R.L. (Rachel)

Toalson

Award Winning Author

Poet & Novelist

Travels from: San Antonio, TX

“… thoughtfully and sincerely explores themes of womanhood, family, anxiety, and identity. Tugs at the heartstrings and shows the importance of unconditional love.” ― Kirkus Reviews

R.L. (Rachel) Toalson is the award-winning author of the middle grade books THE COLORS OF THE RAIN, a middle grade historical novel-in-verse (little bee, 2018) that won the 2020 Arnold Adoff Poetry Honor award for New Voices; THE WOODS, a middle grade magical realism book (little bee, 2019) that was named to the ILA’s Children’s Choices Reading List; THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER, an upper middle grade book (Simon & Schuster, 2023) that is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection; and SOMETHING MAYBE MAGNIFICENT, an upper middle grade book (Simon & Schuster, 2024) that’s also a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, as well as several poetry and essay books for adults and a huge collection of middle grade and young adult books under a pen name.

Before she turned to writing stories full time, Rachel was a news and features reporter for The San Antonio Express News and The Houston Chronicle and a managing editor of a newspaper produced by The United Methodist Church. While balancing a busy job in journalism, she also played bass guitar and sang in the rock band she shared with her husband, Ben. They recorded three full-length albums together.

She hosts the YouTube shows “On My Shelf,” “Real Talk with Rachel” and “Writing Tips with Rachel.” She lives with Ben and their six children in San Antonio, Texas.

R.L. (Rachel)'s Featured Titles

The Making of an Author: A Wandering Tale of Adventure, Obscurity, and Triumph

Many assume that when a person decides to become an author they POOF! become an author. But the process of becoming an author—writing and publishing a book—is a long and drawn-out process that requires patience, determination, courage, and perseverance. In this author talk, Rachel explores her personal journey to becoming an author. She shares details of her childhood, snippets from the stories she wrote as a budding writer, the books that shaped her as a young reader, and how she finds inspiration everywhere. Using real-life examples of the challenges that met her at every turn and practical strategies for overcoming those challenges, Rachel shares with students how they, too, can become what they want to be, with enough practice, patience, and perseverance.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

Everyday Poets: Celebrating the Wonder and Magic of Poetry

How can poetry tell a story? In this author talk, Rachel discusses the elements of poetry, the strategies that go into crafting effective poetry, and why poetry is an important addition to any reader’s reading list. Using her own poetry and that of her favorite poets, she gives students exercises in interpretation, strategies for playing with language, and tips for making poems a regular part of their day and life.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

Cultivating Creativity: How to Exercise and Enlarge Your Imagination

In most of the books Rachel writes, the main characters gravitate toward some expression of creativity: In The Colors of the Rain Paulie is an artist; in The Woods Lenora gardens to connect with her mother and plays piano to connect with her sister; in The First Magnificent Summer Victoria writes; and in other stories characters are poets or songwriters or photographers or dancers. In this session Rachel talks about the importance of creativity, what happens to brains when they choose creative activities, and what it means to be creative. She provides students with strategies for cultivating creativity, building a creative practice through habit, and sharing their unique expression of creativity with the world.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

The Writing Advantage: How Journaling Can Improve Your Life

Most students journal, in one way or another, at school, but what about at home? In this author talk, Rachel discusses the ways journaling can help students process through emotions, tell stories about their days, and heal from both big and small hurts. Using examples from her own personal journals and sharing the details of her own journaling practice, she’ll teach students strategies for journaling, making a habit of it, and using it to help clarify and improve their lives.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

Rachel’s Book Talk: A General Look at One of Rachel’s Books

Much time and effort and patience goes into the writing of a book. In this session, Rachel will discuss her most recent book (or a favorite book of choice), including the inspiration behind the book, what kind of research she did for it, the process of writing and publishing it, and the hopes she has for the book out in the world. Rachel will read from the book and engage in a question-and-answer session.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

Creativity Connection: How Art Helps You Process Disappointments

In many of Rachel’s stories, characters use art to help process through difficult emotions. In this author talk, Rachel discusses the importance of creative expression to help process difficult emotions and life events, express the inexpressible, and pave the way back toward emotional health. Using examples from her own writing—including songwriting—she provides students with strategies for expressing their deepest thoughts and emotions through creative means, building a practice of creative expression, and making space for healing.

(Tailored for specific age groups, grades 3-12)

Becoming More Human: What Writing Teaches Us About Life

Writing has multiple benefits for those who do it—whether it’s creative writing, jotting down poetry we never show anyone, daily journaling, or writing on assignment. In this talk, Rachel sorts through what writing teaches us about life—and makes the case for every person building some kind of writing practice.

(Tailored for grades 5-adult)

Run the Race: Writing Lessons Gleaned from Long-Distance Running

It may seem strange to equate long-distance running with writing; one is incredibly active, the other isn’t. But both use the same kind of persistent focus. Both require stamina and dedication. Both are incredibly difficult to finish strong. In this talk, Rachel shares what’s she’s learned about writing from her long-distance running habit.

*Can also be adapted to be life lessons, not just writing lessons

Writing From the Heart: Using Personal Experiences to Forge Connection and Change the World

In most of her books, Rachel uses bits and pieces of her own personal story—characters, situations, places she’s lived, etc. In this talk, Rachel explores why using personal experiences can forge connections with readers—even those who have never had the same experiences—and why connection is the key to a more compassionate world.

“I can’t thank you enough for an incredible presentation! It was such a gift to be able to have you visit!” — Meagan Holder, eighth grade ELA teacher, Friendswood Junior High, Friendswood Texas, 2024

Praise for SOMETHING MAYBE MAGNIFICENT
“… thoughtfully and sincerely explores themes of womanhood, family, anxiety, and identity. Tugs at the heartstrings and shows the importance of unconditional love.” — Kirkus Reviews, 2024

Praise for THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER
“Toalson’s healing love song to those who are growing up (or grew up) with imperfect parents, reminding us that their imperfection isn’t your imperfection; that you’re perfect just the way you are.” — Kathleen March, Anderson’s Bookshop (Downer’s Grove, IL)

“Leaves readers with a sense of self-worth and the important message that they’re worthy of unconditional love.” — Kirkus Reviews, 2023

Rachel’s Magnificent Blackout Poetry Lesson

Rachel’s Journaling Lesson & Prompts

Victoria’s Magnificent Writing Prompts

Victoria’s More Magnificent Writing Prompts

Something Maybe Magnificent Discussion Questions

Magnificent Notes of Encouragement

Magnificent Educator Appreciation Cards

Victoria’s Top Magnificent Writing Tips

Honors, Awards & Recognition

2020 Arnold Adoff Poetry Honor award for New Voices: THE COLORS OF THE RAIN
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection: THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER and SOMETHING MAYBE MAGNIFICENT

Media clips

Writer Unboxed | Take Five: Rachel Toalson and SOMETHING MAYBE MAGNIFICENT

Express News | ‘Kids deserve the truth’: San Antonio author writes of love, divorce and menstruation

Writer Unboxed | Author Up Close: Rachel Toalson–Tackling the Hard Stuff, and Highlighting the Good Stuff

Writer Unboxed | “Accumulate the Human Within the Human Being”

Writer’s Digest | Why We Should Consider Periods When Writing Middle-Grade Books

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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