Schwartz, A. (1984). In
a dark, dark room, and other scary stories. (Illus. D. Zimmer). New York, NY:
Harper & Row.
Reading level: 430L
Interest level: Grades 1 – 4
Traditional
This book
contains a story that totally scarred me as a child – so much so, that I haven’t
read this book since. This book is written for the older elementary set, but it’s
worth noting that the content may upset the more delicate flowers in the room.
The story, specifically, is “The Green Ribbon,” and it involves decapitation.
Schwartz’s other stories are pretty tame by comparison – jump scares and the
like. This book was passed around the playground a lot, which means it’s
probably high interest.Also, the illustrations are nowhere near as frightening
as “Scary Stories,” but these aren’t
exactly the goofy skeletons of “Funnybones.” Use with caution for resistant
readers.
