Ada, Mich. (May 21, 2024)—On Monday, May 20, ACFW board member Kathleen Y’Barbo Turner announced the Carol Award finalists in eleven categories on the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) Facebook page. The Carol Awards are ACFW’s recognition for the best Christian fiction published in the previous calendar year. Nine Baker Publishing Group authors were chosen as finalists.

For a complete list of the 2024 Carol Award finalists, please visit https://acfw.com/acfw-contests/carol-awards/carol-award-finalists/. Winners of the Carol Awards will be announced on Saturday, September 7, during the Awards Gala at ACFW’s conference in New Orleans.

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CONTEMPORARY

He Should Have Told the Bees by Amanda Cox
Revell; August 29, 2023; ISBN 9780800742737; Ebook ISBN 9781493441280; $16.99; Paper
Press Material

Beekeeper Beckett Walsh was living her dream working alongside her father on their small farm until his unexpected death thrusts a new part-owner into her world. Callie Peterson threatens not only her livelihood but her beliefs about the goodness of the man she’d always perceived to be her kind and faithful father.

The Wind Blows in Sleeping Grass by Katie Powner
Bethany House; September 26, 2023; ISBN 9780764242007; Ebook ISBN 9781493443772; $17.99; Paper
Press Material

Pete is content in his simple life in a remote Montana town, but elderly widow Wilma is busy meddling in Pete’s life to make up for past wrongs. When the sister Pete was separated from as a child shows up, Pete must confront a difficult past, and Wilma discovers her long-awaited chance at redemption may come at too high a price.

 

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HISTORICAL

The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt
Revell; November 7, 2023; ISBN 9780800741716; Ebook ISBN 9781493443420; $17.99; Paper
Press Material

In WWII Poland, two sisters fight against the darkness engulfing their homeland, one by entering a daring network of women sheltering Jewish children and the other by joining the ranks of Poland’s secret army. As Warsaw buckles under German oppression, they must rely on the courage that calls the ordinary to resist.

 

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin
Revell; February 7, 2023; ISBN 9780800736385; Ebook ISBN 9781493439645; $17.99; Paper
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In WWII Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt assumes the identity of a common shipyard worker, rowing messages to Sweden for the Resistance. His life depends on keeping his secret hidden—a task that proves challenging when he meets Else Jensen, an American physicist who seems to see right through him.

The Legacy of Longdale Manor by Carrie Turansky
Bethany House; September 26, 2023; ISBN 9780764241055; Ebook ISBN 9781493443710; $16.99; Paper
Press Material

Art historian Gwen Monroe is evaluating paintings at a British estate when she uncovers a connection to the father she never knew through a 100-year-old journal. In 1912, Charlotte Harper struggles with a painful family secret that she can only confess in her journal, which shatters her faith and leaves her wondering if she can ever trust in love again.

 

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MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER

What Happens Next by Christina Suzann NelsonBethany House; January 17, 2023; ISBN 9780764240409; Ebook ISBN 9781493440689; $16.99; Paper
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Popular podcaster and ex-reporter Faith Byrne has made a name for herself telling stories of greatness after tragedy—but her real life does not mirror the stories she tells. When she’s asked to spotlight her childhood best friend’s missing person case on her podcast, she uncovers desperate secrets and must face the truth before she can move forward.

 

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ROMANCE

The Words We Lost by Nicole Deese (A Fog Harbor Romance)
Bethany House; April 11, 2023; ISBN 9780764241185; Ebook ISBN 9781493440719; $17.99; Paper
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After a meeting jeopardizes Ingrid Erikson’s career, she fears her future will remain irrevocably broken. But when the man who shattered her belief in happily-ever-afters offers her a sealed envelope from her late best friend, Ingrid is sent on a hunt for a hidden package and must confront her past before she can find the healing she’s been searching for.

 

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ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn (Defend and Protect #3)
Revell; March 7, 2023; ISBN 9780800737979; Ebook ISBN 9781493439676; $16.99; Paper
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Special Agent Tessa Reed left her demons in the past, but when she reconnects with USSS Agent Zane Thacker during a presidential fundraiser, one of those old adversaries comes to collect. These best friends must work together to protect the President and guard their own hearts.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason (Extreme Measures #3)
January 3, 2023; ISBN 9780800737344; Ebook ISBN 9781493439652; $17.99; Paper
Press Material

Working as a behavioral analyst with the FBI puts Grace Billingsley in contact with every sort of evil and every kind of person. But working with the son of a serial killer? That’s a first.

