If you’re looking for a middle-grade horror book that’s eerie, unsettling, and sticks with you, Another by Paul Tremblay delivers. The story follows Casey, a lonely kid dealing with the fallout of the “Zoom Incident,” whose life gets even stranger when a silent, clay-skinned boy named Morel arrives for an endless sleepover. It’s a slow-burn psychological horror with deep themes of isolation and identity. Creepy, thought-provoking, and genuinely unsettling.

I would have LOVED to read this when I was younger.

Paul Tremblay has written a book for younger readers that is creepy enough to keep readers of all ages on edge. I'm not sure if you'd call it a book about changeling, or if it is just a weird supernatural phenomenon, but either way, this book was excellent!

Casey was a complex, well-developed character that I felt a wide range of emotions for as the story unfolded.

I don't want to give away too much about this one because it is worth experiencing without too much information.

Horror fans of all ages should read this one though!

This book is perfect and I am so excited to be able to introduce a new generation of horror readers to one of the best doing it. I promote MG horror all day everyday at my library and I am so stoked to be able to add one of my favorite authors to that category!

This is a middle grade book by the author of Horror Movie and The Cabin at the End of the World that is what I can only describe as creepy. And maybe, freaky. Kind of an “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” for kids.

I loved the main character, Casey, who suffers from anxiety issues that have made him the kid who gets picked on because, sadly, there is always at least one in every class, sometimes more. And we were just getting to the point where people were starting to respect that we are all individuals and some of us might behave differently than others. I was so conflict-avoidant as a child that I was shocked when a fellow student said she admired the fact I never fought—that’s how common fighting was.

Anyway, back to Casey—I don’t want to give away too much but I really, really enjoyed this book. Oh, and you’ll never look at mushrooms the same way again, bwahahaha.

i didn't know this was a middle school book when I got it but I gave it a shot anyway because I love Paul Tremblay and let me tell you this book is a little creepy. Not to creepy that I wouldn't give it to my kids but it was great and well written for a middle school book.

This book had me so anxious and upset, wanting so badly to protect my book son.
I can't wait for kids to read this and fall in love with being scared and just fall in love with reading! It was fast paced and the lore was so good. In the end, such concerns were beside the point. Another represents Tremblay’s most straightforward horror story to date. It’s a spooky trip into the uncanny valley, with a take on the body-snatcher trope that plays on preteen insecurities as well as marching us straight into the uncanny valley.

Paul Tremblay is one of my favorite adult horror writers, so I was intrigued when I saw that he was coming out with a middle grade book. Even though some of his content had to be toned down for a younger audience, he still managed to tell an extremely creepy story that tackles important themes. Casey has been lonely and struggling in school ever since The Incident. When a mysterious man shows up at his house bringing along Morel, a boy that looks like he was made out of clay, his life gets a whole lot stranger.

I really enjoyed following Casey as the main character. It was interesting watching his interactions with his parents and Morel and seeing how they morphed and changed throughout the course of the story. The way the horror elements were being used to show Casey’s fears about his relationships and his self worth were really impactful.

There were some seriously chilling scenes and descriptions in this book. Don’t think that just because it’s for a middle grade audience that it won’t be spooky. The way he writes things like being in bed and feeling like you can sense something moving behind you but you don’t want to look and confirm your fears just work so well.

Definitely add this one to your TBR if you like creepy books with great character development and something to say.

In Another, Paul Tremblay offers a gripping, unsettling tale that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the supernatural through the lens of middle-grade horror. The novel follows Casey Wilson, a young boy struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event known only as the "Zoom Incident." With tics worsening and a strained relationship with his peers, Casey feels more isolated than ever—until a mysterious boy named Morel shows up for an extended sleepover that quickly takes a dark turn.

