TWO-TIME GRAMMY® AWARD WINNER ZACH WILLIAMS SHARES POWERFUL TALE OF REDEMPTION IN NEW MEMOIR

Rescue Story Details Never Before Shared Insight into Beloved Grammy Winner’s Struggle with Addiction

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 26, 2024) – Two-time GRAMMY® award winner Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting. Before penning heartfelt ballads like “Chain Breaker,” “There Was Jesus (featuring Dolly Parton),” and “Jesus Fault,” Williams battled the significant emptiness and darkness that so often accompanies the rock-and-roll lifestyle.

In his debut memoir, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home (Zondervan, February 27, 2024), Williams gets candid about his journey from substance abuse to a life of faith, hope, and freedom. His compelling story offers a vulnerable look at his personal story of redemption, God’s relentless pursuit, and the power of praying parents.

Enticed by the illusion of stardom, Williams found that drugs, alcohol, and late-night gigs played around the world only left him feeling an inescapable void. Everything he thought he wanted in life failed to fill the yearning in his heart for something more. Desperate for change, Williams quickly became aware of his innate need for God’s rescue and love.

“God has been using broken people, messed up people, for a long time to do His work, so don’t let anybody ever tell you that you’re not qualified or not worthy to do what God is calling you to do,” writes Williams. “If He has a plan for my life, then He has a plan for your life.”

Zach Williams is available for interviews and can speak to:

• 3 signs you’re looking for happiness in the wrong place
• How to find purpose and meaning in the setback
• 4 ways to establish better boundaries for yourself
• Practical simple ways to support others walking through a storm
• The power of a praying parent

Rescue Story is an invitation for readers to find God’s unconditional love, grace, and redemption no matter what mistakes they have made. Williams offers the resounding truth that real hope and purpose can be found in the trials we face because Jesus offers lasting freedom and joy.

Zach Williams has become one of CCM’s leading artists and songwriters by carving a niche with his singular blend of southern rock, country, and faith-filled songwriting, which quickly awarded him his first GRAMMY Award® with his debut album, 2017’s Chain Breaker. Rescue Story followed in 2019, and in 2022 Zach returned with his third full-length album, A Hundred Highways. Zach and his family live near Nashville, Tennessee. His new book, Rescue Story: Faith, Freedom, and Finding My Way Home will be available nationwide February 27, 2024.

Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

 

---

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Rescue Story by Zach Williams

1. What inspired you to write this book? How difficult was it compared to writing a song?
2. You reached the pinnacle of success in your music career, but you shared that you still felt like something was missing. Can you share more about the experience of looking to worldly achievements and pleasures to fulfill you?
3. What are three signs that you are looking for happiness in the wrong places?
4. You write, “If God has a plan for my life, He has a plan for your life.” What would you say to those who feel like God has forgotten them or they’re “too far gone” for forgiveness?
5. How would you encourage someone to find purpose and meaning in their life despite any setback they’ve faced?
6. You share in the introduction of Rescue Story that your parents are responsible for everything you have. How would you encourage parents who find themselves in similar situations to pray for their kids?
7. Can you tell us a little bit more about the prophetic word your parents received for you and why your dad decided to keep it from you for so long?
8. What is the best piece of advice you were given during your personal “rescue story” that you can share?
9. What is the most important thing you hope readers take away from Rescue Story?

CHARLOTTE, NC– The Good Book Company is excited to announce the upcoming release of Joni Eareckson Tada: The Girl Who Learned to Follow God In a Wheelchair (The Good Book Company, August 2024).

Written by renowned singer-songwriter and longtime friend of Joni Eareckson Tada, Kristyn Getty, the children’s picture book will highlight Joni’s ministry and faithful service as well as feature beautiful illustrations by Hsulynn Pang.

Joni Eareckson Tada is CEO of Joni and Friends, an organization that accelerates Christian outreach in the disability community. Joni and Friends provides practical support and spiritual help to special-needs families worldwide and equips thousands of churches in developing disability ministry. Joni is the author of numerous bestselling books, including When God Weeps, Diamonds in the Dust, A Step Further, winner of the Gold Medallion Award, and her latest A Spectacle of Glory.

