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  • Nightbooks by J. A. White book cover
  • Nightbooks by J. A. White book cover
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Nightbooks

by J. A. White

Stories as a way out

$12.56 USD
$20.94 USD $12.56 USD
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Paperback New English

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Awards & Recognition

  • Award recognition

    YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nomination

    YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nomination.

  • Book club selection

    Summer 2018 Kids' Indie Next List

    Included on the Summer 2018 Kids' Indie Next List.

  • Editorial selection

    Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2019 (9-12)

    Named a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2019 for ages 9-12.

AlbakiReads Editorial

Stories as a way out

Alex’s nightly bargain with the witch Natacha gives storytelling a double role: each scary tale keeps him alive, while the larger predicament turns him into a character seeking an escape of his own. The book frames this contemporary fantasy around the making of suspense, with writing tips on hooks, plot twists, internal logic, and writer’s block woven into the story. Its Scheherazade-inspired setup connects the danger facing Alex with the craft of inventing tales, while his knowledge that scary stories rarely promise happy endings sharpens the question of whether he can find a different one.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Ages 9–12 interested in contemporary fantasy and scary stories.
  • Young readers curious about suspense, plot twists, and how stories are put together.
  • Readers who enjoy a witch-centered perilous premise with writing advice woven in.

Themes

Storytelling and survivalSuspense and story craftFear and the possibility of a different ending

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A boy is imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story each night to stay alive. This thrilling contemporary fantasy from J. A. White, the acclaimed author of the Thickety series, brings to life the magic and craft of storytelling.

Alex's original hair-raising tales are the only thing keeping the witch Natacha happy, but soon he'll run out of pages to read from and be trapped forever. He's loved scary stories his whole life, and he knows most don't have a happily ever after. Now that Alex is trapped in a true terrifying tale, he's desperate for a different ending--and a way out of this twisted place.

This modern spin on the Scheherazade story is perfect for fans of Coraline and A Tale Dark and Grimm. With interwoven tips on writing with suspense, adding in plot twists, hooks, interior logic, and dealing with writer's block, this is the ideal book for budding writers and all readers of delightfully just-dark-enough tales.

* Summer 2018 Kids' Indie Next List * YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Nomination * 2019-2020 Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award * 2020 Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee * Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2019 (9-12) * 2020-2021 Missouri Association of School Librarians Truman Readers Award Preliminary Nominee * Texas Bluebonnet Award List 2020-2021 * South Carolina Junior Book Award Nominee (2021-2022) *

Plus return to the world of Nightbooks--if you dare--with J. A. White's follow-up, Gravebooks!

    ?Perfect for Halloween readingFeatures light scaresA charming cozy seasonal pick

Shipping & returnsShipping options, delivery timing, and our return policy.

In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

For the initial delivery estimate we use these transit windows after dispatch: Standard 5–8 business days, Expedited 2–4 business days, and Priority 1–2 business days. Holiday delays are not included.

Eligible items can be returned within 30 days in accordance with our return policy.

Customer reviews

M
AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
AlbakiReads
Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

E
AlbakiReads
Ella

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
AlbakiReads
Olivia

Smooth.