“The Mystery of Grimly Manor” by Donna Wren Carson is displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all.
More than 13,500 attendees gathered in San Diego, CA, for the largest library event in the world. The ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition took place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 28 to July 2. Total attendance was 13,532, with 8,439 of them being attendees and 5,093 being exhibitors, authors, illustrators, press, and staff.
Against a backdrop of increasing censorship and book challenges, library workers learned from each other and supported each other through the 175 educational programs throughout the conference.
The conference opened with Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning host Trevor Noah and ALA Past President Lessa Kanani’opua Peyalo-Lozada in conversation discussing Noah’s upcoming book, “Into the Uncut Grass.”
ALA and Unite Against Book Bans hosted a second Rally for the Right to Read, which spotlighted the courage and resilience of library workers who are protecting the freedom to read.
ALA is now preparing for LibLearnX 2025, which will be held Jan. 24-27 in Phoenix. Next year’s ALA Annual will take place in Philadelphia.
For more information, visit www.ala.org.
Author Reputation Press’ published book, written by Donna Wren Carson, was displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference from June 28 to July 2. The publisher and author of the book are honored and proud to be part of this annual conference.
Donna Wren Carson’s book “The Mystery of Grimly Manor” has been praised by the US Review of Books. Here’s an excerpt from the review:
“Carson expertly captures the innocence of girlhood and the comfort of friendship in a mostly idyllic neighborhood. The vibrant life cycle of the community is on full display through the first days of school, birthdays, holidays, snow days, and sleepovers. Lovingly rendered and in full detail, the girls’ lives leap from the page as they bond over shared interests. These good-hearted friends follow their curiosity and bring the shadow of Grimly Manor into the light when they learn the true story of Mr. Grimly and his parents. His story is tragic, but the girls respond with kindness and care, leading to a heartwarming conclusion. Sometimes kids are the ones that can break through years of misunderstanding and facades to see the truth of someone’s life and the toll exacted from terrible experiences. Uplifting and hopeful, this story of three friends begins with foreboding questions about an unusual house and ends with a moving narrative of sacrifice and pain.”
Donna Wren Carson was born and raised in Enfield, Connecticut. She began writing young adult mystery novels after spending years reading various books, which helped shape her style.
Before writing, she was a substitute teacher at her daughter’s elementary school after leaving the manufacturing industry, where she earned her living during her early years. Her teaching experience largely fueled her imagination to create good mysteries, which she happily imparts to young readers.
Visit Donna Wren Carson’s website at https://donnawrencarsonbooks.com/.
She was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors. Benji Cole, the host of the program, is a world-class interviewer, video formulator, Los Angeles actor, and filmmaker. He’s shared the acting stage with superstar Tom Hanks. Get to know more about the author and his book as you listen to the full interview below:
This book was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany, on October 18–22, 2023. The Frankfurter Buchmesse, reportedly known as the world’s largest trade fair for books, opened its doors to participants around the globe celebrating books and their authors. The massive book fair also celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. Slovenia, their guest of honor this year, presented itself as a nation with a rich literary history and a desirable tourism destination.
Recently, “The Mystery of Grimly Manor” was displayed at the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) Book Gallery. The LATFOB is considered to be one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held every year since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.
The book portrays preteen life in real-world situations while offering a reflection on wholesome family values. It draws strength from its solid character development, natural dialogue, and engaging plot that will hold the readers’ attention as they sift through every page.
It is the first book in Donna Wren Carson’s LAS Mysteries Series. The plot is as follows: Leira MacGregor is looking forward to the arrival of two new families in her neighborhood, hoping that one of them will have children her age. They might be able to assist her in solving the Grimly Manor mystery. The creepy manor is surrounded by an ancient graveyard and is home to a terrifying old guy who is only seen on Halloween. Families in the area try to ignore the weird occurrences. So, it is up to Leira and her new friends to figure out what is going on. She has no idea what adventures are in store for her.