The book will be a part of The Good Book Company’s popular Do Great Things for God biography series for ages 4 and up. The series features stories of faithful women through recent church history, including Amy Carmichael, Maria Fearing, and Corrie Ten Boom, encouraging young children that God uses ordinary people for his extraordinary purposes. The series also includes free online downloads, like worksheets, family activities and more.

Kristyn Getty says, “Joni’s story of Christian faith and courage inspired me as a little girl and has done so ever since, so I’m honored to be able to tell other girls and boys about her.”

Carl Laferton, Executive Vice President of Publishing at TGBC, says, “It’s a privilege to be publishing this children’s biography. Joni’s ministry has been an encouragement to so many, and we’d love for the next generation to be inspired by her walk with Jesus. And her friend Kristyn is such a wonderful lyricist and writer, and the perfect person to introduce young kids to this inspirational woman.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kristyn Getty is the founder, along with her husband, Keith, of Getty Music. She is an award-winning hymn writer and the co-author of Sing!. Kristyn and Keith live in Nashville with their four children.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Hsulynn Pang is an illustrator based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She uses a mix of traditional watercolor and digital mediums to produce her illustrations, and hopes her artwork brings people around the world joy, encouragement, and inspiration.

ABOUT THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY
Founded in 1991, The Good Book Company (TGBC) is an international Christian publisher. Their Bible studies, books, devotionals, videos, tracts, evangelistic courses, and training materials are used throughout the English-speaking world, and in translation in over 35 languages worldwide. Everyone at TGBC is passionate about the Lord Jesus, His word, His church, and His gospel of grace. They create and publish biblical, relevant, and accessible resources that will encourage Christians to keep going, keep growing, and keep sharing their faith.

For media inquiries and access to promotional assets, contact: publicity@thegoodbook.com.

Nashville, TN, February 20, 2024 – HarperCollins Christian Publishing announces author and pastor Max Lucado has achieved a remarkable milestone with 150 million products in print. In more than 35 years of publishing, Max Lucado has penned more than 40 works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestselling children’s books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections.

“It is remarkable to have a front row seat to see the impact of Max and his publishing,” says Mark Schoenwald, President and CEO, HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Publishing Max has been a privilege both professionally – to see the millions of lives affected by his books – and personally – to experience his integrity and encouragement firsthand.”

To get a visual of how many products is 150 million – if you stacked all of Max’s products from end to end you would be able to line them up from San Francisco to New York City and back— more than three times.

“Isn’t it just like God to let a grace-needing guy like me write books about His unending grace?” says Max Lucado. “I am honored to see how He has worked in and through me and our talented publishing team.”

Max Lucado began his publishing career in 1985 with his first adult trade book, On the Anvil. He has written adult trade books, children’s books, gift books, Bibles and Bible studies. In each of these categories, Lucado has written at least one title that has sold more than one million copies.

Don Jacobson, Senior Vice President and Books Group Publisher of HarperCollins Christian, has worked with Max in many roles in his publishing career. “I first met Max in 1985,” recalls Jacobson. “Max’s kingdom impact for the last 40 years is astounding – he points his readers to the hope found in Jesus in every line of every book, Bible study, curriculum and children’s book he winsomely pens.”

Lucado was the recipient of the 2021 ECPA Pinnacle Award for his outstanding contribution to the publishing industry. He will be releasing his next full-color children’s book Just in Case You

Ever Feel Alone (February 2024, Tommy Nelson) and his next adult trade book on the End Times entitled What Happens Next: A Traveler’s Guide Through the End of the Age in August 2024.

In addition to announcing this publishing milestone, HarperCollins is announcing results from a new national survey showing 14% of Americans (one in seven) have read one or more Max Lucado books. In this same survey, 92% of his readers said: “Max Lucado’s content is relevant today” and 88% said his content “will always be relevant.”

