By Lisa Blue, Teen Librarian
October 24, 2024
Halloween season is upon us, and with the creative costumes people are wearing this year, why not pair your spooky (or fabulous!) look with a matching read? Whether you're dressing as a pop culture icon or a character from your favorite film, we’ve curated a list of book recommendations that perfectly complement your costume. So, grab your treat bag and a good book!
Costume: Elphaba
Book Recommendation: Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
Of course, if you're going green as Elphaba from Wicked, you'll want to dive into her origin story. Gregory Maguire's reimagining of Oz provides depth and complexity to the infamous Wicked Witch, perfect for any fan of the musical or future fan of the movie coming in November!
Costume: Raygun
Book Recommendation: Wandance manga series by Coffee or A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
Inspired by Olympic breakdancer Rachael Gunn, whose B-Girl moniker is Raygun. Channel her energy with Wandance, a dynamic manga that celebrates the power of street dance and self-expression. For something equally bold but in a different genre, A Very Large Expanse of Sea offers a poignant story of resilience and identity, perfect for pairing with a dance-inspired look.
Couple Costume: Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce
Book Recommendation: When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
For this pop culture power couple costume, grab When Stars Collide. This sports-romance novel will be the perfect companion for your Taylor-and-Travis pairing, offering the same blend of celebrity, drama, and heartwarming connections.
Costume: Penelope Featherington
Book Recommendation: The Heir by Grace Burrowes or A Rogue of One’s Own by Evie Dunmore
For those embodying the elegance and romantic intrigue of Bridgerton, The Heir offers a swoon-worthy regency romance. Or dive into a feminist romance like A Rogue of One’s Own, which blends historical wit with strong, passionate characters.
Costume: Beetlejuice
Book Recommendation: How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix or Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride
If you're channeling Beetlejuice’s chaotic and supernatural energy, these spooky reads will give you the same twisted, otherworldly vibes. How to Sell a Haunted House brings a haunted house plot with family drama, while Hold Me Closer, Necromancer offers a witty and darkly funny take on necromancy.
Costume: Deadpool or Wolverine
Deadpool: Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
This hilarious apocalyptic tale features the same dark comedy and irreverence Deadpool thrives on. The witty banter between an angel and a demon as they try to prevent the apocalypse mirrors the chaotic, unpredictable fun the Merc With a Mouth embodies.
Wolverine: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Wolverine’s rugged survival instincts and his tough exterior pair well with this post-apocalyptic novel. It’s a gritty, emotional story about survival and the bond between a father and son, which resonates with Wolverine's loner-with-a-heart-of-gold persona.
Costume: Wednesday Addams
Book Recommendation: Our Share of Night by Mariana Enriquez or Bunny by Mona Awad
Channeling Wednesday’s gothic style? Pair your look with something dark, intense, and literary. Our Share of Night is a mesmerizing tale of dark magic and familial sacrifice, while Bunny takes a wild ride into the unsettling world of a mysterious student group at an MFA program.
Costume: Barbie
Book Recommendation: The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone
Never underestimate the staying power of Barbie. For all you Barbies out there, The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie explores the cultural impact of this iconic doll. It’s the perfect book to accompany a night dressed up in pink, while also reflecting on Barbie's influence on society and gender roles.
Costume: Terrifier (Art the Clown)
Book Recommendation: Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare or Batman: The Killing Joke by Alan Moore
For those brave enough to dress as Art the Clown from Terrifier, embrace the creepiness with a slasher novel like Clown in a Cornfield. For a more psychological take, Batman: The Killing Joke provides a chilling, Joker-centric graphic novel perfect for any clown lover’s bookshelf.
Costume: Nepo Baby
Book Recommendation: First Person Singular by Haruki Murakami or Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino
If you’re poking fun at the nepotism trend with a nepo baby costume, why not dive into something thoughtful and introspective? Murakami's First Person Singular offers meditations on identity and art, while Trick Mirror reflects on the culture of privilege in a modern context.