Author and literacy champion David Baldacci, Auditorium Speaker at ALA Midwinter Meeting & Exhibits

For Immediate Release
Thu, 10/24/2013

Contact:

Amy McGuigan

Conference Manager

Conference Services

American Library Association

amcguigan@ala.org

CHICAGO — David Baldacci is passionate about literacy and reading, believing that “the ability to read is the foundation for everyday life.” One of the world’s bestselling authors, he has more than 110 million copies of his novels in print in more than 45 languages and 80 countries. He and his wife Michelle also created a foundation to combat illiteracy in the US — they believe that “virtually none of the major issues we face as a nation today can be successfully overcome until we eradicate illiteracy.” ALA Midwinter Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to hear him speak about the range of his work when he joins us as an Auditorium Speaker from 10 - 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26.

Baldacci left a well-established law practice in Washington, D.C. for his writing career. His first novel, “Absolute Power,” was made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. His “King & Maxwell” series was made into a TV series and premiered on the TNT Network in June 2013. His most recent book for young readers, “Day of Doom” (2013, Scholastic) was the final book in the bestselling multi-platform “The 39 Clues: Cahills vs. Vespers” story arc. In March 2014, Scholastic will publish “The Finisher,” a fantasy novel for children that follows the adventures of a determined young heroine named Vega Jane, who lives in an ordinary world with extraordinary secrets.

Although he is involved with several philanthropic organizations, Baldacci’s greatest efforts are dedicated to his family’s Wish You Well Foundation® that supports family and adult literacy in the US by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs. You can visit Baldacci at his website.

Baldacci’s appearance is sponsored by Scholastic.

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