RVC Author's Book Hits Amazon's Best Sellers List

Yvonne Capitelli had always dreamed about writing children’s books. During the early part of her adult life, however, other commitments got in the way. But Capitelli never lost the desire. After an 18-year career in telecommunications, the Rockville Centre resident revisited that dream and finally penned her first book in 2008.

Daria Rose and the Day She Chose is a story about the choices that children must make during the course of their daily life. The e-book, released in late April, is currently ranked in the top 20 on the Amazon.com Best Seller List in two categories — bullying and self-esteem.    

In addition to being ranked on the popular website, Capitelli’s book won the 2011 Children’s Literary Classics Gold Award, the 2009 Moonbeam Children’s Book Bronze Award (for) Mind-Body-Spirit/Self Esteem,and the Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award. Capitelli was also a 2012 Best Author on Long Island nominee, according to a press release.      

“It’s been an amazing feeling,” Capitelli said of the accolades. 

While searching for book topics, the author didn’t have to look far for inspiration. Her daughter, also named Daria, provided all the needed material.

“When my daughter was in third grade, she would often bring a friend home after school,” Capitelli said. “I was surprised at the various choices they were facing at such an early age...My amazing girl is definitely my inspiration.”

The choices described in Daria Rose and the Day She Chose tie into a larger theme of self-esteem and character building, according to Capitelli. 

“Life is all about choices, and it’s up to us to make the right ones,” she said. “We cannot change what other people think or say, but we can choose how it makes us feel.”

When not drafting new ideas, the author spends her days traveling to schools. She speaks to a wide group of new fans about the values displayed in the book.

“I’ve noticed that children easily identify with Daria and her various struggles,” Capitelli said. “They see how Daria resolves the different situations in the story by making good choices. They open up and share their own experiences, which is very rewarding.”

Capitelli plans to write more Daria Rose books. The sequel is due out later this year, according to the press release. 

According to Capitelli, “Paying it forward” will be one of the many themes in the next Daria Rose book. That concept is something the author subscribes to in a big way. She donates a portion of each book sale to the Children’s Cancer Society and the Chronic Fatigue Immune Disfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) Association of America.

“Since being diagnosed (with CFIDS) in 1998, I understand the debilitating effects of this disease and the everyday struggles of adults and children suffering (from it),” Capitelli said.  “My hope is that someday they will find a cure.”

Capitelli also co-authored , which was released in January.

For more information and to purchase either of her first two books, Click here.