Michael LaPennaAuthor

The LaRosa Sisters · Mysteries and adventures for young readers

Two sisters. One mystery after another.

Meet Catherine and Susanna Mae LaRosa. Between missing Nativity figures, a dog in danger, and a classmate falsely accused, the sisters have plenty of mysteries to untangle. Michael LaPenna’s series brings together adventure, family, and Catholic faith.

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New · October 2026 Cover of Laura’s Locker

Published by

Ambassador International En Route Books and Media

Heard on

WCAT Radio

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Readers and familiesMeet Catherine and Susanna MaeExplore the books Teachers and librariansPlan a reading for your studentsArrange an author visit BooksellersHost a signing at your storeAsk about a signing

About the series

The stories behind the mysteries

Someone is stealing baby Jesus figures from Nativity scenes in Reedy River. In the mountains, Atticus the border collie chases a bear cub into forbidden woods. Elsewhere, a young woman living alone needs help, and a schoolgirl is accused of cheating. Catherine and Susanna Mae find themselves drawn into each mystery.

Each adventure asks the sisters to think beyond the clues and consider the people involved. Questions of honesty, loyalty, friendship, and faith become more complicated as Catherine and Susanna Mae grow older.

A misty path leading into the woods
On Baby Jesus Is Missing

“One mark of a good children’s book is that it delights adults as well. I found Baby Jesus Is Missing to be such a book. … This is a fun faith-filled teaching story, full of surprises.”

Kiki Latimer, Catholic author and host of The Catholic Bookworm
On Laura’s Locker

“Michael LaPenna invites young readers into a compelling encounter with conscience, courage, and grace. Laura’s Locker reveals how faith strengthens the heart to confront injustice, embrace truth, and discover the healing power of authentic friendship.”

Dr. Sebastian Mahfood, OP, author of The Narrative Spirituality of Dante’s Divine Comedy

Reading order

The series so far

  1. Cover of Baby Jesus Is MissingBook 1 · 2020Baby Jesus Is MissingA Christmas mystery
  2. Cover of The OfferingBook 2 · 2023The OfferingA mountain adventure
  3. Cover of Angelina GraceBook 3 · 2025Angelina GraceAn autumn mystery
  4. Cover of Haddie’s LocketBook 4 · 2026Haddie’s LocketA story about a family keepsake
  5. Cover of Laura’s LockerBook 5 · 2026Laura’s LockerA story about telling the truth
  6. Cover of A Frowning ProvidenceBook 6 · Expected 2027A Frowning ProvidenceThe next LaRosa Sisters book
Explore the series

Readings and signings

Bring a story to life with an author visit

About author visits
Students sitting in a circle on a classroom rug

Schools

Book readings for students, followed by time for questions and conversation.

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Bookshelves and a reading table in a public library

Libraries

Readings and conversations for children and their families.

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A table of picture books at a school book fair

Book fairs

Meet the author, hear a passage from a book, and have a copy signed.

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Plan a visit

On the air

Michael on The Catholic Bookworm

In this October 2026 episode of The Catholic Bookworm, host Kiki Latimer talks with Michael about the Christmas mystery that introduced Catherine and Susanna Mae LaRosa.

Watch on YouTubeListen to the episode
Michael LaPenna

About the author

From the classroom to the writing desk

Before writing the LaRosa Sisters books, Michael spent 34 years teaching secondary school English north of Boston and coaching basketball and baseball. Today he writes mysteries for young readers.

Read the full biography
An author signing a book at a table

Interested in hosting a reading or signing?

Share a little about your venue, your readers, and the dates you have in mind.

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