, Don't stay out too late, Be brave, Be strong, Be truthful," it's unlikely that young readers will be caught up in these concerns. Instead, these snappy thrillers deliver the sheer shiver power that kids value most. Thanks to their brevity (only a few are longer than four pages) and the swift delivery of their delightfully creepy punch lines, these tales will hold particular appeal for reluctant readers. Ages 10-13.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

YA-In this collection of 41 creepy tales, there are bound to be several selections that will be new to YA audiences. Yes, it does include "Drip, drip, drip" (at least, that's what it's sometimes called) and that hoary old chestnut, "The Vanishing Hitchhiker." A must for Halloween programming.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 1 and up
  
• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: August House (December 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874833825
• ISBN-13: 978-0874833829
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,175,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Scary Story Book for Kids and Teens!, October 4, 2001

By 

"the_decockster" (Ashland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Scary Story Reader (American Storytelling) (Hardcover)

This is, without a doubt, the scariest book for young adults. The stories are told with a creepy voice, and the pictures add to the mood. I highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book, January 5, 2008

By 

Alvin A. Mcewen (Columbia, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scary Story Reader (American Storytelling) (Paperback)

This book is easily the scariest treatise on urban legends I have ever read. Instead of analyzing these stories, the author brings them back to what they should be: hair-raising stuff that will make u stay up late at night watching your windows.

One thing that totally enhances this book are the illustrations, especially in the stories dealing with psychotic killers. The pictures do not depict violence. They are representations of what the killers in the stories such as "The Hook" and "The Licked Hand" would look like.

Trust me when I say that the illustrator's attention to detail will chill you.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Awesom Thriller, May 3, 2000

By 

Kendra - See all my reviews

This review is from: Scary Story Reader (American Storytelling) (Paperback)

Scary Stories Reader is an awesome book about the world's most scary stories,from "Urban Legend Thrillers" to the jump ending stories.Each story has its own chill.Great selections will scare you to death.Read it to find the real scares and chills!You will really love this 5 star book.