From Newbery Honor and Walter Award-winning author Rajani LaRocca comes a gripping middle grade fantasy perfect for fans of The Serpent's Secret and The Last Mapmaker. Though music is outlawed in the land of Devia, Sona hears it everywhere. Sona is a Malech, a member of the ruling class that conquered Devia centuries ago. Malechs forbade music to prevent the native Devans from using their magic, and Sona hides her abilities lest they put her in danger. Then Sona discovers an orphaned wolf pup. She believes the pup, with its golden ears, might be related to one of the five sacred beasts of Devia, and she vows to keep it safe. That means bringing the pup in tow when Sona embarks on a perilous quest, along with a Devan boy, to secure the nectar of life for a loved one who has fallen gravely ill. On the journey, as Sona uncovers secrets about the Malechian empire and her own identity, she realizes that the fate of the sacred beasts, and the future of Devia, just might come down to her. This captivating fantasy novel by award-winning author Rajani LaRocca will sweep readers into Sona's quest across the land of Devia as she grapples with the lasting impact of colonial rule and learns to fight for what she knows is right.
Rajani LaRocca Book order
Rajani LaRocca crafts literature that bridges diverse worlds and cultures. Her middle grade novels and picture books often explore themes of identity and heritage, weaving in rich cultural elements alongside contemporary references. LaRocca skillfully blends classic narratives with unexpected twists, offering readers a fresh and engaging experience. Her distinctive voice enriches the landscape of children's literature.






- 2024
- 2023
Mirror to Mirror
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The story revolves around identical twin sisters whose close bond is tested by external pressures that threaten to separate them. Through evocative verse, Rajani LaRocca explores themes of identity, connection, and the challenges of growing up, highlighting the emotional journey of navigating their relationship amidst life's changes.
- 2023
A lyrical introduction to the many wonders of the human heart, from award-winning author and practicing doctor, Dr. Rajani LaRocca In this stunning non-fiction picture book, poetry and science come together with playful cut-paper illustrations to create a moving ode to the human heart and all that it does. Complete with illustrative diagrams and copious backmatter, this is a one-of-a-kind non-fiction picture book that gently guides readers through the various systems make up our most vital organ.
- 2023
Ravi spends summer vacation with his cousins sharing in all their favorite activities, including eating ice cream.
- 2022
At Animal National Park, Dog is camping out with Dad but he does not want to wait for s'mores and barks a lot while Dad sets up the tent and gets ready to cook
- 2022
Chicken Soup for the Soul Kids imparts good values through heartwarming and humourous stories to help kids put their best foot forward. Lucas is the jokester in his squad of friends. He's always sunny--and usually ready with a funny quip or silly joke. His friends are used to Lucas being the life of the party, and the whole apartment building relies on his good humor. But what happens when he's the one who needs cheering up? Another adventure with the everyday heroes of the Sunshine Squad!
- 2022
When Jyoti visits her grandmother halfway around the world, she is overwhelmed by the differences between India and home. At first she feels lonely and out of place, but soon, despite a language barrier, she and Sita Pati are able to understand each other. They form a bond - looking at books together, making designs with coloured sand, shopping at the market, playing games, eating chapatis and sipping warm milk with saffron to bring sweet dreams. When it's time to part, Jyoti doesn't want to leave, but then she remembers that in Tamil, people don't say goodbye, they say "I'll go and come back." Sure enough, the two reunite the next summer when Pati visits Jyoti in America, and it's Jyoti's turn to make her grandmother feel welcome. Can they create some special memories that will last until the next time they see each other?
- 2021
Midsummer's Mayhem
- 352 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Can Mimi undo the mayhem caused by her baking in this contemporary-fantasy retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream? Eleven-year-old Mimi Mackson comes from a big Indian American family: Dad's a renowned food writer, Mom's a successful businesswoman, and her three older siblings all have their own respective accomplishments. It's easy to feel invisible in such an impressive family, but Mimi's dream of proving she's not the least-talented member of her family seems possible when she discovers a contest at the new bakery in town. Plus, it'll start her on the path to becoming a celebrity chef like her culinary idol, Puffy Fay. But when Mimi's dad returns from a business trip, he's mysteriously lost his highly honed sense of taste. Without his help, Mimi will never be able to bake something impressive enough to propel her to gastronomic fame. Drawn into the woods behind her house by a strangely familiar song, Mimi meets Vik, a boy who brings her to parts of the forest she's never seen. Who knew there were banyan trees and wild boars in Massachusetts? Together they discover exotic ingredients and bake them into delectable and enchanting treats. But as her dad acts stranger every day, and her siblings' romantic entanglements cause trouble in their town, Mimi begins to wonder whether the ingredients she and Vik found are somehow the cause of it all. She needs to use her skills, deductive and epicurean, to uncover what's happened. In the process, she learns that in life, as in baking, not everything is sweet...
- 2021
My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris
- 24 pages
- 1 hour of reading
Celebrate the first female Vice President Kamala Harris with this collectible Little Golden Book biography, which tells her inspiring life story alongside gorgeous original illustrations! “While I may be the first woman in this office, I won’t be the last!" My Little Golden Book About Kamala Harris brings her empowering story to life—from her years on the debate team at Howard University, to her career as attorney general of California, and her rise to become the 2024 Democratic Candidate for President of the United States of America. When you’re Kamala Harris, you fight for what’s right! Little Golden Book biographies feature the iconic gold-foil design and share the life stories of extraordinary artists, world leaders, performers, and athletes including: • Barack Obama • Ruth Bader Ginsburg • Joe Biden • Sonia Sotomayor • Dr. Fauci