Beaming Books Signs Christmas Picture Book
Naomi Krueger, senior acquisitions editor at Beaming Books, has acquired world rights to The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t by Laura Alary, illustrated by Ana Eguaras, a picture book for ages 4-7. When Aidan’s city is hit by an ice storm just days before Christmas, the electrical grid goes down and all their Christmas plans are canceled. Aidan must find a way to shine brightly in the midst of disappointment, finding unexpected community and connection to the first Christmas along the way. Publication is set for fall 2025. The author represented herself and the illustrator was represented by Christina Doffing at Astound.
Brazos Takes Male Identity Study
Katelyn Beaty, editorial director of Brazos Press, has taken world rights for Zachary Wagner’s tentatively titled Sons of the Kingdom: A Gospel-Centered Vision for Male Identity in the Modern World. Wagner, a New Testament scholar and director of programs for the Center for Pastor Theologians, offers a biblical answer to the question of how men ought to live in light of the present and coming kingdom of God. A spring 2026 release is planned. Don Gates of The Gates Group brokered the deal for Wagner, whose previous books include Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality (2023).
Gen Z Addressed by IVP
Tanita Tualla Maddox has signed a world rights contract with IVP for a book tentatively titled Answering Gen Z. Kelli Trujillo, IVP trade editor, inked the deal with the unagented author. Maddox, who has served with Young Life since 1998 and is a veteran speaker to high school and middle school students, seeks to provide an "audience-centered approach to ministry," focusing on the questions Gen Z is asking based on its generational values, experiences, and worldview. A fall 2025 publication is planned.
B’nai Mitzvah Guidebook for Children with Disabilities
Executive editor Dena Neusner at Behrman House has bought worldwide rights to A Different Spirit: The Essential Guide to Creating Meaningful B'nai Mitzvah for Children with Disabilities by Howard Blas, an educator and advocate for Jewish children with a range of disabilities, and Emmy award-winning documentary director and producer Ilana Trachtman. This guidebook and resource manual is for families and clergy planning b'nai mitzvah celebrations for children with disabilities. The book is scheduled for a fall 2025. Blas and Trachtman represented themselves.
New Walton Title to IVP
Al Hsu, associate trade editorial director at IVP, has acquired world rights to the tentatively titled Reoriented by Jonathan P. Walton (Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive). Ashley Hong of Gardner Literary negotiated the deal for book that invites readers to build a rule of life rooted in rest, restoration, and sustainable resistance to injustice that is rooted in life with Jesus. Walton is a poet, writer and speaker, plus cofounder of KTF Press and cohost of the Shake the Dust Podcast. The book is scheduled for a fall 2025 release.
Rowman Takes Ahn's 'Weak Church'
Richard Brown at Rowman & Littlefield/Alban Books has acquired world rights to The Weak Church: Embracing a Culture of Vulnerability in Your Faith Community by Rev. Peter Ahn, the founder and lead pastor of Metro Community Church, a thriving, multi-ethnic congregation in Englewood, N.J., centered around the concept of embracing vulnerability from the pulpit and in the pews. Don Pape at Pape Communications brokered the deal. Brown said the book is “a paradigm shattering narrative that shuns the conventional pursuit of mega-sized congregations and toxic masculinity,” offering practical guidance on “how to live and thrive as a vulnerable people of faith.” The book is scheduled for an April 2025 publication.
