Debbie Rigaud
New York Times Best Selling Author
Welcome! Thanks for visiting. Learn more about me, my writing style and my influences.
More about my magical books
TRULY MADLY ROYALLY may have been viewed as my debut, but it was my second act in publishing, after a "soft launch." My first published work was a novella in the anthology HALLWAY DIARIES (Kimani Tru), followed by my standalone YA, PERFECT SHOT, from the Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies series.
​
TRULY MADLY ROYALLY is a Meghan-Markle-inspired YA romantic comedy (Scholastic/Point). Released in 2018, this Junior Library Guild Selection has become a beloved fave of my readers.
HOPE: PROJECT MIDDLE SCHOOL (Scholastic), my illustrated chapter book debut co-written with actor/activist Alyssa Milano, became an instant New York Times Bestseller. Readers adore Hope, a STEM-loving sixth grader who leads with her heart.
​
SIMONE BREAKS ALL THE RULES, my first non-IP YA coming-of-age rom-com received glowing reviews. Pitched as "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" for prom, SIMONE is a State Library of Ohio's Choose To Read Ohio Book. You may spot this sheltered Haitian-American character and the iconic cover at airport bookstands. There have been sightings at gates all over the country!
​
My latest YA, a magical realism novel titled A GIRL'S GUIDE TO LOVE & MAGIC received a starred review from Kirkus, is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, and was cited on New York Public Library's and Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2022 lists.
​
New York Times Bestseller BEST WISHES: THE SISTER SWITCH landed me back in the amazing world of Middle Grade lit. This time I got to collaborate with my friend—celebrated, bestselling MG goddess Sarah Mlynowski!
​
My debut picture book, a tale about a particularly persnickety picky eater, is titled SEBASTIAN, THE LITTLEST FOOD CRITIC marks my first time working with Nancy Paulsen Books/PenguinRandomHouse.
​
Not bad for a bridge-and-tunnel Jersey kid from around-the-way. ;-)
​
​
​
My
Influences
I come from a strong oral storytelling tradition. My grandmother Lamercie Joseph especially, was known for constructing vivid, hilarious tales. Her saucy stories were peppered with wit, and humorous observations of the motivations behind everyday human behavior. This influence is reflected throughout my writing.