Books
Don’t Be Scared
First Second, 8 September, 2026
Don’t Be Scared

Riz is determined to prove to his dad that movies matter and ghosts are real, but he and his friends might be in over their head when they investigate the local creepy mansion.

Riz Choudhry lives for two things: movies and anything spooky. His dad? Not so much. While Riz dreams of filmmaking and jump scares, his father dreams of Riz going to med school or law school—and neither one includes ghosts. But the film club is Riz’s safe haven, a place where other supernatural-obsessed first-gen kids swap scary stories from their cultures. So, when the group decides to film a documentary about the creepy old mansion in town, Riz is all in. But there’s a problem. His dad wants Riz to quit the club. AND the building is about to be demolished. Now Riz and his friends must use the power of filmmaking to save the mansion…before it vanishes forever. Packed with shivers, laughter, and heart, Don’t Be Scared celebrates friendship, heritage, and daring to fight for what matters—even if it means disagreeing with your family.

 

PRAISE FOR DON’T BE SCARED

“Horror fans will delight in this exceptional graphic novel about friendship, heritage, and fighting for what you believe in.” School Library Journal, starred review.

A timely and accessible exploration of the complexity of American identity for first-generation kids.” Booklist, starred review.

“A dynamic ghost story with plenty of charm.” Publishers Weekly.

“Scenes involving the ghost stories glow with an unsettling light, and the haunted house is skillfully depicted with appropriately eerie illustrations.” Kirkus Reviews