I was honored to be a part of nErDCampCT 2021, taking part in panels on "The Heroes of Our Their Stories" and "Writing Verse for Kids." … [Read more...]
The Children’s Book Review Growing Readers Podcast!
I had such a fantastic time chatting with Bianca Schulze on The Children's Book Review Growing Readers Podcast! We spent most of our time discussing BRACELETS FOR BINA’S BROTHERS, but we also talked for a bit about RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE! Listen below, and check out the podcast page for more … [Read more...]
A Beautiful Launch for BRACELETS FOR BINA’S BROTHERS!!
I had a BALL launching my newest picture book with fantastic Books of Wonder! I got to chat about all kinds of topics with acclaimed author and friend Padma Venkatraman! For a limited time, you can watch the recording of the launch. And you can still order signed copies of BRACELETS FOR BINA’S … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE in Publishers Weekly!
I'm excited to see RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE on this fantastic list of 2021 AAPI Books that go beyond stereotypes! Read the whole article to find fantastic selections, from picture books to YA! … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE in The Horn Book!
I'm thrilled and honored to see RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE in this National Poetry Month feature in The Horn Book! Read the article for more amazing poetic recommendations! … [Read more...]
A New Picture Book Full of Heart!
I'm so delighted to announce that I have a new nonfiction picture book in the works! As a kid, I fell in love with the wonder of how the human body works. As a doctor and an author, I'm still in awe. I'm so thrilled to share YOUR ONE AND ONLY HEART, a poetic picture book tribute to this most … [Read more...]
My Interview on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast!
I had such a wonderful time speaking with Jed Doherty on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast about RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE and SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS! Listen below, or click here. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to learn about other awesome books for kids! … [Read more...]
WonderCon at Home MG Panel!
I was thrilled to be on this panel for WonderConAtHome2021 with Bruce Coville, Henry H Neff, Stacia Deutsch, Nancy Holder, and Henry Herz on writing and publishing middle grade! Check it out below! … [Read more...]
My Interview on the Kidlit Craft Blog!
I loved talking to the Kidlit Craft Blog about writing in different genres, including my novels in prose (MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM and MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL) and verse (RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE), and why I like to work on different projects at once. You can read the whole interview here. … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE in Barron’s!
I was thrilled to see RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE on Founder and CEO of Mango & Marigold Press Sailaja Joshi's reading list for 2021 in some mighty company! Read the whole article here. … [Read more...]
MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM in The Guardian!
I'm so excited that MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM was mentioned in The Guardian on Ali Bejamin's "Top 10 Classic Stories Retold"! This list includes CIRCE by Madeline Miller, THE HOURS by Michael Cunningham, and PRIDE by Ibi Zoboi, so I'm thrilled to see my book in such mighty company! Read the full article … [Read more...]
A Fabulous Release Week for RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE!
I was overjoyed to celebrate the release of my MG novel in verse, RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE, this week! I started off on release day—Tuesday, February 2, 2021, signing a bunch of books at independent bookstore like Porter Square Books, Silver Unicorn Bookstore, and the Concord Bookshop! That evening, … [Read more...]
My Guest Post on The Nerd Daily!
I was excited to write a guest post on The Nerd Daily on "Writing the Books You Needed as a Kid." You can learn about the books I loved as a kid, and why I write the books I do today! … [Read more...]
Lots of Lists for RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE!
I'm honored to see RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE on so many "Anticipated" lists for 2021! Check them out below: Reading Middle Grade Blog Forever and Everly "2021Books to Look Out For" . Litericious "Most Anticipated Releases for the First Half of 2021" Just Another Teen Reading … [Read more...]
A BookPage STAR for RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE!!
I was stunned by this incredible starred review from BookPage for RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE!! Among the wonderful praise: "The poems in Red, White, and Whole are vibrant and lyrical, clear and smooth. In her first novel in verse, LaRocca (Midsummer’s Mayhem) showcases the best of what verse can do, … [Read more...]
MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL ARCs Arrive!
I'm at my goofiest here opening a package full of ARCs of my forthcoming MG novel, MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL, coming June 15, 2021 from Little Bee Books! This companion novel to MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM involves math, baseball, magic, and salty snacks. You can learn more and find preorder links here. … [Read more...]
RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE on the KidLit These Days Podcast’s Most Anticipated of 2021 List!
I was thrilled to hear Matthew Winner and Nicole Young mention RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE as one of their most anticipated books of 2021 on Book Riot's KidLit These Days Podcast! Click on this link, or listen below! … [Read more...]
SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS in the Providence Journal!
I was thrilled to see this lovely review of SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS in the Providence Journal! … [Read more...]
The Cover Reveal for Much Ado About Baseball!
I am so excited that awesome librarian Betsy Bird hosted the cover reveal of MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL on her School Library Journal Blog! Read about my inspiration for the book, and try out a fun recipe for "Baked Sports Crisps!" You can read more about MUCH ADO ABOUT BASEBALL and find … [Read more...]
My Interview on Writers’ Rumpus!
I was delighted to be interviewed on the Writers' Rumpus blog about SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS and writing in general! Read the full interview here. … [Read more...]