Families who loved The Baby-Sitter by R. L. Stine often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.

Reach for this book when your teen is interested in thrillers but also needs to see a protagonist working through the aftermath of a personal crisis or mental health challenge. This suspenseful story follows Jenny, a girl recently released from a mental institution, as she attempts to reclaim her independence by taking a babysitting job. While she initially fears her past is catching up with her, she discovers a literal haunting that forces her to confront her deepest anxieties. It is a fast-paced horror novel that touches on themes of resilience, gaslighting, and the process of moving past trauma. While it provides classic 80s-style chills, it also explores the internal battle of trusting one's own mind after a period of instability. It is best suited for readers aged 12 to 16 who enjoy supernatural mysteries and can handle moderate suspense and spooky imagery.