-50% 🔥 Bestseller 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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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: 19.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780062877673

✍️ Josh Malerman

Reader Score

4.7

(8 reviews)

$19.99 ~~$40.00~~ Save $20.01 (50%)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A horror anthology honoring Alvin Schwartz's legacy with stories by R.L. Stine and others.

This collection stands as a direct homage to Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. It brings together writers like R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux to recreate the atmosphere of classic middle grade horror. Jonathan Maberry organized these pieces, leveraging his reputation as a master of macabre. The book focuses on short fiction that echoes the supernatural themes of the original series. It does not contain new long-form novels or unrelated genres. Instead, it offers a concentrated dose of scary tales for young readers and nostalgic adults.

Key Themes

middle grade horror supernatural fiction short stories

Literary Context

This book sits within the tradition of American middle grade horror fiction. It references Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a foundational text in children's literature. The anthology bridges past and present by featuring contemporary authors like R.L. Stine alongside the legacy of Schwartz.

Josh Malerman

📚 all books by this author (49) →

Difficulty

● Easy

Recommended For Fans Of

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

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Young Adult Horror

🏛 HarperCollins 📅 2020 📖 416 pages 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780062877673

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

Josh Malerman presents a collection honoring Alvin Schwartz’s influential work. This middle grade horror anthology features contributions from notable authors such as R. L. Stine and Madeleine Roux. The volume serves as a chilling tribute to the original Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series, bringing together various voices within the genre. Jonathan Maberry, identified as a New York Times bestselling author and master of macabre, curated these selections for readers seeking classic frights. The book contains short stories that draw upon children's fiction and supernatural traditions. It appeals to fans of horror literature who appreciate the style established by Schwartz. The anthology is suitable for those interested in middle grade narratives and spooky tales. It may not suit readers looking for contemporary adult horror or non-fiction works. The collection relies on the established tropes of scary stories rather than introducing new frameworks. Published by HarperCollins, this volume offers a specific look at the genre's history. It gathers distinct voices under one cover to celebrate past works. Readers familiar with the original series will find comfort in the familiar tone. Those new to the genre may discover classic elements of fear through these curated pieces. The structure supports a straightforward reading experience focused on short, impactful narratives.

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

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🩸

Horror Reads editorial team

Horror desk

This volume succeeds as a focused homage, leveraging Jonathan Maberry’s curation to bring together notable authors like R.L. Stine for a unified scary story experience. It effectively captures the essence of Schwartz’s influential work, making it a compelling choice for genre enthusiasts. However, it strictly adheres to short fiction and does not contain long-form novels or unrelated genres. Readers seeking contemporary adult horror complexity or non-fiction true crime accounts will likely find this material too simplistic and thematic. It is best suited for those who appreciate straightforward, spooky tales rooted in children's fiction traditions rather than experimental or dense literary horror.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who cherish the nostalgic atmosphere of classic middle-grade horror will find immense value in this curated collection. It serves as a vital tribute to Alvin Schwartz’s legacy, offering a concentrated dose of supernatural tales that echo the original Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark series. Fans of R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux will appreciate the familiar tone and short, impactful narratives that prioritize classic frights over complex plotting. The anthology is ideal for those seeking comfort in established tropes rather than new frameworks. It appeals to nostalgic adults and young readers alike who want to experience the genre's history through distinct voices gathered under one cover.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5

★★★★★

Readers craving nostalgic middle-grade chills and fans of Alvin Schwartz’s original anthology will adore this tribute. However, those seeking complex adult psychological horror or literary non-fiction should look elsewhere, as this collection strictly adheres to classic, trope-driven spooky tales…

Reader rating

4.7

Based on 8 reviews

Katie A.

March 20, 2026

Read it in one night

Been meaning to get this one for a while. It is the kind of horror that rewards reading with the lights on. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real.

Liam G.

January 1, 2026

Read it in one night

A friend from my book club recommended it. Genuinely unsettling in places, and it earns it without cheap tricks. A keeper.

Nancy M.

December 5, 2025

Ordered it for Halloween and it came in time. The audiobook crowd will want the paper copy for the margins. Belongs in any working kitchen.

Beth J.

November 1, 2025

Worth the read

I read a lot of horror and I'm picky. The binding held up to being carried around for a week. The monster is scarier for how little you see of it. The font runs small in this edition. Still worth having on the shelf.

Owen B.

November 2, 2025

A modern classic

Finally got around to ordering this. Print is comfortable for late-night reading. Some chapters are hard to read in the best possible way. Belongs in any working kitchen.

Paul T.

April 30, 2025

Kept me up

Ordered it for Halloween and it came in time. There's real craft in how much is left unsaid. One of my better finds this year.

Ivy G.

March 10, 2025

Chilling

Wanted something for October and it delivered. The binding held up to being carried around for a week. The prose is clean and the scares land because the characters feel real. Glad I finally picked this up.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Absolutely. While categorized as middle grade, the anthology appeals to nostalgic adults who remember the original series' impact. It offers a comforting return to classic frights rather than challenging new frameworks.

The description emphasizes the literary tribute by Jonathan Maberry and the curated voices of notable authors. While it honors the visual legacy, the text itself is the primary focus of this collection of short stories.

📖 Who should read this

📜 Historical context

This volume sits firmly within the lineage of American children's horror that Alvin Schwartz pioneered in the late twentieth century. By curating contributions from giants like R.L. Stine and Madeleine Roux, Josh Malerman highlights how Schwartz’s work defined a generation’s relationship with fear. It serves as a vital historical artifact, preserving the specific rhythm and illustrative power of the original series while demonstrating its enduring influence on contemporary young adult supernatural fiction.