Families who loved 1:35 AM by Scott Cawthon often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with feelings of social isolation, the pressure of past mistakes, or an attraction to dark, escapist media. While framed within the popular Five Nights at Freddys universe, these three novellas serve as cautionary tales about the psychological toll of obsession and the heavy weight of loneliness. The stories explore characters like Delilah, who is haunted by her own sleep-deprived paranoia, and Devon, who grapples with feelings of abandonment and bitterness. Because this is a horror collection, it uses supernatural elements to externalize internal emotional struggles like guilt and anxiety. It is most appropriate for middle and high schoolers who can handle suspense and ambiguous endings. Parents can use these stories as a bridge to discuss how we handle regret and the importance of reaching out for help before feelings of isolation become overwhelming. It offers a safe, albeit spooky, space to acknowledge that being a teenager can sometimes feel like living in a nightmare.