Tales from Cabin 23: The Visitors

Description: "Few campers at Camp Apple Hill Farm have found the mysterious cabin rumored to be hidden deep in the woods--but those who have whisper of a mysterious woman who tells tales of horrors beyond imagination. Are you brave enough to visit Cabin 23? When Gen Farías's brother, Lorenzo, is arrested, everything changes. Gen's neighbors look at him and his family with suspicion, his parents are distraught, and no one will tell Gen what's happening. But the worst part is what only Gen knows: It's all his fault. If he hadn't forgotten to leave their bedroom window unlatched the night of Lorenzo's arrest, maybe his brother would have never been caught. Guilt haunts Gen--guilt, and a terrifying shadow that crouches each night on the tree branch outside his window, watching him with penetrating eyes. Gen's parents decide to move to Los Astros, a beautiful village nestled in the mountains, to try to regain some sense of normalcy. But Los Astros, Gen soon discovers, is no ordinary town. There are creepy wicker figures on every lawn and strange stories of children who go missing. Beneath its idyllic facade, Los Astros has a secret--one Gen must uncover if he doesn't want to go missing himself."--

Brief description:

Yamile Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers and adults, including the award-winning picture books Where Are You From? and What Will You Be? She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah with her husband, five children, two dogs, and a majestic cat. She's a graduate of Voices of Our Nations and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA writing for children and young adults program. She's always trying new empanada recipes. Connect with her at yamilemendez.com.

Review Quotes:

"Méndez has crafted a sympathetic, lovable character in Gen that readers will root for. Themes of generational trauma and grappling with past mistakes resonate. A poignant, recommended story for fans of character-driven fiction with a touch of -supernatural thrill." - School Library Journal

"The third entry in this bewitching multi-author anthology series maintains the chills and thrills of its predecessors, expertly exploring how familial wounds can fester if left unspoken. Spookily good." - Kirkus Reviews

"Perfect for fans of Katherine Arden's Small Spaces series or Tracey Baptiste's Jumbies books, this unusual middle grade grief and folk horror with likable, well-developed characters has an atmospheric level of dread that will intrigue young readers looking for eerie tales." - Booklist