THE CELLPHONE MONUMENT
COMING IN 2026
RAFT BOOKS
Raft Books is the creative home of author and educator Marc DeAngelo, whose stories blend therapeutic insight, heartfelt characters, and messages of resilience and hope. With a growing portfolio that includes Wesley and the River Run, its upcoming prequel Wesley and the Fifth Grade, and the highly anticipated The Cellphone Monument, Raft Books offers meaningful, engaging titles for young readers and families alike.
Marc is currently seeking publishing and distribution partners who share our vision of bringing powerful, character-driven stories to a wider audience. If you are a publisher or media partner interested in collaboration, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in helping these stories reach the readers who need them most.
About Marc DeAngelo
Marc DeAngelo is an MSW, an artist, and high school social worker leading award-winning work in schools and sharing his experiences with teachers and parents.
Marc holds both master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social work. As a learner with dyslexia, Marc developed a deep empathy for those who must adapt and find their own path in a traditional educational environment.
Marc DeAngelo is also a studio recording artist with a twenty-year plus musical career in live performance. Marc has performed and recorded with the bands Summer Rain, Lucky 28, 2SquareOne, and Crossfire.
Meet Marc DeAngelo at an upcoming event:
Check out the News and Events section for a full list of signings and in-store appearances. The next upcoming event is:
March 7th 12-4pm at The Company of Books in Del-Ray, VA
A Book that Celebrates Overcoming Challenges
DeAngelo’s first novel is a story for young adults that highlights resiliency and dialectical behavioral therapy as well as self-advocacy and mindfulness.
Written by a school social worker with learning disabilities himself, Wesley and the River Run is a young adult short story that encourages the reader to set goals, take risks, and feel empowered to work through personal struggles by trusting in themselves and the gifts that they have been given.
The author packages principles of mindfulness, resiliency, strength-based theory, dialectical behavioral therapy, and self-advocacy within a gripping story about an eleven year old boy and his friends who participate in their town’s annual summer river challenge.
Parents and teachers will also identify with moments in this story as the author demonstrates ways to connect with children and it is through this connection that their children can achieve their true potential.
Now Available on Audible
Narrated and produced by DC Musician Michael Leverone, this audiobook version includes music from DeAngelo’s band Summer Rain. Read more about the production of the audiobook here.
Sheri Van Dijk Endorses Wesley and the River Run
Sometimes, the best reviews come from the experts who understand the material best. For Marc DeAngelo’s debut book, Wesley and the River Run, that expert is Sheri Van Dijk. A celebrated psychotherapist and author, Van Dijk recently shared her thoughts on the book, and we couldn’t be happier to pass along her kind words about this important story for young people.
DeAngelo Recognized with 2024 Champion of Children Award
DeAngelo’s dedication to the students of Prince William County Schools goes far beyond his twenty-five years of service as a high school social worker.
Currently supporting Forest Park High School, Marc is celebrated for his compassionate approach, tireless advocacy, and innovative initiatives that support the most vulnerable students.
