Becky Walker Books

Author’s name: Delano Brown

Illustrator’s name: Briana Mukodiri Uchendu

Other book titles: School Up North (Coming Soon, January 2029)

What is your upcoming book title? My Neighborhood

Date of release: September 15, 2026

Preorder or Order link:    (American):https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/775712/my-neighborhood-by-delano-brown

(Canadian):  https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/my-neighborhood/9798217025183.html

Publisher: Random House Studios

Agent: Ariana Philips

Agency: Jean V Naggar Literary Agency

Hometown: Alliston, ON, Canada

Social links: https://delanobrown.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/delanobwriting

https://bsky.app/profile/debrownst.bsky.social

1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?

Follow a young boy as he explores his neighborhood hand-in-hand with his older brother. They share handshakes on the sidewalk, laughter at the skate park, wisdom at the chess tables, rhythm in the dance circle, and kindness at the corner store. With each step, they confront the sounds, gestures, of a community experience and make bonds within their neighborhood, making it more than just a place to live–that makes it a home.

2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?

1. You can picture yourself on any one of the pages 
2. It’s true to life
3. It’s vibrant with warm colours, fitting each word
4. It has infectious movement
5. According to my kindergarten class, it’s a wonderful read-aloud before it had pictures, coloured pages, and a main character that looked like me.

3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book?

I must offer the same narrative that has been repeated over and over again. Read, read, read, then read some more. Write, write, and then write for yourself first. If you start out writing for others, those same people may not like what you wrote. But when you write for yourself, you get the true you being poured out on those pages. Then you can share it, revise it, share it again, and just maybe, move on to publishing so that the world can enjoy what you put down on paper for you.

Publishing is a different beast. Waiting two to three years for your book to be released sounds so long. It seems scary, but it’s more of a tortoise walking in molasses than a dragon breathing fire. If you have the patience for traditional publishing, then that’s the route for you.   If not, you can go hybrid or self-publish. Either way, you are the engine that drives the machine, because you have to be the loudest cheerleader of your work.

Promoting your book can be nerve-racking because you think to yourself. Where do I start? Start small, family, friends, and then someone who knows someone else. Gets you connected with someone else, like a newspaper, blogger, or radio show. Who turns out to be your biggest promoter, and you keep finding spaces to promote your book on different platforms. 

4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?

1. I love photography
2. I snore louder than a train whistle 
3. 49er fan for life – Bay Faithful
4. Peanut butter and bacon sandwich (Don’t knock it, just try it!)
5. I have the perfect hat head, any hat (Looking for flat rimmed cowboy hat)

5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?

I learned that without a strong support system and patience, I would not be on this journey. Doubt is a beast, needing to be tamed. A little doubt (tiny amount) is good, because we all have this imposter syndrome. However, if you can not slay or capture doubt, it will capture or slay you. Crippling you at the highest peak in your life. I almost felt that way, thinking that this manuscript didn’t have what it took to be on a library or bookstore shelf. With the encouragement of my wife, critique group, and mentor, I was able to persevere. My writing took another step forward, where I learned I’ll be waiting again. Waiting, for me, meant thoughts of…you guessed it…doubt. My support system just kept affirming my truth, and I kept writing. Then I saw my first rough draft, with my words, and like that, the process was exciting and new! I have been on a joyous high ever since. Because the traditional process can feel slow-moving, many things can cross your mind, but I’ve learned to keep writing and connect with the people who believe in you, and your journey will always be fulfilling.