Serendipity Literary Agency

08/29/2025

We’re excited to share the first trade review for THE GOLDEN HOOPS by author Jen Hayes Lee and illustrator Mokshini!

You can read their full review here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jen-hayes-lee/the-golden-hoops-2/

Synopsis:
Follow Janey on a magical journey as she searches for her missing hoop earring! A perfect picture book for fans of THE QUEEN OF KINDERGARTEN and HAIR LOVE.

Golden hoops are magic. That’s what Mommy says.

And Janey has always wanted her own pair of glowing golden hoops, just like the ones her mother wears.

Finally, the day comes when Janey gets her own. With her hoops, Janey can do anything. She feels like a million bucks! But when she gets home, Janey discovers that one of her hoops has gone missing.

Without her special hoops, can Janey find her magic again?

In this fun ode to the tradition of receiving a first pair of hoops, Janey experiences the beauty of inner magic and sisterhood—and learns just how far both can take her.

THE GOLDEN HOOPS will be available next Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025, from HarperKids Books! You can preorder here: https://bookshop.org/a/10902/9780063326750

08/28/2025

At the recent OBAP - Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals Convention, during the Captain Awards Ceremony, author Nia Gilliam was presented with the Inspiring Excellence award for her outstanding achievement in attaining the position of Captain. Congratulations, Nia!

Founded in 1976 by Ben Thomas, a young African American pilot for Eastern Airlines, the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and encouraging minority participation in aviation and aerospace careers through a series of scholarships, mentorships, training, and youth-focused education programs, called Project Aerospace.

08/27/2025

We’re thrilled to share that THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAYZE by author Derrick Barnes is a finalist for the 2025 Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature!

You can view the full list of nominees here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/prize/2025/?fbclid=PAVERDUAMb_ctleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp-ubTHP3iA4U-dhd3RIZVEA4Zw6cs7DCwb_4GGwfeAfGid0EamK76y-kcKHC_aem_40ORhA27VnKNiaMhHHg3hA

This is Derrick's third time being nominated, previously winning for CROWN: AN ODE TO THE FRESH CUT and I AM EVERY GOOD THING with illustrator Gordon C. James, making him the only two-time repeat winner.

To be eligible, books must have been published between November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025, and received a Kirkus Reviews star. Nominees are evaluated by Kirkus’ editors and staff before finalists are selected by a panel of critics, booksellers, librarians, or others, along with Kirkus editors.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on October 8th, which the public is able to attend via a YouTube live stream.

THE INCREDIBLY HUMAN HENSON BLAYZE will be released on September 23rd, 2025, from Viking Books for Young Readers (Penguin Kids).

08/26/2025

author Katrina Brownlee appeared on a recent episode of the Mind Over Murder podcast to discuss her new memoir, AND THEN CAME THE BLUES.

Talking with hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley, Katrina shares her experience with working in law enforcement for 24 years, why she founded Young Ladies of Our Future, an organization designed to protect at-risk young women through mental and life coaching workshops, what people should understand about abusive relationships, and how generational trauma and abuse contribute to the cycle of domestic violence.

You can listen to the full episode here: https://www.audacy.com/podcast/mind-over-murder-f4854/episodes/new-and-then-came-the-blues-katrina-brownlee-f841e

AND THEN CAME THE BLUES is out now from Open Lens.

08/22/2025

authors Sandra Jackson-Opoku and Brad Walrond are going to be guests at the 40th annual Printers Row Lit Fest on Sunday, September 7th! If you’re attending, be sure not to miss them!

The Printers Row Lit Fest is the largest literary festival in the Midwest and one of the longest running in the country. This year’s event will feature appearances by seven Pulitzer Prize winners, such as Bill Adair, Kathleen Duval, and Dr. Edda T. Fields-Black, over 75 literary programs featuring 200 presenters and authors, and over 150 exhibitors and book sellers.

The event is free to attend, and tickets are not required. You can learn more and view this year’s event schedule here:

The 40th Annual Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest free outdoor literary event in the Midwest, returns to Printers Row on September 6-7, 2025.

08/21/2025

In case you missed it: author Katrina Brownlee was on a featured segment of PIX11 to discuss her memoir, AND THEN CAME THE BLUES, why she wrote it, and what she hopes readers can take away from it.

You can watch the segment here: https://pix11.com/video/former-nypd-detective-shares-her-story-with-new-book/10968465/

AND THEN CAME THE BLUES is out now from Open Lens (Akashic Books).

At just 22 years old, Katrina Brownlee was shot ten times by her abusive ex-fiancé, a correctional officer who had terrorized her for years.

08/20/2025

I GOT YOU and I AM EVERY GOOD THING are on the Black Bookstore Coalition’s July 2025 Bestsellers list! Congratulations to author Derrick Barnes, illustrator Gordon C. James Fine Art and Illustration, and Shamar Knight-Justice!

