Reviews

Reviews

Praise for "Once they see you"

"Once They See You" by Josh Allen

“The dark fates and creepy buildups will appeal strongly to young readers who love to indulge their fears . . . . Fans of Schwartz’s Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will have a great time reading this collection--although, maybe, a hard time falling asleep.” - The Horn Book

“Compulsively readable and creepy enough to satisfy even the most demanding of readers, this collection is a hit.” - Teen Librarian Toolbox

“Allen and Coleman’s latest set of horror shorts for middle-grade readers once more strikes the perfect balance for its intended audience—frightening but never overly disturbing . . . . The suspenseful tone and creeping dread aren’t hampered by the stories’ short lengths, and Coleman’s dark, unsettling full-page illustrations further heighten the horror and add to the appeal of this well-paced, compelling anthology.”Kirkus Reviews

 
The chills just keep coming . . . . Best read in daylight.
— Booklist
 
 

Praise for "Only If You Dare"

"Only If You Dare" Book Cover

“This delightfully dark and spine-tingling anthology will keep young readers and horror lovers on the edge of their seat.” – Booklist

“Allen has cemented himself as the heir-apparent of Alvin Schwartz . . . put this book into reluctant readers’ hands, and they will beg for more.” – School Library Journal, Starred Review

“Thirteen tales of existential dread, everyday nightmares, and disquieting fates offer fare ready to thrill.” – Publishers Weekly

“Intrepid tweens and teens who enjoy a thrill will be thoroughly sucked in.” – The Horn Book

“Consistently taut suspense that keeps readers turning pages . . . This book will fly off shelves.” – Kirkus Reviews

 
Allen gets the balance just right for children ages 9-12 with stories that are scary but not scarring.
— The Wall Street Journal
 
 

Praise for "Out to Get You"

"Out to Get You" Book Cover

"A top-notch thrill-ride of creepy, crunchy horror. This collection belongs on every young horror shelf." – School Library Journal, Starred Review

"This haunting anthology will plunge young horror enthusiasts into their darkest dreams . . . Allen expertly weaves intricate, relatable details from the tween experience with elements of the supernatural to present readers with a baker's dozen of chilling tales" – Booklist, Starred Review

"Short and sharp, the stories in ‘Out to Get You' mingle the ordinary with the supernatural in a way that will spook and gratify readers." – The Wall Street Journal

"Is normal the real myth in this wondrously eerie world? . . . Tasty, bite-sized bizarreness for brave preteens." – Kirkus Reviews

 
Allen offers up thirteen tales of kids either meeting or escaping their supernaturally designed dooms in a collection ripe for sharing around the campfire or at a sleepover . . . Grab this and a flashlight, and call up your spookiest voice for a Halloween read aloud.
— The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books