This fall publishers have heeded the call of students who thrive on age-old myths and folklore, lingering mysteries, and other series about the unknown and unknowable. This captivating collection of new series features hauntings, cryptids, alien visitations, mysteries for which solutions have never been discovered, and all-around creepiness. Readers won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough. As for finding answers to the head-scratching questions these titles will raise...they’ll just have to keep reading. And these series guarantee that they will.

Elementary

Becker, Becca. D.B. Cooper Disappearance. ISBN 9798892137928.
––––. William Kidd’s Lost Treasure. ISBN 9798892138048.
Chanez, Katie. Alcatraz Escape. ISBN 9798892137898.
––––. Lost Colony of Roanoke. ISBN 99798892137959.
––––. Nazca Lines Mystery. ISBN 9798892137980.
––––. Oak Island Mystery. ISBN 9798892138017.
ea vol: 24p. (Mysteries in History). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2025. Tr $29.99.
Gr 3-5–Students will be intrigued by the lingering mysteries from the past, succinctly captured in this visually attractive series. Each volume opens with a reader support guide for parents and educators. Brief sentences promote fast, comfortable reading, and dramatic storytelling heightens suspense. Some volumes mention updates and happenings as recent as 2025. Images include historic engravings and paintings from the period and labeled maps, which help orient readers. Sidebars offer additional facts and ask questions that promote critical thinking. Some titles include a very visual “Take a Look” sidebar that may, depending on a volume’s content, include a timeline or visual aid, such as a map, guide, or diagram. Back matter includes a brief summary, a glossary, an index, and a link to find more information. VERDICT Recommended for schools and public libraries. Students may wish to propose “solutions” to these mysteries.

Cunningham, Kevin. Cryptids and Creatures. ISBN 9798892607346.
––––. Do Aliens Visit Earth? ISBN 9798892607353.
––––. Ghosts and Spirits. ISBN 9798892607360.
––––. The Loch Ness Monster. ISBN 9798892607377.
––––. The Mystery of UFOs. ISBN 9798892607384.
––––. The Search for Bigfoot. ISBN 9798892607391.
ea vol: 32p. (Into the Unknown). Mitchell Lane. Aug. 2025. lib. ed. $34.29.
Gr 3-5–These attention-grabbing titles employ brevity to appeal to striving readers. The series compiles interesting commentaries taken from actual “personal experiences” people claim to have had, including cryptid sightings and alien abductions. Most of these have been debunked, but the reports provide entertaining accounts that don’t talk down to readers, even when it’s pointed out there’s no proof to substantiate them. The UFO volume is especially well balanced, the ghost title presents various international ghost legends, and the volume about aliens is current, citing data from 2024 and 2025. New vocabulary is boldfaced in blue type and defined in a glossary. The volumes make their points quickly; there’s no intensive investigation into the topics, but students will appreciate these entertaining, informative, and well-presented explorations of popular subjects. VERDICT So appealing that readers won’t mind that these accounts have been debunked. Recommended for schools and public libraries.

Fenmore, Taylor. Dragon Behavior: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669297.
––––. Dragons Among Us: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669334.
––––. Dragons Around the World: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669310.
Kaiser, Brianna. Dragon Anatomy: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669280.
––––. Dragon Folklore: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669327.
––––. The Science of Dragons: A Field Guide. ISBN 9798765669303.
ea vol: 32p. (Dragon Field Guides). Lerner. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.99.
Gr 3-5–Dragon aficionados will appreciate this fascinating series. The writing style in these slim volumes is conversational in tone, with texts presented in short, readable paragraphs broken up by colorful photos and illustrations. Even the most dedicated dragon fan will learn much, including the origin of the word dragon, cultural variations in how dragons are depicted, and even facts about the human body. Though the series consistently reminds students that dragons aren’t real, readers’ interest in them is treated respectfully, and they’re made to seem real. Colorful sidebars and a “Fact vs. Fiction” insert in the middle of each title provide extra information. At the conclusion of each volume, students are invited to reflect on what they learned about dragons and discuss it with others. VERDICT These books will inspire fantasy enthusiasts to read more and maybe create their own dragon lore.

Havemeyer, Janie. Chinese Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137508.
––––. Japanese Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137539.
––––. Maya Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137560.
––––. Roman Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137447
Krekelberg, Alyssa. Egyptian Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137478
––––. Greek Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137416.
––––. Norse Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137591.
––––. Polynesian Myths and Legends. ISBN 9798892137621.
ea vol: illus. by Cesar Samaniego. 24p. (Ancient Mythology). Jump!/Grasshopper. Aug. 2025. Tr $29.99.
Gr 2-4–A selection of global myths that will help students who may be unfamiliar with these tales understand that, throughout history, people have told stories to help them understand their world. These tales hail from many places: Asia, Africa (Egypt), the South Pacific, and the Americas. Simple texts, written with short and predictable sentence patterns, are welcoming to emerging readers. However, the choppy writing tends to sound repetitive, so, despite the cultural variations on offer, the volumes sound similar and lack a sense of individuality. Another drawback is the absence of pronunciation guides. New vocabulary is boldfaced and defined in the glossary. Colorful covers and cartoonish interior illustrations portray art, scenery, clothing, and architecture from the cultures the myths come from. The Polynesian title includes maps. Concluding each volume is a spread featuring the culture’s most important deities, with names arranged alphabetically. Back matter includes a link to the publisher’s website, a glossary, and an index. VERDICT A very basic introduction to global mythology for young readers.

