I read Paul Tremblay's, Horror Movie last year and it was very scary, so I was interested to see how he would write a middle grade horror book.

This was SO CREEPY, in the best way of course! I liked that the scary element was unique and not just another ghost story (which I still love, I just enjoyed that this was different.) I also think he did a good job of balancing character development through the elements of horror.

If you like scary stories, even if you are an adult you'll like this one! Great for R.L. Stine fans young and old!

A creepy read at any age! Paul Tremblay’s first middle-grade novel has everything we didn’t have as Gen X horror loving children who graduated from a doctor (Seuss) to a King (Stephen) with almost nothing in between. (Yes, R.L. Stone is great - but came a little later than middle school for me).
Another deals with themes that tweens and young teens deal with - bullying, loneliness, fear of disappointing adults, even self-identity. And it is scary, filled with creepy imagery, but, most importantly, Tremblay isn’t condescending to his young reader - he uses complex language, and when he uses words or phrases that may be new to the reader - like mycelium or uncanny valley - he is careful to provide context and definition that seems natural within the work. Another is a perfect read for any budding horror lover.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

This book was so uncomfortable- in a good way! There's a nagging feeling that something isn't right from page one that only grows as the story progresses. So tense!

I love a fellow weeb featured in books, and felt this was accurate as to what younger kids were up to during the pandemic.

I didn't realize this was middle grade when I requested it off of NetGalley, but I'm glad I stuck with it!

What made this story truly special was Casey himself. He was a brave kid, and perhaps his outcast status resonated with me a bit, making me feel protective of him in a way I couldn’t be for myself as a child. Because I loved Casey, I worried intensely for him, which made this middle grade novel a compelling page turner!

It helped, of course, that Paul Tremblay didn’t stray from his signature weirdness. I always find that satisfying in his horror stories. I never know what I’ll get from them, which makes it easy to excitedly gobble them up.

Another was just creepy enough to unsettle while being oddly unrealistic enough to not give young readers lasting nightmares or new concerns to anxiously ruminate over. Tremblay did incorporate a small dose of reality in it, though, and I appreciated his lesson on how human our own parents are; how easily they might fail us, even if they desperately try not to. Far too many external circumstances are beyond their control.

I am so happy to know that I will love Paul Tremblay’s work, no matter how old his target audience is. Another was a huge hit for me, and I am well past my middle grade years!

I am immensely grateful to Quill Tree Books and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley fir providing me this eARC in exchange for a honest review. I did not go up in the Goosebumps or Are You Afraid of the Dark? era but I get the impression that these are the feels I got reading Another. Subtly creepy. Insidious storytelling. I was frightened for the main character and his family. Tremblay with his first young readers novel is a must read. Highly recommended.

I really enjoy Paul Tremblay’s adult books so I was excited when I saw he had done a middle grade novel. This definitely had R.L. Stine vibes and I enjoyed it a lot. I think it would make an excellent tv movie or something. I wasn’t sure how to feel about the pandemic being the backdrop of the story. I think it worked well for the story the author wanted to tell, but I am not sure I’m ready for books about the pandemic. It was the only piece that hindered my enjoyment at all. Casey is confused when his parents say that a friend is going to come over and spend some time with him since he hasn’t had any friends since an embarrassing incident at school. The man who brings Morel is strange, but the boy Morel that he brings is even stranger yet. Casey becomes slightly concerned when he starts to notice some strange changes. I think the most powerful piece for me was when he talked about how his parents hadn’t been able to protect him. If that’s not growing up I don’t know what is. I definitely enjoyed this and while I, understandably as an adult, enjoy his adult books more I would definitely read more middle grade or young adult fiction by this author.

Another is a middle grade horror novel by modern horror master Paul Tremblay that is perfect for all ages. Admittedly, I don’t read a lot of YA or middle grade books, but I found Another to be incredibly effective as a horror novel and there is plenty to love here for adult horror readers, too.

The novel follows Casey, a middle schooler who is feeling lonely after “the Zoom incident” causes many of his friends to treat him differently. A mysterious man brings Casey a new friend, Morel, to stay with Casey and his parents for several days over break. There is something peculiar about Morel, in that he appears to be made of clay and cannot talk. Weirdness then ensues (I don’t want to spoil anything).

This book was incredibly creepy and really the only things that separate this from Paul’s other works are, as he says in the intro letter to the ARC, that there is no ambiguity and not really any violence (and no swearing). Otherwise, this is classic Tremblay with great wit and humor and a slow creeping dread throughout. I really felt for Casey and his growing feelings of isolation, wanting to fit in, and struggling to express himself.

Another can also be looked at as an allegory for the crisis we face as humans right now with A1 (I’m using the WWE woman’s pronunciation, HA) and how the arts and creativity cannot be replaced by non-humans.

Another is an excellent short horror novel perfect for anyone looking for a breezy horror read. Check it out!

Thank you to HarperCollins and Quill Tree Books for providing me with the eARC on NetGalley.

