Books & Things Publishing Mission Statement
Our Mission
Together with our authors, we strive to project Black voices and stories for all. When Black and Brown writers are passionate about their words, we aim to ignite a spark and allow a platform to display their art.
new releases
Middle Grade Book
Meet Deja! A bold, curious girl with big feelings, strong opinions, and more choices than she knows what to do with. Navigating school, friendship, her parents, and her needy little sister is a lot. Will Deja be able to find the right path?
Join Deja as she navigates tricky moments, and the everyday drama of figuring out who she really is.
Children's Holiday Book
Ziggy on the Rock, a Caribbean Christmas emphasizes the beauty of individual traditions, illustrating that when many cultures are woven together, they create a rich tapestry of celebration! Join Ziggy in this heartwarming story where he teaches readers that whether celebrating in the warmth of the Caribbean sun or the chill of the winter season, the spirit of Christmas shines brightest when we come together to celebrate!
Children's Travel Book
In Journey with Jessie from Chicago to Ghana children will travel on a captivation adventure of discovery, family, and connection back to Jessie's roots. Join her as she explores the history, culture, and beauty of West Africa!
political drama
New adult Sci-fi
State Senator Lacy Jacobs is the rising star everyone's watching.
With her historic run for governor gaining momentum, Lacy seems unstoppable. But behind the headlines and campaign rallies lies a dangerous truth she can't outrun-her own family name. As she navigates political warfare and long-buried secrets, the only person who truly sees her is Ben-her speechwriter by day, and something far more intoxicating by night. Their magnetic, high-voltage relationship blurs the line between dominance and trust, even as the walls begin to close in.
When past sins and present conspiracies converge, Lacy must choose: protect her legacy... or expose the biggest lie of her life.
Crime romance
New adult Sci-fi
New adult Sci-fi
When an aspiring lawyer takes a trip to New Orleans and meets an adventurous, southern belle, his stay becomes more than expected. Katy is strong willed and determined to keep her family safe. Only that means going head to head with some dangerous men. Bryan needs to stay focused and stop running back to feelings that were once so strong, but it's not that simple.
Will love keep them together, or will their secrets pull them apart?
New adult Sci-fi
New adult Sci-fi
New adult Sci-fi
Lieutenant Jordan Knox, a former assassin, has been given the task to find and protect four teenage girls with supernatural abilities.
The girls thought their lives were difficult enough until their enemies begin to catch up with them. Can Jordan save these girls while keeping her secrets hidden or will these relentless and powerful young girls get wrapped up in her dangerous past along the way?
Welcome our new authors!
Terry B. Young Jr.
Author | Business Leader | Transformational Strategist
Terry B. Young Jr. is a visionary leader, author, and strategist whose life and career have been defined by transformation—both personal and professional. Drawing from decades of experience guiding organizations, teams, and individuals through change, he has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to create balance, purpose,
and sustained success in a fast-moving world.
As the author of 35 Simple Rules for Success and Happiness, Terry shares timeless lessons shaped by real-life challenges, global travels, and a lifelong pursuit of learning. His insights are grounded in practical wisdom, personal resilience, and a belief that success is measured not only by achievement but by the ability to grow, adapt, and uplift others along the way.
Throughout his journey, Terry has worked with people from all walks of life—leaders, innovators, and everyday change makers—helping them unlock their potential, find clarity in uncertainty, and lead with authenticity. His approach blends strategic thinking with empathy and humor, encouraging others to listen deeply, act intentionally, and live with purpose.
An advocate for continuous improvement and lifelong learning, Terry believes that every experience—success or setback—is an opportunity for growth. His book reflects a philosophy honed through years of leadership, mentorship, and reflection: that true happiness comes not from avoiding challenges, but from embracing them with courage, humility, and gratitude.
Terry holds degrees and certifications in technology, process excellence, and leadership, but his most meaningful lessons come from life itself—from moments of risk, reinvention, and rediscovery. Through his writing and coaching, he continues to inspire others to build lives defined by integrity, resilience, and joy.
Chanell M. rohan
Chanell M. Rohan, known by her pen name CM Rohan, is a proud native of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Growing up surrounded by the turquoise waters, rich traditions, and vibrant culture of her Caribbean home, she carries the spirit of the islands with her—no matter where life takes her.
After becoming a mother, CM Rohan was unable to find children stories that reflected her Virgin Island heritage to share with her daughter. Inspired by tales of her adventurous nephew, she began writing stories that celebrated his curiosity. Compelled to ensure the children of the islands could see themselves—their voices, their families, their traditions—reflected in the books they read.
CM Rohan created the Ziggy on the Rock series—a celebration of the Caribbean through the eyes of a young island boy named Ziggy. Her debut book, Ziggy on the Rock: A Day on the Rock, was published in 2023 and quickly earned praise for its warm watercolor illustrations, engaging storytelling, and authentic representation of island life.
Through her writing, CM Rohan brings to life the sounds, sights, and spirit of the Virgin Islands, creating stories that help Caribbean children feel seen and valued, while inviting readers around the world to discover the joy of the islands. With each book, she hopes to spark imagination, preserve culture, and remind every child that their story matters.