Comprised of 40+ Black-owned bookstores from across the country, the Black Bookstore Coalition was founded in 2020 by Ramunda Young of MahoganyBooks and Kalima DeSuze of Cafe Con Libros to support Black bookstore owners through the unique challenges they face.

As part of their commitment to celebrate diverse voices and exceptional storytelling, the Coalition’s bestseller list fills the gap many often leave by using sales reported from across the country to create a list that focuses on Black voices and gives their books the visibility they deserve, helping readers, publishers, writers, and booksellers discover emerging and existing talents.

You can learn more about the Black Bookstore Coalition here: https://www.blackbookstorecoalition.com/bestsellers-list

08/18/2025

Kirkus Reviews had lovely things to say about YOUR CROWN SHINES: FOR KETANJI BROWN JACKSON AND YOU by author and Detroit Poet Laureate jessica Care moore and illustrator Dare Coulter!

You can read the full review here: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jessica-care-moore/your-crown-shines/

Synopsis:

Ketanji.
Unshook.
Unbothered.
Poised for position.

Based on the electric and historic appointment of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, this poetic picture book from powerhouse jessica Care moore outlines the dreams of a young girl who wants to change the world one day. Regardless of the obstacles put into place, her crown shines brightly.

A love letter to the Black women pioneers of the past and to the next little girl who will one day be crowned, this melodic anthem, with luminous illustrations by award-winning illustrator Dare Coulter, is a celebration of one woman’s story that will inspire generations to come.

Perfect for Black History Month, Women’s History Month, baby shower gifts, birthdays, and more!

YOUR CROWN SHINES is out now from Amistad Books for Young Readers (Amistad).

08/15/2025

Associate Agent Ameerah Holliday will be attending the 2025 Online Minnesota Writing Workshop's "How to Get Published" writing event on September 5-6!

This two-day event gives writers of all genres the opportunity to meet literary agents and editors, ask questions about the publishing process, learn how to market themselves and their books, write queries and pitches, and learn what makes an editor/agent stop reading their manuscript. Attendees will also have the opportunity to pitch to an agent or editor!

Registration is required. You can visit this link to sign up:

Get Your Writing Published: September 5-6, 2025

08/14/2025

Congratulations to author Nia Gilliam on being a recipient of the Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation award!

Established in 1954, the award honors those who, through their efforts over an extended period, have made significant contributions to aeronautics and reflected credit upon America and themselves.

Nia was honored with the reward for her extraordinary lifelong commitment to broadening the aviation talent pool, benefiting aviation for generations to come!

You can find the full list of recipients here:

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 29, 2025 – The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced today that the 2025 Wesley L. McDonald Distinguished Statesmen and Stateswomen of Aviation are Lisa Anderson Spencer, Nia Gilliam, Rebecca Lutte, Mike McGowan, Robert Sumwalt, Barbara Walters-Phillips, and Holly ...

08/14/2025

Special message from CEO and founder Regina Brooks:

This was my first time at the ColorComm Conference, and I loved every minute.

The energy in the room was electric, the conversations were meaningful, and the collaborations have already begun.

Special thanks and shout-out to founder Lauren Wesley Wilson for inviting me to share what it takes to be an author in today's publishing landscape. I also appreciated the opportunity to be present and ready to support those who shared what they need (a beautiful reminder from her book WHAT DO YOU NEED?).

08/13/2025

Special message from CEO and founder Regina Brooks:

In 2010, I joined forces with Marva Allen of Hue-Man Bookstore and literary agent Marie Brown of Marie Brown and Associates to launch Open Lens, an imprint of Akashic Books dedicated to amplifying Black voices and bringing bold, necessary stories to the forefront of Publishing, especially ones that mainstream publishing didn't have a vision for.

From the outset, our mission was clear: to create a home for works that challenge, inspire, and illuminate those authored by those whose perspectives have too often been sidelined. Janet Hill, former executive editor at Random House, served as a guest editor for the imprint’s launch, bringing her seasoned editorial eye to the first list.

Over the years, Open Lens has remained true to that mission, curating a list that bridges the historical with the contemporary, and the personal with the political. Each title has been chosen with the conviction that literature is an art form that could be used as a powerful tool for change.

Today, that tradition continues with the publication of Katrina Brownlee’s extraordinary story—a testament to resilience, justice, and the human spirit. In bringing Katrina’s voice to readers, Open Lens reaffirms its founding promise: to champion narratives that matter, to preserve and celebrate the richness of Black experience, and to ensure that these voices resonate across generations.

At Open Lens, we are proud and deeply gratified to have launched Katrina Brownlee's book. Her story embodies the very reason Open Lens exists and why our commitment to publishing transformative voices remains as strong as ever.

AND THEN CAME THE BLUES is a rare inside look at survival, courage, and transformation against all odds. Buy it because stories like Katrina Brownlee's deserve to be heard, supported, shared, and passed down.