Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark — Young Adult Horror

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🎃 Young Adult Horror

Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Name: Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Price: 24.48 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
ISBN: 9798855035391

✍️ Josh Malerman

Reader Score

4.5

(2 reviews)

$24.48

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A middle grade horror anthology honoring Alvin Schwartz with stories by R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux.

This volume operates as a direct homage to Alvin Schwartz’s influential series. Josh Malerman curates the content, drawing on his reputation as a New York Times bestselling author. The text includes work from R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux, creating a diverse array of scary stories. Jonathan Maberry serves as the master of macabre guiding the project. The anthology targets middle grade readers who enjoy supernatural fiction. It avoids complex themes in favor of straightforward horror entertainment. The collection stands apart by combining established authors under one tribute banner.

Key Themes

middle grade horror Alvin Schwartz tribute supernatural fiction

Literary Context

Published in 2020 by Bound to Stay Bound Books, this work sits within the tradition of American middle grade horror. It follows the legacy of Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, offering a modern collection for young readers seeking spooky tales.

Josh Malerman

📚 all books by this author (49) →

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

Alvin Schwartz · R.L. Stine · Madeleine Roux · Jonathan Maberry

🎃

Young Adult Horror

🏛 Bound to Stay Bound Books 📅 2020 🌐 English 📔 Prebound-Glued ISBN: 9798855035391

📝 Description: Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

Josh Malerman presents a curated collection honoring Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. This middle grade horror anthology features contributions from notable authors such as R. L. Stine and Madeleine Roux. Jonathan Maberry, identified as a New York Times bestselling author and master of macabre, oversees the selection process for this tribute volume. The book gathers chilling tales that pay respect to the original series while introducing fresh narratives to contemporary readers. The compilation appeals to fans of classic scary stories and those seeking new middle grade horror fiction. It suits readers who appreciate curated anthologies and established genre writers. The work does not cater to adults looking for graphic violence or complex literary analysis, as its focus remains on accessible, spine-tingling entertainment. Readers expecting standalone novels will find this collection offers a different experience through its varied authorship. The structure relies on the contributions of multiple writers rather than a single narrative voice. The inclusion of R. L. Stine and Madeleine Roux provides a mix of well-known horror voices. Jonathan Maberry’s role as curator ensures a cohesive tone throughout the tribute. This approach allows the book to function as both a celebration of past works and a source of new scares for young audiences.

💎 Our verdict on Don't Turn Out the Lights: A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

“

🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

Josh Malerman curates this tribute volume effectively, ensuring a cohesive tone through Jonathan Maberry’s oversight. The inclusion of R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux provides a strong mix of well-known horror voices for young audiences. However, it does not suit adults seeking graphic violence or complex literary analysis. Readers expecting standalone novels may find the varied authorship disjointed compared to single-voice narratives. This work functions best as a celebration of past works rather than a deep dive into psychological horror. It is a solid choice for middle grade fans but lacks depth for mature readers demanding sophisticated plot structures or intricate character development beyond simple scares.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This collection is ideal for middle grade readers who enjoy supernatural fiction and straightforward horror entertainment. It appeals to fans of classic scary stories seeking new scares without complex themes or graphic violence. The anthology offers a unique experience by combining established authors under one tribute banner, providing diverse voices within a cohesive tone. Readers looking for accessible spine-tingling entertainment will find value in its curated nature. It suits those who appreciate the legacy of Alvin Schwartz while enjoying contributions from notable contemporary writers like R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

This volume is crafted for middle grade horror enthusiasts craving short, spine-tingling tales reminiscent of classic campfire frights. It suits collectors of curated anthologies who enjoy diverse authorial voices. However, adults seeking graphic violence or complex literary analysis will likely…

Reader rating

4.5

Based on 2 reviews

Amanda N.

February 5, 2026

Read it in one night

Been meaning to get this one for a while. Not a jump-scare book; it gets under the skin and stays there. The dread is in the pacing, not in gore, which is exactly how I like it. Well worth it.

❓ Frequently asked questions

It is primarily designed for middle grade readers. While adults who love classic horror may appreciate it, those expecting mature themes or graphic content will likely find it too gentle and simple.

Instead of a single author’s folklore, this features new stories by modern writers like R.L. Stine. It honors the original style but offers fresh narratives curated to introduce these classic-style scares to contemporary young readers.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

Alvin Schwartz’s original series defined a generation of young readers with its blend of folklore and terror, illustrated by Stephen Gammell. This tribute anthology continues that vital lineage by bridging vintage scares with modern sensibilities. By enlisting contemporary masters like Stine and Roux under Maberry’s guidance, the collection preserves the legacy of accessible middle-grade horror while ensuring these chilling tales remain relevant for today’s youth.