 

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Baker Publishing Group offers their congratulations to all the Carol Award finalists and would like to acknowledge the American Christian Fiction Writers for their ongoing support to inspirational fiction authors.

Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, publishes books that help bring the Christian faith to everyday life. Whether through fiction, Christian living, self-help, marriage, family, or youth books, each Revell publication reflects relevance, integrity, and excellence.

Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, seeks to uplift readers’ families, faith, and free time with our library of industry-leading fiction and bestselling, Christ-centered nonfiction.

Contact: Karen Steele, (616)676-9185 x100, ksteele@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Evangelical Christian publisher Inter-Varsity Press (IVP UK), based in the UK, has promoted Thomas Creedy to Publishing Director, effective from 1st May 2024. Creedy first joined the IVP team (part of SPCK Group) in 2018 in a combined Marketing and Editorial role, before being appointed as Editorial Director of IVP, and its academic imprint, Apollos, in Spring 2023.

Inter-Varsity Press in the UK (not to be confused with InterVarsity Press in the US) publishes world-leading evangelical authors, including Amy Orr-Ewing, John Stott and Tim Chester, and is committed to producing books that are faithful to the Bible, share the gospel with the world, and equip the church for mission and discipleship. IVP (UK), which also publishes books for an academic audience under its Apollos imprint, fosters a global impact and reach through worldwide distribution licensing and partnerships.

Thomas Creedy will continue to report to Wendy Grisham, Deputy CEO of SPCK, work closely with Joshua Wells, Senior Commissioning Editor, and remain accountable to the IVP (UK) Publishing Board.

Grisham says: “Tom’s excellent leadership in his previous role as Editorial Director proves that he is the right person to head up IVP (UK) as Publishing Director. Tom’s impressive blend of enthusiasm, knowledge, and experience – unusual in someone relatively young – coupled with his deep respect for the history of IVP, incisive awareness of its theological directives, and sensitivity to its wider place in the SPCK Group will all be fantastic assets as he takes on this new leadership position”.

Creedy says: “It’s a genuine honour to have been appointed Publishing Director of IVP (UK), whose mission to publish biblically faithful, evangelical books to serve the global church is one very close to my heart. Having grown up with IVP books on my parents’ shelves and appreciating the balance of deep wisdom and cultural relevance, I’m excited to be part of shaping the legacy as we head towards our centenary in 1928.  IVP’s evangelical distinctives are to remain relevant, globally aware, biblically rooted, and culturally engaged. As we publish deliberately into key areas like culture, mental health and wellbeing, we are also excited to launch some major new series and reference projects in the coming years. I would value your prayers as I seek to serve God’s mission in this role”.

Sue Halliday, Chair of the IVP (UK) Publishing Board, said “it has been a pleasure to get to know Tom over a number of roles and see him develop into a significant leadership role for IVP. He is passionate and thoughtful and cares about the wider mission of IVP, which he is now equipped to hold humbly and boldly. His appointment marks a renewed determination to share UK insight into the larger American market for sound evangelical books; we have new series forthcoming, drawing together global authors and editors, and it enables a strong presence within the SPCK Group for books that focus on being both culturally insightful and faithful to the Bible. As a member of the IVP Board his new post will enable him to play a significant gatekeeping role for the IVP charity within the wider SPCK Group”

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK says: “With our increasing momentum in global, digital and core list sales, I am delighted to see Tom step up as IVP Publishing Director. In the years I’ve worked with him, he has made a strong, positive impact internally and externally, and I look forward to seeing where he takes IVP in the future.”

Contact: For further information please contact Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk, 07494430503 

Carol Stream, IL (May 28, 2024)—The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers by Crystal Bowman has sold over 325,000 copies in the last 20 years. In celebration of this accomplishment, Tyndale House Publishers is releasing a 20th anniversary edition for a new generation of children ages 3–6 to enjoy.

