At the 2026 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, held April 18-19 on the University of Southern California campus, young author Gaellie Ulysse presented her novel Rollercoaster during a featured book signing and author interview at the MainSpring Books exhibit. The festival, one of the nation's most celebrated literary gatherings, attracted thousands of readers, educators, families, and aspiring writers.
Rollercoaster follows Natasha Shadow, a young girl navigating a series of life-changing challenges including bullying, heartbreak, the loss of her mother, and major family changes. Through her journey, Natasha learns to adapt, finds support in unexpected places, forms meaningful friendships, and bonds with a black Labrador named Crystal. The novel addresses experiences many children and teenagers encounter but may find difficult to discuss, offering reassurance that challenges do not have to be faced alone and that difficult circumstances can become opportunities for growth.
During her interview, Gaellie shared how the book began as a school assignment before evolving into a published work. Motivated by a desire to help readers facing similar struggles, she created a story that reflects common experiences while emphasizing hope, perseverance, and the importance of finding support during difficult times. Festival attendees responded warmly to the book's relatable themes, sparking conversations about empathy, resilience, and helping young people feel understood.
The appearance highlighted the growing impact of young voices in literature and demonstrated how storytelling can provide encouragement to readers navigating their own challenges. Gaellie offers a reminder that even during life's most difficult turns, hope remains within reach. For those interested in the book, it is available on Amazon, and an author interview is available on YouTube.
As the festival continues its tradition of showcasing stories that connect communities and inspire meaningful dialogue, MainSpring Books remains committed to supporting authors whose work encourages understanding, resilience, and personal growth.
