Donna Marie Seim as Granny, left, and Quinn Hagerty as Charley, based on “The Story Behind the Story of Charley, the Boy Who Sings Alone.” Contributed photo

DENMARK — Award-winning author Donna Marie Seim this weekend is to present “The Story Behind the Story, of Charley, the Boy Who Sings Alone.”

The 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8 presentation is part of an authors series put on by Denmark Historical Society, Public Library and Arts Center Collaborative. The event is to be held in Bicentennial Park across from the Denmark Arts Center.

Seim relates the true story of a 12-year-old boy living in Boston in 1910. He and two of his siblings, abandoned by their down-and-out father, wind up on the steps of an orphanage, New England Home for Little Wanderers.

Charley, having a beautiful voice like his father’s, joins the choir and travels throughout New England. After each concert the children wait in line, hoping that a good family might choose them. When Charley’s dreams of a home and family are all but dashed, he sings his way into a dairy farming family in rural Maine.

Now Charley must face his ultimate challenge: Will he have the skills and courage necessary to succeed on a farm? Or, will he fail and be sent back to the city streets?

“Charley” has won the Eloquent Quill Award from Literary Classics Awards and Best Regional Fiction from the New England Book Festival. The book has now been adapted as “Charley,” the play, and has been performed in New England theaters.

There is to be a book signing following Seim’s presentation.

Seim, a part-time resident of Denmark, is a graduate from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in social work in the field of social welfare. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in special education from Lesley University. She lives in Newbury, Massachusetts, with her husband, Martin.

The program funded by support from the Maine 200 Bicentennial Commission, Kendal C. & Anna Ham Charitable Foundation, and Maine Humanities Council.

Denmark Arts Center will follow CDC guidelines for outdoor events. The event is pay what you can; registration is requested.

For more information and to register, visit denmarkarts.org/events.