I'm thrilled to share that Little Bee Books will publish my picture book, THE SECRET CODE INSIDE YOU, which will be illustrated by the amazing Steven Salerno!! This book explains the basics of genetics to kids, and also touches upon the limits of genes and how our choices also determine who we are. … [Read more...]
Celebrating Math Picture Books on ReFoReMo!
If you want to write picture books, you need to read picture books — lots of them! Reading For Research Month, or ReFoReMo, is a fantastic resource for learning about all kinds of recent picture books. This year, I wrote a guest post featuring recent picture books that celebrate math! Check out the … [Read more...]
SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS Cover Reveal and Interview with Mr. Schu!
I am overjoyed to share the cover of my debut picture book, SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, which will release this year from Lee & Low Books, gorgeously illustrated by the incredible Archana Sreenivasan, on Mr. Schu's blog! The brilliant cover is below, and you can read my interview with Mr. Schu here! … [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...]
WRAD 2020 Celebrations!!
In my inaugural WRAD, I was fortunate to connect with 14 different classrooms across the country! It was such an honor to be able to talk to so many wonderful teachers and students, and I cannot wait for WRAD 2021! … [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...]
Cover Reveal: GIRL VERSUS SQUIRREL by Hayley Barrett, Illustrated by Renée Andriani
Today, on National Squirrel Appreciation Day, I'm thrilled to reveal the cover of the latest picture book by my dear friend and critique partner, Hayley Barrett! Hayley is the author of BABYMOON, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, and WHAT MISS MITCHELL SAW, illustrated by Diana Sudyka. Her next … [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...]
A Mighty Girl Best Book of 2019!
I'm thrilled and honored that MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM was selected as a Best Book of 2019 by A Mighty Girl!! Check out the entire list to see more wonderful books, many written by my friends!! What a way to begin 2020! … [Read more...]
A Nerdy Book Award!
Each year since 2011, the Nerdy Book Club, a remarkable group of book bloggers and educators, selects its favorite books of the year. I was thrilled and honored to find that MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM is on their list of 2019 middle grade novels! Check out this incredible list of books, and watch your TBR … [Read more...]
Farewell 2019, Hello 2020!
Last year, I chose a theme word for 2019 using this word generator and got "savor," which felt perfect for me and my baking-themed debut novel. Here's what I said looking ahead to 2019: 2019 is going to be full of exciting moments, and I'm going to try to savor them, to slow down and revel a bit … [Read more...]
MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM featured on Betsy Bird’s Blog!
I'm honored and delighted that librarian extraordinaire Betsy Bird chose MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM as one of her favorite middle grade books of 2019! My book is keeping pretty incredible company...check out the full list here. … [Read more...]
I’m Available to Skype for World Read Aloud Day!
World Read Aloud Day is February 5, 2020! Educators can sign up to Skype with me by emailing me at rajani@rajanilarocca.com! Plan on a 15-20 minute session that includes a reading from MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM, Q & A, and book recommendations. Contact me today to schedule a session! Please include the … [Read more...]
A #KidsNeedMentors School Visit!
This fall, I joined the #KidsNeedMentors program, which matches authors with teachers and classrooms across the country to form a school-year partnership to connect kids to authors and inspire them as readers and writers. I was matched with Patricia Palmer's 4th grade class in Stoughton, MA. So far … [Read more...]
The Kirkus Best Middle Grade Books of 2019!
I am honored and utterly thrilled that MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM was named one of the best middle grade books of 2019 by Kirkus Reviews! It's wonderful to be on this list with so many incredible authors, many of whom I've met in my travels this year! Check out the full list here. … [Read more...]
Family Night at Heath School!
I got to visit wonderful Heath School in Brookline, MA for a fantastic Family Night! After I presented to young readers and their families, students purchased MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM from superb local bookstore Brookline Booksmith, and had them inscribed and signed! … [Read more...]
nErDCamp LI!
I was honored to join almost 50 fellow authors and over 300 educators at nErDCampLI this year! We shared inspiration, information, and our love of books, and a wonderful time was had by all! The incredible organizers made us all feel like stars...just take a look at the decorations, complete with a … [Read more...]