Haunted USA - (Americana) by Heather Alexander (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From a vampire in Virginia to the Night Marchers of Hawaii, take a state-by-state tour of the most frightening encounters the USA has to offer...if you dare!"--

Book Synopsis

We've got spirits, yes we do! Haunted USA is a terrifying treasure trove of supernatural scares from each of the 50 states, from the vengeful witch of New Hampshire, Goody Cole, to Missouri's unlikely icon, Momo the swamp monster.

In this illustrated compendium drawing on fact, folklore, mythology and urban legend, you'll shine a light on ghosts, ghouls, cryptids, and even a haunted carousel. Some tales will give you chills--like that of Rue, the unfortunate daughter of an Oregon lighthouse-keeper who even today wanders the forlorn tower's guest rooms--while others--like the friendly ghost of Dr. Justina Ford who guides visitors around her old Colorado home--prove that some phantoms still hold on to that friendly American spirit.

Some are downright strange. Have you ever heard of the chocolate-loving ghost of Iowa, or Delaware's specter who can't stand sneezing? Still others are older than the USA itself, from Hawaii's Night Marchers to the ancient Sleeping Buffalo Rock of Montana (which may not be quite so asleep after all).

When you've read all you can handle, turn to the back of the book for a glossary of ghoulish terms and even expert advice on going ghost-hunting yourself!

Whether you're after a campfire fright, a slice of local lore, or a traditional tale to sink your teeth into, Haunted USA is a rich anthology from the land of the really, really brave. With stories that are carefully chosen and sensitively told for 9-12-year-olds, it's perfect for those cozy evenings around Halloween, or for adding a sprinkle of spookiness to a summer road trip.

Review Quotes

"...an attractive, occasionally chilling package."

--The Horn Book Guide

"...an excellent choice for families with ghost sighting hopes who happen to be planning road trips or vacations."

--Youth Services Book Reviews

About the Author

Born in New York and now based in sunny California, Heather Alexander is the author of numerous books for children, both fiction and nonfiction, including Only In America, Eat Bugs: Project Startup, A Child's Introduction to the Nutcracker, A Child's Introduction to Egyptology, and the Wallace and Grace early chapter book series. Heather also works as a children's book editor. Visit her at heatheralexanderbooks.com.

Sam Kalda is an illustrator based in Saint Paul. He has illustrated ten books for children and adults alike, including Of Cats and Men, The Mother of a Movement, and Haunted USA. His work has also appeared on the pages of The New York Times and The New Yorker, among others. He is a gold medal recipient from The Society of Illustrators, New York.