What do you think?
Rate this book
Open Wide
A boy’s worst fears about the dentist may prove true in this bone-chilling middle grade horror perfect for fans of Goosebumps and Christopher Pike.
Eddie has always been afraid of the dentist. He even bit the last one he went to (by accident). And Dr. Yankum, the eccentric new dentist in town, isn’t making matters any better. He pulled two of Eddie’s teeth—teeth Eddie swears were perfectly healthy. And he finds out he’s not the only kid in town who has had unnecessary extractions. Who or what is Dr. Yankum? And what does he want with their teeth?
When the doctor starts dating Eddie’s mom, Eddie knows it’s only a matter of time before her teeth go missing too! Eddie and his best friend, Darryl, band together and put their sleuthing skills to the test to uncover the truth about Dr. Yankum. But they’re not prepared for what they find…
Eddie has always been afraid of the dentist. He even bit the last one he went to (by accident). And Dr. Yankum, the eccentric new dentist in town, isn’t making matters any better. He pulled two of Eddie’s teeth—teeth Eddie swears were perfectly healthy. And he finds out he’s not the only kid in town who has had unnecessary extractions. Who or what is Dr. Yankum? And what does he want with their teeth?
When the doctor starts dating Eddie’s mom, Eddie knows it’s only a matter of time before her teeth go missing too! Eddie and his best friend, Darryl, band together and put their sleuthing skills to the test to uncover the truth about Dr. Yankum. But they’re not prepared for what they find…
176 pages, Hardcover
Published August 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 26, 2025
review coming soon! 🦷
May 27, 2025
The book has this strangeness to it. It's like Science fiction dates the modern dentist, and the leading young boy walks in on them. Awkward. The points are interesting, and the concept is fun, but the emotions and inner dialogue were less than optimal. The character never sat well with me, and I kept getting caught in the why would he say, think, or do that. It often pulled me out of the story.
2.8/5 stars- needs some improvement.
This was an honest review sponsored through NetGalley.
2.8/5 stars- needs some improvement.
This was an honest review sponsored through NetGalley.
October 7, 2025
This was such a fun book!! It’s short but packs a punch {in the face!} I read it in one sitting.
Eddie has a tooth ache {he loves his left over Halloween candy!} His Mom takes him to a new dentist, Dr Yankum, who is offering free visits to kids. Eddie hates the dentist! Especially after he bit his last dentist {& drew blood! Earning him the nickname Tiger!}
Right away Eddie senses something if off. The building just ‘appeared’ one day & it is shaped like a tooth! Not to mention a strange room he found that doesn’t seem like a break room as the nurse told him.
Then he left with multiple pulled teeth! Even ones that weren’t hurting. This was after the nurse and Dr. marveled at his ‘beautiful’ teeth.
Darryl, Eddies best friend, also visited the same dentist. Darryl has braces but his sister had healthy teeth pulled too!. Turns out, many kids at school are also missing teeth!
Eddie & Darryl are determined to find out what’s really going on in this strange place and why they are taking so many healthy teeth. And what are they doing with them?
What they discover is frightening!
You need to read the book to find out what eerie things are going on at this ‘dentist’!
Thank you to I.M. Eerie for a copy of the book. It was so fun to read! All ages will enjoy it!
Eddie has a tooth ache {he loves his left over Halloween candy!} His Mom takes him to a new dentist, Dr Yankum, who is offering free visits to kids. Eddie hates the dentist! Especially after he bit his last dentist {& drew blood! Earning him the nickname Tiger!}
Right away Eddie senses something if off. The building just ‘appeared’ one day & it is shaped like a tooth! Not to mention a strange room he found that doesn’t seem like a break room as the nurse told him.
Then he left with multiple pulled teeth! Even ones that weren’t hurting. This was after the nurse and Dr. marveled at his ‘beautiful’ teeth.
Darryl, Eddies best friend, also visited the same dentist. Darryl has braces but his sister had healthy teeth pulled too!. Turns out, many kids at school are also missing teeth!
Eddie & Darryl are determined to find out what’s really going on in this strange place and why they are taking so many healthy teeth. And what are they doing with them?
What they discover is frightening!
You need to read the book to find out what eerie things are going on at this ‘dentist’!
Thank you to I.M. Eerie for a copy of the book. It was so fun to read! All ages will enjoy it!
