Kevin Johnson is author of the critically acclaimed picture book, CAPE (2023, Roaring Brook Press), the LitRPG/Sci-Fi epic, SLAYER BOWL (2025, SACK OF LIT), and the upcoming graphic novels: WHO MADE MUSIC ON THE MISSISSIPPI: LOUIS ARMSTRONG (2026, Penguin Workshop), and HOWIE HACKIT (2027, Roaring Brook Press).Kevin is a Temple University film school grad who is passionate about epic storytelling. He has been featured in the New York Times, NPR, and Oprah Daily. Kevin also writes for adults and founded his own publishing company, Sack of Lit, to publish SLAYER BOWL. When he is not writing, Kevin is traveling, reading, watching movies, listening to music, and subjecting his family to cheesy dad jokes.
You can find Kevin on Instagram and TikTok @captaincreate and @sackoflit.
The Journey: My Path to Publishing
As a kid, I loved all kinds of books, comics, and cartoon strips. Both of my parents were educators. My mom was a high school teacher, and my dad was a school superintendent. They fostered my creative interests, taking me to plays and musicals and encouraging me to explore various talents. I became enamored with writing. I went to Temple University and studied screenwriting, but eventually I heeded my dad’s prompting to “write something for kids.”
The Back Story: How I Got “The Deal”
While my dad did live to see me sign with a notable literary agent, unfortunately he did not live to see my first book deal. Instead, the story that I wrote, CAPE, was written as I mourned his passing. One night I had a dream about a young Black child wearing a red cape at a funeral. My agent at the time, Kevin Lewis, encouraged me to explore my feelings on the page, and Cape was the resulting work. It was beautifully illustrated by Kitt Thomas and masterfully published by Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook Press.
The Inspiration: Who / What Inspired Me
A lot of things have inspired me over the years: comics, books, movies, bicycling and walking in nature, traveling to various destinations, and my children (who have since grown up.) There are also many wonderful authors, like Jason Reynolds, Antwan Eady, Jerry Kraft, and others, who have provided inspiration and encouragement along the way.
The Process: How I Work
Gratefully, ideas come to me all the time. I don’t take credit for them. I believe they are provided by the Source. I try to remain open and receptive. When I get inspired by one of these ideas, I brainstorm, daydream, research, and then start writing. Sometimes I outline completely, and other times I write by the seat of my pants. Each story is a new adventure and one I’m excited to unearth and share with the world.
The Buzz: Reviews and Media Links
For CAPE:
– A 2024 ALA Notable Children’s Book
– A NYPL 2023 Best Book for Kids – Top Ten Book
– A Kids’ Indie Next Pick
– Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of 2023
– A BCCB Blue Ribbon List Selection
– A 2024 Notable Social Studies Trade Book
– 2024 Bank Street Best Book of the Year
– A Common Sense Media Family Selection
-Featured on NPR (Interview)
– Featured on Oprah Daily
– Recipient: ILA 2024 Children’s and Young Adult Book Awards (Primary Fiction Honor)
★ “A resonant child’s-eye view of grief―and hope.” ―Kirkus, starred review
★ “Our young Black protagonist knows the day ahead will be hard, so after getting dressed in his new suit, he makes sure to also put on his bright red cape. He’s hoping the cape will hold off any unwelcome memories… Of course, even his best efforts can’t stop the grief, and as he finally lets himself remember his father, he also remembers the love they shared.” ―Bulletin for the Center of Children’s Books, starred review
★ “This book is a very welcome and approachable way to discuss grief and death with young readers.” ―Horn Book, starred review
“Purchase for help with social-emotional learning and to give greater guidance to the trauma of loss for young children; this need not be used solely in cases of extreme grief, but to encourage empathy, understanding, and articulation of loss.” ―School Library Journal