Rajani LaRocca

Award-winning Children's Book Author

Crafting Verse Novels at the Highlights Foundation!

The inaugural Crafting Verse Novels Workshop and Retreat, taught by Chris Baron, Cordelia Jensen, and me took place on May 21-24, 2023 at the Highlights Foundation . . . and it was fantastic! Chris, Cordelia, and I met with 18 verse novelists discussion craft, reading, writing, and publishing. We … [Read more...]

SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS on THE TODAY SHOW!

I'm absolutely thrilled that SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, written by me and beautifully illustrated by Abhi Alwar, is on the Read With Jenna Junior Summer 2023 Reading List along with 23 other amazing books, several of which are written by friends! It was a dream come true to see our book on … [Read more...]

A SUPER launch for SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS!

On a gorgeous May morning, Abhi Alwar and I launched our sweet summertime story, SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, at Books Are Magic in Brooklyn, NY! We talked about the inspiration for the story, did a reading, and Abhi did an illustration demo with ALL SEVEN COUSINS in the story! Afterwards, we enjoyed … [Read more...]

A New Picture Book on Naturalization!

I'm SO thrilled that SOME OF US: A STORY OF CITIZENSHIP AND AMERICA will be illustrated by amazing Huy Voun Lee and published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers in 2025! As an immigrant and a naturalized citizen, this book is very important to me, and I can't wait to share it with the … [Read more...]

A THIRD STAR for SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS!!

I'm humbled and thrilled that Abhi Alwar and I have received a THIRD starred review, this one from Booklist, for our forthcoming picture book, SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, releasing May 16, 2023 from Abrams Books! I'm so delighted that this sweet book about summer, family, and ice cream is resonating with … [Read more...]

Another STAR for SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS!!

I'm so delighted that SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, written by me and illustrated by amazing Abhi Alwar, has earned a second starred review, this one from Publishers Weekly! Our story about summer, family, and ice cream releases on May 16, 2023 and is available for preorder today! … [Read more...]

The Cover of MASALA CHAI, FAST AND SLOW!

I'm delighted to share the cover of MASALA CHAI, FAST AND SLOW, beautifully illustrated by Neha Rawat, coming from Candlewick Press on September 5, 2023 and available for preorder now! This is a story about Aarav, a boy who likes to go fast, and his Thatha (grandfather), who likes to takes … [Read more...]

A STAR for SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS!

The first trade review is in for my forthcoming picture book, SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, beautifully illustrated by Abhi Alwar, and it is a STARRED REVIEW from Kirkus Reviews! The reviewer says: "It’s clear that though relationships evolve over time, they can still stay strong. Framed by the cousins’ … [Read more...]

SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS Final Copies Arrive!

Finished copies of SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS arrived today, and they are absolutely beautiful! This book exists because my agent asked me to write a summer story. And so I thought back to my many childhood summers with my cousins, and all the fun we used to have…but also the awkwardness and … [Read more...]

The Massachusetts Book Awards!

What an incredible day at the Massachusetts State House for the Massachusetts Book Awards! For the first time since 2019, there was an in-person celebration of amazing authors and books from here in Massachusetts! My husband Lou and my dad got to accompany me, and it was SO lovely to share … [Read more...]

NCTE National Convention!

I had an amazing time in Anaheim, California, at the NCTE National Convention. I had the pleasure of being on two super-star-packed panels: "Book Banning and Erasure of the Whole Child" and "Underrepresented Authors on Diversity in STEM/STEAM Fiction and Nonfiction." It was a real treat to see old … [Read more...]

VCFA WCYA Alumnx Mini-Residency!

I had a fantastic time at the  Vermont College of the Fine Arts' WCYA Alumnx Mini-Residency. I was honored to be the Guest Author at this four-day conference, and it was fun spending time with agents, editors, VCFA faculty, and alumni. We gave and listened to lectures, chatted about craft and the … [Read more...]

RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE wins the Massachusetts Book Award!

I'm so delighted and honored that the Massachusetts Center for the Book has chosen RED, WHITE, AND WHOLE as the winner of the Massachusetts Book Award in Middle Grade/Young Adult Literature! Having this book of my heart win this award in my home state means so much to m. Huge congratulations to all … [Read more...]

Leslie Riedel Memorial Lecture at the Concord Festival of Authors!

I was so honored to give the Leslie Riedel Memorial Lecture at my hometown Concord Free Public Library as part of the Concord Festival of Authors! I loved talking about my path to becoming an author (with Thoreau looking over my shoulder!) and connecting with readers young and young at heart! … [Read more...]

I’LL GO AND COME BACK Art Featured at the Society of Illustrators!

Sara Palacios's gorgeous artwork for I'LL GO AND COME BACK is currently on show at the Society of Illustrators in New York City! Her work is part of the "The Original Art 2022" exhibit of children's book illustration. If you're in the city, be sure to check it out. (The last day to take advantage of … [Read more...]

Chappaqua Book Festival!

I had a ball at the amazing, incredible Chappaqua Book Festival on a perfect fall day! I joined over a hundred other authors and met so many amazing readers! What a celebration of children's literature!   … [Read more...]

Chenery Author Festival 2022!

It was such fun joining this excellent lineup of authors at the Chenery Author Festival at Chenery Middle School in Belmont, MA! It was such a joy to talk books with other authors and young readers! … [Read more...]

Sign Up

Sign-Up For Updates
First
Last

Top