Rajani LaRocca

Award-winning Children's Book Author

A Fantastic Inaugural nErDCampCT!

I was thrilled to take part in the first annual nErDCampCT on Saturday, June 13, 2020! This virtual conference brought together CT educators and librarians with authors from across the country. After a livestreamed YouTube meetup with everyone, we broke into different "rooms" with panels and … [Read more...]

My Newest Middle Grade Novel!!

I've been sitting on secret wonderful publishing news for a few months, and I'm thrilled to finally be able to tell the world! I'm overjoyed to announce that the novel of my heart, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, will be published by Quill Tree Books/HarperCollins on February 2, 2021!! RED, WHITE, … [Read more...]

A Fantastic Virtual SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE Book Festival!

Thanks to Blue Bunny Books and the Dedham Public Library, the SMACK DAB IN THE MIDDLE 3 Book Festival took place virtually on May 16! We started off with an great keynote from Tui Sutherland, who recommended stacks of fantastic books, then proceeded with an excellent panel on contemporary fiction … [Read more...]

My TV Baking Dreams Come True!

I loved being on Kidlit TV's StoryMakers in the Kitchen with host Rocco Staino to live out my fantasy of being on a fun baking show!! Watch the episode to see me make gulab jamun cupcakes straight from the pages of MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM!! And check out the full post to learn more about the book, … [Read more...]

The Story Seeds Podcast Bonus Episode: My Interview with Betsy Bird!

I had an absolute ball chatting with super-librarian Betsy Bird on this bonus episode of The Story Seeds Podcast! Listen below to hear us dish about becoming an author, writing tips, and our favorite foods, then subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories from authors collaborating with kids! … [Read more...]

A Book Riot List of Feel-Good Middle Grade Books!

In these days of social distancing and staying at home, I was thrilled to see MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM on this Book Riot list of Feel-Good Middle Grade Books! The list includes some 2019 and 2020 debuts as well as some older books. As the article says, "these feel-good middle grade books are full of heart … [Read more...]

The Story Seeds Podcast!

Last September, I met with 12 year-old Liyana and wrote a story inspired by the idea she gave me! You can hear some of our conversation at Pippin Vintage Home and hear the story (which involves magic and food, of course) that came from that "seed" by clicking below. Check out more photos and … [Read more...]

Long List for the Massachusetts Book Award!

I'm honored that the Massachusetts Center for the Book has selected MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM for the long list for the 2020 Massachusetts Book Award for MG/YA Literature! There are so many incredible MA authors, and I'm so thrilled to be one of twelve "Must-Reads" on this list with the likes of Susan Tan, … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

WhirliKids Book Fest!!

I loved visiting beautiful McIntyre's Books, just south of Chapel Hill, NC this past weekend for the WhirliKids Book Fest! I got to catch up with friends (including my Pitch Wars 2019 mentee!), make new ones, appear on a panel of wonderful authors, and sign copies of MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM! A wonderful … [Read more...]

School Visit at Indian Springs School!

I had the wonderful privilege of visiting with 150+ 4th and 5th graders at Indian Springs Elementary School in Columbus, OH! After an "assembly-style" large presentation and Q & A, I got to run two writing workshops with smaller groups of students! This school is filled with book … [Read more...]

Cover to Cover Books in Columbus, OH!

I got to visit Cover to Cover Books in Columbus, OH, once of the loveliest bookstores I've ever seen! I got to dish with kids and fellow writers about MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM, read an excerpt from the book, hold a challenging smelling contest, and share some freshly-baked cookies with everyone! I … [Read more...]

“Leap Into Publishing” with SCBWI Central-South Ohio!

I was honored to be asked by SCBWI Central-South Ohio to be faculty for their day-long workshop, "Leap Into Publishing," at the Columbus Main Public Library on February 29, 2020! I was joined by my fantastic agent, Brent Taylor, and another client of his, L. Philips. Brent gave an informative … [Read more...]

MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM Featured by Middle Grade at Heart!

I was honored to have MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM chosen as the January 2020 book club selection for Middle Grade at Heart! Check out the January newsletter for a Q & A, cool recipes, a writing activity, and artistic activity! Subscribe to the Middle Grade at Heart newsletter to find more awesome MG … [Read more...]

My Interview on The Children’s Book Podcast!

This week I had the incredible opportunity to speak with marvelous Matthew Winner on The Children's Book Podcast! I'm a huge fan of Matthew, a fantastic children's librarian who does superlative work spreading book love. We chatted about MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM and what it means to me, my favorite line … [Read more...]

Another Best of List on Librarian’s Quest!

I was honored to find MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM featured on Librarian's Quest, a fantastic blog by librarian Margie Myers-Culver. Not only does she list the titles, cover images, and descriptions of these extraordinary 2019 middle grade books, she also posts links for more info, and quotes from the books! … [Read more...]

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