Abdo, Kenny  Chucky 
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Abdo, Kenny  Freddy Krueger 
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Abdo, Kenny  Jason Voorhees 
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Abdo, Kenny  Leatherface 
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Abdo, Kenny  Michael Myers  
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Abdo, Kenny  Pennywise 
Gr. K–3, 4–6    24 pp.    ABDO/Zoom

Fly!: Hollywood Monsters series. These slight volumes provide brief information (including broad plot summaries) about famous horror movies and their menacing protagonists. Readers learn about the “origin” of each creature (e.g., Stephen King conceived of Pennywise while crossing a bridge, a la the “Three Billy Goats Gruff”), its on-screen history, and its “legacy.” Terrifying movie stills and other images enliven the presentation. Glos., ind. 

Subjects: The Arts; Visual Arts; Motion pictures; Horror 

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan  Super Simple Halloween Activities: Fun and Easy Holiday Projects for Kids 
Gr. K–3    32 pp.    ABDO

Super SandCastle: Super Simple Holidays series. This appealing, child-friendly series begins with a short introduction to the designated holiday and a few of its celebratory customs, followed by directions for nine or ten holiday-related crafts. Projects include snacks, decorations, and games. Each project includes a materials list (requiring mainly standard craft supplies) and step-by-step instructions; clear photographs helpfully illustrate crucial steps. Glos.  

Subjects: The Arts; Handicrafts and Hobbies; Holidays—Halloween   

Goldsmith, Connie  Pandemic: How Climate, the Environment, and Superbugs Increase the Risk 
Middle school, high school    136 pp.    Twenty-First Century

In recent years, Ebola, Zika, SARS, and other viruses have increasingly threatened humans. Eight chapters outline factors contributing to the increase, including global travel, rapidly growing populations, loss of animal habitat bringing humans into closer contact with animals, and climate change. Goldsmith also discusses scientists' efforts to prevent disaster. Plenty of photos and diagrams help break up the straightforward text. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. 

Subjects: Technology; Illness; Epidemics; Environment; Climate change; Biology; Medicine, Human Body, and Diseases 

Jarrow, Gail  Spooked!: How a Radio Broadcast and "The War of Worlds" Sparked the 1938 Invasion of America 
Gr. 4–6, middle school    142 pp.    Boyds/Calkins

In 1938, Orson Welles's War of the Worlds radio broadcast caused widespread panic and hysteria. Jarrow infuses her tightly plotted narrative with plenty of drama and suspense while weaving in sufficient background information, biographical vignettes, and play-by-play commentary to establish context. She concludes with a discussion of some subsequent hoaxes. Despite the book's somewhat stodgy design, it's an admirable feat of nonfiction storytelling. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind. 

Subjects: History; North America; Extraterrestrial beings; History, American; Hoaxes; Parapsychology; Radio; Science fiction 

Peterson, Megan Cooley  La Llorona: The Legendary Weeping Woman of Mexico 
Gr. 4–6    32 pp.    Capstone

Snap: Real-Life Ghost Stories series. In four engaging chapters (and after a creepy introduction) Peterson presents the story of the legendary La Llorona. The text touches on background, reported encounters, speculation about the weeping woman’s existence, and “Ladies in White Around the World.” “Fact” and “Skeptic’s Note” sidebars along with haunting illustrations enhance the atmosphere. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. 

Subjects: Psychology; Parapsychology; Folklore, Myths, and Legends; Folklore—Mexico; La Llorona (Legendary character)

From the October 2019 issue of Nonfiction Notes from the Horn Book.