September 15, 2025
This middle-grade horror story has all the Goosebumps vibes while still feeling fresh and modern. It struck that perfect balance of fun and creepy, with just enough nostalgia to make me feel like a kid again.
The writing is simple and accessible (as it should be for middle grade), and I really appreciated how natural the kids sounded. Too often in MG or YA, the dialogue feels stiff or robotic, but here the voices felt genuine to their ages. The pacing is quick, keeping the story engaging from start to finish.
And honestly, a dentist is already nightmare fuel, but make that dentist an alien lizard whose entire planet is obsessed with human teeth? Terrifying. You’ll never look at a dental cleaning the same way again.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from I. M. Eerie. Until then, here’s to dreading my dentist appointment next month!
The writing is simple and accessible (as it should be for middle grade), and I really appreciated how natural the kids sounded. Too often in MG or YA, the dialogue feels stiff or robotic, but here the voices felt genuine to their ages. The pacing is quick, keeping the story engaging from start to finish.
And honestly, a dentist is already nightmare fuel, but make that dentist an alien lizard whose entire planet is obsessed with human teeth? Terrifying. You’ll never look at a dental cleaning the same way again.
I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from I. M. Eerie. Until then, here’s to dreading my dentist appointment next month!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2025
You are hard pressed to find an adult in yer life that isn’t terrified of the dentist. Oh, you can’t name anyone? Hi, IT’S ME.
Of course the go to is to compare any MG or YA read to the nostalgia of Goosebumps and while this read definitely fits that bill, it’s new and fresh and modern.
The author did a great job with the dialogue and I genuinely liked the main character and his friend. The monster in this read was truly frightening and the pacing was great.
And the ending was unexpected.
Highly recommend for the middle grade readers but also the adults that love a fun quick read.
Thank you to the author for the copy!
Of course the go to is to compare any MG or YA read to the nostalgia of Goosebumps and while this read definitely fits that bill, it’s new and fresh and modern.
The author did a great job with the dialogue and I genuinely liked the main character and his friend. The monster in this read was truly frightening and the pacing was great.
And the ending was unexpected.
Highly recommend for the middle grade readers but also the adults that love a fun quick read.
Thank you to the author for the copy!
December 5, 2025
Thank you @imerriebooks for my #giftedcopy of Open Wide.
✨out now✨
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷/5
This is a super fun, middle grade book that was a quick read.
I hate, hate, HATE going to the dentist and work extra hard to not ever need more than a cleaning. So dear Eddie, I feel you friend!
This story was creepy, quick paced and I genuinely enjoyed the writing. I hope that your dentist appreciated the dedication. 🤭
If you need a short book to top off your reading challenge this is a great choice!
✨out now✨
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷/5
This is a super fun, middle grade book that was a quick read.
I hate, hate, HATE going to the dentist and work extra hard to not ever need more than a cleaning. So dear Eddie, I feel you friend!
This story was creepy, quick paced and I genuinely enjoyed the writing. I hope that your dentist appreciated the dedication. 🤭
If you need a short book to top off your reading challenge this is a great choice!
December 16, 2025
Open Wide by I.M. Eerie
I dread going to the dentist, but this book was a lighthearted and entertaining read for all ages. It had me laughing out loud and lifted my spirits
I dread going to the dentist, but this book was a lighthearted and entertaining read for all ages. It had me laughing out loud and lifted my spirits
November 24, 2025
Firstly I want to thank @imeeriebooks for sending me a copy of 'Open Wide' for review. This was a fun debut that felt very original while playing on an age old human fear. It's filled with some grotesque scares, good body horror and a nice set-up and pay off call back scene. I was also a big fan of the ending twist. I look forward to reading whatever the author releases next.
September 30, 2025
Y'all, this book was so much fun. It is a middle grade book and I read it in about an hour.
I cannot stand the dentist and I had my first cavity this year and I was totally freaked out when I had to get it filled. I worked myself into a panic really over nothing, lol. So I can relate to Eddie in this book.
This book is about Eddie. He is terrified of the dentist, in fact he bit his last dentist by accident. But a new dentist is in town, Dr Yankum, and of course his mother makes an appointment with him because he's been having a two thing. But this dentist is a little too eager to pull his tooth. In fact he's been pulling kids teeth all around town. Eddie and his bestie Daryl decide they're going to band together and find out what's going on with this creepy dentist. But they are not prepared for what they find out.
