Based on the video game of the same name, this children’s graphic novel came highly recommended by fellow Rioters. It unfolds on Halloween, a day when “[a]nything can happen.” With the promise of a party invite from the “cool kids,” a few unpopular Grubbins vow to bring candy back to Repugia from the human world. Klem and Sellie immediately lose Brolo to suburban streets filled with trick-or-treaters and—just like their home—bullies. Before the magic portals close at midnight for an entire year, they search for Brolo and sweets. With cackle-worthy humor and fun illustrations, this darling story about the endless possibilities of Halloween, loyalty, and imagination can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Even though this young adult read takes place during summer, it teems with eerie vibes. In fact, my love and I found our paperback on a local indie’s Halloween-inspired display table. After a wild night in a New Orleans cemetery, Chelsea must work for her father after his latest commercial has gained the attention of her high school peers. A former “untouchable,” Chelsea relishes that other students know her name, and she dreads them connecting her with Paranormal Removal Services. Exploring history, inheritance, and passion, this amusing story brims with spirits—spirits Chelsea sees without her dad’s sophisticated equipment. If October gets you in the mood for Ghostbusters, definitely reach for this.

With that amazing title, I instantly put a hold on this middle grade graphic novel at my library. After 11 months of practice casting spells in California, Gwen and her friends, Miles, a vampire, and Sloane, a werewolf, from the Hallowlands, reunite as the veil between realms thins. The wickedly uproarious threesome of skateboarders catches the relentless attention of ghost hunting-obsessed Hiro and, by default, Halloween-ambivalent Bea. With black gutters (instead of the usual white) and jewel-toned art, this action-packed reflection on belief, boredom, and revenge culminates in an enormous corn maze.

Skeptical of the supernatural, Izzy Crane moves to Sleepy Hollow during October, the “best time of year” in the legend-famous home of the Headless Horseman. It isn’t long before Izzy falls for the charming small town and Vicky Van Tassel. Taken with the brilliant autumnal trees and lovable characters, including a chatty jack-o’-lantern, I know I’ll return to this heartwarming read about crushes, resentment, and rebellion long before next gourd season. From the “Annual Hollow-een Kick Off Festival” to a pleasant fall walk with coffee to Halloween night, this YA gem had me cuddled under a comfy blanket, reporting its heaps of cuteness to my beloved.

In the old coal town of Shudder-to-Think, Pennsylvania, El and Octavia awake in a movie theater without memory of the film or anything that happened during it. As the best friends seek answers, they disagree over wanting to remember and wanting to forget. Teeming with beautiful prose, the stunning, unforgettable art—rich in purples, oranges, and teal—made me linger despite wanting to forge ahead to learn what happened next. Meditating on mythology, kindred spirits, and the environment, this haunting comic series features a town where “[e]verything’s always shifted,” a place where life feels “like a very slow apocalypse.”

After working together for three consecutive falls in DeKnock’s World Famous Pumpkin Patch & Autumn Jamboree’s Succotash Hut, vivacious Deja convinces Josie, a timid four-time MVPPP (“Most Valuable Pumpkin Patch Person”), to finally ask out his long-term crush, Marcy from the Fudge Shoppe. After a blah week, I finished this YA book in one sitting, and the delightful exploration of friendship, longing, and taking chances healed me. After rereading it this year, I need a copy of my own to revisit as soon as the nights lengthen, as soon as brown, yellow, and red leaves skitter the sidewalk.

Set in the Bay Area, a group of three Piedmont teenagers moonlight as werewolves, and invite Becca, the new girl from Los Angeles, into their pack. Every full moon, they devour a terrible boy who preys on girls. As their alpha’s rules gray, the squad’s bond falters. With blood-splattered pages between chapters, the classic illustrations, vibrant color palette, and fashion grabbed my attention. Marley’s earnestness and Becca’s hope of belonging pulled at my heartstrings, too. If you’re ready to delve into a story of acceptance, desire, and power, pick up this howl of a book.