Sarah Barley at Flatiron Books has acquired at auction Marit Weisenberg's The Insomniacs, pitched as Jenny Han meets Courtney Summers with a nod to Rear Window. The book follows 17-year-old competitive diver Ingrid Roth in the aftermath of a diving accident that has left her with a head injury and insomnia. The only thing she remembers about the moment before the dive is unexpectedly seeing Van Tagawa, her neighbor, former best friend, and forever crush, on the sidelines. When she discovers that Van is also going through a bout of insomnia, they begin spending their nights together, exploring the darker, nighttime world of their neighborhood and trying to cure their insomnia which leads to unravelling multiple mysteries. Publication is projected for fall 2020; Kerry Sparks at Levine Greenberg Rostan negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Erin Stein at Macmillan/Imprint has bought How to Break a Boy and Winner Take All author Laurie Devore's new contemporary YA novel A Better Bad Idea, pitched as End of the F****** World meets Sadie. When Evelyn Peters burns down her home to protect her sister from the threat inside its walls, she's forced to go on the run with Ashton Harper, the boyfriend of the dead girl Evelyn once desperately wanted to be. Publication is scheduled for 2020; Diana Fox at Fox Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Beverly Horowitz at Delacorte has acquired Lori Banov Kaufmann's debut YA novel, Daughter of Jerusalem, in the vein of The Red Tent and The Dovekeepers. Based on real historical findings, the tale of forbidden love is about a young woman who survives the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. only to be captured and sold as a slave in Rome. She then finds love in the most unexpected of places. Publication is slated for fall 2020; Deborah Harris and Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency did the deal for world English rights.
Jean Feiwel at Feiwel and Friends has bought an untitled biography of Michelle and Barack Obama by YA novelist Ashley Woodfolk. The biography for teen readers will cover the Obamas' historic impact and enduring legacy. Publication is planned for fall 2020; Beth Phelan at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Andrew Eliopulos at HarperCollins has acquired, in a nine-publisher auction, Nadia Shammas (l.) and Sara Alfageeh's Squire. Set in a Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy world, the YA graphic novel is about a 14-year-old-girl who trains to become a knight to elevate her family's status as second-class citizens in the Bayt-Saji Empire. When she uncovers a military conspiracy that threatens to keep the Empire in a state of perpetual war, she has to make a decision: to turn her back on her heritage or turn her back on her dream and, possibly, her only chance of freedom. Publication is set for fall 2021; Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management sold world English rights.
Emilia Rhodes and Nicole Sclama at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt have bought North American rights to a graphic novel adaptation of Kristin Cashore's YA fantasy novel, Graceling, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Faye Bender at the Book Group represented the author, and Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the artist.
Charlotte Greenbaum at Abrams has acquired Sirens of the Southern Seas, a YA graphic novel inspired by two very real, queer, female pirates from the 18th century, by Sam Maggs (l.), illustrated by Kendra Wells. Publication is scheduled for fall 2020; Maria Vicente at P.S. Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Cassandra Pelham Fulton at Scholastic/Graphix has bought, in a seven-house auction, two middle-grade graphic novel collaborations by author Megan Wagner Lloyd (l.) and debut illustrator Michelle Mee Nutter. The first book, Allergic, is loosely based on the author's childhood, and tells the story of a girl whose family seeks a long-anticipated pet, only to discover that she is extremely allergic to animals. Publication of the first book is slated for 2021; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights.
Rachael Stein at Sterling Children's Books has acquired Spineless, a middle grade debut by Samantha San Miguel that follows Algie Emsworth, whose asthma takes him from 19th-century London to a health resort in the jungles of Florida. An aspiring naturalist, Algie longs for adventure—but between a supposed curse, reckless poachers, and the possible discovery of a fabled cryptid, this trip might be more than he bargained for. Publication is planned for spring 2021; Hannah Fergesen at KT Literary negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has won at auction, in a three-book deal, author-illustrator Mechal Renee Roe's Happy Hair series, including two picture books and a leveled reader. The previously self-published picture books Happy Hair and Cool Cuts are affirming tributes to African-American kids and their hairstyles, designed to build a foundation of self-love and positivity, with one book featuring girls and the second featuring boys. Publication is set for fall 2019 (Happy Hair), spring 2020 (Cool Cuts), and 2021 (leveled reader); James Burns at the Bright Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Kristen Nobles at Page Street Kids has bought Lucky Platt's debut picture book, What Big, Beautiful Ears You Have, about a wolf struggling to be seen as more than just a stereotypical big, bad villain. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; the author-illustrator represented herself in the deal for world rights.