This book was wildly entertaining and I'm not with the dentist the same way ever!!!
I cannot stand the dentist and I had my first cavity this year and I was totally freaked out when I had to get it filled. I worked myself into a panic really over nothing, lol. So I can relate to Eddie in this book.
This book is about Eddie. He is terrified of the dentist, in fact he bit his last dentist by accident. But a new dentist is in town, Dr Yankum, and of course his mother makes an appointment with him because he's been having a two thing. But this dentist is a little too eager to pull his tooth. In fact he's been pulling kids teeth all around town. Eddie and his bestie Daryl decide they're going to band together and find out what's going on with this creepy dentist. But they are not prepared for what they find out.
This book was wildly entertaining and I'm not with the dentist the same way ever!!!
October 3, 2025
This is a fun and creepy middle school horror book that’s reminiscent of Goosebumps.
I loved Eddie and his all-too-familiar fear of the dentist. It could be possibly labeled as a phobia because of his strong reaction. I also loved the dynamic between him and his sister-also very relatable. She pokes, he reacts. Typical sibling rivalry. But when the story really takes off is Eddie’s visit to the new dentist, and his sleek new tooth-shaped building.
The author sets an unsettling tone of just a little too nice, just a little too smiley, just a bit too helpful adults in the dentist office. And Dr. Yankum himself seems just a bit off himself. But the unease deepens for Eddie when 1) his mom is laughing it up with the dentist, and 2) every child is missing the same number of teeth. Eddie is sure something’s not right.
Cue Eddie’s best friend, Darryl. Together, these two do a bit of sleuthing, and the author leads them on a trail of funny antics, and terrifying conclusions. Nothing is what it seems, and Eddie is about to find out. Also, that ending? It was the perfect one for this story.
This was fun to read, and gave me a few chuckles. It’s definitely a horror book my younger self would have loved. If you’re a fan of middle school horror, or have a kid who does, this one’s for you. 4.5 stars
A big thank you to the author for a copy of his book. My opinion is my own.
I loved Eddie and his all-too-familiar fear of the dentist. It could be possibly labeled as a phobia because of his strong reaction. I also loved the dynamic between him and his sister-also very relatable. She pokes, he reacts. Typical sibling rivalry. But when the story really takes off is Eddie’s visit to the new dentist, and his sleek new tooth-shaped building.
The author sets an unsettling tone of just a little too nice, just a little too smiley, just a bit too helpful adults in the dentist office. And Dr. Yankum himself seems just a bit off himself. But the unease deepens for Eddie when 1) his mom is laughing it up with the dentist, and 2) every child is missing the same number of teeth. Eddie is sure something’s not right.
Cue Eddie’s best friend, Darryl. Together, these two do a bit of sleuthing, and the author leads them on a trail of funny antics, and terrifying conclusions. Nothing is what it seems, and Eddie is about to find out. Also, that ending? It was the perfect one for this story.
This was fun to read, and gave me a few chuckles. It’s definitely a horror book my younger self would have loved. If you’re a fan of middle school horror, or have a kid who does, this one’s for you. 4.5 stars
A big thank you to the author for a copy of his book. My opinion is my own.
October 13, 2025
⭐️: 4.5/5
Eddie, like most children, has a fear of the dentist. He would rather endure the pain of a cavity than visit the dentist. Once his mother notices that he is in pain, she decides it is time to call the dentist. Fortunately, a new dental office, Pearly Whites Family Dentistry, has just opened and is offering an unbeatable deal: "KIDS' FIRST VISIT IS FREE!”
The new building looks quite peculiar, and the dentist, Dr. Yankum, along with his staff, are rather eccentric. He seems overly eager to pull Eddie's tooth. Upon returning to school, Eddie discovers he is not alone—many other students who visited the same dentist are now missing teeth. Eddie and his best friend decide to get to the bottom of what is happening at this strange dental office before more children lose their teeth.
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷
I loved this book. It gave me the perfect Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark vibes. I was all in—I felt like a child again. I easily binge-read it in less than a day. It was such a fun read, with just the right amount of scariness for the suggested age group.