While retaining the adorable illustrations, Bible verses, and rhyming prayers that made this book a success, the easy-to-understand devotions have been updated for contemporary preschoolers. Each page focuses on helping little ones know and love Jesus every day of the year.

Linda Howard, Associate Publisher of children’s and youth at Tyndale House Publishers, stated, “We are grateful for the biblical truth this book has provided to families around the world and excited to continue publishing it for years to come.”

Perfect for reading aloud to young children or as a resource for preschool Sunday school classrooms, the 20th anniversary edition of The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers will release on September 1, 2024.

Crystal Bowman is a former preschool teacher and an award-winning, bestselling author. She has written more than 100 books for children, women, and families. She is also a lyricist, national speaker, and writing coach for children’s writers. More than three million copies of her books have sold internationally, with many of them becoming CBA bestsellers. Her books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.

She has written numerous magazine articles, teacher resources, and Bible study materials. She is a regular contributor to Clubhouse Jr. magazine and has also contributed to several nonfiction women’s compilation books. She has written two dozen books for the I Can Read! brand (Zonderkidz) and is one of the authors of the bestselling Little Blessings series (Tyndale Kids). She has also written for many popular series such as the Berenstain Bears, BOZ the Bear, and the Princess Parables. She and her daughter, Teri McKinley, launched the brand Our Daily Bread for Kids (Discovery House Publishers) and continue to develop more products for young children. Crystal and her husband enjoy spending time with their adult children and eight huggable grandkids.

The One Year Devotions for Preschoolers by Crystal Bowman
ISBN: 978-0-8423-8940-2
Hardcover: $15.99
September 2024
Tyndale.com

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.

Contact: Natalie Wierenga, nataliewierenga@tyndale.com, 630.784.5211

April 2024 — Langham Publishing, the Christian publishing house of Langham Partnership International, announced the launch of their new imprint Langham Academic. With a growing catalogue of over 450 titles authored by Christian scholars, preachers, and leaders from around the globe, the new imprint aims to build upon their global platform for insightful and scholarly work that is faithful to Scripture.  

Since its inception, Langham publishing has focused on providing a curated and peer reviewed range of published PhD theses by Majority World scholars under the banner and imprint Langham Monographs. Following the strategic reorganisation as a result of growth the imprint has now been replaced by Langham Academic. This new imprint will continue to foster the publication of excellent doctoral work in series covering areas such as Old and New Testament, Theology, Christian History and Missiology, but also moves beyond theses to support academic monographs and multi-contributor works.

“In my 35 years involvement with Langham Partnership’s literature ministries, the most fruitful and exciting development has been the shift from merely getting books to the Majority World, to publishing books from and for the Majority World, enabling the global church as a whole to benefit from the theological richness of multiple voices and contexts…Langham Academic amplifies those voices for the blessing of all.” says Rev. Dr. Chris Wright, Global Ambassador for Langham Partnership.

Rev. Dr. Hani Hanna, International Director of Langham Literature, adds: 

“Academic books are vital for effective theological education by serving as a primary, readily available knowledge source. This significance is exponentially amplified through much of the Majority World due to resource constraints. Initiatives like Langham Academic play a crucial role globally by prioritizing contextual relevance in their publications. By engaging with academic theology that speaks to their specific questions and leveraging local insights, seminaries around the world are empowered to enrich their theological discourse. Furthermore, Langham Academic provides a platform for cross-cultural engagement, fostering theological dialogues that transcend geographical boundaries and unite diverse perspectives from around the world.”

New and  upcoming titles in this imprint include Brotherhood in Christ by Oleksandr Geychenko, To Die in Africa’s Dust by Las G. Newman, The Power and Purpose of Blood in God’s Design by Cynthia Hsing-Wei Chang and Integrated Mission by Sarah Nicholl.

Langham Academic joins three other established imprints within Langham Publishing that together serve scholars, students, preachers and church leaders.

To view books found within Langham Academic and to explore the rest of the Langham Publishing catalogue visit langhampublishing.org.

