Kolbe Catholic College teacher Laura Roso has transformed her passion for storytelling and student wellbeing into her first novel, Race Against Ace.
Blending her experience as a drama teacher and performing arts specialist, Roso’s book dives into issues like bullying, risk-taking, and ethical decision-making.
“I want to explore important themes like bullying and risk taking in a way that sparks conversation and encourages personal growth,” Roso said.
“These are real issues that many children face today, and literature can be a powerful tool for helping them understand and navigate such challenges.”
The inspiration for Race Against Ace came during one of the toughest periods of Roso’s life – her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
“Race Against Ace will always hold a special place in my heart. It became an escape – fiction offered comfort during the heartbreak of watching my dear dad slowly lose his memory,” she said.
Roso sees the novel as a way to engage students beyond the classroom, encouraging them to reflect on their choices and values.
“I wanted students to reflect on their instincts – particularly that uneasy feeling when something doesn’t seem right,” she said.
“The message is clear: don’t sit in silence. Speak up. But also, be thoughtful about who you speak to.”
By including a school counsellor as a key figure in the story, Roso hopes to normalise help-seeking behaviour.
“I want young readers to understand that support is always available, and speaking to someone in a safe space is okay when you are struggling,” she said.