As soon as I finished this book, I told my eleven-year-old son, who does not like to read, that if he reads this one, I'll take him out to Pizza Hut for dinner. Ah, the nostalgia from the BOOK IT! Program.
Eddie, like most children, has a fear of the dentist. He would rather endure the pain of a cavity than visit the dentist. Once his mother notices that he is in pain, she decides it is time to call the dentist. Fortunately, a new dental office, Pearly Whites Family Dentistry, has just opened and is offering an unbeatable deal: "KIDS' FIRST VISIT IS FREE!”
The new building looks quite peculiar, and the dentist, Dr. Yankum, along with his staff, are rather eccentric. He seems overly eager to pull Eddie's tooth. Upon returning to school, Eddie discovers he is not alone—many other students who visited the same dentist are now missing teeth. Eddie and his best friend decide to get to the bottom of what is happening at this strange dental office before more children lose their teeth.
🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷🦷
I loved this book. It gave me the perfect Goosebumps and Are You Afraid of the Dark vibes. I was all in—I felt like a child again. I easily binge-read it in less than a day. It was such a fun read, with just the right amount of scariness for the suggested age group.
As soon as I finished this book, I told my eleven-year-old son, who does not like to read, that if he reads this one, I'll take him out to Pizza Hut for dinner. Ah, the nostalgia from the BOOK IT! Program.
October 18, 2025
The only thing I love more than a good villain is a good villain with an awesome name.
Open Wide by I. M. Eerie for sure has a great villain with an unreal name, Dr. Yankum.
Eddie, our main character hates going to the dentist, because like lets be real, who does. Eddie's mom forces him to go to a new dentist, that seemingly popped up over night. The building is super weird and in the shape of a giant metal tooth. Thats where Eddie meets Dr. Yankum. And it should come as no surprise, Dr. Yankum, yanks some of Eddies teeth, even though there is nothing wrong with them.
Eddie starts to notice that kids all over his school are having their teeth pulled by Dr. Yankum, so he sets out, with the help of his buddy, Darryl, to figure out why.
This book is super funny, fast-paced and overall a spooky good time. I. M. Eerie does a great job keeping things scary and light at the same time. I should have known with a name like I. M. Eerie that he would have a fire name for his villain, and he did not disappoint. Dr. Yankum is a certified grade A villain.
Shout out to I. M. for sending me a copy of Open Wide , I know he is writing a second book called I Scream Truck and I hope there are plenty more to come.
Open Wide by I. M. Eerie for sure has a great villain with an unreal name, Dr. Yankum.
Eddie, our main character hates going to the dentist, because like lets be real, who does. Eddie's mom forces him to go to a new dentist, that seemingly popped up over night. The building is super weird and in the shape of a giant metal tooth. Thats where Eddie meets Dr. Yankum. And it should come as no surprise, Dr. Yankum, yanks some of Eddies teeth, even though there is nothing wrong with them.
Eddie starts to notice that kids all over his school are having their teeth pulled by Dr. Yankum, so he sets out, with the help of his buddy, Darryl, to figure out why.
This book is super funny, fast-paced and overall a spooky good time. I. M. Eerie does a great job keeping things scary and light at the same time. I should have known with a name like I. M. Eerie that he would have a fire name for his villain, and he did not disappoint. Dr. Yankum is a certified grade A villain.
Shout out to I. M. for sending me a copy of Open Wide , I know he is writing a second book called I Scream Truck and I hope there are plenty more to come.
![Profile Image for Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1672255572i%2F4799500._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 25, 2025
After hiding his Halloween candy under his bed and sneaking pieces in the middle of the night, Eddie now has a toothache. When his moms stumbles on an ad for a new dentist in town that offers free appointments for kids, she gets them a same day appointment. Eddie's best friend Darryl has already warned him that the place gives off a weird vibe, but weird doesn't even scratch the surface.
A middle grade horror book with a sci-fi twist, Open Wide will have you avoiding your next dentist appointment. I liked the dialogue Eddie had both internally and with the other characters in the story. I appreciated it's length and really liked that each chapter is fairly short; it kept the pacing of the book flowing and also gave natural stopping points if you needed to put the book down.
