With Another, Tremblay succeeds at bringing his creepy, spooky writing style to a younger audience. What's always great about this stories is that you never really know what's going to happen - but you know it's going to scare the pants off you. It will also make you think a bit about family, identity and who we think we are.

Paul Tremblay's middle grade debut may easily be one of his best works. Sublimely creepy and relentlessly heartbreaking, Another is a fast read that’s hard to put down.

Casey's parents inform him he has a new friend coming for a sleepover - but Morel is unlike other kids. His skin resembles clay, and he doesn't speak or eat. But his parents seem enamored of Morel and begin to drift from their relationship with Casey. He senses something is seriously wrong, and the sleepover feels like it's turning into a nightmare... with no end in sight.

Another feels like an elevated homage to Goosebumps and other horror anthology series for kids, particularly those from the 1990s. I highly recommend this one to readers of all ages, particularly if you're a fan of Tremblay.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Paul Tremblay delivers another haunting, atmospheric story with Another. His ability to blur the line between reality and nightmare is on full display, creating a sense of quiet dread that lingers. As a reader, I definitely felt it.

The characters feel real, and the emotional ambiguity adds depth, though at times the subtlety borders on frustrating vagueness. Still, it’s a compelling, thought-provoking read that showcases Tremblay’s skill with psychological horror.

Highly recommended for fans of slow-burn, unsettling fiction.

After an unfortunate incident at school Casey is having a hard time. A strange man shows up as Casey’s house to drop off his friend Morel. Morel is odd to say the least. He looks like he’s made out of clay. Casey is unfamiliar with this “friend,” but he goes along with it because his parents seem unfazed. The strange man leaves, but not before impressing on Casey and his parents two rules for Morel: No food. No bed. What can go wrong?

A creepy story about family, friendship, and forgiving yourself. Middle grade readers will definitely be interested in this story, especially as Morel starts to look more and more like Casey each day that passes. I hope this isn’t Paul Tremblay’s only middle grade book!

Delightfully different and Creepy in so many ways. Casey knows something seems very wrong with the kid his parents have invited over for a sleepover. Morel seems distinctly…not normal, who appears to be made of clay and not speak. But since when do parents ever listen when a kid says “ this seems weird” ? Especially when your child has been secluded during a pandemic and it a little bit of an outcast. The writing is clever and engaging and the story is spine tingling enough to draw in most adults but will surely entertain middle graders getting into horror.

Release: July 22, 2025
Author: Paul Tremblay
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books

Rating: 3.5 ★ 

Casey Wilson doesn’t understand when his parents tell him a friend is coming for a sleepover — he hasn’t had friends since the embarrassing “Zoom Incident,” and his tics have only gotten worse. When Morel shows up, he’s nothing like any friend Casey’s ever known: he barely speaks, his skin looks unnatural, and yet Casey’s parents are completely taken with him. As they grow more distant from Casey and focus all their attention on Morel, Casey feels more isolated than ever. Exhausted and uneasy, Casey starts to notice that, especially in the dark, Morel doesn’t even seem human.

Paul Tremblay’s Another is an unsettling, deeply atmospheric middle-grade horror story that sticks with you long after you finish it. Even though it’s written for a younger audience, it never talks down to the reader. Tremblay brings his signature weirdness and psychological tension, balancing complex ideas like identity, loneliness, and the uncomfortable realization that even the adults in our lives can sometimes fail us.

From the very first page, there’s a slow-building sense that something is off, and that uneasy feeling only grows as the story progresses. I loved how Tremblay made it genuinely creepy without being overwhelming for young readers — it’s eerie enough to thrill but not so realistic that it would cause nightmares.

Casey, the protagonist, really made the story for me. He’s brave, relatable, and his experiences of isolation and trying to find his place in the world felt honest and raw. His friendship with Morel is strange and haunting, and the pandemic backdrop added an extra layer of isolation that felt very true to what kids were going through, even if pandemic settings are still a little tough for me to read about.

Tremblay’s writing is smart, giving younger readers enough credit to handle big ideas while making sure they’re never lost in the complexity. And while the structure is a bit simpler than his adult novels, the emotional impact is just as strong. Another captures that classic horror vibe that feels like getting stuck in quicksand — tense, a little surreal, and impossible to shake.

Whether you’re a younger reader looking for a good scare or an adult fan of Tremblay’s work (like me), Another is well worth picking up. It’s a quick read, but one that lingers in the best way.


Favorite Quote:
"the most terrifying part of the world is not the monsters, but the lies we tell ourselves to make sense of it."

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