For some, today is just like any other Friday – TGIF, right?
But for others, today is what’s considered the "unluckiest day of the year" – Friday the 13th! If you’re afraid of Friday the 13th, then according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina, you’re one of the 17 to 21 million people that suffer from "paraskevidekatriaphobia" and unfortunately, this year there are three Friday the 13ths – one in February, one in March, with the last finally occuring in November.
And while Friday the 13th may be synonymous now with the popular horror film series, before that the origins of the day's reputation are a bit unknown. Regardless, some people may go about their day a little more cautiously (and may definitely steer clear from black cats). But, if you’re like me and want to embrace the holiday, Scholastic has plenty of spooky titles to get you in the mood!
For little ones who might not understand the significance of the holiday (or because you don’t want to scare them too much!), there’s the Can You See What I See? On a Scary Scary Night picture book filled with fun, creepy searches.
For younger readers willing to embrace the day and all the spookiness it has to offer, how about 24-7 Mystery Files: Ghosts and Real Life Ghost Hunters? In this book readers can learn from ghost hunters whether or not the noises they’re hearing from the attic or the flickering bedroom lights are because of ghosts!
And for teens looking for a good suspense story, why not try this bundle of stories from Christopher Pike? The To Die For volume contains two of the author’s classic thrillers: Slumber Party and Weekend, both of which will keep you on your toes!
And I’d of course be remiss to not include a Goosebumps title – why not revisit the Classic Goosebumps tale Welcome to Dead House – it’s number #13 in the Classic Goosebumps reprint series!
Gina Asprocolas