Liz Bicknell at Candlewick has acquired world rights to John's Turn, a picture book by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Kate Berube, about a kid who overcomes his fears and performs a ballet routine for a school assembly, to great acclaim. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the artist.
Deirdre Jones at Little, Brown has bought Swish!: The Slam-Dunking, Alley-Ooping, High-Flying Harlem Globetrotters by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Don Tate. The picture book biography tells the story of the legendary team that faced discrimination for decades, yet rose to stardom, broke the NBA color barrier, improved America's relationships with countries around the world, and changed the game of basketball forever. Publication is planned for fall 2020; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights.
Casey McIntyre at Razorbill has acquired world English rights to Chapter Two Is Missing, a picture book mystery by Josh Lieb (l.), illustrated by Kevin Cornell. The book stars a hopelessly lost narrator, an unqualified detective, and a sneaky janitor, who are all shocked to discover that the second chapter of the very book of which they are a part is missing. Publication is set for fall 2019; Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Wendy McClure at Albert Whitman has bought Jada Jonesauthor Kelly Starling Lyons's (l.) Tiara's Hats, illustrated by Nicole Tadgell, about a girl who helps her mother keep her hat-making dreams alive. Backmatter about the hat-making tradition and instructions for making your own hats are included. Publication is scheduled for March 2020; Caryn Wiseman represented the author, and Christy Tugeau Ewers at CATugeau represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights.
Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has acquired Winter Lullaby by Dianne White (l.). The picture book in verse is about a small bear questioning why he must prepare to hibernate while his friends are still playing. Ramona Kaulitzki will illustrate; publication is slated for fall 2021. Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Group represented the illustrator.
Christy Cox at Little Bigfoot has bought world rights to Curious Encounters, a counting book by Ben Clanton that introduces children to creatures living in the Pacific Northwest. Jessixa Bagley will illustrate; the book is scheduled for fall 2020. The author was represented by Marietta B. Zacker at Galt & Zacker Literacy Agency, and the illustrator was represented by Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary.
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee has acquired world rights to Gretchen McLellan's (l.) No Party Poopers!, illustrated by Lucy Semple, a picture book in which two friends decide to throw a party, but cannot agree on who to invite. One friendly bear wants to include all the neighbors, but a grumpy bear finds fault with every suggestion. Publication is planned for summer 2020; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Juree Sondker at Shambhala/Bala Kids has bought world rights to Krit Dreams of Dragon Fruit, a picture book by Emily France (l.) and Natalie Natinee Becher (center), about a boy who immigrates to the United States and uses a Zen story to feel at home wherever he is. Samantha Woo will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2020. Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency represented the authors, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Andrew Eliopulos at HarperTeen has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Book of Living Secrets by Madeleine Roux (the Asylum series). In this standalone YA novel, a girl follows her missing best friend into the world of their favorite dark fantasy novel, only to discover that the novel's heroine hasn't been telling the full story—and now she doesn't want to let the friends go. Publication is slated for winter 2021; Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Michelle H. Nagler at Random House has signed Brenna Yovanoff to write the first official YA novel set in the world of Netflix's successful Stranger Things series. Stranger Things: Runaway Max is a prequel that fills in Max's backstory before she arrives in Hawkins, Ind. Publication is planned for June 2019; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Alice Jerman at HarperTeen has bought Danielle Bennett (l.) and Jaida Jones's YA fantasy, Master of One. When a common thief finds himself on the wrong side of the law, his punishment is to join an evil sorcerer on a perilous journey to uncover a lost fae relic. The relic turns out to be a fae himself—a distractingly handsome, annoyingly perfect, ancient fae prince. Together they must save the world from the evil sorcerer, while trying not to fall in love with each other. Publication is set for fall 2020; Tamar Rydzinski at Context Literary Agency, while at the Laura Dail Literary Agency, did the deal for North American rights.
