Rosalyn Ransaw to be Featured Author in Columbus Book Festival
- Rosalyn Ransaw
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
COLUMBUS, OH – April 23, 2025 – Columbus-based author Rosalyn Ransaw will be a Featured Author at the 2025 Columbus Book Festival, taking place July 12-13 in downtown Columbus. Ransaw will be celebrating her debut middle-grade novel, Smoke & Mirrors.
Hosted by the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation and presented by Battelle and the Friends of the Library, the Columbus Book Festival will celebrate authors and reading.
The two-day event will be held at downtown’s historic Main Library and in the adjacent city park, Topiary Garden. The festival will feature more than 200 authors discussing new releases in all genres plus independent and self-published authors selling and signing in Indie Author Alley. Visitors will also find dozens of book-related exhibitors and entertainers, artisans and makers in the Festival Marketplace.
At the festival, attendees can meet Rosalyn Ransaw, purchase signed copies of Smoke & Mirrors, and attend panel discussions. Her full festival schedule, including specific panel topics and times, will be announced closer to the event date.
Smoke & Mirrors, which releases on June 10, 2025, is a compelling mystery set in a small Ohio town. The story follows 12-year-old Andy Carter, who, while spending the summer with his aunt, navigates being one of the few Black kids in town and worries about his incarcerated father. A twist of fate leads him to investigate the decades-old disappearance of a famous magician, a journey that mirrors his own struggles with prejudice and the justice system. The novel is a thoughtful exploration of second chances, empathy, and the courage to question assumptions, delivered through a fast-paced, adventurous narrative.
“In a time when society is more divided than ever, I hope that Smoke & Mirrors can serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy and the courage to question assumptions,” said Ransaw. “This story challenges readers to seek truth and stand up for what’s right, even when it’s difficult.”
Early Praise for Smoke & Mirrors:
★ “A fast-paced, adventurous journey in search of the truth.” — Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
“[A] thoughtful debut about second chances.” — Publishers Weekly
Meet Rosalyn Ransaw at the Columbus Book Festival! Join Rosalyn Ransaw on July 12-13 to celebrate Smoke & Mirrors, available for preorder now and releasing June 10, 2025.
About the Author:
Rosalyn Ransaw is a debut middle-grade author from Columbus, Ohio. Passionate about storytelling with diverse main characters and exciting plot twists, she aims to engage young readers with narratives that challenge perspectives and spark discussion. Smoke & Mirrors releases June 10, 2025 and is available for preorder at major retailers.
Media Contact:
Rosalyn Ransaw
Columbus Metropolitan Library has served the people of Franklin County, Ohio since 1873. With its Main Library and 22 branches, CML is well known for signature services and programs like School Help, Reading Buddies, Summer Reading Challenge and Ready for Kindergarten. The library’s Strategic Plan supports the vision of “a thriving community where wisdom prevails,” which positions CML to respond to areas of urgent need: kids unprepared for kindergarten, third grade reading proficiency, high school graduation, college and career readiness and employment resources.
For more information about the Columbus Book Festival visit columbusbookfestival.org.
Want to read Smoke & Mirrors?
Smoke & Mirrors doesn't hit bookshelves until June 10th, 2025, but you can preorder now using the button below (or from any of your favorite retailers)!
Rosalyn Ransaw is a children's author based in Columbus, OH. She graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Political Science. At her day job, she is a Digital Marketing Manager focused on all things social media and paid advertising.
When not writing, she loves to cry watching romantic comedies and eat her weight in buffalo chicken dip.
SMOKE & MIRRORS is her debut novel.
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