By Julie Douglas, Family Program Specialist

It was a dark and stormy night….

One of my fondest childhood memories is being about 10 years old and sitting on the front porch late at night trading creepy, spooky stories with my friends. Just beyond the amber glow of the porch light lurked ghosts and other assorted creatures of the dark. Every neighbor out on an evening stroll who passed by looked suspiciously zombie-like.  The phone ringing inside the house was not a call from the other side of town, but from the Other Side.  Everywhere we looked there was fodder for a tale of terror. 

Many of the tales we swapped were of the “urban legend” variety and usually began, “This really happened to my ___(fill in the blank with a relative, neighbor, or friend)." We would all sit knee to knee, clutching hands and barely daring to breathe.  The storyteller would unravel the details slooooooooowwwly in a low, solemn voice.  The events unfolded and the apprehension grew.  Footsteps drew closer; chains rattled; whispering voices beckoned. Descriptions were vivid and over-the-top. Howling wind and diabolical laughter added to the drama.  When the tension was almost unbearable, the storyteller would shout out the ending and be rewarded with shrieks and screams.

Why do we love a good scary story?  Psychologists suggest that when we identify with the protagonist in the story, we can experience triumph over fear. Horror allows us to confront our emotions and safely explore our dark side. Perhaps (gasp!) we even empathize with the monster on some level.  Like those who love roller coasters and skydiving, fans of scary movies and stories enjoy the tension, thrills, and sense of relief they experience.   
Whatever the reason, many adults and children love a good scare. If you happen to be one of them, check out some of the books below. When choosing any book for children, use your own judgment and knowledge of what is appropriate for your child.  A child’s age and temperament will determine if a book is right.  In this genre especially, there is no “one size fits all.”