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Unveiling Our Empowering Spokesperson & Exciting Timeline!

November 1, 2025
Team World

Meet This Year’s Spokesperson and Timeline for Summer Scares 2026

The Horror Writers Association (HWA) is excited to announce the Summer Scares program for 2026! This annual reading initiative, in collaboration with Booklist, Book Riot, iREAD, and NoveList, aims to inspire libraries and schools with a curated list of must-read horror books. These recommendations cater to adults, teens, and middle-grade readers, shining a light on the thrilling genre of horror literature.

Spokesperson Jennifer McMahon

This year’s spokesperson is none other than Jennifer McMahon, a New York Times bestselling author. Jennifer brings her own unique experiences with reading and horror into the program. She shares a heartfelt memory from her childhood where she checked out a book from her local library. This book contained a spell to become a werewolf. As a young girl fascinated by monsters, she hoped that transforming into a creature would be easier than navigating human emotions. Unfortunately, the spell didn’t work, but it led her to discover the real magic found in books.

“As you lose yourself in a gripping spooky story, you can find new strengths and insights into your own fears,” says Jennifer. She invites readers of all ages to join her on this thrilling reading journey. While becoming a werewolf isn’t guaranteed, finding transformation through storytelling definitely is!

The Selection Process

Jennifer McMahon will work closely with a committee of six dedicated library professionals. Together, they will select three recommended fiction titles for each reading level, resulting in a total of nine horror selections for Summer Scares. This initiative seeks to spark conversations about the horror genre at libraries and encourage more people—whether adults, teens, or children—to explore the exhilarating world of horror reading.

You can look forward to the final list of titles being unveiled on February 14, 2026, which is also known as Library Lover’s Day. The official kick-off for Summer Scares will occur during the 10th Annual HWA Librarians’ Day at StokerCon, scheduled for June 5, 2026, at the Westin Pittsburgh.

Year-Round Engagement

The excitement doesn’t stop with the announcement. Throughout 2026, the HWA committee and its partners will roll out additional resources, including podcasts, free webinars through Booklist, and lists of further reading suggestions. A highlight will be the Summer Scares Programming Guide, prepared by Konrad Stump, an HWA Library Committee Co-Chair.

“This guide will be an essential tool for library staff aiming to engage their communities. It includes programming ideas for author events, reading discussions, and suggestions for partnership programs,” says Konrad. With this resource, libraries will be equipped to create unforgettable experiences centered around horror stories.

The complete guide will be available from March 1, 2026, on the Summer Scares Resource page.

Looking Ahead

If you’re excited to dive into the world of horror, keep an eye out for updates from Booklist, Book Riot, iREAD, and NoveList, as well as the HWA website. For previous titles, spokespeople, and programming guides, feel free to explore their archives.

If you have any questions or need more information, you can contact the HWA Library Committee Co-Chairs, Becky Spratford and Konrad Stump, via email at libraries@horror.org.

Meet the Committee Members

Alongside Jennifer, a dedicated group of professionals is working on this initiative:

  • Becky Spratford is a library consultant who has authored several guides on horror literature and regularly reviews for major publications.
  • Konrad Stump leads the “Oh, the Horror!” series in his library, creating unique horror-themed discussion groups.
  • Carolyn Ciesla, the current Illinois Library Association President, brings her wealth of experience as an academic librarian and educator.
  • Kelly Jensen, a senior editor at Book Riot, has been recognized for her contributions to young adult literature and advocacy against censorship.
  • Julia Smith, also a senior editor at Booklist, has a deep love for middle-grade literature and has worked extensively in children’s publishing.
  • Yaika Sabat, with a strong background in public libraries, crafts reader-focused content and aims to help librarians embrace horror.

Join the Fun!

The Summer Scares program encourages readers to explore horror literature, engage with their local libraries, and join discussions about this intriguing genre. From spine-chilling tales to heart-pounding mysteries, the world of horror literature offers something for everyone.

So gear up for an unforgettable reading adventure in 2026!

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Original Text – https://bookriot.com/summer-scares-2026-spokesperson-timeline/