About Max Lucado:  Max Lucado is known for combining poetic storytelling and homespun humor with the heart of a pastor. His trade books all begin as sermon series at Oak Hills Church, and his sermons all start with Max asking himself this question: “What can I say on Sunday that will still matter on Monday?” He’s been dubbed “America’s Pastor” by Christianity Today, “The Best Preacher in America” by Reader’s Digest, and the “Ted Lasso of Pastors” by the Dallas Morning News. Max Lucado has penned more than 40 works of adult nonfiction, standing alongside dozens and dozens of bestselling children’s books, gift books, Bible studies, commentaries, and collections. His books have been published in 56 languages worldwide and regularly appear on bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. Learn more at www.MaxLucado.com.

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content, providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. With over 250 new, original books and Bibles published each year and distributed in more than 100 countries, translating content in more than 65 different languages, Thomas Nelson is committed to one central mission: inspiring the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curricula, and digital content. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.ThomasNelson.com.         

Max Lucado Stats (as of 1/10/24)  

• 150 million Max Lucado products in print
• 2.4 million followers on Facebook (facebook.com/MaxLucado)  1.3 million followers on Twitter (twitter.com/MaxLucado)
• 365,000 followers on Instagram (instagram.com/maxlucado)
• 99.1k subscribers on YouTube (youtube.com/MaxLucadoOfficial)
• 6 million downloads of The Max Lucado Encouraging Word Podcast (since 7/20/20 launch)
• 56 different languages worldwide his books have been published in
• 1 in 7 Americans have read a Lucado book
• Pastor at Oak Hills Church since 1988 (San Antonio, TX)  

Contact: Jana Muntsinger, MMPR, 832-247-9308, jana@mmpublicrelations.com

NO. 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, DUCK DYNASTY PATRIARCH PHIL ROBERTSON BOLDLY SHARES I COULD BE WRONG, BUT I DOUBT IT: WHY JESUS IS YOUR GREATEST HOPE ON EARTH AND IN ETERNITY

New Book Releases March 12 from Nelson Books

“Keep coming back to Jesus. When you fall down, get back up and run to the one who can restore you and rescue you from defeat.” – Phil Robertson

No.1 New York Times Bestselling Author, highly acclaimed Podcaster and A&E’s Duck Dynasty Star Phil Robertson is set to release his latest book, I Could Be Wrong, But I Doubt It: Why Jesus Is Your Greatest Hope on Earth and in Eternity (March 12, Nelson Books). In his new book, Robertson boldly shares why, in this crazy world, Jesus is worth following and how he is the only one who “has the answers to our questions and the solutions for our problems.”

This latest offering from Robertson, written with brother-in-law Gordon Dasher, is meant to help readers discover the completely unique qualifications and accomplishments of Jesus Christ—the Creator of everything, the King who sets people free and the best friend anyone could have.

Robertson draws from his profound experience of nearly five decades of walking with God, offering unparalleled insights into why Jesus stands as the ultimate hope for humanity. With his signature fervent voice and bold and unwavering faith, Robertson takes readers on a transformative journey, revealing why Jesus is the only one with solutions to all of life’s problems.

“There are lots of people who claim to have the answers for a better life. Politicians claim they can fix our nation. Scientists and technologists trumpet the latest and greatest discoveries that’ll make everything right. Self-help gurus offer one pathway to peace after another,” notes Robertson. “But it’s no secret that our world is increasingly divided and broken–and we’ve got the fear, anxiety and hopelessness to prove it. Jesus alone can make good on the promise of lasting peace, real freedom and life eternal.”