Open Wide is fresh concept and the use of humor and creepy is well balanced. Eddie's parents are newly divorced and his mom does go out on a date which brought realism and relatability to the story beyond the premise of the book, which is Reptilian dentists who collect teeth. The epilogue gutted me a bit, but it was fitting.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
A middle grade horror book with a sci-fi twist, Open Wide will have you avoiding your next dentist appointment. I liked the dialogue Eddie had both internally and with the other characters in the story. I appreciated it's length and really liked that each chapter is fairly short; it kept the pacing of the book flowing and also gave natural stopping points if you needed to put the book down.
Open Wide is fresh concept and the use of humor and creepy is well balanced. Eddie's parents are newly divorced and his mom does go out on a date which brought realism and relatability to the story beyond the premise of the book, which is Reptilian dentists who collect teeth. The epilogue gutted me a bit, but it was fitting.
Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
October 5, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Open Wide by I.M. Eerie
This was so much fun. 🦷 It’s that perfect brand of middle-grade horror that taps right into the fears you had as a kid — the shadows that moved when they shouldn’t, the noises that definitely weren’t the house settling, and the uneasy feeling that something was watching. 👀
You think you’ve got the story figured out, and then—boom—a twist hits hard enough to make you laugh and flinch at the same time. It’s clever without ever feeling too grown-up for its intended readers. The descriptions are vivid, eerie, and just the right amount of creepy for younger horror fans.
If I’d read this at that age, my little horror-obsessed brain would’ve exploded. I’d have been reading it under the covers with a flashlight and questionable life choices. 😂
I.M. Eerie really nailed that balance of spooky and fun—something that makes you shiver and grin at the same time.
🩸 Perfect for fans of Goosebumps, Coraline, or anyone who still enjoys a good monster-in-the-dark moment.
Open Wide by I.M. Eerie
This was so much fun. 🦷 It’s that perfect brand of middle-grade horror that taps right into the fears you had as a kid — the shadows that moved when they shouldn’t, the noises that definitely weren’t the house settling, and the uneasy feeling that something was watching. 👀
You think you’ve got the story figured out, and then—boom—a twist hits hard enough to make you laugh and flinch at the same time. It’s clever without ever feeling too grown-up for its intended readers. The descriptions are vivid, eerie, and just the right amount of creepy for younger horror fans.
If I’d read this at that age, my little horror-obsessed brain would’ve exploded. I’d have been reading it under the covers with a flashlight and questionable life choices. 😂
I.M. Eerie really nailed that balance of spooky and fun—something that makes you shiver and grin at the same time.
🩸 Perfect for fans of Goosebumps, Coraline, or anyone who still enjoys a good monster-in-the-dark moment.
October 8, 2025
Just finished this super cute middle grade horror Open Wide! We follow young Eddie, who with the help of some late-night Halloween candy has developed a cavity. And now has to go to the dentist! A place he would do anything to get out of going, especially after what happened the last time...
.
A new dentist has arrived in town seemingly overnight. And when Eddie says it's a weird place, it's not an exaggeration. Everyone working there is smiling way too much, and are way to over enthusiastic about how pretty Eddie's teeth are.. minus the one with the cavity. But still for some reason want to pull more than just that one? Eddie decides to investigate and what he discovers is horrible!
.
I had a ton of fun with this. I loved the humor, the twist at the end was great and I definitely think a middle-grade kid would find this scary, especially if they already didn't like the dentist.
Thank you so much to the author @imeeriebooks for sending me a copy!
.
A new dentist has arrived in town seemingly overnight. And when Eddie says it's a weird place, it's not an exaggeration. Everyone working there is smiling way too much, and are way to over enthusiastic about how pretty Eddie's teeth are.. minus the one with the cavity. But still for some reason want to pull more than just that one? Eddie decides to investigate and what he discovers is horrible!
.
I had a ton of fun with this. I loved the humor, the twist at the end was great and I definitely think a middle-grade kid would find this scary, especially if they already didn't like the dentist.
Thank you so much to the author @imeeriebooks for sending me a copy!
December 13, 2025
When a new dentist office arrives in town mysteriously overnight, offering free appointments to kids, something doesn't sit right with Eddie.
When he goes in for his free appointment, he gets more than he bargained for. Teaming up with his friend, Darryl, Eddie wants to discover the truth about the new dentist and the secrets he is hiding. Why is the dentist so fascinated with teeth? What does he want with Eddie's mom? Is he even a dentist at all? Will Eddie wish he didn't go snooping around in the first place?