Kammer, Gina. Beauty and the Beast: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Chiara Fedele. ISBN 9798892004756.
––––. The Little Mermaid: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Liliana Perez. ISBN 9798892004770.
––––. Sleeping Beauty: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Liliana Perez. ISBN 9798892004794.
Olson, Gillia M. Cinderella: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Chiara Fedele. ISBN 9798892004763.
––––. Rapunzel: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Liliana Perez. ISBN 9798892004787.
––––. Snow White: Tale vs. Truth. illus. by Liliana Perez. ISBN 9798892004800.
ea vol: 24p. (Tale vs. Truth). Amicus. Jul. 2025. Tr $37.10.
Gr 1-4–In this unusual take on fairy tales, familiar stories are delivered simply, with the addition of a “Truth Time” sidebar that adds a factual detail as a counterpoint to something mentioned in the tale. These are generally helpful and don’t detract from the tale’s overall fantasy appeal. Occasionally, “truths” define words, and some are obvious, confirming what readers already know (animals can’t turn into humans.) Illustrations are cartoony and cheerful, with notable examples of racial and ethnic diversity. At the end of each volume, a fairy tale element is compared to the real thing. For example, in Beauty and the Beast, a magic castle is likened to an actual one. On the facing page, a list of elements most fairy tales share is provided, and readers must decide which appeared in the story. Students are also asked to consider other versions of the same tales. All tales end happily in “true” fairy-tale fashion. VERDICT Although not an essential approach, these titles may broaden readers’ knowledge and appreciation of familiar tales and provide some critical-thinking opportunities.

Shea, Therese M. Finding Dragons. ISBN 9781482472080.
––––. Finding Werewolves. ISBN 9781482472202.
––––. Finding Zombies. ISBN 9781482472233.
Wilberforce, Bert. Finding Sasquatch. ISBN 9781482472110.
––––. Finding Sea Monsters. ISBN 9781482472141.
––––. Finding Vampires. ISBN 9781482472172.
ea vol: 32p. (Monster Hunters). Gareth Stevens. Aug. 2025. Tr. $28.27.
Gr 3-5–In this excellent series’ unique “travel-the-world” approach to monster hunting, readers use maps to navigate both nations and legendary creatures, honing their social-studies, map-reading, and anthropological skills. Brief, but not choppy, sentences promote fast-paced reading as students journey from one country to another, following maps and reading about the creature’s exploits and how it was perceived in different places and eras. The Sasquatch title draws upon stories told by Northwestern North American Indigenous peoples, and includes Sasquatch reports up to 2024. Often, plausible “explanations” are given. The illustrations are a draw, but the easy-to-read maps are highlights. Insets and sidebars offer additional information. VERDICT Highly recommended for schools and public libraries.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Caldwell, Stella A. The Magnificent Book of Dragons. illus. by Gonzalo Kenny. ISBN 9781502675521.
Ferguson, Diana. The Magnificent Book of Monsters. illus. by Gonzalo Kenny. ISBN 9781502675583.
Jackson, Tom. The Magnificent Book of Fantasy Creatures. illus. by Val Waterczuk. ISBN 9781502675552.
ea vol: 80p. (The Magnificent Books). Cavendish Square. Aug. 2025. Tr $37.36.
Gr 5-8–Each title opens with a tantalizing introduction that promises readers will meet creatures from around the globe. In each volume, descriptions of 36 creatures are presented in an encyclopedic style. Riveting descriptions that mention origins, powers, appearances, family members, accomplishments, and often deaths of the creatures are included. Readers will appreciate this succinct approach; the pithy, dramatic, sometimes bloody and violent descriptions will capture their attention. Some pronunciation support would have enhanced the text. Highly imaginative and occasionally terrifying illustrations demonstrate the fearsome appearances and might of the fantastical beings. VERDICT This well-written, superbly illustrated series is recommended for die-hard creature fans in schools and libraries. Devotees will be eager to meet so many distinct, unfamiliar beings.