About Langham Publishing
Langham Publishing is a ministry of Langham Partnership whose vision is to strengthen the global church. Through Langham Publishing, we seek to publish books and provide a platform for Christian scholars, leaders, and preachers that represent the global diversity of the church – furthering our understanding of scripture, our mission as God’s people, and our love in Christ.

• Get more information about Langham Publishing.
• Get more information about Langham Partnership. 

For press related questions and information, please contact sophia.soloviy@langham.org.

Publisher and author aim to bring Biblical themes to life for manga fans

May 28, 2024 (COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado) – Christian publisher, David C Cook, announces the signing of artist, spoken word poet, and author, Mitchell “Street Hymns” West, whose manga book, The Fallen: Faith Before the Flood, marks the expansion of Cook’s catalog offerings into yet another genre.

David C Cook’s mission is to equip the Church with Christ-centered resources to transform today’s generations. In addition to trade books that include nonfiction, graphic novels, The Action Bible series, Bible studies, and a 149-year legacy of curriculum and church resource publishing, David C Cook now brings Biblical stories and themes to life for young readers through manga, with West joining the roster.

Originating in Japan, manga has grown in popularity amongst youth around the world but tends to have a spiritually dark tone within its content. West aims to change that through powerful, creatively communicated manga stories and illustrations that have Biblical undertones and captivate readers with Scripture and God’s plan for mankind.

“As a manga and anime enthusiast, I’ve always been inspired by how authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis seamlessly blend faith and fantasy. This admiration, coupled with my belief in the transformative power of stories we encounter in our youth, has driven me to create The Fallen,” said the author. “I hope to tell the familiar story of redemption and unity through a medium that our youth and young adults are swarming to at record-high numbers.”

In collaboration with illustrator Kahyia “Kai” Parris, West’s vivid storytelling in The Fallen will target fans of manga, one of the most popular forms of Japanese entertainment media among children and adults. While most mangas are read right-to-left, the book will be read left-to-right to appeal to Western audiences.

“Today’s world is filled with cultural and viral phenomena that points people away from God’s truth,” said David C Cook VP of Publishing and Acquisitions, Michael Covington. “The Fallen is a project that will bridge the gap, delivering a biblically-themed setting and storyline with a medium that has exploded in growth over the past decade. Through The Fallen, our first move into the manga category, we’re crafting a story that will not only capture the attention of those who love the genre, but will guide them toward the ultimate Source of hope and truth.”

West is represented by Tom Dean, founder of A Drop of Ink Literary.

David C Cook is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping the global church with leadership, discipleship, and worship resources to help Christians grow in faith and pass it along to the next generation. Read more about David C Cook and its global ministry outreach at www.davidccook.org.

Media Contact:  Cathy Herholdt, VP, Communications, cathy.herholdt@davidccook.org, 719.533.3011

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 2024—Zondervan Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, proudly announces Justin Whitmel Earley’s Habits of the Household: Practicing the Story of God in Everyday Family Rhythms (978-0-3103-6293-7) has surpassed 250,000 copies sold across print, digital and audio formats.

Webster Younce, vice president and publisher of Zondervan Books, remarked, “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the profound impact Justin and Habits of the Household are having on families. The book’s rich yet practical insights provide a lifeline for overwhelmed parents, and we are proud to have partnered with Justin in bringing them such an incredible resource.”

Habits of the Household, published in November 2021, deeply resonates with parents navigating the challenges of daily life. Earley, an award-winning author and father of four, empathizes with parents longing for rhythms of spiritual formation yet struggling to hold routines. He offers tools to create a realistic structure for parents and empowers them to lead their families with purpose. By implementing simple, daily rhythms, he offers an attainable vision for homes where parents and children slow down and practice how to love God and each other.

“We don’t often think about habits and the heart being so interconnected. But they are,” Earley wrote. “To steward the habits of your family is to steward the hearts of your family.”

This is Earley’s first book to achieve 250,000 units sold. In addition to its sales milestone, Habits of the Household now hosts more than 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, averaging 4.7 stars nearly three years post-release.

“Justin is a very special talent, and we’re not surprised that his work is resonating so deeply with readers,” said Paul Pastor, senior acquisitions editor for Zondervan. “Zondervan is absolutely thrilled to celebrate this major milestone for Justin’s work.”