With his trademark directness, humor and insight, Robertson’s I Could Be Wrong, But I Doubt It encourages readers to:

• Experience Jesus as the Creator and all-powerful Sustainer of all Creation
• Reconcile brokenness and sinfulness with Jesus’ unending well of healing, forgiveness and peace
• Develop the eyes to see Jesus for who He really is: the friend who will always be there, no matter what
• Look to the Bible to get to know Jesus and better understand His grace and love
• Become ambassadors in their communities for change
• Spread the message of hope and reconciliation

For all the latest news and information about Phil Robertson and the release of I Could Be Wrong, But I Doubt It, visit Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Signed copies of the book and Limited Edition Camouflage Box Sets, flat-signed in hunter green and inscribed with Phil’s favorite Bible verse are available at PhilRobertsonBook.com.

Fans may also subscribe to view on-demand episodes of Unashamed with the Robertson Family, In The Woods with Phil and Cooking with the Robertsons via https://blazetv.com/Robertson.

About the Author
Phil Robertson is a professional hunter who invented his own duck call and founded Duck Commander. He also starred in the hit A&E series Duck Dynasty, is the host of the hugely popular podcast Unashamed with the Robertson Family and discusses the Roberston Family story as part of The Blind Movie Podcast.  The New York Times bestselling author of Uncanceled; Jesus Politics; The Theft of America’s Soul; Happy Happy Happy and UnPHILtered, Robertson and his wife, Kay, live in West Monroe, Louisiana. He has five children, 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

About Thomas Nelson
Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, visit ThomasNelson.com.

ATTN MEDIA:  Phil Robertson, I Could Be Wrong, But I Doubt It review and giveaway copies are available upon request. High-resolution cover artwork and other press materials are available now at https://app.box.com/v/PhilRobertsonPress.

For additional information, photos or to set up an interview, contact:
Maureen Hoganson                                    Lisa Beech
MaureenHoganson@comcast.net               Lisa.Beech@harpercollins.com
Hoganson Media Relations                         Director of Publicity, Nelson Books
615-542-4458                                           719-439-9403

For parents who have a little one that loves to play with cars and trucks, a new series of books written by Sarah Reju and illustrated by Tania Rex is sure to become an instant favorite. The Wheelies are a family of vehicles whose adventures are both fun and relatable to children ages 3–8. And when trouble finds young Coop, as it always seems to do, the truth of the gospel always steers him back in the right direction.

In book one, Coop Messes Up (New Growth Press/February 26, 2024), the youngest member of the Wheelie family learns a big lesson in forgiveness and God’s love when he breaks one of the rules. The energetic and inquisitive mini-cooper, like many little ones, he has a problem obeying the rules—and there are a lot of them! When Coop runs out of gas, his sister, Lucy, a police car who prides herself on always following the law, tries to help him learn to follow the rules.

However, in the course of trying to teach Coop every rule in the book, the sometimes-self-righteous Lucy finds herself right in the middle of the trouble too. Their Ma, a loving and gentle fire truck who is always busy, racing around to put out “fires,” comes to the rescue. In the process of getting her stranded children back home safe, she teaches Coop and Lucy about her unconditional love for them, and God’s unconditional love for all of us.

“God loves you because he loves you. God isn’t waiting for you to get your act together and stop messing up before he will start loving you. God loves you right now, and his love for you is based on his character, not your performance,” Reju shares. “Life as a mother of five has taught me a lot about the things kids struggle with, and lies they are tempted to believe about God and themselves. In this book, we’re countering the lie that they need to obey perfectly for God to love them.”

Through Coop’s story, kids will discover that making mistakes can be an important way to learn about forgiveness and the gospel. A special section at the end of the story, including a “Notes for Parents” page, helps families go deeper in talking about the good news that Jesus came to forgive us when we break God’s law. Children will learn—and parents will be reminded—that being a Christian is not about keeping all the rules.

Children’s author and The Gospel Coalition editor Jared Kennedy writes, “Sarah Reju understands young kids. She’s written a series of books that will be particularly engaging for boys and girls who love fast cars and big trucks. Sarah also gets the good news. In Coop Messes Up, she speaks directly to kids growing up in a performance-oriented, keep-the-rules world, reminding them that while the law is good, it cannot change a sinful heart. Only the love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ can bring that change. That’s a message every child (and adult) needs to hear!”

