The Scary Story Reader: Forty-One of the Scariest Stories for Sleepovers, Campfires, Car & Bus Trips-- Even for First Dates!

Compiled and retold by the Youngs, this anthology of 41 spine-tingling short-short stories is aimed at the pre-teen set. Included in the collection are familiar campfire favorites such as ``Hook-Arm,'' ``11:11,'' ``Step-Drag,'' as well as numerous lesser-known hair-raisers from a variety of ethnic and regional backgrounds. Though according to the authors' afterword, the stories reflect various upbeat social messages such as ``Choose friends carefully, Don't stay out too late, Be brave, Be strong, Be truthful,'' it's unlikely that young readers will be caught up in these concerns. Instead, these snappy thrillers deliver the sheer shiver power that kids value most. Thanks to their brevity (only a few are longer than four pages) and the swift delivery of their delightfully creepy punch lines, these tales will hold particular appeal for reluctant readers. Ages 10-13. (Sept.)