Following Habits of the Household, Earley released Made for People in 2023, addressing loneliness and promoting transformative friendship habits. His next title is slated for release in September 2025 under the working title The Body Teaches the Soul. This forthcoming guide will explore the intricate relationship between body and spirit and examine how experiencing physical difficulties can make believers spiritually stronger.

For more information or for media inquiries, please contact Rebecca Schriner at rebecca.schriner@harpercollins.com. 

Justin Whitmel Earley is a writer, speaker and lawyer. He is the author of the award-winning The Common Rule and Habits of the Household, though he spends most days running his business law practice. Through his writing and speaking, Justin empowers God’s people to thrive through life-giving habits that form them in the love of God and neighbor. He lives with his wife and four boys in Richmond, Virginia, and spends a lot of time around fires and porches with friends. You can follow him online at justinwhitmelearley.com.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit zondervan.com.

Contact:  Rebecca Schriner, Publicity Manager, Zondervan Books, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Rebecca.Schriner@HarperCollins.com

 

The Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK Group) is delighted to confirm that His Majesty King Charles has agreed to become the charity’s royal patron, following a review of over 1,000 patronages held by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles’ acceptance of the royal patronage is a continuation of the longstanding and treasured relationship between SPCK Group and the royal family, which dates back to Queen Anne in 1695.

Queen Anne – while she was still a princess – donated money to our founder, Thomas Bray, for his mission of sending books to encourage learning overseas, an initiative which led to the foundation of SPCK as a publisher and charity a few years later.

In 1839, Queen Victoria formalised the relationship between SPCK and the royal family, becoming our first royal patron: a tradition which has been continued by each of her regnal successors.

SPCK has been active since 1698, and is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with IVP in 2015 and Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.

Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK Group, says: “We are deeply honoured that His Majesty, King Charles, has become our new royal patron, retaining the historic connection between SPCK Group and the royal family that we, as an organisation, cherish. We were privileged to have the support of the late Queen Elizabeth II as our patron, as well as to have had links to the royal family since the 17th Century, and we are excited to renew this relationship through the patronage of King Charles in 2024 and beyond”.

Press contact: Emily Beater, ebeater@spck.org.uk

Hey-O Stories of the Bible will release October 1

Grand Rapids, MI – May 13, 2024 – Zonderkidz, the major Christian children’s book publisher, is pleased to announce that a new storybook Bible will be released October 1 in partnership with Saddleback Church, one of the largest churches in the U.S. The new storybook Bible Hey-O Stories of the Bible will be based on the immensely popular YouTube video series of the same name created by the Saddleback Kids team, which now has over 700,000 subscribers with over 225 million views and is used as a Bible-teaching curriculum all over the world.

The animated Bible stories are biblically accurate and created under the guidance of the Saddleback Kids team and pastors who have a heart for bringing God’s word to children in an engaging, age-appropriate way. The new book features nearly 70 Bible stories and offers a QR code linking to the collection of corresponding Hey-O videos on StudyGateway.com, a video streaming service that features Bible studies from top Bible teachers as well as Biblically-centered kids content. A Spanish edition of Hey-O Stories of the Bible is also forthcoming.

“We’re so pleased to work with the Saddleback Kids team to offer this all-new Bible storybook, the first based on popular video content that has reached so many millions of families already. We are thrilled to be able to meet families where they’re at with both the physical Bible storybook format as well as the corresponding videos through Study Gateway— allowing families to build their biblical literacy together and early readers to follow along and enjoy the text and videos,” says Megan Dobson, Vice President and Publisher of Zonderkidz.

“Our children’s ministry team has dreamed of this opportunity for quite some time, and we are thrilled it is finally happening,” says Charlotte St. Hilaire, NextGen Creative Content Pastor with Saddleback Church.  “It has been amazing to see how God has used what started as something for the kids at Saddleback to speak his truth on all kinds of platforms, reaching kids, churches, leaders and parents where they are, and spreading God’s story and the good news of Jesus all around the globe. We can’t wait to launch this physical storybook Bible to the world!”