Knowing Paul Tremblay primarily from his adult horror, I was really curious about his middle-grade debut, "Another," and how his style would translate. And I found he adapts his knack for deeply unsettling atmosphere remarkably well for a younger audience. The premise – a young boy essentially finding himself being subtly replaced by an identical 'other' – taps into some classic, potent childhood fears about identity, recognition, and belonging that felt immediately resonant.

The book successfully cultivates a genuinely creepy, 'sinking-into-quicksand' vibe throughout. It felt quite suspenseful as the protagonist struggles to hold onto himself and make others see the truth, effectively exploring anxieties around isolation and loss-of-self in a way that I imagine would really connect with middle-grade readers. For me as an adult reader, it definitely sparked some nostalgia for the thrillers I read at that age, but delivered with Tremblay's distinctively unsettling touch.

Naturally, being aimed at a middle-grade audience, the narrative structure and prose are more direct and accessible than in his adult novels. While my personal preference often leans towards more complexity, I felt the clear focus here was on delivering that core creepy concept and the emotional struggle effectively for the intended readers, which it seems to achieve skillfully.

Overall, "Another" struck me as a very successful foray into middle-grade horror by a master of the adult form. It's creepy, suspenseful, surprisingly thoughtful, and explores relevant fears with genuine craft. A strong recommendation for younger fans of spooky stories, and an interesting, quick read for adult fans of Tremblay wanting to see his range.

Enjoyed this YA book by Paul Tremblay. I have read several of his adult novels, and have enjoyed them all, but wasn't sure about this. Turned out I was wrong, and it was a very enjoyable read. Will definitely be getting this for the nephews and nieces. Can't wait to see where Paul Tremblay goes next. #Another #NetGalley

Another by Paul Tremblay is a haunting, mind-bending thriller that blurs the line between reality and paranoia. Tremblay masterfully crafts a narrative filled with unease, dread, and psychological tension. His prose is sharp and unsettling, drawing readers into a story that constantly shifts beneath their feet. With themes of identity, grief, and the unknowable, Another grips from start to finish, leaving lingering questions long after the final page. Fans of literary horror and psychological suspense will appreciate Tremblay's signature ambiguity and chilling atmosphere. It's a disorienting, provocative read that challenges perceptions and demands a second look. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books/Quill Tree Books as well as Mr. Tremblay for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.Quill Tree Books
#Another #HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks #QuillTreeBooks #PaulTremblay #MiddleGrade #Horror #Fiction BookReview

Title: Another
Author: Paul Tremblay
Format: eBook
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books/Quill Tree Books
Publication Date: July 22, 2025
Themes: Family, Coming of age, parent/child relationships, sibling relationships
Trigger Warnings: Child neglect, bullying,

Why is middle grade horror often so much scarier than other horror? Also, why is this not more widely recognized? Well, this creepy book is no exception. I’d expect nothing less from Paul Tremblay. This book follows Casey Wilson and his family. Casey is a quirky boy who struggles socially as well as academically. When Casey’s parents bring home an old rotary phone, he’s fascinated until the phone rings one day, saying that Casey’s “friend” will be coming for a sleepover. Soon, Morel shows up. He has no facial features and appears to be made of clay. At first, Casey enjoys Morel’s company, but soon Casey notices that some things are very different with his parents and himself. Is Morel responsible for these sinister happenings or is it something bigger….and more foreboding?

Everything Paul Tremblay has written has been phenomenal. He’s easily a top five author for me so I jumped on this one. The character of Casey is someone many of us can relate to and/or empathize with. He’s a very endearing and sympathetic character and made this reader desperately want to mother him. The story progressed at the perfect pace and I finished the whole book on a three hour flight. I couldn’t put it down. This is yet another time I need to thank Paul Tremblay for providing me with comfort during an uncomfortable situation. I was very excited to see how he would end a middle grade book as he’s well known for his ambiguous endings. I loved it.

All in all, I recommend this to any Paul Tremblay fan. Everyone should read this!!

I think every kid goes through their middle school years as a ball of anxiety. Wondering how they're going to fail and who is going to bear witness. Afraid of disappointing parents and confident that they aren't "enough." This book does a great job of relaying those fears.

Tremblay’s foray into middle grade horror is creepy and full of dread, never talking down to the reader or force feeding any kind of explanation. What you see is what you get. It’s a terrific exploration of developing identity, and the perception of how a kid sees themselves versus how they anticipate the world sees them, a theme that will undoubtedly resonate with young readers.

Casey has no clue what friend his parents are referring to when they inform him he’s coming over for a sleepover. Casey doesn’t have any real friends ever since the Zoom incident during the pandemic. When Morel shows up at his door, Casey doesn’t think he looks like any kid he’s ever seen before. His skin looks like clay and has all sorts of weird “rules” he has to follow. No eating. No sleeping in a bed. But his parents seem to be enamored by him, so Casey goes with the flow. As the days go by and the sleepover never seems like it’s going to end, Morel slowly starts to replace Casey in his parents’ eyes. Literally. Casey's skin begins to appear like clay and Morel’s appearance shifts to look identical to the “old” Casey. What is happening, and what can Casey do to stop it?