Morel is unlike any friend Casey has known. His clay-like skin and silent demeanor set him apart, yet Casey's parents, once warm and supportive, begin to lavish attention on the strange newcomer, much to Casey's growing unease. As Morel's presence grows more dominant and unsettling, Casey begins to realize that his family is slipping further away, and he fears the boy might be replacing him altogether. The tension builds as Casey struggles to reclaim his place in a world that is increasingly indifferent to his existence.

While I’m not always drawn to Paul Tremblay's writing style, finding it occasionally meandering and distancing, there's no denying the suspense and psychological tension he creates here. Another is a compelling, though slightly disorienting, exploration of a boy grappling with the loss of control over his own life. The slow unraveling of reality keeps readers on edge, questioning the true nature of Morel and the motivations of those around Casey.

What makes Another particularly effective is its ability to balance the supernatural with the deeply personal. As Casey faces the challenge of asserting his identity, he is forced to confront his fears and insecurities in a world that feels increasingly hostile. The horror isn’t just in the otherworldly presence of Morel—it’s in the disconnection from his family, the erosion of trust, and the psychological torment of watching himself be replaced.

Though Tremblay’s style may not be universally appealing, Another shines as a thought-provoking middle-grade novel that taps into the universal fear of being forgotten, displaced, or misunderstood. It’s a dark, surreal journey into the complexities of self-worth, family, and the unsettling idea that sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones that come from within.

Overall, Another is a solid, if somewhat eerie, addition to the genre of supernatural middle-grade fiction. It’s an engaging, sometimes unnerving, exploration of growing up and finding your place in the world—especially when the world seems intent on replacing you. Tremblay fans and readers looking for a compelling, albeit slightly uncomfortable, coming-of-age story with a supernatural twist will find much to enjoy here.

Lonely teen Casey navigates post pandemic life with anxiety. He knows who he is but doesn’t quite? You know what I mean, right? Casey gets a strange visit from an even stranger man who brings him a new “friend” for a long sleepover. His friend doesn’t exactly have eyes and he can’t talk BUT Casey’s parents seem to like him and, well, Casey can’t be too choosey about friends these days so… despite his feelings of unease, he decides to roll with it and see what happens.
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What a DELIGHT to read a middle grade novel by one of my favorite horror authors! Paul Tremblay has given us a horror novel that will not only creep you out, but will also make you think, feel connected, and make you feel grateful for what you have- at least, it made me feel grateful. Teachers- this is a great book to open up discussion with your students about identity and anxiety. O and it’ll gross you out, in all the good ways :) I will definitely be reading this with my 8th graders next school year!
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Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. This book will be published on July 22, 2025! Go pre-order now! 🍄🫀

Thanks to netgalley and harpercollins for this early access copy by my fav 🫶

(I don't really know how to rate this. I'm not a child, I don't have children, I feel like I have no business claiming this worked/didn't work as a middle grade horror story)

Having said that, I had so much fun reading this! I'm a huge Tremblay fan but I was worried I'd get bored with a story geared towards a younger audience (lookin at you, PG-13 horror movies 👀). But I feel like he did such a good job of making it accessible to that age group without compromising his trademark style (little nods to horror tropes, relatable characters, nerdy tangents, untidy endings, and ofc scares). Even though the plot itself is straightforward, it still has so much to say about adolescence and belonging in the digital age.

Tldr; Paul Tremblay writes Goosebumps and it SLAPS
I would kill to gift this to my fourth grade self

This young adult novel by Tremblay was super creepy and I told my daughter who loves goosebumps books that she could read this right after me. A boy let's his friend, who is not like other boys, for a sleepover. Why do his parents love this other kid so much?! You will find out..

Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm always very happy about an ARC and being able to give it a review! <3

First of all: I love the cover and it leaves a lot of room for imagination!

The story is well-written and easy to get in. There's no unnecessary length. But for me personally it was not scary or creepy at all 🙈 but I could also easily imagine the story as a mini-series.

