Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Washington, D.C., who urged President Donald Trump to show “mercy” toward immigrants and LGBTQ+ people during the week of his second inauguration, has inked deals with two Penguin Random House imprints for books intended to teach moral courage to children and teens. Text for both books will be adapted from Budde’s 2023 book How We Learn to Be Brave: Decisive Moments in Life and Faith from PRH imprint Avery.

Budde stunned the nation at a televised prayer service at the Washington National Cathedral on January 22, where she told Trump, “In the name of our God, I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.” Demand for Brave immediately skyrocketed, with the book going on to reach #6 on Publishers Weekly's adult nonfiction bestseller list in February and selling nearly 36,000 copies to date, according to Circana BookScan. Budde has since become a media sensation, attracting more than 20,000 letters—mostly of support, but occasionally including death threats.

For the first book, from Dutton Books for Young Readers, Budde will adapt her original work alongside novelist Bryan Bliss. The book, which keeps her original title, is aimed for readers ages 12 and up. It is set for release on October 21, with an announced first printing of 100,000 in hardcover and trade paperback, as well as e-book and audiobook formats. Senior executive editor Andrew Karre, who acquired North American rights for the book, said he had found Budde’s January sermon “profoundly moving.” Jennifer Gates of Aevitas Creative Management represented Budde, and Michael Bourret of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented Bliss.

Margaret Anastas, publisher of Flamingo Books, acquired world rights to I Can Learn to Be Brave, a jacketed picture book to be written by Bishop Budde and illustrated by Holly Hatam. Publication is planned for summer 2026, with an announced first printing of 150,000 copies. Anastas said that the book aims to empower children “to navigate the world with courage and confidence.” Hatam was represented by Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency in the deal.

In announcing her forthcoming titles, Budde said she wants young people to learn that bravery means taking risks, seeking help, and building skills. “Every day, children and adolescents face challenges that require great courage–from taking their first steps to walking through the doors of a new school,” she said in a statement. “We never stop learning to be brave, and some of our most formative experiences occur when we are young.”