Julie Rosenberg at Razorbill has acquired Jennifer Iacopelli's YA novel Break the Fall. Set at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the book follows a gymnast's fierce and empowering competitive journey as she and her teammates find their voices after their coach is arrested for sexual assault. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at Madeleine Milburn negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Audrey Ingerson at Delacorte has bought debut author Nicole Tyndall's Falling in Every Direction, a YA contemporary romance for fans of Jandy Nelson and The Spectacular Now. The book is about a girl full of creative aspiration and the boy who charms his way into her life, centering on themes of addiction, loss, and the tumultuousness of first love—and how to find strength when everything falls apart. Publication is slated for fall 2020; Garrett Alwert and Mandy Hubbard at Emerald City Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Lisa Yoskowitz at Little, Brown has won, at auction, Consent (For Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You, written and illustrated by Rachel Brian, animator and co-creator of the “Tea Consent” video, which has been viewed more than 150 million times worldwide. In graphic novel format, the book uses helpful examples and humor to explore issues surrounding bodily autonomy. Publication is planned for fall 2020; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency brokered the two-book deal for world rights; Laura Horsley at Wren & Rook will publish in the U.K.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired world rights to Adrianna Cuevas's debut middle grade novel, Nestor's Guide to Unpacking, about a Cuban-American boy named Nestor with a secret ability to speak to animals. Nestor and his mother move to New Haven, Tex., while his father is deployed in Afghanistan, where he must use his ability when the town is threatened by a tule vieja, a witch that transforms into animals. Publication is set for spring 2020; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary did the deal.
Mark Siegel at First Second has acquired world rights to White Oak, a middle grade fantasy graphic novel by Matt Rockefeller, in which survivors of an ancient curse must rely on the blood of a monster, which gives fertility and life to whatever it touches. Publication is slated for 2021; the author was unagented.
Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow has bought, in a preempt, Coo by Kaela Noel, a contemporary middle grade debut about a 10-year-old girl raised by a flock of pigeons, celebrating the power of creativity and resilience and being brave for all the members of your flock, big and small. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; Katie Grimm at Don Congdon Associates negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights.
DC Zoom has bought world rights to Kirk Scroggs's middle grade graphic novel The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid, in which Russell is a middle schooler who excessively doodles and is not so great at sports. Nicknamed "Swamp Kid" by his classmates, Russell describes what it's like to be different, to discover his true talents, and to find humor in the everyday weird. Publication is planned for October 2019; Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary & Media brokered the deal.
Wiley Blevins at Reycraft has acquired world rights to Joseph Bruchac's (l.) three-book early chapter book series, the Powwow Mysteries, featuring Native-American twins. Dale Deforest will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2019 and spring 2020. The Barbara Kouts Literary Agency represented the author, who is enrolled in the Nulhegan Band of the Abenaki Nation, and the illustrator, enrolled in the Navajo (Diné) Nation, represented himself.
Karen Wojtyla at S&S/McElderry has bought North American rights to Squish Bunny creator Katherine Battersby's new picture book, Perfect Pigeons, about a flock of perfectly ordinary birds who get a shake-up when one of their number refuses to fall into line. Publication is scheduled for fall 2020; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Melissa Manlove at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Amy Huntington's (l.) How to Make a Mountain in 9 Easy Steps, a do-it-yourself guide that follows two kids and their animal sidekicks as they detail the ups and downs of mountain creation. Nancy Lemon will illustrate; publication is slated for spring 2021. Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary brokered the deal for the author, and Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary represented the illustrator.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook has bought world rights to Jackie Azua Kramer's (l.) (The Green Umbrella) picture book, I Wish You Knew, about empathy in a diverse classroom of young students. Magdalena Mora will illustrate. Publication is planned for winter 2021; Stephen Fraser at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has acquired world rights to The Little Blue Bridge by Brenda Maier (l.), illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, a modern retelling of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, in which a girl uses her ingenuity to turn a bully into a friend. Publication is set for spring 2021; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Travel Guide for Monsters by Lori Degman, illustrated by Dave Szalay. The rhyming picture book adventure takes monsters across America, stopping at some of our nation's most notable landmarks. Publication is scheduled for spring 2020; the author represented herself, and Christy T. Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee has acquired The Christmas Barn, a picture book by John and Jennifer Churchman, creators of the Sweet Pea & Friends series. The Christmas Barn is a holiday story about a farmer who gives his animals a very special gift for Christmas: a barn for all of them to stay in. Publication is slated for fall 2020; Brenda Bowen at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates brokered the deal for world rights.
