Review: The I Scream Truck

The I Scream Truck by I.M. Eerie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

John is the only one who thinks something is "off" with the new neighborhood ice cream truck and its driver, Mr. Twisty. His suspicions increase when he notices the truck making late night deliveries... but he soon finds out that by asking too many questions he may learn more than he bargained for.

The I Scream Truck by I.M. Eerie is "horror" with a small-h, written specifically for younger/middle-grade readers (ages 8-12). Even though it isn't aimed at adults, as long as they understand who the target reader is, older readers will also enjoy it. I know that I did. 

This is a fantastic, spooky children's book. It's suspenseful, with unexpected villains and allies, and full of surprising revelations and twists - and I'm not talking about just the ice scream cones. The action moves along at just the right pace to keep readers interested and wanting to know what happens next.

One of the elements that I loved most about this book is that the relationship between siblings John and Kat feels very real. They argue. They're competitive. They get on each other's nerves... but when things get hairy, the two of them stand together and help each other. 

If a child in your life likes spooky books, or is curious, The I Scream Truck should be on their "to be read" pile. It shouldn't come as a surprise that there are some (mildly) scary moments, but the author keeps the creepiness-factor age appropriate. If you're at all concerned I'd recommend reading the book yourself first, or, better yet, read it together with them.  

The I Scream Truck by I.M. Eerie publishes on August 25, 2026.

Thanks to the author, and Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing | Aladdin, for providing an ARC of the book for my review.