The New York Public Library‘s monthly children’s literary salon recently featured authors Kate Milford, Adam Gidwitz, and Michael Teitelbaum. The afternoon centered on their scary stories, The Boneshaker, A Tale Dark & Grimm, and The Scary States of America.

Moderator Betsy Bird asked about the adult reactions to their books. Milford responded: “A [unnamed] reviewer once said ‘I wouldn’t really recommend this for a kid. It’s too unsettling for me.’”

Gidwitz added: “Most kids love it. Many adults really love it.” Teitelbaum concluded: “I haven’t gotten any hate mail from the kids … Most adults ask, ‘Is that [your story] true?’”

Afterward, Bird asked whether or not these authors would stick to horror. Milford and Gidwitz both replied “yes.” Teitelbaum explained that while he probably will write more scary stories in the future, he tends to jump around genres.