Great story that's easy to devour in between :)

Casey spends most of his days hunched over his drawing desk or texting with his sister who has moved away to college- leaving him feeling alone in his own home. In the wake of the COVID pandemic, Casey finds himself developing nervous “tics” which has been exploited by his classmates deeming him an outcast in his school- thrusting Casey into deeper isolation. Casey’s parents are trying their best to support him; so when a strange man calls their nostalgic rotary and shows up with a new friend for Casey, they are more than willing to accommodate. Are they being too accommodating to Casey’s new friend, making Casey once again an outcast but in his own home?
Nothing is more isolating than feeling as if you are not seen or heard by your family- just ask Casey!
So the beginning of this novel seemed to drag on for me and I would find myself forcing to get the point where the story would grip my attention. Unfortunately, my attention did not latch until about half way through, but after that point I immediately needed to finish it.
My honest opinion would be that children (for whom the book is aimed for) would also have a hard time focusing as the first half was extremely repetitive and bland. However, the imagery and descriptions in the story are fantastic! Morel has a very unexpected change and grow moment which also stole my heart!
Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I was gifted a copy of this ebook from Net Galley and HarperCollins Children's Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is available Jul 22, 2025. This is Paul Tremblay's first middle grade horror and I hope he writes more! It was creepy, engaging, and relatable. I think my 4th graders will eat this up. I also think any adult fan of Tremblay would enjoy this book as well. Lots of great body horror as well as a heartwarming story of not fitting in under all the creepiness. I will definitely get a copy of this for my class library when it comes out!

Wow, a middle grade book from Paul Tremblay! What an interesting reflection on the fallout of Covid-19 for children - from the isolation, awkwardness of remote learning, and feelings of hopelessness. As with most of Tremblay's work, certain plot points feel a bit too vague/abstract for me personally, but I do think young horror readers will enjoy this book.

NOTE: This is a translated version of the original review posted in spanish.

Rating: 3.7 Stars

I'm closing out my February readings with the latest book from one of my favorite horror authors. The moment I knew Paul Tremblay would be publishing a new book this year, I ran to Netgalley to request an advanced copy. How could I let it pass?!

This time, Tremblay brings us a horror novel aimed at children, in which our main character is struggling with bullying at school and is at a vulnerable moment in his young life. Just at that moment, the boy and his family receive a strange visit from a "friend" made of clay, who will gradually take on a more important role in his life. At first, the book is a bit slow and confusing. I didn't understand where the story was going until I was well into the reading. However, once the narrative picks up the right pace, things start to get more interesting.

It's funny how in horror novels involving children, the parents are always the worst possible role models. In this case, the reader can't help but feel desperate when reading the scenes with Casey's parents. They are impressively clumsy. Obviously, this will begin to make sense when Paul Tremblay explains the reason why Casey's parents behave the way they do. It's here that Tremblay reveals that this is a botanical horror novel, in which natural elements will play an important role in the plot.

I liked how Casey's frustration and fear became more palpable as the story progressed. Morel slowly takes over her life, aiming to replace her, and Casey realizes there's little she can do about it. This is a perfect book for young readers, as it's an entertaining story. However, I don't think more mature readers will enjoy it, as it can be a bit simplistic and lacks major plot twists. I recommend it to anyone looking for a simple story to read on a trip or a weekend at home.

This was a cute book. It's a middle grade story and a very quick read. I recommend checking it out. Thank you to Netgalley for this arc.

Casey Wilson is struggling at school. It’s the middle of the pandemic and the stress and isolation of hybrid schooling, the potential for illness, and an embarrassing Zoom mishap have sent Casey into a tailspin. So, when Casey’s parents receive a phone call to set up a sleepover with a friend, Casey has no idea who that friend may be. All Casey’s friends no longer talk to him, embarrassed by his new stress-induced tics. When Morel and his father show up on the Wilson’s doorstep, Casey has no idea who they are. Morel can’t speak and looks more like clay than boy. He cannot possibly be a real person. However, Casey’s parents are charmed by Morel. Soon, they even start to pay him more attention than Casey. As the sleepover drags on for days, Casey feels like he’s fading into the background of his own home. Who is Morel? What is he?

