10 Reviews: Best Psychological Thriller Books for Middle Schoolers (Jun 2023)
Reading can help you a lot to sharpen your critical thinking. This article discusses the best psychological thriller books for middle schoolers. Are you ready to look closer?
by
L. Ramadhani
·
updated on
·
price $4.67 - $12.94
·
100 views
·
1 visitors liked products on this page
We hope you love the shops and products we recommend! Just so you know, our site may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and products in stock as of time of publication.
Comparison Table
Product Image |
1
![]()
HMH Books for Young Readers |
2
![]()
Puffin Books |
3
![]()
HarperCollins |
4
![]()
Yearling |
5
![]()
Yearling |
6
![]()
Walden Pond Press |
7
![]()
Puffin Books |
8
![]()
Arthur A. Levine Books |
9
![]()
Yearling |
10
![]()
HarperCollins |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Product Name | Greenglass House | Summerlost | Spirit Hunters | Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library | Holes | York: The Shadow Cipher | The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle | The Parker Inheritance | Moon Over Manifest | The Mysterious Howling |
0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Features | An Intriguing Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | A Well written Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | A Creepy Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | A Perfect Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | An Exciting Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | An Excellent Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers | A Delightful Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers |
AUTHOR | Kate Milford | Ally Condie | Ellen Oh | Chris Grabenstein | Louis Sachar | Laura Ruby | Janet S. Fox | Varian Johnson | Clare Vanderpool | Maryrose Wood |
PAGE LENGTH | 400 pages | 272 pages | 304 pages | 336 pages | 233 pages | 496 pages | 400 pages | 352 pages | 384 pages | 288 pages |
PUBLISHER | HMH Books for Young Readers | Puffin Books | HarperCollins | Yearling | Yearling | Walden Pond Press | Puffin Books | Arthur A. Levine Books | Yearling | HarperCollins |
PUBLICATION DATE | November 1, 2016 | May 9, 2017 | June 26, 2018 | June 24, 2014 | May 9, 2000 | May 1, 2018 | March 7, 2017 | March 27, 2018 | December 27, 2011 | April 21, 2015 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.13 x 0.98 x 7.63 inches | 5.06 x 0.72 x 7.75 inches | 0.2 x 5.1 x 7.5 inches | 5.19 x 0.83 x 7.63 inches | 5.19 x 0.65 x 7.63 inches | 5.12 x 0.99 x 7.62 inches | 5.06 x 1.08 x 7.75 inches | 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches | 5.25 x 0.92 x 7.63 inches | 5.12 x 0.58 x 7.62 inches |
price | $8.54 | $8.99 | $7.99 | $7.29 | $4.67 | $12.94 | $8.99 | $10.89 | $8.99 | $8.91 |
Buy at | view product on HMH Books for Young Readers view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on HarperCollins view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Walden Pond Press view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Amazon view product on eBay | view product on Book Depository view product on HarperCollins view product on Amazon view product on eBay |
When you are a student, you automatically have a lot of homework. Most of them come from school, so you do not have much time to devote to your interest. If, on the other hand, you like to spend your time reading books, you should not worry too much about this. To improve your critical thinking ability, read the best psychological thriller books for middle schoolers. Are you ready to seek it in great detail in the top ten articles?
Table of contents
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 10 Best Psychological Thriller Books for Middle Schoolers: Arthur A. Levine Books, HarperCollins, HMH Books for Young Readers, Puffin Books, Walden Pond Press & Yearling
- Comparison Table: Best Psychological Thriller Books for Middle Schoolers
- Recommendation to read
- Conclusion
Product list
- HMH Books for Young Readers Greenglass House: An Intriguing Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Puffin Books Summerlost : A Well written Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- HarperCollins Spirit Hunters: A Creepy Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Yearling Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library: Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Yearling Holes : A Perfect Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Walden Pond Press York: The Shadow Cipher : Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Puffin Books The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle: An Exciting Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Arthur A. Levine Books The Parker Inheritance : An Excellent Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- Yearling Moon Over Manifest: Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
- HarperCollins The Mysterious Howling: A Delightful Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In case you do not know
What is the difference between a mystery and a thriller?
The main character is preoccupied with discovering the truth about an event, usually a murder. If the protagonist is in danger, it is typically minor and only becomes a problem as the detective gets closer to the truth. The protagonist is in danger from the start of the thriller.
What is the theme of a thriller?
Terrorism, political conspiracies, pursuit, or romantic triangles leading to murder are common themes. Terrorist plots feature characters at odds with one another or external forces. The protagonist in these films is confronted with a problem.
Where did psychological thrillers originate?
The Spy (1821), by James Fenimore Cooper, is one of the earliest precursors to the modern literary thriller, in which an American agent operates in British territory during the Revolutionary War.
When did psychological thrillers become popular?
Psychological thrillers gained popularity in the early 1990s, with Alfred Hitchcock films launching the genre and helping to shape it into what it is today. The Lodger, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, was released in the 1930s (1926).
10 Reviews: Best Psychological Thriller Books for Middle Schoolers (Jun 2023)

