Beth Rabena has been a teacher for over two decades, spending most of her career teaching third grade. Born and raised in Reading, Pennsylvania, she enjoys the gym, the beach, and spending time with family and friends, especially her son, Dylan, and her dog, Chance. Beth was inspired to write Behind His Smile after one of her students took his own life. She hopes this book will encourage more conversation about children’s mental health, especially in schools.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: The loss of one of my students to suicide at the age of nine. This event changed everything about my life.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Don’t be afraid to try and share your idea. I never anticipated this dream becoming a reality, and it happened.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes, he is Roman Young. My student. Everything about the character is him.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: Going back and rereading what you wrote and adding or refining each time until it is just the way you want it to be.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: I think it can be both. However, for me, I feel like writing has always been a way for me to share my thoughts and feelings when sometimes I just can’t find the words to say how I am feeling. Words flow easily for me when I am writing out my thoughts.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “You’re killin’ me, Smalls.” —The Sandlot
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: I would write another book if I became inspired like I was to write this book.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A: First Day Jitters, You Are the Mountain, Charlotte’s Web, and any true crime book!
Learn more about Beth Rabena and her new children's book, Behind His Smile, here. Coming soon October 27, 2026!