Rajani LaRocca

Award-winning Children's Book Author

A Big Birthday Giveaway!!

Today is my birthday. It’s a BIG birthday. Today, I turn 50!

Unfortunately, I’m not celebrating it the way I thought I would. The world is dealing with a pandemic. We’re being socially distant. Schools are closed, people are working from home, the streets are empty, and we’re not sure how long this is going to last. The world of publishing has been thrown into turmoil as events are canceled, bookstores are shuttered, and authors have taken to the internet to get word out about their books.

My work has a doctor has been turned upside down, too. We have canceled all routine appointments and are preparing and bracing for the onslaught of what might happen.

But in the midst of this surreal time, I want to reflect on the things that bring me joy.

Luca Upper

I’m so grateful for beautiful family—my sweet parents, my wonderful husband, and the two children we’ve raised to be smart, kind, and thoughtful young adults. They are my proudest contribution to the world.

I’m grateful for my work as a doctor. I love my coworkers and my patients and my hospital as we work together to take care of people. I’ve felt this way for years, but I particularly feel it now, in the middle of a global medical crisis.

And I’m grateful for the world of writing and publishing, for the freedom to be creative, to spin stories from my head and my heart, to write the novels and picture books that only I can write. I’m incredibly fortunate to have an agent who loves and believes in my writing and finds my stories the best possible homes, and to work with editors who help me make my books better than I could have ever imagined. I’m so lucky to be writing for kids, who have emailed and written letters, made art and talked to me in person about what my stories mean to them. And more than anything, I am so overjoyed to be connected to the wonderful kidlit community—the writers, illustrators, publishing professionals, booksellers, and teachers whose work I admire and who are my friends, partners, and supports.

These connections are everything to me because what my two careers have in common is people. People, who can make terrible decisions, and who can be incredibly brave. People, who laugh and love and think and live. People, who are endlessly fascinating. People are what medicine is about, and what writing is about. To me, people are what everything is about.

So. It’s my birthday, and I’m giving away presents that reflect my connections to people in the kidlit world!

For educators: For TWO lucky winners I’m giving away:

  • A copy of my debut middle grade novel, MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM!
  • A copy of my debut picture book, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, out this September!
  • Copies of a 2020 picture book and middle grade novel of your choice! Spring books would be ideal, since these are the books most affected by the current pandemic, but feel free to choose any 2020 book you would like! Check out https://roaring20sdebut.com/mg-books/ for MG, and for PB, https://www.soaring20spb.com/, https://perfect2020pbs.weebly.com/, https://2020debutcrew.weebly.com/, and @2020visionpbs @diversedebuts20 @2020comebkcrew on Twitter!
  • A bunch of stickers, pencils, and bookmarks for your students!
  • All these books will be ordered from a local independent bookstore and shipped straight to you!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For writers: There will be TWO winners!

  • One will receive copies of three of my favorite craft books: STORY GENIUS by Lisa Kron, OUTLINING YOUR NOVEL by K.M. Weiland, and WRITING PICTURE BOOKS by Ann Whitford Paul, plus a writing journal and fun pen. If you already own those books, I will get you three other books of your choice! All of these will be ordered from a local independent bookstore and shipped straight to you!
  • For the second winner, I will critique a picture book or first ten pages of a MG novel!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m so happy to be spreading some book love in the midst of this unprecedented time of turmoil. And I’m overjoyed to connect with all the people in the kidlit community. You are my people, and I’m so very thankful to have you in my life.

And now, everyone: go pick up a good book and have some cake!!

Comments

  2. Happy, happy birthday, and thank you for the giveaway. There are so many books that I’d like to read. Efren Divided is right up there!

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    • Ooh, wonderful!! Thanks so much for all you do for kids and authors alike! I can’t wait to meet you in person!!

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  4. Happy birthday! Thank for this awesome opportunity. I’m currently working on a nonfiction picture book as well as a fictional one that deals with loss and healing.

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  5. Happy birthday!! Wow, that’s quite the giveaway bundle. For MG, Stand Up Yumi Chung bc I think we could all use a book that makes us laugh right now.

    Reply

    • Thank you!! And yes I can’t wait to read that one!! We all need to find joy in times of darkness.

      Reply

  6. I love your writing and your positivity. As a late bloomer MG writer I would love to win a critique from you for my first 10 pages. Thank your for sharing your birthday present with your fans.

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    • Hi there!! No such thing as a late bloomer, as we all bloom when it’s right for us! Thanks for entering, and I’d love to read your pages!!

      Reply

    • Thank you for reading! I really do love the world, flawed as it is. We are going to get through this trying time together.

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  9. Happy happy birthday!!!! ? I’m excited for SO many 2020 releases- including (but not limited to) Ghost Squad and The Dream Weaver!!

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  10. Happy Birthday! In addition to this giveaway, you’re always so generous with teachers and their students. I hope that you’re staying as safe (as possible). See you on the other side of this!

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    • Thank you!! Teachers and students always amaze me with their energy and joy, so I’m happy to spread the love! We will get through this, and I’m looking forward to wonderful days ahead!!

      Reply

  11. Happy 50th! That was the year that changed my path. May you enjoy the new path on which you are traveling! You are an inspiration to me!

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    • Ahh thank you!!! This year, my dreams have already come true in so many ways!! I can’t wait for the wonderful times ahead!

