Marissa Koons, Author

SEPT 2026 Author Spotlight & Literary Feature Today Marissa Koons joins Peter Okonkwo in conversation around her children’s book, The Christmas Pageant. Click here to access the review Peter: Natalie faces bullying and pressure from the "cool kids". As you wrote her struggles, what did you want readers to feel the most; anger, sympathy, encouragement or something else? Marissa: My first feeling I’d like the readers to revisit within themselves is exclusion. No one likes being

So grateful to have my flash fiction accepted and published by @pulsevoices! 🩺✨My piece joins their "Bravery" collection, looking at the quiet moments of strength in healthcare. Read it here: https://pulsevoices.org/pulse-more-voices/2025/bravery/for-her/

Thrilled to share this wonderful review of The Christmas Pageant by Peter Okonkwo! Thank you, Peter, for highlighting the book's message on empathy, self-worth, and the importance of asking for help. Read the full review here: https://peterokonkwoliterature.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/the-christmas-pageant-by-marissa-koons-a-review/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT9SnVwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5NOWdAkJQOeRXHebGENckf5rAXobtHG-16vlZp1VwicsKTJQYiYshUmHzd8Q_aem_

Read & Give: Join Our Mission Hello everyone! Wednesday, July 15th is Social Media Giving Day, and I am so excited to announce our 'Read & Give' campaign. My mission has always been to build confidence and kindness in young readers, and today, you can help me share that message with more children than ever. The Birthday Party My award-winning book, The Birthday Party, is designed to spark conversations about inclusion and anti-bullying. It helps children navigate feelings of

When it comes to celebrating a child's special day, nothing beats the magic of a good story. Birthday books for kids are a wonderful way to add excitement and joy to the occasion. When paired with a birthday outfit and cake, reading becomes a party full of interesting characters ready to instill memories. Books not only entertain but also inspire imagination and create lasting memories. Whether you are a parent, teacher, or friend looking for the perfect gift or party activit

YouTube interview with Peter Okonkwo Take a look at the interview Peter Okonkwo conducted with Marissa Koons, courtesy of P English Literature.

When it comes to characters that capture the essence of bullying, letting your inner light shine, and youthful adventures, The Cool Kids stand out. In this post, I will introduce you to each character from the series. You will get a glimpse into their personalities, likes, dislikes, and favorite things. Whether you are a fan or just curious, this guide will help you get to know the gang better. These are the good guys! Introducing The Cool Kids: Who They Are and What Makes Th

When it comes to characters that capture the essence of bullying, letting your inner light shine, and youthful adventures, The Cool Kids stand out. With this post, I intend to introduce you to each character from the series, giving you a glimpse into their personalities, likes, dislikes, and favorite things. Whether you are a fan or just curious, this guide will help you get to know the gang better. This is the villain edition! Introducing The Cool Kids: Who They Are and Wha

The 3rd book in The Cool Kids Series is set to debut before Christmas! Natalie and her friends face adversity caused by the mean girls during after school drama club. Beth, their leader, harasses them by tossing supplies, confronting Natalie in the bathroom and even targeting her friend, Anthony, on stage ultimately teaching Natalie and her friends that if they don't speak up no one will know they need help. Is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever based on a true movie? Many peopl

Bullying is a painful experience for many children, particularly for those with disabilities. As parents, understanding how to support...

Big News in Children’s Literature We are thrilled to announce that "The Birthday Party," the first book in our Cool Kids Series , has been officially approved by Story Monsters! This recognition highlights the high quality and educational value of our series. We couldn't be prouder of this achievement. A Proud Moment for Us Receiving this approval is a huge honor for our team. It is a testament to our hard work and dedication. We want to thank everyone who has supported us on

Kool Stories - Skill Sharing Platform@KoolStories Jul 16 @KoonsMarissa, a children's #writer, uses the concept of combining her thoughts...

I write a little bit at a time. When I have an idea or a vision for a chapter, I write it down. It might only be a small conversation...

I'm thinking about a Halloween book where Natalie and one of The Cool Kids end up trick or treating together. One Cool Kid will complain...

Well, I've definitely been trying to write more consistently. Who else is a mom trying to write a book? Sticking to a regular schedule...