About Hey-O:
Learn more about Hey-O here: http://www.saddleback.com/heyokids
The popular YouTube channel featuring Hey-O videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@saddlebackkids

About the Book:
Hey-O Stories of the Bible
Published by Zonderkidz
9780310159254
Hardcover
Pages: 384
On Sale Date: 10/1/2024
Suggested Retail Price $24.99

About Saddleback Kids:
Saddleback Kids, the children’s ministry of Saddleback Church, headquartered in California with campuses around the world, believes that every kid should be known, connected, equipped, and empowered. More about Saddleback Kids can be found here:   https://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/saddleback-kids

Zonderkidz™, the children’s division of Zondervan, inspires young lives through imaginative, innovative and educational resources that represent a Christian worldview and build up God’s children and teens. For additional information, please visit www.zonderkidz.com.

Zondervan is a world-leading Bible publisher and provider of Christian communications. Zondervan, as part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., delivers transformational Christian experiences through its bestselling Bibles, books, curriculum, academic resources and digital products. The Company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan’s offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Media Contact:  Jessica Westra, Director of Publicity, Zonderkidz
Jessica.Westra@harpercollins.com, 616-403-6628

May 2024 | LISLE, IL—InterVarsity Press (IVP) and IVP Kids will be releasing its first middle grade fiction series. Don Everts, a prolific nonfiction author for IVP, has signed a three-book contract with IVP Kids for the Argus Sensates series. The first book in the series, tentatively titled Bubbles and the Argus Sensates, will release in Spring 2026.

Elissa Schauer, editor for IVP Kids, said, “With the success of IVP Kids, we had been considering how to expand our reach to other age ranges of children and youth. I’ll be honest—middle grade fiction wasn’t at the top of my list, mostly because it’s tough to do well. So when Don sent me this manuscript, I figured that I would skim it and then send along my kind regrets. But the reality is, as soon as I started reading, I was hooked!”

The tale of Bubbles and the Argus Sensates asks the questions, What if you could see beyond the mere physical as you walked the halls of your high school? What if, without warning, you were suddenly able to see regret or hear anxiety or smell anger? This is exactly what happens to the protagonist, Oscar Bender.

“On one level, this is a fun coming of age story that trades on the natural appeal of stories that involve young teens discovering special abilities, finding community with others who are like them, and pooling their unique abilities to defeat evil,” Everts said. “On another level, this novel creatively explores the wonderful adventure of growing up in today’s quickly changing, complex, tech-dominated world by pulling back the curtain on the usually unseen but unquestionably real world of the heart and soul and mind and gut. The Sensates’ unique abilities force them (and by extension the reader) to reexamine the important landscape of the ‘metaphysical’: What is really true about regret and anger and temptation and relationships and prayer and friendship and anxiety and distraction and hope? Finally, there is a spiritual level to this story. Oscar’s first-person account allows the reader inside his Christian faith and blooming prayer life.”

Everts adds that each of the three books in the series will provide a unique first-person account of what it’s like to be a Sensate, to be given a glimpse into important realities of the inner life while also navigating the complexities of high school and helping solve the latest in a string of mysteries that, it turns out, are all connected to a sinister conspiracy.

Schauer said, “Don’s initial query to me stated that he uses the genre of magical realism to ‘engage the soul, form the mind, and shape the imagination.’ As an IVP editor, those elements are key in the consideration of publishing this book. But as a fiction reader, I knew it would also need to have great characters, an interesting and unexpected plot line, and be filled with relationships and circumstances that draw in the young reader. And I’ve got to say—this book delivers!”

Don Everts is the senior pastor of First & Calvary Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Missouri, and is a writer for Lutheran Hour Ministries and the Hopeful Neighborhood Project. Everts has spent almost three decades helping people on college campuses and in the local church become good stewards of their God-given gifts. Along the way, his wife, Wendy, has been helping Everts do the same. His many books include The Reluctant Witness, The Spiritually Vibrant Home, and The Hopeful Neighborhood, all of which feature original research from Barna and biblical insights for our everyday lives.

Through story and illustration, books from IVP Kids engage, challenge, and delight IVP’s young readers. And in keeping with IVP’s historic mission, IVP Kids offers resources that reflect and celebrate diverse voices, equipping and encouraging children to follow Jesus in every area of their lives.