Another is teenage horror story squarely aimed at the 13-18-year-old market. Instead of blood and guts, Tremblay applies layers of dread to slow amp up the horror. What we end up with is an effectively eerie tale that is perfect for your teenager.

4 Spoor Shooting Rotary Telephones out of 5

I had forgotten how much I enjoy a good YA novel. It's been a while since I've read a middle grade book, and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Morel definitely had a good eerie presence throughout the majority of the book. I definitely feel like I knew what was happening or going to happen before it actually happened BUT for being a middle grade book, it had the right amount of creepiness. My heart actually broke for Casey in this book and how he just felt unaccepted, ridiculed, and abandoned by his 'friends'. And to top it off having it take place during the pandemic, ugh that hit me hard having experienced teaching during that time and how difficult it was not just on us teachers but on the students as well.
As a current 7th grade reading teacher, this is a book I can definitely see my students reading and enjoying!

I can honestly say that I found this book more unsettling than many adult horror novels. This one will stay with me for a while.

The story follows Casey, a young boy struggling to fit in amongst his peers and having a hard time in school. Casey is surprised when his parents tell him he has a new friend coming over to stay the night. At first, Casey is excited at the prospect - however, that excitement slowly turns to fear as Casey realizes there is something very strange about his new friend.

Using the early days of the pandemic as as a backdrop, Tremblay further deepens the reader's sense of loneliness and isolation. There are elements of this story that are absolutely chilling. Tremblay has successfully crafted a story that will spark interest in new young horror readers and creep out readers of all ages.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book can best be described as creepy and unsettling. The author definitely crafted this story in a way that blends horror and a coming of age story together. Don’t allow the fact that this book is for Middle schoolers fool you! This book can be read by all its that good.

If you’re a fan of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” “Goosebumps” and or “Are you afraid of the dark” this is most definitely the book you want to read. This book is very reminiscent of the mentioned shows/ movies.

This book is about a kid named “Casey” he has definitely come to the realization we have come to terms with “being a kid while growing up” and “ going to school sucks”. Casey has an unfortunate incident on a zoom call that changes everything. One day out of nowhere his parents purchase an old rotary phone that changes everything.

Then one day Casey gets a new friend name “Morel”. He comes and slowly over a course of the week Casey notices Morel is being coming different. I don’t want to give too much away. In times of adversity you have to stay true to yourself and Casey is the prime example of that.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Children’s Books- Quill Tree Books and Paul Tremblay for the ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

In Another, readers are pulled into a tense, surreal tale of isolation, identity, and the creeping dread of being replaced. Centered on Casey Wilson—a boy struggling with social rejection and worsening tics after the mysterious “Zoom Incident”—this novel is a masterclass in psychological horror wrapped in the deceptively simple premise of a childhood sleepover gone wrong.

Casey’s confusion begins when his parents announce that “a friend” is coming over. It's strange enough considering no one talks to him anymore, but when Morel arrives—silent, clay-skinned, and decidedly off—it becomes clear that something is very, very wrong. As his parents, once warm and attentive, start doting on this eerie guest and distancing themselves from Casey, the unease thickens. Morel doesn’t act like a kid. In fact, he doesn’t even look like one—at least not all the time.

The brilliance of Another lies in its claustrophobic atmosphere and emotional intensity. Through Casey’s eyes, we experience a descent into uncanny horror that feels deeply personal. The house becomes a prison, and the sleepover stretches into an endless twilight where reality is slipping. The author explores themes of neurodivergence, alienation, and the terror of being unseen—of being replaced—with empathy and edge.

Despite its creepy premise, the book is layered with heart and insight. Casey is a fully realized protagonist whose inner world is as compelling as the external threat he faces. His vulnerability, confusion, and quiet resilience make the story hit harder than your average horror tale.

If you’re a fan of Coraline, The Twilight Zone, or Stranger Things with a psychological twist, Another will get under your skin in the best way. It’s chilling, smart, and oddly heartbreaking—a tale that lingers long after the lights go out.

Rating: 4.7/5

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This book really brought me back to reading goosebumps in middle school and scaring myself to an embarrassing degree right before bed. I read this in one sitting (as I am not, in fact, middle grade) and REALLY enjoyed it! It is such a classic weird suspense horror! No violence, no cursing, no gratuitous grossness. This was pure suspense & buildup!
I really recommend this if you like horror but don't want the gory or violent kind that you commonly see for adults. I think this book would be great for a large range of ages since it is so "clean". I can see my students really liking this.

I have read and enjoyed a few of Tremblay's adult novels and this one did not let me down.

This was as creepy a coming of age story as I've ever read. I don't really know how to describe it without giving away the plot. It's odd and unsettling while also being a story about unlikely friendship and finding yourself in the face of losing who you are.

The read is quick. It's well written. It's worth giving a go. Try it out.