"Another" by Paul Tremblay is an engaging middle-grade story that hits all the right notes. It’s genuinely creepy at times, making me nostalgic for my Goosebumps-era reads. Tremblay balances the chills with heart, making this a solid pick for younger readers who enjoy a good scare without it being too overwhelming.
As an adult reader, I found myself enjoying it, and it’s definitely encouraged me to explore his adult novels.

I was provided this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, and I can say it’s worth a read. A solid 4 stars.

Tremblay builds suspense throughout, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat waiting to see what happens to Casey and his parents, but the real trick is the horror that sneaks up on you at night when you’re falling asleep.

This is horror, with creepy stuff and things that are certainly not of our world, but the core of the story is utterly human. The anxiety as your world is spinning out of control, the feeling of people missing who you were and resenting who you’ve become - that’s all grounded in the very real world of growing up.

Loved! My son also enjoyed this book. We read it together. A middle school horror story about a young boy who is yearning for friends. One day his parents tell him a friend is coming to sleep over. The story gets twisty from there. This is a fun story for tweens.

Casey is a young and lonely boy, so when his parents tell him a friend is coming over he is very confused as to who it might be and why

This book was a real surprise. Casey is a wonderfully three dimensional character who just wants to draw and watch anime and maybe have a friend (I mean can you get more relatable.) The horror in this made me really question how it was middle grade because I was just absolutely chilled to my core at some of the imagery and themes. This book is great because it's all about the power in being unabashedly yourself even in the more bizarre times. There is strong familial love and the truth about friendship all set on a very creepy (and oddly dusty) stage. I hope this book or some characters get revisited sometime down the line even if in a short. I highly recommend reading when it comes out!

This was a fun middle grade horror novel that is sure to satisfy readers of all ages.
This story of Casey and his new friend, Morel, is the stuff of magic, and Tremblay delivers a sharp, witty, and scary tale of insecurity,
envy, and finally, true friendship. I read this in two sittings because of the author's talent in pacing, dialogue, and character development.
A very enjoyable read, especially for middle grade readers but, as I said, you don't have to be middle grade to enjoy this novel.
Well done!

A Tremblay book that my son can read?! What an amazing middle grade story by a man I will read anything from. My son also loved the book!

Paul Tremblay’s foray into middle-grade horror—how delightfully unexpected! This was like a step up from Goosebumps with a bit more elevated writing and more of the creep factor.

Tremblay managed to infuse his trademark unsettling atmosphere into a narrative fit for younger readers.

Another pulls no punches in blending the supernatural with a pandemic-shaped lens—Tremblay’s deftness in psychological horror clearly shines here. Tackling fear through a child’s perspective, particularly in a post-pandemic world, feels remarkably timely. Kids today, having navigated their own global upheavals, can perhaps see their anxieties mirrored in Casey’s story, making the scares hit all the closer to home.

Tremblay struck a fine balance—keeping his eerie essence intact while tailoring his storytelling to younger readers’ sensibilities. Simplifying the dialogue and prose to meet them where they are, without sacrificing depth, is no small feat. A proper entry point for budding horror enthusiasts!

This one could leave a lasting impression—one of those tales kids think about long after the lights are out, or it can be more of a quick thrill. I think it could go either way depending on the reader and their life during the pandemic and whether they can relate more to Casey’s experience. It ends with a bit of ann open-ended conclusion—a hallmark of Tremblay’s work. It’s such a clever way to let the story stretch beyond the page, leaving readers to wrestle with its implications.

Another is not only an excellent gateway for a younger audience but also a worthy addition to the shelves of seasoned Tremblay fans.

I think Tremblay delivered this brilliantly—acknowledging the pandemic without letting it dominate the narrative, a tricky feat many writers stumble over.

Middle grade horror is very much a genre that often contains deceptively profound insights wrapped in accessible storytelling. This is definitely a worthy read for kids in today’s society that seek a little more fright with their books.

