Families who loved The Haunting of Gabriel Ashe by Dan Poblocki 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 middle-schooler is navigating the murky waters of a new friendship that feels a little too intense or boundary-pushing. While it presents as a chilling ghost story, it deeply explores the psychology of peer pressure and the struggle to distinguish between a creative imagination and a manipulative personality. After moving into his grandmother's house, Gabriel finds himself caught in an escalating game with a local boy named Seth. The story masterfully balances supernatural suspense with the very real anxiety of wanting to fit in while sensing that something is fundamentally wrong. It is a perfect choice for kids who enjoy being scared but are also ready to discuss the complexities of trust and social influence.