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The WOZA mission is to publish books that raise the spirits.

Welcome to the Woza Books website where you can find out more about Amy Wachspress and her creative projects.
Woza Books has published Amy’s fantasy adventures for children and young adults featuring Black characters. THE CALL TO SHAKABAZ (2007) demonstrates the fundamental principles of nonviolence as practiced by Dr. King and Gandhi in the context of a magical, edge-of-your-seat page-turner that’s a fun read-aloud for the whole family. Woza Books is delighted to announce the publication (November 2023) of  CHANGING THE PROPHECY, a sequel to THE CALL TO SHAKABAZ. The sequel is available from all the usual sources for purchasing books (in bookstores and online). THE CALL TO SHAKABAZ is available directly from Woza Books and can be ordered at this website.
Amy’s novel for adults, MEMORIES FROM CHERRY HARVEST, was published by Counterpoint Press (Soft Skull Imprint) in 2012.

Announcing the arrival of  CHANGING THE PROPHECY

The Four from The Call to Shakabaz return to Faracadar in this action-packed sequel that charts their adventures as they work to overturn an ancient prophecy and prevent environmental destruction, refusing the doomsayers the last word.

The Journey Continues

The Four return to Faracadar in this sequel to The Call to Shakabaz that charts their adventures through a siege of Big House City, the dungeons of the Final Fortress, Compost’s garbage labyrinth, an alien-run prison camp, an attack of flying tacos, a voyage to the bottom of a dying ocean, and more. They apply their ingenuity to the task of overturning an ancient prophecy and preventing the environmental destruction of the land by mysterious alien creatures in cahoots with the malevolent enchanter Sissrath. Introducing the Prophet of the Khoum, a reformed geebaching, and a resourceful Latina friend, this year’s return to Faracadar finds the Four taking action rather than accepting defeat as a foregone conclusion. While the danger of environmental destruction in Faracadar threatens to undermine hope, the heroes and heroines of Changing the Prophecy refuse to allow the doomsayers the last word.

WOZA BOOKS

We founded Woza Books in 2006 to publish Amy’s fantasy adventure The Call to Shakabaz, which was launched on King Day in 2007. We invite you to explore our website to find out more about Amy’s creative projects. The sequel, Changing the Prophecy, is now available wherever books are sold.

Woza Books is a small family business so please do not send us manuscripts or queries. Because agents and editors in the publishing industry are overwhelmed with submissions on a daily basis, it’s tough for a new author to get noticed and published, and even tougher to get the word out about a terrific new book. Amy suggests to unpublished authors that you explore your options and consider “going indie” and self-publishing if you are unable to get the attention of a publisher.Amy Wachspress & Ron Reed

 

 PRAISE FOR THE CALL TO SHAKABAZ

The Call to Shakabaz is a children’s book that is important for everyone to know about. I suggest you buy it and read it together with the whole family.” — Bev Smith, nationally syndicated talk radio host

This is a book about finding personal strength, in all different forms, and appreciating the talents of others, and the strength in uniting different people, and so much more! I want to buy a copy for everyone I know, regardless of age, race, or sex. It’s part fantasy, part history lesson, part real life—I can’t even describe it!” — Carrie Spellman, Teens Read Too

This midgrade fantasy is perfect for a young reluctant reader. We ranked this excellent book five hearts.” — Bob Spear, Heartland Reviews

First and foremost, The Call to Shakabaz is a highly readable, entertaining fantasy that anyone can enjoy. But beyond that, it fills some important holes in fantasy literature. The four children are African-American and many aspects of African-American culture are integrated into the story. It’s about time that a good fantasy came along featuring characters that African-American children can identify with.” — Sheila Ruth, Wands and Worlds

When I was a child, no one ever wrote about Black children. We were still calling each other whenever a Black person was coming on TV, ‘Nat King Cole gonna be on TV tonight’. Now, 53 and grandmother to a host of children, to them I can read a tale about Black girls and boys who have adventures, rise above their fears, and so help me God, save the whole wide world! I had to wait 53 years before a Black girl could ride the white horse.” — Jessica Nelson, English teacher, University of San Francisco

Do you want to read a good adventure book with a great storyline and no violence? If you do, you will want to check out this one. Amy Wachspress has a great imagination. I will definitely read this book again!” — Brianne Plach (age 9) for Readers Views