Colorado Springs, CO (July 15, 2024)—Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release six new kids, middle-grade, and YA titles in the fall of 2024. The new products—Average Boy’s Above-Average Summer, Even in Darkness, Read Again and Again Old Testament Bible Storybook, Read Again and Again New Testament Bible Storybook, A New Perspective (Adventures in Odyssey), In My Own Way, and I’m Alive, Dear Mama!—equip parents to raise their children with thriving faith.
INFANT AND PRESCHOOL KIDS
Read Again and Again Old and New Testament Bible Storybooks by Focus on the Family
These two Bible storybooks help children discover new truths about well-known Bible stories and Bible characters while also introducing families to stories they’ve never heard before. These books are a great way for parents to start important conversations with their children (ages 3–7) about God and how to know Jesus as Savior. Kids will not only listen to the stories but will ask to read them again and again as they learn how to apply God’s Word to their lives.
Each kids’ illustrated Bible storybook includes colorful illustrations and engaging characters, interactive questions to help the reader live out their faith, and age-appropriate salvation messages to help kids understand how they can have a relationship with Jesus. These storybooks are perfect for Sunday school, church giveaways, and family devotions.
I’m Alive, Dear Mama! by Jennifer Wilder Morgan
I’m Alive, Dear Mama! is a fully illustrated book for kids (ages 3–5) that shares a sweet commentary on how a baby in the womb is noticing the joys and sadnesses of life now and can’t wait to experience these things someday fully with the family. Expectation and hope abound as the child learns of the promises of earthly life through Mama’s daily activities. Beautiful art fills the pages, celebrating the miracle and journey of human life and its true, priceless value from conception through adulthood.
The book features parenting discussion questions and activities for families to use together. In addition, families of different cultures, environments, and economic classes are represented, demonstrating the larger journey of human life around the world.
This precious message from unborn babies to their mothers makes a heartwarming baby shower gift or gift for parents-to-be.
ELEMENTARY KIDS
Average Boy’s Above-Average Summer by Bob Smiley and Jesse Florea
The Average Boy series features humorous writing and whimsical illustrations to help readers embrace the idea that life isn’t always about being the smartest, most athletic, or best-looking kid in the neighborhood. Faith, family, and friends are far more valuable than being perceived as “cool.”
“Average Boy” Bob Smiley reaches the end of an above-average school year, and now he has plans to have the best summer possible. He will finally build the tree house that he has been planning with his best friend, Billy. This summer he also plans to invite everyone in town to church.
There will be challenges along the way—like Donny, the school bully, or Sarah and Everley and their water balloons. But Average Boy’s biggest challenge this summer is the Huge Hairy Hisser, who lurks in the woods and seems determined to ruin his tree house plans.
Perfect for elementary kids (ages 8–12), Average Boy is here to make readers laugh and encourage kids in their faith.
A New Perspective: Six Stories on Kindness, Listening, and Reconciliation by Focus on the Family, Adventures in Odyssey #77
Adventures in Odyssey audio dramas release the imagination of both young and old as listeners follow a host of characters through adventures in the town of Odyssey. Geared toward kids (ages 7+), these high-quality audio dramas teach biblical truths and moral foundations for children to make decisions from throughout their lives. They are perfect for car rides and initiating important conversations with kids.
Album 77 returns to the cliff-hangers from album 76, Keep It Together.
TEENS AND YA
Even in Darkness by Tim Shoemaker, High Water #5
While diving in Rockport Harbor, Parker Buckman makes a terrifying discovery that convinces him to stay out of the water. His best friend, Harley Lotitto, has his own dilemma and needs Parker’s help. But Harley is in more danger than anyone realizes. His uncle Ray has cornered Harley into secretly finding evidence that is powerful enough to get Ray out of jail—and put a worse man behind bars. If Harley succeeds, Quinn Lochran will get multiple life sentences. Lochran has a dark plan to make sure that evidence never sees the light of day. Ray’s “get-out-of-jail” ticket might become Harley and Parker’s death warrants.
Jelly and Ella know the boys are up to something. They are determined to help the boys, but unless their friends open up to them, they feel powerless. Even though they have survived deadly situations together before, this time escape seems more hopeless than ever.
Even in Darkness is the fifth book in the High Water series and blends contemporary mystery and suspense, dramatic situations, and high adventure that boys and girls (ages 12+) love.
In My Own Way by Kathy Buchanan, Riverbend Friends #8
Amelia Bryan is eager to pursue her dream of acting, but she does not think she looks the way that the characters are “supposed” to look. But there are some surprises in store for Amelia. She learns that she has the kindness of her friends, the guidance of God, and a supportive note from a boy at theater camp: Chin up, Amelia. You can do this. Your way.
Today’s girls can relate to Amelia’s struggles with appearance and identity. The Riverbend Friends series addresses these topics from a healthy Christian perspective and helps parents have important conversations about tough topics with their teens.
In My Own Way is the eighth book in a series that travels alongside four friends as they deal with teen life in Riverbend, Indiana. This novel inspires young women (ages 12–16) to deepen their relationship with God as they face real-life issues and solve their problems in God-honoring ways.
For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Natalie Wierenga (nataliewierenga@tyndale.com). Further information regarding upcoming Focus on the Family kids titles below. Titles are listed in order of release.
- Average Boy’s Above-Average Summer | ISBN: 978-1-64607-152-4 Softcover: $12.99 | September 17, 2024
- Even in Darkness | ISBN: 978-1-64607-098-5 Softcover: $16.99 | September 17, 2024
- Read Again and Again Old Testament Bible Storybook | ISBN: 978-1-64607-137-1 Hardcover: $17.99 | September 17, 2024
- Read Again and Again New Testament Bible Storybook | ISBN: 978-1-64607-138-8 Hardcover: $17.99 | September 17, 2024
- A New Perspective | ISBN: 978-1-64607-162-3 CD: $18.99 | October 8, 2024
- In My Own Way | ISBN: 978-1-64607-091-6 Softcover: $16.99 | November 2024
- I’m Alive, Dear Mama! | ISBN: 978-1-64607-146-3 Hardcover: $14.99 | November 2024
Since its founding in 1962, Tyndale House Publishers has been a voice to trust for generations of readers. Today, Tyndale is one of the largest independent Christian publishers in the world. Tyndale’s mission is to make the Bible accessible to as many people as possible in language that they can relate and respond to. Tyndale publishes the Holy Bible, New Living Translation (NLT), and offers nonfiction books that equip readers with Christ-centered insight, counsel, and life-improving stories. In addition, Tyndale publishes fiction from fresh new voices and celebrated authors alike, capturing the imagination of millions of readers. With a deep understanding of the importance of nurturing future generations, Tyndale also publishes children’s products that make God’s Word and wisdom come alive. Tyndale’s independent status allows it to follow its founding model, giving a substantial portion of annual revenue—millions of dollars per year—through corporate donations and the work of Tyndale House Foundation. With every book purchased, Tyndale readers help meet the physical and spiritual needs of people around the world. Tyndale.com
Focus on the Family, which reaches about 38 million people in 120 countries, is a global faith-based ministry that helps families thrive in Christ. Tyndale House Publishers is pleased to partner with Focus on the Family to help provide trusted resources for strengthening believers in their faith and sharing the gospel; building resilient marriages that reflect God’s design; equipping parents to raise their children with a thriving faith; advocating for the preborn, orphaned, and life at every stage; and engaging the culture through a biblical worldview. Visit Focus at FocusontheFamily.com or on Facebook and Twitter.
Contact: Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784.5211
