The Haunted Dark

Reach for this book when your child is starting to hide their anxieties or fears in order to look cool or fit in with peers. It is particularly helpful for children who struggle with a lingering fear of the dark but feel they have aged out of more whimsical picture book solutions. The story follows Malik, a boy who agrees to a ghost hunting dare in an abandoned mansion to impress his friends and a girl he likes, all while secretly battling intense nyctophobia. This high-interest chapter book validates that even the bravest seeming kids have secret worries. It explores the tension between peer pressure and self-preservation while delivering a genuine spooky thrill. At 72 pages, it is an accessible read for middle-grade students who want a fast-paced story that acknowledges the social stakes of being honest about one's vulnerabilities. It is a perfect tool for opening conversations about courage versus bravado.