1.HMH Books for Young Readers
Greenglass House
An Intriguing Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
At Greenglass House, it’s wintertime. Milo, the innkeeper’s twelve-year-old adopted son, looks forward to a quiet holiday season at the rickety smuggler’s inn. However, the guest bell rings on the first frigid night of vacation. Milo’s house is overflowing with strange, mysterious visitors, all of whom have a connection to the old, dilapidated house in some way. Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, are tasked with solving a series of increasingly complex mysteries at Greenglass House, including the disappearance of artifacts and the escalating rage between residents.
"My 9-yo looks forward to this book each day and already has requested every book in the series."
by Amy-Buffalo
AUTHOR | Kate Milford |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 400 pages |
PUBLISHER | HMH Books for Young Readers |
PUBLICATION DATE | November 1, 2016 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.13 x 0.98 x 7.63 inches |

2.Puffin Books
Summerlost
A Well written Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
It’s been a long time since Cedar’s father and younger brother, Ben, were killed in an accident. For the summer, Cedar and the rest of her family will be returning to Iron Creek. Leo, a costumed biker, passes them as they unpack their belongings at their new home. Cedar is intrigued and follows him to the legendary Summerlost festival. Soon, she has a new friend in Leo and a job at the festival working concessions, but she is also engulfed in a mysterious aura. Summerlost is haunted by the terrible, short-lived life of a Hollywood actress. And there’s the enigma of Cedar’s unique powers.
"It was a very well written book. Full of the emotions of lose and learning to cope and sharing the burden."
by JHB
AUTHOR | Ally Condie |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 272 pages |
PUBLISHER | Puffin Books |
PUBLICATION DATE | May 9, 2017 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.06 x 0.72 x 7.75 inches |

3.HarperCollins
Spirit Hunters
A Creepy Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
This novel will keep you on your toes with a thrilling ghost story and exciting adventure! Harper doesn’t trust her new home, and rumors say it’s haunted. Harper doubts the allegations until her brother Michael acts suspiciously. Harper has déjà vu but can’t recall why. Will she be able to piece together her brother’s actions and the peculiar, menacing sensations in this place from the memories she’s blocking?
"This book kept me on my toes, what a thriller! I felt so in touch with the Harper and only a really great author could create such a connection and compelling story all in one."
by Justine Bae
AUTHOR | Ellen Oh |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 304 pages |
PUBLISHER | HarperCollins |
PUBLICATION DATE | June 26, 2018 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 0.2 x 5.1 x 7.5 inches |

4.Yearling
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
After learning that world-renowned game designer Luigi Lemoncello has designed his hometown’s new library and will host an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to go! But, getting inside the library isn’t hard; it’s getting out. Because the doors are always locked in the morning, a secret escape path can only be discovered by solving all of the clues and hidden puzzles left by Kyle and the other youngsters.
"Bought book for 10 year old. I read it first and LOVED it. I hope she will too."
by Cindy Hunt
AUTHOR | Chris Grabenstein |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 336 pages |
PUBLISHER | Yearling |
PUBLICATION DATE | June 24, 2014 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.19 x 0.83 x 7.63 inches |

5.Yearling
Holes
A Perfect Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Yelnatses have been cursed since his no-good, dirty, rotten, pig-stealing great-great-grandfather. Stanley was unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake, a boys’ correctional institution where they grow character by digging five-foot-deep ditches. Camp Green Lake is dry. Many holes. Stanley quickly realizes Camp Green Lake is about more than character development. The warden wants the guys to dig holes. What’s under a dried-up lake? Stanley searches for the truth in this darkly hilarious tale of crime, punishment, and forgiveness.
"Perfect book to read after lunch. Bonus of watching the movie after. Lots of opportunity to discuss themes, race, making inferences and predictions"
by Coco
AUTHOR | Louis Sachar |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 233 pages |
PUBLISHER | Yearling |
PUBLICATION DATE | May 9, 2000 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.19 x 0.65 x 7.63 inches |