The second book in The Wheelies series, Coop Helps Out, releases September 16, 2024. As the series continues, readers will meet Pops (a humble servant garbage truck) and the rest of the Wheelie siblings: James (a reliable, hard-working pickup truck), Joy (a Jeep who loves outdoor adventures), and Nory (an artistic, animal-loving VW beetle).

Coop Messes Up
The Wheelies Book 1
by Sarah Reju
Illustrated by Tania Rex
February 26, 2024
ISBN: 978-1-64507-411-3
Retail Price: $16.99
Juvenile Fiction/Religious/Christian/Values and Virtues

About the Author:  Sarah Reju, MDiv, is a pastor’s wife and mother living in Washington, DC. She has a MDiv in Christian Ministry from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  Reju is the author of the children’s books Jesus Saves, God Is Better Than Trucks, God Is Better Than Princesses, and Coop Messes Up (the first in the new Wheelies series). Sarah and her husband, Deepak, have five children.

About the Illustrator:  Tania Rex was born and raised in Vilnius, Lithuania. She’s happiest when she can take an idea and turn it into a picture. Experimenting with styles and drawing is how she spends most of her spare time. Tania draws inspiration from little everyday miracles, aiming to point audience attention to the ever-present magic of real life.

For review copy and interview information, contact:
Audra Jennings – audra@newgrowthpress.com

Do Your Best: How To Be a Scout by Bear Grylls

“Do Your Best” (Hodder Faith, April 16, 2024) by Bear Grylls is the handbook for every Scout, in which you’ll learn all the skills the scouts use to do their best in everything they do and set themselves up to face life head-on and make a real difference in the world.

The essential handbook for the scout in all of us

What more could you ask for, than a book stuffed like an overfilled rucksack with tips and tricks from one of the world’s most celebrated adventurers from pitching a tent, leading a team, how to keep fit, tie knots, memorize facts, identify trees, stars and birds, as well as learning real survival skills like putting up a tent in the wild and stashing your breakfast in ground to keep it hot for the next morning?

This is the book for anyone who is a Scout, was a Scout, or wants to be a Scout.

Not since Scouting for Boys, the seminal 1908 book by Robert Baden-Powell that sparked the global movement, has there been a single handbook for every Scout. Whoever you are it will help you step up, speak up, skill up and dream big.

Grab life with both hands, never give up and give life you your best shot with Do Your Best: How To Be a Scout. Stunningly typographically designed and richly illustrated, this will be the perfect gift for the adventurer in your life—young or old.

Chapters include:

• How to Survive
• How to give first aid
• How to protect our planet
• How to be an adventurer
• How to predict the weather

And that’s just for starters!

“Hefty helpings of useful bits and motivational advice for enjoying the great outdoors.”
—Kirkus

“Do Your Best is the handbook for every Scout, young and old.”
—Clare O’Beara, FreshFiction

Bear Grylls is the author of over 85 books that have sold more than 15 million copies worldwide, including the No. 1 bestselling Mud, Sweat, and Tears. A former Special Forces soldier and Everest mountaineer, Bear starred in Discovery’s hit TV series Man vs. Wild for seven seasons, before hosting the National Geographic Channel series, Running Wild with Bear Grylls. This show has seen him take global stars such as Julia Roberts, Ben Stiller and even President Obama on adventures into the wild.

For more information, please contact: Kaitlyn Shokes at Kaitlyn.shokes@hachette.co.uk

EUGENE, Ore (February 15, 2024) – Throughout 2024, Harvest House Publishers will celebrate its 50-year anniversary as a family-owned evangelical Christian publisher. Since its inception, Harvest House has operated with the mission of publishing accessible, high-quality books that proclaim Jesus Christ as the answer to every human need.

