Donn Fendler Visits Camden Library

Donn Fendler Visits Camden Library August 2

On Thursday, August 2, at 11:00 am, the Camden Public Library will host an event with Donn Fendler as he gives a presentation on his newest book, Lost Trail: Nine Days Alone in the Wilderness, along with co-author Lynn Plourde. The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale and autographing. For further information, call the Camden Public Library at 236-3440.

For nine days in 1939, twelve-year old Donn Fendler was lost, alone in the wilderness around Mount Katahdin in northern Maine. The story of his harrowing ordeal and rescue as told in the 1939 classic, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, has captivated readers for decades. In Lost Trail, published by Down East Books, Donn tells the story again–with added details about what happened before he was lost, after he was lost, and the search and rescue efforts.

Fendler, who lives seasonally in Newport, teamed up with Winthrop children’s book author Lynn Plourde. With more than 25 children’s books to her credit, Plourde translated Fendler’s recollections into what she describes as “a true story more unbelievable than fiction.” In 72 pages of illustrations, Ben Bishop of Portland brings the story to life visually. Bishop is a comic book artist, toy designer and illustrator, and author of original graphic novels.

Lost Trail is the winner of several awards, including a 2011 Lupine Honor by the Maine Library Association, a 2012 Maine Literary Award Winner in the Young Adult category from Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, and it is a ForeWord 2011 Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention in the Graphic Novel category.

Stephen King says of Lost Trail, “Donn Fendler’s story of survival is both terrifying and uplifting. Here is a graphic novel about a real American superhero.”  A review by the New Maine Times says, “Riveting details and energetic drawings bring the heart of the story to the forefront, placing readers in the wilderness with Fendler. Lost Trail deserves a spot in everyone’s library, young and old alike, for the message it leaves in the minds of its readers—that despite bad odds, things can and do turn out right.”