At the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18–19 on the University of Southern California campus, young author Gaellie Ulysse shared her debut novel Rollercoaster during a featured book signing and author interview hosted by MainSpring Books. The novel, which began as a school assignment, follows protagonist Natasha Shadow as she navigates bullying, heartbreak, the loss of her mother, and family changes, ultimately discovering hope through friendship and a bond with a black Labrador named Crystal.
Speaking at the festival, Ulysse emphasized the importance of addressing difficult topics such as grief and bullying for young readers. Her story aims to provide reassurance that challenges can lead to growth and that support is available. The book's themes resonated with festival attendees, sparking conversations about empathy and resilience. Ulysse's journey from student to published author serves as a testament to the impact of personal storytelling.
MainSpring Books, the publisher, supports authors through publishing, promotion, and event participation. The company highlights the growing role of young voices in literature, as demonstrated by Ulysse's appearance. For those interested in Rollercoaster, it is available on Amazon, and an author interview can be viewed on YouTube. The festival continues to showcase stories that connect communities and inspire dialogue, with MainSpring Books committed to fostering understanding and resilience through literature.
