Focus on the Family Takes Title Promoting Faith in Public Schools
Focus on the Family’s Larry Weeden, editor-in-chief of book publishing, has taken world rights to the tentatively titled Backpack Faith: Helping Your Child Live Their Faith Confidently in Public School by Kori Pennypacker. Pennypacker is CEO of Bible2School, a ministry that helps communities bring free Bible classes to public elementary schools. The book explains legal and constitutional rights, and it includes steps to take and Bible teachings. Blythe Daniel of the Blythe Daniel Agency brokered the deal for the fall 2026 release.
Broadleaf Takes Collection from Spoken-Word Artist
Lisa Kloskin at Broadleaf Books has bought world rights via David Morris at Hyponymous Literary to spoken-word artist Joe Davis’s Body Poems: Spiritual Liberation for the Whole Self. It is a collection of poems, prose reflections, and body practices that invite readers into a sacred reconnection with their body, said the publisher. A fall 2026 release is planned.
Picture Book on God Goes to Penguin Workshop
Nicholas Magliato, executive editor at Penguin Workshop, has bought world rights to God Is... by Deb Adamson, illustrated by Merce Tous. The rhyming picture book for ages 3-8 highlights the many ways to look for, and find, God, per the publisher. Publication is slated for fall 2026. The author represented herself and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
Ode to Women as Rebels Heads to Zondervan
Andrea Palpant Dilley, senior acquisitions editor at Zondervan, has taken world rights to Jessica Hooten Wilson’s next book, Twice Rebels. Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, argues that Christian women today can rebel by not surrendering traditional roles in family and culture and still have a broader vocation outside the home. Wilson traces the lives of six 20th-century women who model this way of being. The book is scheduled for fall 2026. Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary brokered the deal.
Nelson Addresses Mixed Emotions with Answered Prayer
Brigitta Nortker, associate publisher at Nelson Books, took world rights for But I Prayed for This: Getting Stronger Every Day When Change Is Harder Than You Hoped by Melissa Miller, represented by Blythe Daniel at the Blythe Daniel Agency. Miller, writer/producer for South Florida’s Christ Fellowship Church podcast, writes encouragement and empowering suggestions for women who struggle when their prayers are answered, but the results they want bring fear, anxiety, and more. A fall 2026 release is planned.
IVP Nets Marriage-Building Guide
InterVarsity Press’s acquisitions editor Kelli Trujillo has signed a world rights contract with David James Van Dyke and Tara Narelle Van Dyke for the summer 2027 release of the tentatively titled With You in Marriage. The unagented couple's book offers help to build a shared, values-based vision for marriage according to research and Scriptural truth, said the publisher. David VanDyke, a marriage and family therapy professor, and Tara VanDyke, a women’s health advocate, have a ministry equipping Christian families in building healthy marriages.
Devotional for Insomniacs Heads to Revell
Rachel McRae, executive editor at Revell, bought world rights from Keely Boeving at WordServe Literary to Sarah Frazer’s His Night Song Is with Me. The 40-day devotional through the Book of Psalms is intended for women who are struggling to sleep due to depression and anxiety and includes research-based tools and perspectives from clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengston. The book is scheduled for early 2027.
Paraclete Press Takes Easter Board Book
Lillian Miao, acquiring editor at Paraclete Press, has taken world rights to Happy Easter, Risen King! by Laura Sassi, illustrated by Gabi Murphy. This board book for young children, a companion to the author-illustrator duo's Happy Birthday, Christmas Child, celebrates the joy of Easter and Jesus's resurrection. Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Publication is scheduled for winter 2026.
