Young Adult Horror Anthology
Paperback about 5 in. x 7 in. x .25 to .50 in. thick
Read between 1989-1993
The book included multiple legends, such as a traditional re-telling of the Warsaw Golem and the Wendigo. I would guess it was written in the 80’s because it already had creases and tape on the spine when I read the book. The cover contained a boy sitting in a chair, whose hair was standing up on end, with a monster behind him; reading a book with the exact same cover, which had the exact cover, etc. I remember it being similar to Bruce Coville and Beverly Cleary and R.L. Stine books, though I think this book was written prior to Stine. It is not any of the “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” series.
The main story I remember is set in a western town, possibly a cowboy/farmer town. It centers around a young boy who is mistreated by his older brother. They both work as farmhands and the older brother fall asleep under a tree. The young boy sees this baboon-looking creature with long hair sneak up behind the brother and attack the brother.
This baboon creature, who I remember as a witch with long hair and red skin for some reason, rides on the brother’s back and sucks his life force out. When the younger brother tries to help, the witch sinks her claws deeper into the brother’s back. No one notices this creature but the young boy I think.
Eventually, the brother gives up and commits suicide by throwing himself over a cliff. The boy looks down as the witch lets go of the brother. She looks up at the younger brother and starts to climb up the cliff’s side as she tells him to wait because she is coming for him.
Any ideas?