This book was like a nostalgia hit of Goosebumps with a modern-day cryptid type twist. I read it with my 11-year-old son and we both enjoyed it! The jaw dropping ending will have you sitting with your mouth OPEN WIDE.
*Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
When he goes in for his free appointment, he gets more than he bargained for. Teaming up with his friend, Darryl, Eddie wants to discover the truth about the new dentist and the secrets he is hiding. Why is the dentist so fascinated with teeth? What does he want with Eddie's mom? Is he even a dentist at all? Will Eddie wish he didn't go snooping around in the first place?
This book was like a nostalgia hit of Goosebumps with a modern-day cryptid type twist. I read it with my 11-year-old son and we both enjoyed it! The jaw dropping ending will have you sitting with your mouth OPEN WIDE.
*Thank you to the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.*
June 5, 2025
Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!
This book follows Eddie, a young boy who has a bad tooth. He is scared of the dentist because last time he went, he bit the dentist and he had to get stitches. When his mom forces him to go to a new dentist in town, things are not as they seem.
This was a fun horror book for kids! I think kids will enjoy this one if they like Goosebumps. It was a quick and easy read. It was also scary without being too scary.
I think the twist at the end is fun as well.
I would recommend this to kids looking for a horror book!
This book follows Eddie, a young boy who has a bad tooth. He is scared of the dentist because last time he went, he bit the dentist and he had to get stitches. When his mom forces him to go to a new dentist in town, things are not as they seem.
This was a fun horror book for kids! I think kids will enjoy this one if they like Goosebumps. It was a quick and easy read. It was also scary without being too scary.
I think the twist at the end is fun as well.
I would recommend this to kids looking for a horror book!
August 10, 2025
3.75 stars
Open Wide by I.E. Eerie was such a nostalgic ride for me as someone who grew up devouring Goosebumps. It has that same mix of creepy fun and just the right amount of shivers to keep you hooked.
The story follows a main character terrified of the dentist, a fear I 100% relate to (thanks, childhood trauma 🦷😅). Eerie captures that anxiety perfectly while weaving in a deliciously eerie mystery. The pacing kept me turning pages, and just when I thought I knew where it was going… the ending completely shook me!
If you’re a fan of middle grade horror with a splash of humor and plenty of unsettling moments, this is a great pick for spooky season.
Open Wide by I.E. Eerie was such a nostalgic ride for me as someone who grew up devouring Goosebumps. It has that same mix of creepy fun and just the right amount of shivers to keep you hooked.
The story follows a main character terrified of the dentist, a fear I 100% relate to (thanks, childhood trauma 🦷😅). Eerie captures that anxiety perfectly while weaving in a deliciously eerie mystery. The pacing kept me turning pages, and just when I thought I knew where it was going… the ending completely shook me!
If you’re a fan of middle grade horror with a splash of humor and plenty of unsettling moments, this is a great pick for spooky season.
August 28, 2025
I grabbed Open Wide because it fits perfectly into my "Why Middle Grade Kids Need Horror Written Just for Them" presentation, and wow, this one delivers! Body horror is a tricky subgenre to write for younger readers, but this book nails that balance of creepy and accessible. It’s not one I’d hand to kids who already have a deep-seated fear of the dentist, but for our little horror junkies who love a good scare, it’s a fantastic pick. With its unsettling dentist, mysterious extractions, and growing sense of dread, Open Wide feels like a modern twist on the classic Goosebumps vibe, with just enough bite to keep pages turning.
September 9, 2025
I flew through this creepy middle grade read in one sitting! The story follows a kid with a sore tooth and a massive fear of the dentist. But when the new dentist pulls teeth that weren’t even bothering him, he knows something’s seriously wrong. Things get even weirder when that same dentist starts dating his mom. Determined to uncover the truth, he dives in headfirst—but will he regret what he discovers?
This one is perfect for students who are obsessed with Goosebumps, Michigan Chillers, and American Chillers. Honestly, I had a blast reading it too. The epilogue will totally blow their minds—it’s such a great introduction to those first big story twists kids never forget!
This one is perfect for students who are obsessed with Goosebumps, Michigan Chillers, and American Chillers. Honestly, I had a blast reading it too. The epilogue will totally blow their minds—it’s such a great introduction to those first big story twists kids never forget!
