Name: Hooked on Horror (Again): Middle Grade Books
Start: 2026-06-05T13:00:00-0400
End: 2026-06-05T13:50:00-0400

Hooked on Horror (Again): Middle Grade Books

Friday June 5, 2026 1:00pm - 1:50pm EDT

Cambria

Horror has long captivated young readers, from those first spine-chilling stories around campfires to stories read with flashlights under the covers. Panelists will discuss their experiences with horror as young readers, how they craft engaging yet age-appropriate stories, and the unique challenges of writing for children. Topics will include what’s “too scary,” representation, and navigating sensitive issues like book bans and censorship in YA and Middle Grade literature.

Moderators

Sarah Faxon

Speakers

Meghan Arcuri

Ann Dávila Cardinal

Author

Ann Dávila Cardinal is a Nuyorican poly-genre author. Her young adult horror novels include Five Midnights (winner of an International Latino Book Award and a Bram Stoker finalist), Category Five, Breakup from Hell, and You’ve Awoken Her. Ann lives in a little house in Vermon... Read More →

S. Alessandro Martinez

Writer

S. Alessandro Martinez is a Bram Stoker Award® -nominated author of Mexican and Spanish descent, and a native Southern Californian with Autism/Asperger’s who writes horror and fantasy for adults and children. His writings have appeared in several magazines and anthologies such... Read More →