When Greg Goldston was a junior in high school in the late 80s, he was surrounded by books as a clerk at the Garland Central Library. His job there was to make sure they were all placed correctly back on the shelves. Now over 30 years later, he has authored 11 books and will be returning to his former place of employment to share some of his children’s books in a Coming Home Christmas Celebration. The free event (https://library.garlandtx.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=8149) at the Central Library Express on Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. will consist of readings from his book along with a Q&A about his writing. The author will also be selling and signing copies of his books with some of the proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Library.
Goldston, who writes under the name Gregory G. Allen, has been writing children’s books for the past decade. His mission is to spread awareness of inclusion for those who are different. It all started when he wrote a book based on his godson in which he depicts a child with autism as a superhero. The author followed that up with a squirrel who watches children rehearsing a play in a theater and wants to perform. His latest book is about a monster who must learn self-acceptance.
“I am so excited to be able to return to my roots in Garland,” the author said. “I moved away at 18 to be an actor in NY and while I still act and direct, writing has become a huge part of my life,” he said.
He now lives outside of New York City.
It was in Garland that Goldston honed his skills in acting and writing. He was heavily involved in theater and choir at Garland High School. He won awards at acting competitions and made it into the Texas All State Choir his senior year.
But it was at the Granville Arts Center where he had his true taste of what would be in store for him while performing with the Garland Civic Theater and the Garland Children’s Theater in the 80s.
“I remember when the center was built. I felt we had a part of Broadway right here in our town when I would see the Garland Summer Musicals,” he said.
Goldson added that he was lucky to have two original musicals produced in the little theater…one of which was the premise for my latest chapter book
about monsters.”
Kirkus Reviews calls The Monsters of Marymount Mansion “A fanciful and compassionate approach to being ‘different’…young readers will root for the courageous Toby as curiosity about the human world drives his quest to be free to be himself there, convinced that “we should be able to get along with others who aren’t exactly like us.”…a message of empathy is delivered with quirky charm.”
For those who can’t attend the library event, Goldston will also be selling and signing books at The Blend on Ballard in Wylie on Saturday December 23 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for those last-minute shoppers looking for a unique gift.
Gregory G. Allen is the award-winning author of four children’s books, four adult novels, one nonfiction memoir and two short stories. As a filmmaker, two of his short films were chosen to screen at the American Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival. He has been the recipient of several writing awards, Best Director and Best Screenplay for his short films and was inducted into the prestigious 125th Anniversary Year (2023) Marquis Who’s Who for his dedication to the fields of arts, entertainment and advocacy. He is a member of The Dramatist Guild and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. www.gregsimagination.com