Our Favorite Spooky Magic Systems From Books
The leaves are falling, the weather is turning, and it’s time to embrace the season. To celebrate Halloween, we’re featuring some of our favorite books with magic systems featuring a spooky twist. These are sure to help get you into the spirit!
Halloween books for kids are a fun way to enjoy the season. Some of the best books for the occasion aren’t always centered around the holiday and instead share haunting tales from any ordinary day. If you or your family are fans of magic, you’ll love the magic systems in these books for this time of year (or year-round)!
Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty
This book is the first in a series of incredible spooky tales! Serafina and her father have secretly lived in the basement of a mansion where he works since she can remember. It’s comfortable, and she’s careful not to be seen by any people living in the mansion, secretly exploring when she can. When the children of the mansion start to disappear it’s up to her to expose the culprit, though she must enter a forbidden forest her father spoke so fearfully of. That’s when the magic begins.
A Festival of Ghosts by William Alexander
The ghost magic in this one will have you obsessed. Also part of a series, this book follows the town of Ingot as ghosts completely overrun it. The spirits are terrorizing the town, and each other. The chaos must be stopped by Rosa Diaz, one kid brave enough to figure out how to get rid of the ghosts.
The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
This graphic novel tells the story of Moth Hush, who loves anything spooky or bewitched. When she discovers she herself is part witch by using her magic accidentally, she falls deeper into all things witch. As it turns out, her family is the center of some really riveting witch history. Follow the beautiful journey she takes to find out just how special her magic is.
Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega
This one’s for the paranormal fans out there! It also features the holiday, so it’s the perfect Halloween book! The Luna family business is… ghosts. When Lucely Luna accidentally unleashes evil spirits with a spell with her best friend Syd, they must fight the ghosts themselves. With the help of Syd’s cat and grandmother, will they save everything before Halloween?
The Witches by Roald Dahl.
In this book, the idea of witches hiding in cottages in the woods and flying on brooms is ridiculous. As it turns out, witches are very real, and they are immersed in the everyday just like you and I. They also detest children and will do anything to get rid of them. Bruno knew all of this thanks to his grandmother’s tales, but will that help him when he finally meets a real-life witch?
The Artifact Hunters by Janet Fox
This book is more action-adventure based, but still embraces the spooky! Isaac Wolf is sent off to Scotland by his parents in the middle of World War II. The only thing they tell him is that he will find safety if he can find a certain symbol once he arrives. The symbol is for a school for gifted children, and they’re going to use their magic to help the allies in the war. Follow Isaac as he chases down artifacts to help the cause, and is chased himself by a number of bad guys out to stop him
The Bone Garden by Heather Rassner
This is a unique tale about a girl who is made of only dust, bone, and imagination. She defies her creator even though she’s warned of being destroyed if she continues. The girl, named Irreelle, escapes and travels through a thrilling world to find the spooky magic that will make her real.
When it comes to spooky magic in books, there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re into ghosts and the paranormal, witches and wizards, history, or anything else, we know there’s a spooky book for you. As you enjoy the Halloween season and read along with your family, be sure to remind them that the magic is always within them. Happy Haunting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a book that contains spooky magic?
Some books that feature spookier magic are: Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty, The Witches by Roald Dahl, and The Bone Garden by Heather Rassner.
What are some spooky books to read around Halloween?
Depending on your spooky level, there are so many great Halloween books! If the above list is a little too spooky for your family, try out these: KiKi Macadoo and the Graveyard Ballerinas by Colette Sewall, The Phantom Twin by Lisa Brown, or The Mutant Mushroom Takeover by Summer Rachel Short.