I shouldn’t be surprised that a teacher could make such a successful first foray from adult audiences to middle grade horror. I would have loved Another at that age, especially coming out of the difficulty of the pandemic years. There’s a theme I’ve noticed in almost all of the younger horror novels I’ve read which is that parents can’t always protect their kids. It’s a frightening concept whether you’re young or “grown”. I appreciated the uniquely creepy descriptions of Morel and his father, the relationship of Casey to every other character in the novel, and the need for Casey to hold onto himself when it might have been easier to slip away (either in his social life or in the grip of supernatural menace).

I admit that I freaked out a bit when I saw this was a YA novel as I typically run away from those. I just saw Tremblay's name and requested it right away. Fortunately for me I stuck with it and enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. That's 100% Tremblay.

Another by Paul Tremblay
Thank you Netgalley and HarperCollins Children's for the earc (Jul 22)

⭐⭐⭐💫 (3.5)
Casey has struggled with school and making friends, so when his parents tell him a friend is coming to stay, he is confused. Morel arrives made of clay, and even though he's different, Casey enjoys the company until...strange things start happening.
I flew through ANOTHER in what felt like no time at all. From the beginning, I was interested in this friend Casey didn't know. As the story progressed, I had my thoughts about what was happening, and when it was confirmed I wasn' t shocked because I felt like the title gave it away. I was, however, creeped out. ANOTHER is a middle grade horror book, but that didn't stop it from being thrilling and chilling, and perfect for all ages.

To be honest, I haven't read a ton of middle grade horror other than Goosebumps when I was middle grade myself but this book blew me away. It was very Ray Bradbury and I could not stop turning the pages!

I love being with Casey and I'll miss living in his life for a little while and Morel is SO creepy. I've read a lot of Tremblay's work and to see him write adult horror and middle grade is a treat. This was a 5 star read for sure and I could see myself reading it again!

Thank you to NetGalley and HaperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book for review!

Another by Paul Tremblay is the story of a young boy who suddenly has a new "friend" show up at his house and then begins to take over his life. It is only as he struggles to hold on to the pieces of himself as he begins to trade places with the strange boy that he can find the strength to be himself and make his parents recognise him once more.

I am so divided on this story! I have the feeling that my younger self (when I was the target demographic for this story) would have enjoyed it a bit more than I did, but also, I was reading so much kiddy horror that I also might have just set the book aside upon finishing to move on to the next good story. The idea of a fungi golem was intriguing, but still fell flat to me, as there wasn't any truly scary moments in the story beyond the one scene where the MC wakes up with the fungi tendrils siphoning off bits of himself and transferring them to the golem. And in the end, I was much more intrigued by the epilogue than by anything that had come before. All in all, it was a serviceable story that most kids would probably like.

Paul Tremblay’s Another is a masterfully written mystery thriller that skillfully captures the suffocating anxiety of isolation and the psychological toll of being trapped—both physically and emotionally. Though labeled as YA fiction, the book’s nuanced exploration of its themes resonates deeply with readers of all ages, offering a complex and immersive experience.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its atmospheric tension, mirroring the feelings many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tremblay achieves his goal of evoking the universal anxiety of that time without directly referencing it. Instead, through the main character’s unraveling sense of self and confinement, the book conveys the claustrophobia and unease that defined much of the global experience. The struggles of children, in particular, who were used to escaping to school as a reprieve, are poignantly represented, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
The story remarkably addresses heavy topics like bullying without being overly heavy-handed. The bullying subplot is handled with sensitivity and purpose, showcasing its long-lasting effects on individuals while emphasizing the possibility of recovery through support and resilience. Tremblay artfully shifts the focus from the trauma itself to the healing process, with the protagonist’s parents playing a pivotal role in guiding their child toward resolution.
While the book’s ending leaves some questions unanswered, this ambiguity feels deliberate and aligns with Tremblay’s belief that stories have "beginnings before beginnings" and "endings after endings." This open-mindedness encourages readers to reflect on the character’s lives beyond the final page, but it may also leave some yearning for more closure.
Despite the suffocating tension, a thread of hope is running through the narrative, making Another a fantastically rewarding read. Tremblay's writing is immersive, his characters relatable, and his themes universally compelling. This book lingers in the mind long after it ends, offering layers of meaning to unpack.
Highly recommended for those seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant thriller, Another is a powerful testament to Tremblay’s ability to craft stories that echo both the personal and the universal.