Contact: Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com

May 2024 | LISLE, IL—A respected community activist and public scholar, Terence Lester was honored with the Author of the Year Award by Black Christian Influencers (BCI) at its honors event in Atlanta on May 10. Lester was recognized for his two most recent books: All God’s Children and Zion Learns to See, an IVP Kids title coauthored with his daughter, Zion Lester.

Jacqueline Horbrook, founder and CEO of BCI, said, “Terence Lester was voted as the winner by over one thousand of his peers and influencers. He has shown himself to be an author for the generation that speaks truth with pure intent and vulnerability.”

Through online community building, BCI aims to unite the kingdom by empowering the marginalized voice. The network of influencers connects people from all professional backgrounds and supports individuals, like Lester, who are making an impact in the world.

“I believe the work that Jackie Horbrook is doing with BCI is critically important,” Lester said. “She has created a platform that not only showcases Black leaders who strive to glorify God through their digital presence, but she is also deeply connected to the culture and intentionally creating space for those yet to be discovered by the world. I was both grateful and honored to receive an award and to participate in a panel discussion with several colleagues who are doing significant work in the realm of faith and justice.”

Lester says that he is driven by three ideals: (1) anyone can make a difference, (2) we don’t live forever, and (3) it’s worth dedicating one’s life to ensuring no one feels invisible. His books convey these themes.

In All God’s Children: How Confronting Buried History Can Build Racial Solidarity Lester shares the history of the struggles that Black people have faced against unjust systems, paving the way for the church to move beyond showing support from a distance toward long-term solidarity, advocacy, and friendship. He tells powerful stories of courage, injustice, pain, and triumph, including ones from his own history.

In Zion Learns to See: Opening Our Eyes to Homelessness Lester and Zion set out to mobilize young people to serve and notice those who often get overlooked in their communities. Inspired by real events, this children’s book allows kids and adults to learn with Zion about people experiencing homelessness and see how she is moved to respond as she recognizes that all people matter to God. Terence Lester said, “This project represents more than just another book project; it’s a deeply felt journey of embedding crucial life lessons in our children, with the hope that such empathy is shared with other children too.”

Having experienced homelessness and poverty himself, Lester is committed to seeing and writing about those who often go unnoticed. At the age of sixteen, Terence was a high school dropout and a member of a gang. A rebellious teen, he lived on the streets and even attempted to take his own life. At twenty, he was arrested. In jail Lester met a man who talked to him about life decisions. By the start of the following year, Lester had committed to share his testimony to change the lives of others.

Today Lester is the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. He received his PhD in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in public policy and social change from Union Institute and University. His campaigns on behalf of the poor, including #LoveSinksIn (which provides handwashing stations for the poor), have been featured in USA Today, Black Enterprise, and Reader’s Digest. They have been viewed by millions of people globally on The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS News, NBC, Upworthy, and “The Bright Side” with Katie Couric. He was also named by Coca-Cola as one of their History Shakers.

Lester has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including the National Urban League Humanitarian Award, Brawny Giant Award, the American Express NextGen Award, the SCLC Social Advocacy Award, Atlanta Voice’s 50 Under 50, the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks, Fulton County Schools Service Award, and Plywood People’s Innovator Award.

Lester’s other books include When We Stand, I See You, Getting Past Stuck, Simple Prayers for Hurting People, and Identity Theft. His forthcoming book, From Dropout to Doctorate (IVP), will release in Winter 2025. Lester has also coproduced a biographical documentary based on his book The U-Turn Project: Answering the Call.

Al Hsu, associate editorial director at IVP, said, “In the space of five years, Terence wrote three nonfiction books and one children’s book—in the midst of a pandemic and medical challenges while completing his PhD! He’s a tenacious, passionate, hardworking author who has not let adversity prevent him from writing what God has called him to write. Congratulations to Terence on this well-deserved honor.”

Since 1947, InterVarsity Press (IVP), a subsidiary of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, has been publishing thoughtful Christian books and content to equip Christians for a vibrant life of faith. IVP products speak boldly into important cultural moments and provide innovative resources for leaders in the academy and the church. To learn more, visit ivpress.com.

Contact:  Krista Clayton, kclayton@ivpress.com