Rajani LaRocca

Award-winning Children's Book Author

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 Storystorm 2020 Post on Summoning the Subconscious

Every writer needs ideas. And every January, I participate in Tara Lazar's Storystorm to inspire me to start the year off coming up with story ideas. This year, I got to be a Storystorm 2020 contributer, and I wrote a post about accessing the subconscious mind. I hope it helps you tap into your … [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 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 in the Children’s Book Council Women of Color Protagonists Showcase!

I'm honored that the Children's Book Council has featured MIDSUMMER’S MAYHEM alongside some other incredible books as part of their Woman of Color Protagonists Showcase! Check out Mimi and some other wonderful main characters 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...]

2019 Writer’s Loft Holiday Book Bazaar at An Unlikely Story!

On a beautiful Saturday afternoon right after Thanksgiving, a bunch of book lovers got to kick off the holiday shopping season in epic fashion at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, MA! I joined a fantastic group of authors and illustrators who have all done events at The Writers' Loft, a wonderful … [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...]

Picture Book Boot Camp with Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple at The Highlights Foundation!

I was absolutely overjoyed to attend the 7th (!) annual Picture Book Boot Camp with Jane Yolen and Heidi Stemple! It took place at the always-welcoming, always-inspiring Highlights Foundation, where twenty-four lucky picture book authors got to learn from Jane and Heidi and from each other. We also … [Read more...]

Kids’ Baking Contest at Aesop’s Fable!

Aesop's Fable, a fantastic bookstore in Holliston, MA chose MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM as their Middle Grade Book Club selection for October 2019! And that's why I got to spend an afternoon with an incredible group of young readers and bakers! The kids, who ranged in age from 7 to 13, brought in homemade … [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...]

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