Non-fiction Edition
In the fall, I am always looking for a good scary story. Now that I've binge-watched Stranger Things and the new show based on The Haunting of Hill House, I wanted to find some non-fiction creepy stories. I am personally a skeptic, but I love reading about strange happenings and past crimes. This post highlights some historical true crime and ghost stories that we have in our YA non-fiction collection.
Historical True Crime and the Paranormal
The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century by Sara Miller
Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother 40 whacks, when she saw what she had done she gave her father 41. This macabre nursery rhyme is based on a true story. In 1892, Lizzie's father and step-mother were murdered with an axe. She was put on trial for their murders, but found "Not Guilty." Over a 100 years later, people still debate whether she committed the crime. And if she's guilty, why did she do it?
Jack the Ripper by Michael Burgan
Perhaps the most infamous serial killer of all time, the crimes of Jack the Ripper have been discussed for over a century. In 1888, Jack the Ripper stalked the Whitechapel district in London, England. He murdered 5 known victims before disappearing. Who was he? Over the years, there have been many theories, but his identity remains a secret.
Real Ghost Stories Online: Haunting Encounters Told by Real People by Tony and Jenny Brueski
Based off the podcast! Inspired by a love of ghost stories, Tony and Jenny Brueski started their podcast to collect ghost stories from real people all over the world. In this book, they share some of the the best stories that have been on their show.
Ghosts by Peggy J. Parks
Interested in how ghost hunters go about their work? This book covers the history and folklore surrounding ghosts, what ghost hunters do, and some theories about ghosts.
Hauntings by Gail B. Stewart
Why are some places haunted? Explore the history of haunted places like graveyards, battlegrounds and lighthouses.
Witches!: the Absolutely True Tale of a Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer
Sometimes the real world can be more frightening than fiction! In 1692, two girls began to exhibit strange symptoms. The doctor could not figure out what was wrong with them, so he decided they were cursed. Accusations began to fly, and the Salem Witch Trials began.
The Paranormal Caught on Film by Melvin J. Willin
Imagine getting back from vacation, looking at your photos and finding a spectral person looking over your shoulder in the picture. The images in this book claim to be of ghosts, poltergeists, and other paranormal activity.
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