Fall Is for Beginnings

by Rajani LaRocca

First published 2025

Ravi bounces with excitement as the new school year approaches. He looks forward to crisp autumn days, fresh supplies, and best of all, more time with his friend Joe. Their perfect partnership hits a snag when Ellie arrives in their classroom. She blasts her horn during music class and leads them down wrong hallways. Most annoying of all, she claims to be their best friend already. Ravi watches his comfortable friendship with Joe stretch into an awkward triangle. The changes feel too big and too fast. His older sister offers gentle wisdom as Ravi struggles with jealousy and uncertainty. Slowly, he begins to see that autumn brings more than falling leaves and cooler weather. Sometimes the season delivers unexpected gifts in the form of new people who might become important friends.

Genres: family-life, friendship, contemporary

Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking

Tropes: found-family, friends-to-lovers

Setting: Classroom

Period: Autumn

40 pages · Hardcover · Harry N. Abrams

More by Rajani LaRocca

Readers who liked Fall Is for Beginnings also liked

View on Siftivo