General News 19-Year-Old East Lansing Author Publishes First Book: “Mort the Flightless Rat” Scarlet Haroldson's book was partially inspired by her pet rat, Mort. Editor 24 Jul 2025 • 3 min read Mort the rat looks at the book he helped inspire "Mort the Flightless Rat." The book was written and illustrated by Scarlet Haroldson, a 19-year-old East Lansing resident. (Courtesy photo)