Nigerian American writer Isi Hendrix signs a deal for her first book. Titled Children Who Come and Go, the book is part of a trilogy for middle grade readers described as “an Afro-fantasy.” It is set for publication in fall 2023 by Balzer & Bay, “a boutique children’s book imprint at HarperCollins Publishers.”

According to Publisher’s Lunch, the book was acquired by Kristin Daly Rens at Balzer & Bay as part of a three-book deal. Children Who Come and Go tells the story of “a 12-year-old with budding magic [who] gets an apprenticeship in the kitchen of the academy of shamans, only to discover an ancient mythological demon has returned with a plot that threatens the entire world.”

Hendrix is a University of Southern California graduate. Trained in anthropology, Hendrix has lived in the Amazon and Gabonese rainforests working with shamanic tribes. She describes herself as “a Black feminist, avid gardener, and, to the horror of her goat meat-loving Nigerian mother, a vegan since kindergarten.”

Hendrix shared her excitement about the deal on Twitter: “My middle-grade debut CHILDREN WHO COME AND GO will be published by @HarperCollins @BalzerandBray ! I’m so excited to work on this series with the brilliant @kristin_rens!!! I wrote the book I needed as a kid, so I hope this story finds its readers🤗”

Congrats to Hendrix! We can’t wait to explore her intriguing world of magic and fantasy.