Founded in 1974, Bob Hawkins Sr. launched the company in Irvine, California, with a catalog of five co-published books and only a few employees. In 1981, Harvest House relocated to Eugene, Oregon, where the company soon grew to become one of the top ten publishers of Christian literature. In 1991, Bob Hawkins Jr. succeeded his father as company president and saw Harvest House continue to thrive through its publishing of a host of notable and loyal writers, including such perennial bestselling authors as Stormie Omartian, Jim and Elizabeth George, Bob and Emilie Barnes, Kay Arthur, Lysa TerKeurst, Ron Rhodes, and Lori Wick.

Presently, Harvest House has distributed more than 200 million books worldwide in over 75 languages. It has a backlist of more than 1,750 titles and continues to publish approximately 90 books each year, including those under the growing imprints of Harvest Kids, Harvest Prophecy, and Ten Peaks Press. In the last six years, the company has enjoyed noteworthy success in such categories as cultural apologetics, current events, Bible prophecy, lifestyle, and children’s books.

“It has been an incredible privilege for each of us at Harvest House to have served and supported our valued authors with the life-changing distribution and impact of their biblically sound books now for five decades,” notes Hawkins, who continues to lead the company. “We are humbled by the opportunity every day to use the gifts God has given us to purposefully point people to Jesus in the books we publish. And we’re eager to build upon our recent rapid growth so we can bring spiritual truth and nourishment to many more readers in the decades to come.”

To commemorate this milestone anniversary, Harvest House is delighted to announce the upcoming release of the Harvest Legacy Collection: four hardcover special editions of signature bestselling books written by several of the company’s most enduring authors. The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian and Victory in Spiritual Warfare by Dr. Tony Evans will release in October 2024, followed by the February 2025 releases of A Woman After God’s Own Heart by Elizabeth George and How to Study Your Bible by Kay Arthur, Pete De Lacy, and David Arthur.

The landmark publications in the Harvest Legacy Collection highlight the widespread impact Harvest House books have had over the past 50 years. Further, they celebrate the company’s ongoing desire to release timeless resources that encourage generations of readers to dedicate themselves to the faithful pursuit of Jesus Christ.

About Harvest House Publishers
From its beginning, the company has produced books that impact the hearts of people worldwide. That focus continues with the making of biblically nourishing and innovative products that enrich lives, inspire creativity, and glorify God. With an emphasis on addressing the spiritual and practical needs of men, women, and children, Harvest House seeks to serve God and those who need Him through the books it publishes. For more information, visit http://www.harvesthousepublishers.com/

Media Contact: Cindy Irvin, cindy.irvin@harvesthousepublishers.com, 541-232-9663

 

Meet the Women of God’s Story

Grand Rapids, MI, Feb. 2024 – Zondervan, a division of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, is proud to announce the release of the Kingdom Girls Bible in the bestselling New International Version (NIV) translation.

“The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible provides the antidote to the negativity girls are exposed to daily,” said Melinda Bouma, vice president and publisher of Bibles for Zondervan. “The lessons learned from the fierce and fearless women of the Bible will be invaluable as our young people face the challenges of the times and those to come.”

The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible is specifically crafted to highlight the stories and lessons of the inspiring, famous, and sometimes infamous women of the Bible. With more than 400 engaging features, illustrations, and notes, this Bible is perfect for girls ages 8 to 12 as they learn about the strong and faithful women who came before them. From Eve to Ruth, Esther to Mary, this Bible brings the stories of these women to life and shows how their faith and strength can still inspire girls today. Features include:

• Her Story – Character sketches of 75 good and not-so-good female role models of the Bible
• Action Plans – Prayer, art, outdoor activities, and music
• Take It to Heart – Great verses to memorize
• Step Into the Story – Solid advice on how to live a godly life in today’s world
• Meet ______ – Meet 50 lesser-known women of the Bible and discover ways to help build character and godliness
• A Letter to Myself – A place for a girl to make a commitment about who and what she wants to be, and, even more important, who she wants to follow
• Book Introductions – An overview of each book of the Bible
• Subject Index – Find features written about specific topics like courage, kindness, or joy
• Beautiful illustrations and full color throughout
• Presentation page for gift-giving
• Satin ribbon marker
• Print size: 9
• Exclusive Zondervan NIV Comfort Print® typeface

“What a privilege it has been to write the notes for this girls’ Bible. My heart and soul are in every word,” said Jean Syswerda, author/editor of the Kingdom Girls Bible. “It was a genuine labor of love! I prayed as I wrote and now continue to pray it will impact girls as they read and interact with God’s Word.”