Another is an upcoming release for middle-grade readers by horror author, Paul Tremblay. I grew up with Goosebumps and Scary Stories To Tell in the Dark. I’m thrilled to see that there are horror authors out there that will be able to add to the relatively small pile of horror books for middle-grade readers. This read felt age-appropriate for the target audience, but still created a sense of creepiness and unease. I enjoyed Casey as a character and felt that there were some really great lessons in here. It’s ok to be different. It’s ok to learn differently. It’s ok to like drawing more than baseball. It’s ok to see a therapist. It’s ok to struggle as long as you never give up. It’s ok to just be yourself. Sometimes accepting yourself opens you up to finding true friends where you may not have had the courage to look before. All of these are wonderful lessons for middle schoolers and even older readers. I think it will be easy for many to see themselves in Casey. I also loved the relationship between Casey and his sister, Ally. Their banter was such a wonderful aspect of the book and I’m so glad that their bond was included. So many books focus on sibling rivalry, so it was nice to read a book where the siblings still acted like siblings, but there was clearly love there as well. I will not give anything away regarding who or what Morel is, but I will say that Tremblay uses one of my favorite horror genres/“monsters.” If he wants to write an adult horror in this genre, I’m all aboard. Just saying. Hint hint, Paul. Anyway, it was an honor to get the opportunity to read and review a Tremblay book before release. Special thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and Quill Tree Books for the opportunity. Another by Paul Tremblay will release on July 22, 2025, so if you have a young horror lover in your life, hop on it! 4/5 stars

ANOTHER is a perfectly creepy middle grade tale with a lot of heart. Casey is a 12 year old boy who is struggling in school after the COVID pandemic forced him to isolate and then reintegrate. Morel shows up at his doorstep, a new, strange friend, filling a void in Casey's life. But, something is very off about Morel. His parents don't seem to notice and Casey wants so much to be a good friend to Morel that he chooses to look past his oddities until those oddities threaten Casey's very existence. ANOTHER is a story of friendship, family, and organic horror featuring a wonderful protagonist that I think a lot of kids will relate to. Casey struggles with making friends and fitting in and Paul Tremblay illustrates beautifully that all the things that make him different also make him special and worthy of love. All of this wrapped in a very spine-tingling package will delight and recruit new young horror fans, while scratching the itch a lot of us older horror fans have for R.L. Stine's GOOSEBUMPS books. I also loved the fact that the story was left kind of open so that we might get more of Morel.

Paul Tremblay brings his signature creeping dread to a middle-grade audience with Another, an unsettling horror novel that explores isolation, family dynamics, and the lingering effects of a post-pandemic world.

At the center of the story is Casey Wilson, a lonely, anxious pre-teen still haunted by the mysterious “Zoom Incident.” When his parents announce that a friend is coming over for a sleepover, Casey is confused—he doesn’t have any friends. Then Morel arrives, a silent, strange boy with clay-like skin and an unnerving presence. As Morel’s stay extends indefinitely, Casey’s loving parents begin to change, favoring this eerie newcomer over their own son. And in the dark, when Casey catches glimpses of Morel out of the corner of his eye, he realizes Morel might not be human at all.

Tremblay masterfully captures the unique anxieties of growing up—social rejection, family alienation, and the strange loneliness that lingers in the digital age. The horror here is slow-burning and psychological, relying on unease rather than outright terror. Some younger readers might find the pacing a bit sluggish, but those who enjoy atmospheric horror will appreciate the way the tension builds to a chilling, ambiguous conclusion.

With its eerie premise and deeply relatable protagonist, Another is a haunting, memorable read for fans of Goosebumps with a darker edge. While the slow-burn storytelling may not satisfy readers looking for fast-paced scares, those who appreciate psychological horror will find themselves thinking about this book long after they turn the final page.