The FISH LIPS Series
Stories that meet you in "the m!ddle"—and carry you a little further.
"They Call Me Fish Lips"- Available Mid-November on AMAZON and wherever books are sold.
Middle school’s messy—but so is his comeback.
"Fish Lips and the Middle School Giants" Coming 2026 wherever books are sold.
New grade. Same nickname. Bigger bullies.
Why I write about lockers and life...
Middle school: part maze, part meltdown, part masterpiece. Hormones? High. Confidence? Low. Drama? Daily.
In the the blur of it all, some of you vanish—behind labels, behind silence, behind "fine."
That's the m!ddle. My stories reach for you there.
I write for the in-betweeners: too old for nap time, too young for car insurance. The ones who feel too much and say too little. The ones still learning that their voice matters, especially in the m!ddle.
My books don't sugarcoat or preach.
They laugh loud. Listen hard. Get awkward. Get honest. Get real.
They're more than books: they're mirrors, windows, and lifelines—a look that says, "Yeah. Me too."
If you've ever felt too much, stood out too far, or needed a story that gets it, this space is for you: the ones still figuring it out, and the adults pretending they already have.
Welcome to the m!ddle.
HEARTBEATS & HALLWAYS… stories that see you.
My son, Joshua—my real-life Jahlil—was bullied from the moment he started school. The torment was relentless. School became something he endured, not embraced.
But through it all, I taught him how to love himself—and to show up anyway.
Filled with faith and determination, he did just that. He showed up in the chaos, in the silence, and in the middle of it all. And in the end, he graduated with honors. He stood tall. He knew he mattered.
I write for kids like him —
kids navigating the m!ddle: the awkward, noisy, powerful in-between.
Kids who feel unseen, mislabeled, or misunderstood.
My stories don’t offer easy answers.
But they do offer something real: hope, humor, and a hand to hold.
Me and Kace, Day 1... before somebody (👀 @ the author) noticed his sneakers were on the wrong feet. His kicks? Wrong. His face? Still smiling. His toes? Probably not.
“Plot Loading…”
Book covers now. Plot twists later.
Covers might change. The heat won’t.
No pre-orders. Just pre-hype.
"Thank you so much for trusting me with the gift of your creativity and genius in print. I thoroughly enjoyed reading THEY CALL ME FISH LIPS (Book 1). I think the book (or volume) will resonate with middle schoolers for sure.
In addition with the themes you identified, I also sensed the themes of transitions (from one level of school to another), the ever-existing need for finding safe spaces (especially in people), the reality of being awkward and the need to be accepted simultaneously, and more.
This book would be perfect for a restorative circle activity (restorative practices used in schools). Also, it would be great for a student-led book club."
Nelson A. Henry, EdD
Transformational Thought Leader
★★★★★
If you’d like to share your thoughts, just scroll down and drop Jahlil a message.
(He checks the inbox. I supervise.)
“A strong, motivating story about resilience and courage in a bullying environment. Jahlil’s journey— navigating pain, confusion, and the challenge of feeling different—is written with honesty and heart.
With steady family support and a few determined friends, the story shows how strength and confidence grow in real-life moments.
As a math and science teacher, I don’t claim to be a literary expert, but I know a good story flow when I see one. This book is a great fit for middle schoolers and is absolutely classroom-ready. I highly recommend it for both students and adults.”
Ronald Brooks, Sr.
“A refreshing and heartfelt read. Jahlil’s challenges, the friendships he forms, and the camaraderie that develops among the kids—even the bully—are written with truth and warmth.
The voice feels authentically sixth grade, the flow is smooth, and the story is engaging and positive.
Middle schoolers will easily recognize themselves or their classmates in these characters. This book would be a strong addition to a classroom, library, or parent-child discussion.”
Velma Brooks
★★★★★
★★★★★
“Witty, inspiring, and empowering! I loved it. I wish I could give a copy to every middle-school kid in the country who needs to be reminded that their uniqueness is a beautiful asset—not something to be afraid of.”
★★★★★
Terrance Coffey
Kindle Scout Winner • Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
Author of Valley of the Kings and The Surfacing