Using the accurate, readable, and clear NIV text makes the Bible accessible and easy-to-read for kids. The NIV is the result of over 50 years of work by the Committee on Bible Translation, who oversee the efforts of many contributing scholars. Representing the spectrum of evangelicalism, the translators come from a wide range of denominations and various countries and continually review new research to ensure the NIV remains at the forefront of accessibility, relevance, and authority.

The NIV Kingdom Girls Bible is available now. To request a review copy, please email Amy Bigler at amy.bigler@harpercollins.com.

About Zondervan:  Zondervan, a worldwide leading Christian publisher of books and Bibles, is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. Its publications include a variety of Bible translations for all ages; books in different genres and subject areas for the general reader; curriculum for individual and group Bible study; books for children and young adults; academic resources including textbooks and reference books; ministry resources; and books on faith and culture. Zondervan is located in Grand Rapids, MI. For more information, visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Amy Bigler, Director of Public Relations, amy.bigler@harpercollins.com 

February 2024 | LISLE, IL—Terence Lester, author of four books with IVP, has signed a contract for a fifth to release in Winter 2025 that is tentatively titled From Dropout to Doctorate.

Recently named by Atlanta magazine as one of the top five hundred leaders in the city, Lester is the founder of Love Beyond Walls, a not-for-profit organization focused on poverty awareness and community mobilization. His four books with IVP include I See You, When We Stand, All God’s Children, and Zion Learns to See, coauthored with his daughter, Zion. He has also coproduced a biographical documentary based on his book The U-Turn Project: Answering the Call.

Born into a two-parent household that split because of domestic violence, Lester, his mother, and his sister moved from place to place while trying to find stability. Internalizing the trauma, Lester turned to gangs, became a juvenile delinquent, and eventually dropped out of high school. However, a brief encounter with a man experiencing homelessness during Lester’s time on the streets changed his perspective and motivated him to complete his education. After graduating high school as a fifth-year senior, Lester went on to defy the odds by earning five degrees, including a PhD with a concentration in public policy.

He writes, “The reality is that not everyone begins competing in the game of life from the same starting line. In fact, many have been forced to stand outside the stadium and must work hard just to gain admission into it. This book reveals how one man did so—and how you can too.”

In this forthcoming book Lester examines the profound impact of poverty and unjust policies and systems on Black communities, highlighting how poverty disrupts the lives of Black families, leading to homelessness and perpetuating the school-to-prison pipeline. Drawing from personal encounters and scholarly research, Lester sheds light on the complexities surrounding the scarcity of PhDs in urban areas. This has become even more relevant after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action—a policy that personally affected Lester’s family—on June 29, 2023. As a public scholar and nonprofit leader, Lester brings a unique perspective to the discussion, advocating for equitable access to advanced education and addressing the systemic barriers that limit opportunities for Black people.

Lester’s campaigns on behalf of the poor, including #LoveSinksIn (which provides handwashing stations for the poor), have been featured in USA Today, Black Enterprise, Essence, 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. Lester was named by Coca-Cola as one of their History Shakers.

Lester has also received numerous awards for his community activism, including the Empire Board of Realtists Distinguished Service Award (2017), the SCLC Social Advocacy Award (2016), Atlanta Voice’s 50 Under 50 honor (2016), the True to Atlanta Award presented by the Atlanta Hawks (2016), and the Fulton County Schools Service Award (2015).

The acquisitions editor for From Dropout to Doctorate is Al Hsu, associate editorial director, trade, for IVP. Lester was represented by Trinity McFadden of The Bindery Agency, and this title includes world rights.

Contact | Krista Clayton | kclayton@ivpress.com