What better way to slide into Halloween than with a collection of stories from legends and sightings around the entire U.S.? This is a collection of spooky wonders, which will probably be great for slumber parties and campfire moments. Telling by the cover, these are going to cover a large range of things. I see an elk, skeleton, ship, aliens...looks pretty broad from the themes. Plus, it will be fun to see what each state has to offer. Maybe, some will inspire future vacation ideas?
Let's open it up and find out!
HAUNTED U.S.A.
Spine-Tingling Stories From All 50 States
by Heather Alexander
Illustrated by Sam Kalda
Wide Eyed Editions
Middle Grade Nonfiction
112 pages
ages 9 to 12
We've got spirits, yes we do! Haunted USA is a terrifying treasure trove of supernatural scares from each of the 50 states, from the vengeful witch of New Hampshire, Goody Cole, to Missouri's unlikely icon, Momo the swamp monster.
In this illustrated compendium drawing on fact, folklore, mythology and urban legend, you'll shine a light on ghosts, ghouls, cryptids, and even a haunted carousel. Some tales will give you chills—like that of Rue, the unfortunate daughter of an Oregon lighthouse-keeper who even today wanders the forlorn tower's guest rooms—while others—like the friendly ghost of Dr. Justina Ford who guides visitors around her old Colorado home—prove that some phantoms still hold on to that friendly American spirit.
Some are downright strange. Have you ever heard of the chocolate-loving ghost of Iowa, or Delaware's specter who can't stand sneezing? Still others are older than the USA itself, from Hawaii's Night Marchers to the ancient Sleeping Buffalo Rock of Montana (which may not be quite so asleep after all).
When you've read all you can handle, turn to the back of the book for a glossary of ghoulish terms and even expert advice on going ghost-hunting yourself!
Whether you're after a campfire fright, a slice of local lore, or a traditional tale to sink your teeth into, Haunted USA is a rich anthology of supernatural America. With stories that are carefully chosen and sensitively told for 9–12-year-olds, it's perfect for those cozy evenings around Halloween, or for adding a sprinkle of spookiness to a summer road trip.
In this illustrated compendium drawing on fact, folklore, mythology and urban legend, you'll shine a light on ghosts, ghouls, cryptids, and even a haunted carousel. Some tales will give you chills—like that of Rue, the unfortunate daughter of an Oregon lighthouse-keeper who even today wanders the forlorn tower's guest rooms—while others—like the friendly ghost of Dr. Justina Ford who guides visitors around her old Colorado home—prove that some phantoms still hold on to that friendly American spirit.
Some are downright strange. Have you ever heard of the chocolate-loving ghost of Iowa, or Delaware's specter who can't stand sneezing? Still others are older than the USA itself, from Hawaii's Night Marchers to the ancient Sleeping Buffalo Rock of Montana (which may not be quite so asleep after all).
When you've read all you can handle, turn to the back of the book for a glossary of ghoulish terms and even expert advice on going ghost-hunting yourself!
Whether you're after a campfire fright, a slice of local lore, or a traditional tale to sink your teeth into, Haunted USA is a rich anthology of supernatural America. With stories that are carefully chosen and sensitively told for 9–12-year-olds, it's perfect for those cozy evenings around Halloween, or for adding a sprinkle of spookiness to a summer road trip.
MY TIDBITS
Ghosts and monsters gain historical goodness in a read, which invites to campfire chills.
No place is safe from mysterious sightings, spooky legends, or terrifying monsters, which lurk in the shadows. Choosing one tale from each state, this book takes a look at all sorts of unexplained encounters, which have left locals and tourists wondering what the truth really is. Each state and tale is presented on a two-page spread with one page of text and the rest in vibrant illustrations. First, a spooky encounter is described to wet the appetite. Then, the background and circumstances surrounding each sighting is explained, and what impact or attraction it still has today.
The tales appear in the alphabetical order of the states involved, and the chosen legends from each state ensure there are many the reader has never heard about before. There were a couple of stories, which were a little more familiar, but the rest surprised in so many ways. Everything from graveyards to haunted houses to desert spooks are mentioned, and each situation is very different from the last. While these aren't full-fledged stories in the fiction sense, they make great mini-tales for sharing...and they are creepy. They also offer entertainment for road trips and, in some cases, sight-seeing curiosities if in the area.
It's a fun book for legend fans or those who love to discover creepy things, which may or may not exist.
And here they are...
Born in New York and now based in sunny California, Heather Alexander is the author of numerous books for children, both fiction and nonfiction, including Only In America, Eat Bugs: Project Startup, A Child’s Introduction to the Nutcracker, A Child’s Introduction to Egyptology, and the Wallace and Grace early chapter book series. Heather also works as a children's book editor. Visit her at heatheralexanderbooks.com.
Sam Kalda is an illustrator based in Saint Paul. He has illustrated ten books for children and adults alike, including Of Cats and Men, The Mother of a Movement, and Haunted USA. His work has also appeared on the pages of The New York Times and The New Yorker, among others. He is a gold medal recipient from The Society of Illustrators, New York.
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