Raphael Warnock, the U.S. Senator from Georgia, is venturing into children's literature with a new book inspired by a well-known Biblical story. The upcoming publication, titled "We're in This Together: Leo's Lunchbox," draws inspiration from the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 people with limited resources.
Philomel Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House known for publishing quality children's literature, has announced the book's release date as April 25, 2025. The story centers around a generous boy and a multiplying sandwich, aiming to convey lessons about community support and sharing.
Warnock, who serves as the senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where Martin Luther King Jr. once preached, brings his religious background to this literary endeavor. The senator, born in Savannah, Georgia in 1969, has a rich history of community involvement and advocacy.
"Leo's Lunchbox is about the value and promise of communities coming together to care for one another. I hope this story, inspired by one of my favorite lessons from the Bible, motivates young readers to share with those around them, and also to accept help from others, when it comes."
The book will feature illustrations by TeMika Grooms, an Atlanta-based illustrator and arts advocate, bringing the story to life visually.
Warnock's journey to the U.S. Senate has been notable. He became the first African American to represent Georgia in the Senate, winning a special election runoff in January 2021 and successfully defending his seat in the 2022 midterms. His political career has been marked by advocacy for voting rights and healthcare access.
Before entering politics, Warnock pursued extensive education, earning degrees from Morehouse College and Union Theological Seminary. His academic background includes a B.A. in psychology, a Master of Divinity, a Master of Philosophy, and a Doctor of Philosophy.
The senator's literary pursuits extend beyond children's literature. He has authored "The Divided Mind of the Black Church," which explores the tension between black theology and the prosperity gospel, and "A Way Out of No Way," his memoir published in 2022.
Warnock's commitment to community service is evident in his various roles. He has been named one of "Atlanta's 55 Most Powerful" by Atlanta magazine and has received honorary degrees from Morehouse College and Savannah State University. His activism led to his arrest in 2014 for protesting the state's refusal to expand Medicaid.
As the youngest of twelve siblings, Warnock's personal experiences likely inform his understanding of community and sharing, themes central to his upcoming children's book. His work on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee further demonstrates his commitment to issues affecting families and communities.
The Biblical story that inspired "We're in This Together: Leo's Lunchbox" appears in all four Gospels, underlining its significance in Christian teachings. By adapting this story for young readers, Warnock aims to impart valuable lessons about generosity and community support to a new generation.