ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ABOUT NANCY
Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan is an educator, writer, and storyteller with a deep passion for history, creativity, and children’s learning.
Educator
Over 25 years of experience inspiring and guiding young minds.
Writer
A storyteller who brings history to life through curiosity, humor, and imagination.
Storyteller
A lifelong background in theatre and creative expression.
Rhode Island Resident
Proud to call Rhode Island home and celebrate its rich history and culture.
A Home Rooted in History
Nancy has spent over 25 years in Rhode Island, a place she now calls home, surrounded by its rich historical roots and cultural identity. This deep connection to the state continues to inspire her writing and storytelling.
Education & Expertise
Nancy holds degrees in Theatre and Library Science, and has worked across multiple educational and artistic environments including children's theatre, public arts programming, and academic institutions.
PURPOSE-DRIVEN APPROACH
Her approach to writing is shaped by curiosity, humor, and a strong belief that history should be engaging, accessible, and enjoyable for young readers.
BOOK INSPIRATION
The Inspiration Behind The Book
The idea for The Root that Ate Roger Williams began with a folk song recorded by the Vox Hunters, a musical retelling of Roger Williams and the founding of Rhode Island.
What started as a simple song soon sparked Nancy’s imagination. She became fascinated by the possibility of introducing children to one of Rhode Island’s most important historical figures through humor, creativity, and storytelling.
As she explored the story further, Nancy visited museums, walked historic sites, studied local history, and spoke with historians to deepen her understanding of Roger Williams and the world he lived in.
Through many drafts and revisions, the story gradually evolved into a playful blend of history, imagination, and adventure designed to engage young readers while introducing them to the past.
WHY ROGER WILLIAMS
Roger Williams played a pivotal role in shaping Rhode Island’s identity. As the founder of Providence and a champion of religious freedom, his influence continues to be felt throughout the state today.
Nancy recognized that while Roger Williams is an important historical figure, many children are rarely introduced to his story in a way that captures their interest and imagination.
She wanted to create a book that would make history feel approachable and exciting while helping young readers understand the values of independence, tolerance, and freedom that helped shape Rhode Island’s foundation.
By combining historical facts with engaging storytelling, Nancy hopes to inspire children to explore the people and events that helped build the world around them.
WHY RHODE ISLAND MATTERS
Rhode Island has been Nancy’s home for more than 25 years and remains a constant source of inspiration in her life and writing.
From historic neighborhoods and colonial landmarks to coastal villages and community traditions, the state’s history can be found around every corner.
Nancy is especially inspired by Rhode Island’s independent spirit and the pride its residents have in preserving the stories that make their state unique.
Through her writing, she hopes to share that same appreciation with young readers and encourage them to discover the remarkable history hidden within the “smallest state with the biggest history.”
BOOK LAUNCH EVENT
On June 13, 2026, family, friends, educators, readers, and members of the community gathered at Stillwater Books in West Warwick, Rhode Island, to celebrate the official launch of The Root that Ate Roger Williams.
The event featured:
• A presentation about the inspiration behind the book
• A live reading from the story
• Book sales and an author signing session
• Refreshments and community fellowship
Today, the book continues to reach new readers and remains part of Stillwater Books’ ongoing inventory, helping share Rhode Island history with families, classrooms, and young explorers.