This book was just scary enough for children and I loved how wholesome it is. I enjoyed as an adult, and I would definitely buy it for my 9 year old daughter.

Let me admit that I love Tremblay's work and I'll read anything by him.
I got an ARC from Net Galley and the publisher. This was a trippy book. Very clever and unique! I'm not sure I "get" what was going on, and the ending left me confused. But I couldn't put it down and I'm so glad I got to read it.

Ever since the pandemic, Casey Wilson has had a difficult time fitting back in with his peers. Something called the ‘Zoom incident’ occurred, and now Casey has withdrawn from all of his old friendships.
One day his parents come home with an old rotary phone, and when it rings, things start to change. Casey’s parents inform him he will have a friend coming over for a sleepover, but no details of who it will be. When Morel arrives, Casey can tell something is not quite right about him, specifically his appearance. His father also tells Casey’s parents that Morel cannot eat or sleep in a bed. Despite the rules that come with Morel, Casey’s parents are delighted with him.
Casey thinks Morel’s skin looks like he’s made of clay, but his parents don’t seem to notice. Over time, Morel’s appearance begins to look more human. But the more human he looks, the more Casey’s parents draw away from Casey and praise Morel.
What is going on with this odd new friend and where exactly did he come from?


I really enjoyed this middle-grade horror. It felt like a classic 90’s Goosebumps book, and I loved the cozy, nostalgic feeling.

Tremblay did a magnificent job of capturing the essence of a child during the early pandemic times. 👏🏻

I love a horror story that touches on relatable topics and gives all the feels. This one certainly did just that.

Our protagonist, Casey, is dealing with anxiety and isolation at school-manifesting physically in the form of tics. And while he initially thought his “friend” Morel just showing up for an extended was weird and off-putting, he starts to become grateful for a friend. Unfortunately, he starts seeing and experiencing strange changes for him and his parents, and they are not for the better.

Tremblay does a great job of creating a story around the idea of a kid who after experiencing something he deems traumatic, sees his fear of isolation and feeling invisible comes to life. Casey also fears not being good enough at anything he tries-drawing, baseball-and not being able to live up to “expectations”. But even though he feels things slipping out of his control, he finds that he truly does form a friendship with Morel, and finds someone who cares for him just as he is. He also learns to fight for who he is, and what he has-despite it all coming dangerously close to being ripped away.

Tremblay gives us a protagonist worth cheering for, and a story equal parts unsettling and heartwarming. I enjoyed this middle school book and other will, too.

Another by Paul Tremblay took me back to my roots of reading good, wholesome horror when I was a kid! Atmospheric and fast paced, this novel will keep you hooked and not wanting to put down. Tremblay is a master weaver of stories and as always, leaves you wanting more.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's for allowing me to devour this ARC!

What a great middle school “horror-genre” read.

It was an all-around great story that draws you in right away and has you questioning what is going on from the very beginning.

I kept thinking, say something!!!!!!! What are you doing?!?!?

I did enjoy how it ended.

It definitely is a book I would have never seen back in my day when I was of middle school age, but I love that kids nowadays have the opportunity to read books like this now.

I received this advanced reader copy from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book. I have been a fan of Paul Tremblay's writing for a few years now, and am impressed that he is able to craft a story for young people as well as he does for adults. This reminded me a lot of R.L. Stein's Goosebumps series.

Casey is a boy struggling with the loneliness of being neurodivergent, when a man shows up at his door with a "friend" for him. Through a chain of events, Casey and his friend begin to closely resemble one another. The story is the perfect balance of terrifying and tame, just right for young readers.