6.Walden Pond Press
York: The Shadow Cipher
Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
The Morningstarr twins arrived in New York in 1798 with a vision for a splendid city and meandering railroad lines. Fifty-seven years later, the enigmatic architects fled, leaving New Yorkers the Old York Cipher, a puzzle that promised an unimaginable wealth. The riddle has never been solved, becoming a tourist attraction. Tess, Theo, and Jaime Cruz live in a Morningstarr apartment until a developer buys the five remaining buildings. Their destruction will ruin a New York fantasy. Tess, Theo, and Jaime must prove the Old York Cipher’s authenticity to save their house. They must fix it.
*Written by my 12yo son: "I enjoyed this book very much. It was well done, and I loved all of the characters. Great for children of all ages. I highly recommend this book.""
by Judy
AUTHOR | Laura Ruby |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 496 pages |
PUBLISHER | Walden Pond Press |
PUBLICATION DATE | May 1, 2018 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.12 x 0.99 x 7.62 inches |

7.Puffin Books
The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle
An Exciting Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Katherine Bateson, 12, explains everything logically. But, even she can’t explain the unusual happenings at Rookskill Castle, the Scottish castle-turned-school where she and her siblings have been transported to escape the London Blitz. What’s causing the nighttime shrieks? Why do the castle’s walls act strangely? Who are the children who haunt Rookskill? Kat thinks Lady Eleanor is hiding a Nazi spy. But, Kat must face reality about what the castle holds and who Lady Eleanor is before it’s too late.
"Nice combination of fantasy and suspenseful reality with likable characters and a strong and clever heroine. Leaves you wanting more."
by WLF
AUTHOR | Janet S. Fox |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 400 pages |
PUBLISHER | Puffin Books |
PUBLICATION DATE | March 7, 2017 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.06 x 1.08 x 7.75 inches |

8.Arthur A. Levine Books
The Parker Inheritance
An Excellent Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Candice is unsure whether or not she should read a letter she finds in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina. She wrote it to her grandma, who fled the town in shame. The letter refers to a young lady. It was an injustice that took place decades ago. The author’s identity is shrouded in obscurity. Then there’s the reward for solving the riddle. To assist her, she enlists the aid of a quiet boy across the street, Brandon. Taking on the quest will bring them into Lambert’s past, which is filled with heinous actions which have their unsaid secrets.
"Excellent read more for middle school than elementary school"
by path
AUTHOR | Varian Johnson |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 352 pages |
PUBLISHER | Arthur A. Levine Books |
PUBLICATION DATE | March 27, 2018 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 6.25 x 1.25 x 9.5 inches |

9.Yearling
Moon Over Manifest
Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Tucker’s alone. Her father sent her to live with a friend while he worked on the railroad. Abilene disembarks at Manifest, Kansas, to learn about her father. Abilene is disappointed with the state of Manifest. Her despair becomes exhilarated when she finds a concealed cigar box with Rattler letters. Abilene, Lettie, and Ruthanne are admonished to “Leave Well Enough Alone” by strange letters. Abilene abandons caution to pay a debt to the recluse Miss Sadie, a diviner who only tells stories from the past. Manifest’s history is filled with nefarious characters and intrigues.
"Great summer read. The characters came to life in Manifest. Abilene is a true hero to read about. This is a great book for all ages."
by Jon
AUTHOR | Clare Vanderpool |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 384 pages |
PUBLISHER | Yearling |
PUBLICATION DATE | December 27, 2011 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.25 x 0.92 x 7.63 inches |

10.HarperCollins
The Mysterious Howling
A Delightful Psychological Thriller Book for Middle Schoolers
Ashton Place’s forest is overrun with Incorrigibles. Alexander, age 10, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, age 4 or 5, barks worse than she bites; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, chases squirrels. Penelope Lumley’s no ordinary governess. Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females graduating Penelope, 15, is 15. First, she must help the kids overcome their canine inclinations before teaching them Latin verbs and globes. How did three wild animals come to Ashton Place? Second, Penelope must teach the Incorrigibles etiquette before Lady Constance’s ball.
"Delightful mystery and wonderful characters, with witty asides. Fun for adults as well as kids. I immediately bought book 2."
AUTHOR | Maryrose Wood |
---|---|
PAGE LENGTH | 288 pages |
PUBLISHER | HarperCollins |
PUBLICATION DATE | April 21, 2015 |
ITEM DIMENSIONS | 5.12 x 0.58 x 7.62 inches |
Most viewed










Conclusion
In conclusion
Middle school students can benefit significantly from reading works in the psychological thriller genre. This subgenre is functional, particularly for someone like you who enjoys viewing many instances. In addition, the cases are relevant to the daily issues people face. Finally, you may improve your memory and ability to think critically via practice. Therefore, out of the books listed above that are considered the best psychological thriller for middle schoolers, which one do you plan to read?