Meet the mind behind the mischief
If your tween loves stories that are a little spooky (but not nightmare-fuel), with big feelings and real laughs tucked between the chills, you’re going to love meeting Laura Parnum. We’re especially excited because Laura is Philadelphia-based (hi, local author magic!) and her work blends humor with just a touch of horror and a whole lot of heart, which is basically an ideal recipe for getting kids excited about reading.
A hauntingly good tale
We’ll be celebrating The Haunting of Bellington Cottage, a “gently spooky” middle grade ghost story with a friendship at the center of it all. Iris and Violet (now Vee—do not call her Violet) head to a winter break cottage getaway, and Iris is determined to recreate their legendary haunted house prank from years ago… except this time, the cottage has plans of its own. Doors slam. Rooms explode into chaos. Footsteps creep through the night. And the girls realize there’s no need to stage a haunted house—because they’re already in one.
This is one of those books that understands tweens: friendships shift, emotions run hot, and sometimes the scariest thing in the room is change. Also: it’s a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, which we consider a strong sign you’re about to find your next “read it in one sitting” favorite.
A little more about Laura
Laura Parnum is a Philadelphia author who writes middle grade stories full of quirky characters, creepy settings, and lots of humor. She’s the author of Peril at Price Manor (winner of the 2024 Carolyn W. Field Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association) and The Haunting of Bellington Cottage (a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection). When she’s not writing, she’s editing other people’s stories, helping out at local elementary school libraries, and serving as Co-Regional Advisor for the Eastern PA region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Also: her family has a turtle that bites and a snake that doesn’t. (We have questions.)
Event Details
Thursday, March 19, 5:00-6:30pm at Our Mutual Friend | Midsummer Books
What to expect: A spooky-funny reading from the book, then a hands-on writing workshop for tweens on using sensory details to create horror/comedy on the page (plus fun for younger siblings, because we see you, grownups).
Age recommendations:
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Ideal for: Tweens (roughly ages 9–13) for the writing workshop portion.
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Younger siblings welcome: We’ll have a simple bookish activity set up for littler kids.
Additional details:
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RSVP is recommended (space can fill quickly).
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Want a signed copy? Order below and we’ll have it ready at check-in.
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Can’t make it? You can still order a copy through the form and choose if you want a signed copy.
More books by Laura
Peril at Price Manor
(Middle Grade)
A high-energy, spooky-funny adventure from Laura’s debut (and award winner).
Leave the Dead to Lie in Peace”
(in S’more Spooky Stories: A National Park Anthology)
A ghostly short story set in Philadelphia’s Washington Square Park—perfect for readers who like their scares in snack-size form.
Host an event with Midsummer Books
Are you an author, illustrator, publisher, educator, or book-loving creative interested in hosting an event at Midsummer Books? We’d love to hear from you.
We regularly host author visits, middle grade and YA signings, storytimes, writing workshops, and bookish community events in Philadelphia. If your work aligns with our youth-focused mission, we’re always open to thoughtful collaborations.
Reach out with:
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A brief description of your book or program
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Target age range
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Proposed event format (reading, workshop, signing, etc.)
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Preferred timeline
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Links to your website and social media
Please note: We prioritize children’s, middle grade, and young adult literature, with special love for local and diverse voices.