Collins, Ailynn. Can You Escape a Haunted Hospital?: An Interactive Paranormal Adventure. ISBN 9798875210198.
––––. Can You Escape a Haunted House?: An Interactive Paranormal Adventure. ISBN 9798875210242.
Peterson, Megan Cooley. Can You Escape a Haunted Museum?: An Interactive Paranormal Adventure. ISBN 9798875210297.
––––. Can You Escape a Haunted Theater?: An Interactive Paranormal Adventure. ISBN 9798875210341.
ea vol: 112p. (You Choose: Haunted Adventures). Capstone. Aug. 2025. Tr $34.65.
Gr 4-6–According to the publisher, these adventures are based on actual places “inspired by reports from real people.” Thus, the venues, historical information, dates, phenomena, persons (except for story characters) are genuine. Each adventure begins with protagonists joining an organized “ghost tour” of a location and concludes with them having encountered paranormal phenomena. The text is designed to be read in short bursts to facilitate fast-paced, atmospheric reading—very suitable for this material and also appropriate for striving readers. Each volume’s final chapter is a discussion of whether the locale’s phenomena are real, and pits ghost hunters and their equipment (occasionally pictured) against skeptics. The narrative ultimately leaves matters open-ended, asking readers what they think. Some story conclusions are more satisfying than others. VERDICT Recommended for schools and public collections. Spooky but not too terrifying, and readers will glean a few historical tidbits as they go.

Goodman, Michael E. & Natalie Lunis. Unnerving Underground: Scary Caves and Labyrinths. ISBN 9798895770955.
Lunis, Natalie & Joyce Markovics. Creepy Culture: Scary Museums and Theaters. ISBN 9798895770917.
Lunis, Natalie & Sarah Purvis. Dreadful Dwellings: Scary Ghost Towns and Lost Cities. ISBN 9798895770924.
Lunis, Natalie & others. Morbid Metropolis: Scary Stories of the City. ISBN 9798895770948.
Markovics, Joyce & Dinah Williams. Wretched Residences: Scary Manors and Mansions. ISBN 9798895770962.
Purvis, Sarah & Steven L. Stern. Frightening Fortresses: Scary Castles and Ruins. ISBN 9798895770931.
ea vol: 48p. (Where You Dare Not Go Set Two). Bearport/Ursa. Aug. 2025. Tr $31.95.
Gr 4-7–Brief, atmospheric accounts of hauntings and macabre, sometimes gruesome, encounters from around the world are featured in these collections. The short entries are easy to read and comfortably and paced. Despite the accounts’ brevity, readers get a good sense of what occurred, as complete backgrounds—locations, persons involved, dates, etc.—are presented. Pronunciations are occasionally provided. Not all accounts are ghost stories; some are “bad-luck” or weird, creepy, or unexplained tales. They all add up to worthwhile, entertaining reading, with some historic tidbits thrown in. Heightening visual appeal is that texts are printed on what appears worn, antique-looking sepia-colored pages, sometimes with “torn” edges. Occasionally bugs, blood spatters, or other spooky design elements appear on the pages. Frightening Fortresses includes some particularly gruesome entries. VERDICT Highly recommended for schools and public libraries for the series’ fascinating, well-told, atmospheric accounts.

Upper Middle School to High School

Nardo, Don. Creatures of Norse Mythology. ISBN 9781678210304.
––––. Epic Quests and Adventures of Norse Mythology. ISBN 9781678210328.
––––. Gods and Goddesses of Norse Mythology. ISBN 9781678210182.
––––. Heroes and Villains of Norse Mythology. ISBN 9781678210342.
––––. Mythical Realms of the Norse Universe. ISBN 9781678210366.
ea vol: 64p. (Discovering Norse Mythology). ReferencePoint. Sept. 2025. Tr $33.95.
Gr 8 Up–While these text-heavy, lyrically written volumes are geared toward capable readers, the writing has a conversational tone rather than a scholarly one and often displays whimsical humor. Rich in entertaining myths, this series teaches readers about various aspects of Norse history, identity, and cultural values. The author frequently quotes from scholars, which lends extra weight to his own deep research. The dramatic illustrations have an old-fashioned look, and maps appear as needed. The books include some nice design elements, including a specific color scheme for each title. Back matter includes source notes; resources for further reading, and an index. VERDICT This impressive series is for mature readers who wish to delve deeply into Norse culture and lore.

ReferencePoint’s well-written “Discovering Norse Mythology” is geared to mature middle school to high-school students who wish to explore the topic in depth. “Monster Hunters” (Gareth Stevens) takes a “travelogue” map-reading approach to pursuing cryptids, proving that hunting them is closely aligned with studying world cultures. Readers enthralled by historical enigmas that have never been unraveled will appreciate “Mysteries in History.” (Jump!). Middle schoolers seeking out fantastic new monsters to add to their “collections” will savor the gloriously illustrated “The Magnificent Books” (Cavendish Square) which includes many creatures students have likely never heard of. Bearport’s spellbinding “Where You Dare Not Go” series contains brief, atmospheric accounts of ghostly visitations.

FALL 2025 SERIES MADE SIMPLE REVIEWS