September 27, 2025
A very fun middle grade book!
As a person that loathes going to the dentist, I can relate to 5th grade Eddie, who is afraid to go get his cavity looked at.
When the pain becomes too much, and he finally tells his Mom, she makes an appointment for that day. It turns out that Eddie would come home with 3 LESS TEETH!!
He should have known when he found out the Dentists name is Dr. Yankum!
When Eddie discovers that MANY of his classmates are also missing teeth, he decides he MUST investigate the new dentist in town…
This is a really enjoyable story & if you have a middle grade child, this one is perfect to go in a Halloween Boo Basket! 🦷
As a person that loathes going to the dentist, I can relate to 5th grade Eddie, who is afraid to go get his cavity looked at.
When the pain becomes too much, and he finally tells his Mom, she makes an appointment for that day. It turns out that Eddie would come home with 3 LESS TEETH!!
He should have known when he found out the Dentists name is Dr. Yankum!
When Eddie discovers that MANY of his classmates are also missing teeth, he decides he MUST investigate the new dentist in town…
This is a really enjoyable story & if you have a middle grade child, this one is perfect to go in a Halloween Boo Basket! 🦷
October 5, 2025
I have dental anxiety! When the author reached out about me reading this book, without hesitation, I said yes. Man, am I glad. The thought of a dentist gives many people anxiety. This was an incredibly fun book to read, the writing was very straight forward and smooth. Eddie has a bad tooth and is going to see a new dentist because he bit the last one. Face your dental fears and read this fun, fast paced middle grade horror. I look forward to more from this author.
October 7, 2025
OPEN WIDE is the perfect mix of creepy and hilarious! Eddie and Darryl think they’re just dealing with a weird dentist, but ohhh no—this place is way more than just drills and toothpaste. The office gives major spooky vibes, the dentist is both goofy and terrifying, and the boys’ sneaky adventures lead to some seriously wild surprises. If you like your scares with a side of laughs, this book will totally make you smile… nervously.
June 16, 2025
Read as an ARC from NetGalley:
A great book for your late elementary or early middle school reader if they enjoy creepy/spooky stories. It was appropriate for the age group and there were no concerning themes. I'd feel comfortable letting my child read this if they enjoy books similar to the "Goosebumps" series or even the mysteries from some of the Geronimo Stilton books.
A great book for your late elementary or early middle school reader if they enjoy creepy/spooky stories. It was appropriate for the age group and there were no concerning themes. I'd feel comfortable letting my child read this if they enjoy books similar to the "Goosebumps" series or even the mysteries from some of the Geronimo Stilton books.
April 18, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This was an interesting mix of lots of dental details, the trauma of one's mother dating, and general creepiness. It was a fairly quick read, and will be a big hit with fans of Stine's Goosebumps books and possibly Walliams' Demon Dentist.
This was an interesting mix of lots of dental details, the trauma of one's mother dating, and general creepiness. It was a fairly quick read, and will be a big hit with fans of Stine's Goosebumps books and possibly Walliams' Demon Dentist.
July 15, 2025
A seriously fun read that is just the right amount of scary. Nothing graphic but still gets under your skin. I adore the twist ending and will recommend this to anyone who prefers their horror to end on an unsettling note.
September 12, 2025
Fans of Goosebumps will love this one! Creepy, silly and fast-paced ...and the epilogue/twist ending is awesome! While this is a middle grade book, I think it's fun for all ages. I look forward to seeing more from this author!
September 14, 2025
This was a read in one sitting kind of book - perfectly creepy and fast paced. It definitely has Goosebumps vibes, and a crazy ending that you don't see coming.
I'm excited to promote this to my students for Halloween!
I'm excited to promote this to my students for Halloween!
September 20, 2025
Probably NOT for kids who are already afraid of the dentist, this is a fun little scary story. It's got humor and just the right amount of scary but parents, check the ending and see how it will sit with your reader before you decide!
November 27, 2025
This is a really fun read. The end is so cool. As I read This book I tried to imagine it like a gothic claymation, like Corpse Bride , or Coraline. Really an underrated book.
I will most definitely be reading this authors next book.
Just a run lighthearted read, with some good spooky moments.
I will most definitely be reading this authors next book.
Just a run lighthearted read, with some good spooky moments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews