The eighth annual Tweens Read Festival took place on October 13 at South Houston High School in South Houston, Tex., drawing more than 1,800 attendees—more than 70% of whom were tweens. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the event, which included a keynote by author Varian Johnson, panels, and a mass author signing featuring 27 writers. All photos by Two Cats Communications.

Children of Refuge author Margaret Peterson Haddix (seated, l.) and The Collectors author Jacqueline West answered questions from students.

Varian Johnson, author of The Parker Inheritance, delivering the keynote address.

Authors Victoria Schwab (City of Ghosts) and Brendan Reichs (The Darkdeep, co-written with Ally Condie).

Marie Miranda Cruz (Everlasting Nora) and Stuart Gibbs (the Spy School series) during “The Scientific Method” panel.

Torrey Maldonado signed copies of Tight.

“The J Team” breakout session featured authors (from l.) Julissa Arce (Someone Like Me), Jennifer A. Nielsen (Resistance), and J.C. Cervantes (The Storm Runner).

A fan taking part in a Q&A.

The “Family Ties” panel featured middle grade authors including (from l.) Donna Gephart (In Your Shoes), Jeanne Birdsall (the Penderwicks series), and Karina Yan Glaser (the Vanderbeekers series).

Jennifer Ziegler, author of Revenge of the Teacher’s Pets, with a young reader.

T.R. Simon (l.), author of Zora & Me: The Cursed Ground, and Hena Khan, author of Bounce Back, during the “Different Times, Great Stories” panel.

K.A. Holt shared copies of Knock Out.