Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com.

“An epic journey woven with breathtaking prose and a spellbinding and treacherous tale. A new classic, with the power to heal and triumph.” — Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Last Cuentista"Spellbinding and vivid. Rajani LaRocca has created a magical realm like no other, a hero to cheer for, and a mystery that grows deeper with every page turn. Like all great fantasy, the world of Sona and the Golden Beasts shines a powerful light on our own." — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor recipient“LaRocca’s intricate South Asian–inspired world is richly developed. A fully immersive and enchanting fantasy that readers will get lost in.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"A meaningful and magical exploration of tough topics through a memorable lens.” — Booklist (starred review)“A compelling read set in a richly developed world.” — School Library Journal (starred review)“A lush, spirited story that explores the harm of colonialism, the power of friendship, and the depths of forgiveness and faith.” — Publishers Weekly

Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in Massachusetts, where she practices medicine and writes award-winning books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor–winning novel in verse, Red, White, and Whole. She’s always been an omnivorous reader, and now she is an omnivorous writer of novels and picture books, fiction and nonfiction, in prose and poetry. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she lives outside Boston with her family. Visit her at rajanilarocca.com.

“An epic journey woven with breathtaking prose and a spellbinding and treacherous tale. A new classic, with the power to heal and triumph.” — Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery Medal-winning author of The Last Cuentista"Spellbinding and vivid. Rajani LaRocca has created a magical realm like no other, a hero to cheer for, and a mystery that grows deeper with every page turn. Like all great fantasy, the world of Sona and the Golden Beasts shines a powerful light on our own." — Christina Soontornvat, three-time Newbery Honor recipient“LaRocca’s intricate South Asian–inspired world is richly developed. A fully immersive and enchanting fantasy that readers will get lost in.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)"A meaningful and magical exploration of tough topics through a memorable lens.” — Booklist (starred review)“A compelling read set in a richly developed world.” — School Library Journal (starred review)“A lush, spirited story that explores the harm of colonialism, the power of friendship, and the depths of forgiveness and faith.” — Publishers Weekly