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  12. Happy birthday Rajani! Thank you so much for the giveaway! There are so many great books it’s hard to choose! But if I have to pick a MG book, I’d love to receive A MANY FEATHERED THING by Lisa Gerlits and the picture book would be INVENT A PET by Vicky Fang.

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  13. Happy birthday!!! Thank you for the opportunity in this giveaway. I would love a copy of “From the Desk of Zoe Washington”.

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    • Thank you!! And I cannnot wait to read that book! I’ve heard so many great things…and there is BAKING!!!

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    • Thanks so much!! I’m not sure about the sunshine (it’s pouring here!) but there is already plenty of joy!!

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  17. Wow and happy birthday! Thank you for doing it ¨hobbit¨ style! If I won I would love a copy of The Good Hawk (love raptors!) and Soaked (it´s pouring here in Colorado right now).

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  18. Great giveaway. I retweeted before I entered, it’s so good. LOL Happy Birthday and I hope the winners know what great prizes these are!

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  20. Happy Birthday! What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday! I didn’t know you had read Story Genius. We’ll have to discuss it next time we get together. I took the class a few years back. I already have the three craft books you mentioned and too many more to count that I haven’t read. Some writer is going to be really lucky. I might have to “borrow” your bday idea in a few years, minus the pandemic of course. 😉
    Stay safe and take care. XOXO

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    • Ahhh thank you!! When the pandemic is over, we must get together and talk about all kinds of things!! And feel free to borrow any idea, any time!! I’m so glad I know you!! XOXO

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  22. Happy happy birthday! We would love to get The List of Things That Will Not Change for our Library. ?

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  23. So many great debuts to choose from! I think I’d want many, but for this purpose…From the Dest of Zoe Washington. Thanks for the chance! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

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  24. I’d love to have a copy of We Are Water Protectors by Carol Lindstrom.

    Thank you for sharing your birthday joy with us!
    May you have many happy returns.

    Reply

  26. Rajani, Happy happy birthday! I love how creative you are being in how you celebrate such a milestone birthday. Well done! Here’s to 50 more wonderful years!

    Reply

    • Thank you!!! I’m so fortunate to be able to do all these wonderful things, and I can’t wait to see what the next 50 bring!!

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  27. I’m SO excited about your book, Dr. LaRocca! Happiest of birthdays ???. Thanks for reminding of all the things we have to be grateful for.

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  33. Thanks for being so generous! And, welcome to your 50s. I’m on my way out all too soon, but in many ways, my fifties have been my favorite decade. Hope it’s the same for you!

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    • Thanks so much, Scott! You are a fabulous writer and friend, and I’m so glad that writing brought us together! PW ’17 forever!!

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  34. Happy birthday, Rajani! Thank you for all you do for teachers and kids, and the whole kidlit community. Your post made me cry. I am tired, and a little overwhelmed, but I felt uplifted and encouraged by your words. Please take care of yourself right now. I am so thankful for our doctors and nurses right now!

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    • Oh Shari!! These are truly unprecedented times. Thank YOU for all you do for kids and authors!! There are beautiful times ahead; we just have to get there. Thank you for reading and sharing!!

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  36. Happy Birthday to you! I’m sorry that you couldn’t celebrate a little more traditionally, but I think your post about what you are grateful for is so perfect for our times. I am grateful to know you and hope our paths cross again soon. Take care of yourself and your family while you are busy taking such good care of others. xo

    Reply

    • Oh Jilanne, thank you!! I’m so glad we got to meet in person this fall…what a wonderful time! Better times are ahead, I know it! We just have to hold on to what we love. XO

      Reply

  40. A great was to celebrate, Rajani. I’m off to make a cake in your honor. (Actually, you mentioned cake and now I want some. lol) Happy birthday again!

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  42. Happy birthday! Next year, you’ll have to have double the celebration. Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity.

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    • Thank you!! I had a wonderful day and we will celebrate double when we’re allowed to! Good luck with the giveaway!

      Reply

  43. First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! And thanks so much for these giveaways. I’ll be sure to help you spread the word!! (I’ll include both of them in my Sunday Post and, of course, the tweets). Oh, and in answer to the giveaway question, I am currently writing a MG fantasy retelling of The Selfish Giant in verse (AKA: I’m crazy). 🙂

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  45. Best wishes for
    Your birthday and for your medical Practice. I’m a writer and glad to see these craft books recommended.

    Reply

  46. Happy Belated Birthday! Blessings to you on your special day. Thank you for sharing your story and your books!

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  47. I love how thankful and thoughtful you are. So much to love right now even amid these times. Thank you for this and I hope you get the celebration you wanted for your 50th when this is all over

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    • Thank you!! It truly was a wonderful day at home with the family, but I’m looking forward to better days and bigger celebrations ahead!

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  51. Happy Birthday, Rajani! What a generous way to celebrate your 50th. My birthday is this Wednesday, so I’ll need to draw from your creative heart to celebrate in my own way too. Thank you!

    Reply

  53. I am currently writing poetry and belong to poetry workshops where we lose a few words in the critiques to make the writing tighter. By belonging to a writer’s group for 5 years, I learned how to line edit and continue to be an avid reader. I also help friends with their writing and can see at a glance how to rearrange phrases and keep it in the author’s voice and intention. As a nurse, I know the struggles of helping people with the supplies at hand, offering a listening ear and instilling some hope in spite of dire circumstances.

    Reply

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