Praise for Midsummer’s Mayhem
Taking its inspiration from one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, Midsummer’s Mayhem is a sweet and fun story about mistaken identity, bumpy romance, and the everyday magic of baking.
Barbara Deeauthor of Star-Crossed and Maybe He Just Likes You
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
I savored every minute of this romp. I loved Mimi and her drive to be less invisible in her big family full of go-getters. The South Indian foods, well-defined in the glossary, added another layer of flavor to the story. The baking contest, reminiscent of The Great British Baking Show, was full of surprises, and the hints of magic and allusions to AMidsummer Night’s Dream were perfect. The included recipes are the icing on the cake.
Jen KraarCity of Asylum Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
I felt this novel in verse in my bones. An important book, it will change how young readers see their world. And that’s the best kind of book to read at any age.
Jane YolenAuthor of The Devil's Arithmetic, Briar Rose, and Mapping the Bones
Praise for Seven Golden Rings
Rajani LaRocca is a magician with both story and math — a difficult combination that she combines with ease.
Jane YolenAuthor of Owl Moon and How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight?
Praise for Much Ado About Baseball
In addition to the wonders of the game, readers will encounter magical delights like fairy dust, a Fountain of Youth, Books of Power and mildly poisonous snacks.
Linda Sue Park in the New York Times Book Review
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
Absolutely scrumptious! I fell in love with this book and devoured it in one day. LaRocca crafts a spell of tricky fairies, lovable mortals, and heartfelt magic. Mimi is determined, resourceful, and unfailingly kind. Perfect for aspiring bakers, younger siblings, or anyone with a passion.
Anna Merianoauthor of the Love, Sugar, Magic series
Praise for Much Ado About Baseball
A Much Ado About Nothing homage that explores parental expectations, complicated friendships, and teamwork. A moving tale of baseball, magic, and former rivals who come together to solve a problem.
Kirkus Reviews, STARRED Review
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
Infused with science, 80’s music, and the struggles and joys of navigating middle school when you live in two different worlds, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE is delightfully real and achingly beautiful. Reha’s story grabbed my heart from the first pages and never let go.
Kate MessnerAuthor of Breakout and Chirp
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
LaRocca takes us back to 1983 with eighth grader Reha, who feels like she has two different lives– her American life at school, and her Indian life at home. Sometimes it feels impossible for those two worlds to mix. Ultimately, her Amma is her moon, and Reha is the stars– the meanings of their names. When Amma is diagnosed with leukemia, all variations of Reha’s lives come crashing down. Red, White, and Whole is a beautiful, poignant novel-in-verse about family, friendships, and the lifetime-end… Read more
Andrew King, University Bookstore, Seattle, WA
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
Rajani LaRocca’s RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE explores the difficulties and joys experienced by immigrants through the eyes of Reha. Reha is of two worlds, her parents are from India but she was born in the US, and she often finds herself torn between the two. She has two best friends, one she sees during the week at school and one she sees on weekends when she spends time with other Indian families, and feels like she lives two different lives. When her mother gets a scary medical diagnosis Reha decid… Read more
Faith Parke-Dodge, Page 158 Books, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
Beautiful, tender novel in verse about a girl born in America to Indian parents. She feels the tug of the children of immigrants, needing to belong, and also strives for knowledge and the ability to help others. Her mother’s illness is movingly portrayed, as is the love and care her community gives to her (both from family friends, her auntie, and her school). This novel bursts with love and devotion.
Robin Stern, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
Praise for Much Ado About BaseballIt’s no mystery why Rajani LaRocca’s Much Ado About Baseball is a home run. Like the smell of freshly cut infield grass, this fast-paced story of friendship, fitting in, and finding yourself is filled with magic and math. It pops with baseball excitement and summer days full of possibilities.
David A. Kelly, Author of the Ballpark Mysteries series
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
An entertaining and epicurean retelling of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. . . . Strikes a perfect balance between the pleasant and the melancholy, as sweet and savory as one of Mimi’s confections.
Shelf Awareness
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
This novel in verse beautifully told exclusively from the point of view of a young girl named Reha coming of age in the midwest. Her relationships to her family, friends, and her Indian culture, to the sight of blood, and to her sense of belonging in two different worlds are constant themes, and come together poetically and crushingly in the end. I loved every page, and will be so excited to see Reha’s story on our shelves!
Paul Swydan, The Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, MA
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
An absolute delight—LaRocca’s delectable debut is whimsical, frothy, and so much fun. An inventive take on a classic comedy, Midsummer’s Mayhem is a sweetly-told tale of family, friendship, and following your passion. This is a book for the dreamers and doers alike; effervescent, full of heart, and ultimately joyful.
Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovichauthor of Two Naomis and Eighth-Grade Superzero
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
This delightful and delicious spin on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream flows beautifully into a sensitive and thoughtful novel that addresses family dynamics and self-confidence alongside mouth-watering descriptions of food. Readers will relate to Mimi’s attempts to stand out and find her place and will be thrilled by the magical baking.
School Library Journal Review
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
Rajani LaRocca’s follow up to MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM is a deeply moving #OwnVoices middle-grade verse novel, set in 1983, about a 13-year-old daughter of Indian immigrants. Torn between two worlds, Reha struggles to be both Indian and American, as she navigates through middle school, first love, and grief and loss when tragedy strikes. Full of relatable characters and situations, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE’s message to stay resilient, hopeful, and loving is necessary and timely.
Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, Massachusetts
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
This deeply memorable coming-of-age story weaves Indian mythology with the relatable modern story of Reha, as she grapples with identity, family, and what it means to truly be home.
Joy McCulloughAuthor of Blood Water Paint; A Field Guide to Getting Lost; and We Are the Ashes, We Are the Fire
Praise for Red, White, and Whole
Brimming with warmth. An approachable account of negotiating identity and of struggling with loss.
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Praise for Midsummer's Mayhem
Midsummer’s Mayhem has all the ingredients for a delightful read: developed characters, delectable dessert descriptions, and a dash of magic. Toss with Shakespeare and sprinkle in realistic family conflicts, and LaRocca has created a poignant story of friendship that will warm the hearts of readers.
Erin Dionneauthor of The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet and Secrets of a Fangirl