Jessica Newman
Jessica Newman is a dynamic multi-hyphenate: Dancer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant, certified executive coach, and emerging author. A proud Chicago native from the Englewood neighborhood, she brings a heart-centered and strategic lens to everything she touches. She advances equity in organizations, creates healing-
centered workshops for Black women, and inspires global exploration through her debut children’s book Journey with Jessie: From Chicago to Ghana.
Growing up, oppressive systems placed limitations on her dreams. This book is a powerful testimony that she can go anywhere in the world—and so can
others.
Jessica is the founder of Transformation Lens LLC, a consulting practice that challenges traditional DEI efforts by centering community, authenticity, and healing. She is passionate about intergenerational healing, economic mobility, and legacy building. Jessica lives by the ethos: “If healing is not involved, systems will not evolve.
Gabriel "Chalky the king" myrthil
Gabriel "Chalky The King" Myrthil is a Brooklyn-raised Ayisyen writer and director. He wrote, directed, produced, and starred in his first film in 2015, and has been an award-winning filmmaker for the last 10 years, working on numerous projects such as Ayiti The Awakening (2019), winner at Kwaanza Film Festival, Impact Documentary Awards, African Film Festival, & Best Shorts Competition, and Turf (2019). Chalky's independent films include a comedy film/series titled This Guy (2020), which won best comedy at The Mott-Haven Film Festival, and a Haitian Superhero film, Nou Se Fòs (2021), which also won best film at The Haitian International Film Festival. In 2022, Chalky transitioned his sci-fi, afro-futuristic thesis script, A Stellar Enterprise, into a novel which will be released in 2025. Chalky's fourth directorial work, Northbound Escape (2025), an action drama film, is currently in post-production and entering the festival circuit. The primary goal of Chalky's work is unifying the culture through realistic and impactful stories that positively highlight the Afrikan Diaspora. BFA - School of Visual Arts 2020.
sami atif
Sami Atif is the first Director of Equity and Inclusion at Fessenden School in Newton, Massachusetts. Prior to Fessenden, Sami spent eight years at Phillips Exeter Academy, beginning as a math instructor, coach, and advisor. Sami holds a BA in Secondary Education Mathematics from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and an MA and PhD in Applied Mathematics from Delaware State University.
His groundbreaking research into the Fessenden family and the school’s history has allowed a new, bolder narrative to emerge. As an aspiring school leader, Sami’s impact extends far beyond Massachusetts.
In recent years, Sami has compiled his many years of teaching mathematics and passion for justice into a graphic novel series and math curriculum that centers incarcerated youth as community activists, gardeners, and culinary artists. Working with non-profit organizations in his hometown of Philadelphia, Sami is reimagining what life presents to our most vulnerable members of society.
Victor Newman
Victor M. Newman is a children’s book author who blends adventure, imagination, and a love of science fiction into stories for curious young readers. He’s also the Vice President of Brand Creative at Sesame Workshop, where he helps bring Sesame Street and its beloved characters to life through design and storytelling. With a background in television, film, and animation, Victor has spent over two decades creating stories that spark wonder and joy. He lives in New Jersey, collects sci-fi books, and still believes the best ideas often start with a sketch and a question: What if…?
Literary Awards
October 2025
December 2024
December 2024
Congratulations to The Holly-day After for winning third place in the Fall 2025 BookFest Awards.
Order your copy today from Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
December 2024
December 2024
December 2024
Congratulations to My Best Friend Granny for winning the International IMPACT Book Award!
Order your copy today from Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
August 2024
December 2024
August 2024
Congratulations to The Air Fair-He for winning the Global Book Award in Children's Fantasy & Mystery!
Congratulations to Bubble Sea for winning the Global Book Award in Children's Action Adventure!
Order your copy today from Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
April 2024
April 2024
August 2024
Congratulations to My Best Friend Granny for winning the silver medal in The Book Fest Awards!
Order your copy today from Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target or Amazon.
March 2024
April 2024
March 2024
Congratulations to The Air Fair-He for winning the International IMPACT Book Award!
Order your copy today from Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
May 2023
April 2024
March 2024
Congratulations to Bubble Sea for being chosen as a winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize!
Order your copy today from Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
June 2022
October 2022
October 2022
Congratulations to Mr. Maloof for winning the International Book Award in Children's Fiction: Softcover!
Order your copy today from Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
October 2022
October 2022
October 2022
Congratulations to Mr. Maloof for winning the Global Book Award in Children's Early Learning!
Order your copy today from Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
July 2021
October 2022
July 2021
Congratulations to The Holly-day After for winning the Reader's Favorite Award with 5 stars!
Order your copy today from Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or Amazon.
Owner
Danielle Marietta
Danielle is an award winning author who enjoys coaching other writers and has now begun helping them publish their books. Leading with kindness first, Danielle aims to take on the publishing world one story at a time!
Don't miss the news!
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on new releases and events happening near you.