Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired, at auction, She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran. This YA coming-of-age ghost story sets a girl's navigation of her Vietnamese American bisexual identity against both the dark legacy of colonialism and a blossoming summer romance, when she visits her estranged father in Vietnam and learns that the house they share is haunted. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023, and an untitled YA novel is scheduled for winter 2024; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management negotiated the six-figure deal for world English rights.
Wendy Loggia at Delacorte Press has bought world English rights to The Queen's Cup by Jordyn Taylor (Don't Breathe a Word), pitched as John Tucker Must Die meets Promising Young Woman in a darkly comic YA feminist mystery. A top-secret competition at a private school to see who on campus has the most sexual prowess ends with a popular LAX captain's disappearance, told from the POV of a girl who only wanted to find a boy who liked her but discovered her classmates' dark side. Publication is set for spring 2023; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency represented the author, in the agency’s first deal.
Sarah Barley at Flatiron has acquired world rights, in a preempt, to Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min, a best friends to enemies to lovers story with AAPI leads, celebrating first love and second chances, anime and indie rock, and transitions of all kinds, set against the background of a competitive high school marching band and the Los Angeles music scene. Publication is tentatively planned for summer 2022; Dana Murphy at the Book Group brokered the deal.
Sasha Henriques at Random House has bought world rights to Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen, first in a new trilogy within the DC Icons universe detailing Harley Quinn's origin story from vigilante teenager to supervillainess. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow represented the author.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has acquired world rights to contemporary YA debut The Art of Insanity by Christine Webb. Following a car accident, high school senior Natalie Cordova has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As she navigates new friendships, romance, and an upcoming art competition, Natalie must overcome her mother's shame, handle her family's hidden past, and acknowledge her mental health needs to fully embrace her life. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Emily Keyes at Fuse Literary represented the author.
Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in an exclusive submission, two middle grade novels by Chris Baron (All of Me; The Magical Imperfect). The first, The Gray World, tells the story of city kid Sasha who goes to stay with his aunt in the country while battling fierce anxiety which sends him to a place he calls the "Gray World"; and Forest Heart, in which 12-year-old Oliver and his friend Eve try to save their community, the heart of the forest nearby, and the animals that inhabit it, from both the wildfires that threaten to devour it and the developers that are trying to change the landscape forever. The books are set for spring 2023 and spring 2024, respectively; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Carolina Ortiz at HarperCollins has acquired debut middle grade novel Sincerely Sicily by founder of Es Mi Cultura Tamika Burgess, in a two-book deal. The book features 11-year-old Sicily, who learns to use her voice and take pride in her Black Panamanian heritage while confronting a new school, friendship drama, and prejudice both in the classroom and at home. Publication is planned for winter 2023, with an untitled second book to follow in winter 2024; Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Young Readers has bought North American rights to Come Out, Come Out by Lindsay Currie (Scritch Scratch, What Lives in the Woods). This spooky middle-grade novel features an aspiring girl detective who must decode a series of ominous clues, which may be tied to a century-old tragedy, to find a missing teenager before it's too late. Publication is slated for fall 2023, with an untitled second novel to follow in 2024; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency did the two-book deal.
Britny Brooks at Running Press Kids has acquired Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formato. This middle grade debut follows Riley Henderson as she steps out of her brother’s protective shadow and behind the Dungeon Master's screen, discovering friendship, resourcefulness, and the ability to take initiative on her geeky journey of independence and self-reliance. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Lauren Keller Galit at LKG Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.
Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has bought The Unexpected Adventures of C.A.T., a chapter book by Johanna Hurwitz, in a two-book deal. Chaia Ann Tober takes a tiny taste of cat food and dreams that she has turned into a cat. It felt so real; was it a dream, or did it actually happen? The books are tentatively planned for publication in spring 2023 and fall 2023; Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Little Red by Will Hillenbrand (Santa's Story). This winter-themed picture book for fans of Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton features a little vehicle determined to help its community during a snowstorm. It’s set for fall 2023; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group handled the deal.
Arthur Levine at Levine Querido has bought, in a preempt, Something Great, a picture book by Jeanette Bradley (Love, Mama) about Quinn, a nonbinary maker kid who uses their creativity and some recyclable materials to craft a versatile invention that can do all sorts of things—including make a friend. Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt did the deal for world rights, with publication expected in spring 2023.
Rachel Matson at Cartwheel has acquired, in a three-book deal, world rights to Not an Egg, Not a Pumpkin, and Not a Heart by Susie Lee Jin, novelty books about shapes that are not what they seem. Publication is scheduled to begin in spring 2023; Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the author-illustrator.
Hilary Van Dusen at MIT Kids/Candlewick has bought world rights to Isabel and the Invisible World by Alan Lightman (l.) (Ada and the Galaxies). When Isabel receives a prism for her birthday, she can suddenly see a whole world of light that was previously invisible. Ramona Kaulitzki will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2023. Deborah Schneider at Gelfman Schneider Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Sydnee Monday at Kokila has acquired Joy Takes Root, a picture book about a girl who learns about the sacred connective practices of plant work and herbal medicine in her Grammy's abundant garden, by Gwendolyn Wallace (l.), illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Ashleigh Corrin. The book is slated to publish in summer 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Kendra Levin at S&S has bought world rights to Rick the Rock of Room 214, a new picture book from The Great Indoors pair author Julie Falatko (l.) and illustrator Ruth Chan, about a classroom rock specimen who is full of ennui, in a two-book deal. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Falatko, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented Chan.
Russ Busse at Abrams acquired, and Sara Sproull will edit, Skeleton Stomp: A Haunted Tour of the White House by Jarrett Dapier (l.), illustrated by Lee Gatlin, a picture book about a band of skeleton drummers that take a haunted tour of the White House during a Halloween celebration, discovering the many ghosts that roam its halls. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties sold world rights for the author and illustrator.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Forever Cousins, written by Laurel Goodluck (l.) (Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation & Tsimshian), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Diné) (First Laugh—Welcome Baby). In this Native American picture book, Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins, but when Amanda leaves the city to move back to the Rez, will their friendship stay the same? Publication is set for fall 2022; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Kate Farrell at Holt has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, to Invaders from Mars: The Truth About Babies, written by Peggy Robbins Janousky (l.), illustrated by Karen Obuhanych. In this picture book, a sonogram misunderstanding leads a boy to believe his baby sister is part of a Martian invasion. And he's right! Publication is slated for spring 2023; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee Books has bought world rights to I'm Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley (l.), illustrated by Skylar Hogan. Sick of the stresses of pet life, one dog escapes to fulfill his true Lone Wolf destiny, but then sees his owner with a new dog and feels unexpectedly jealous. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author and the illustrator.
Bria Ragin with co-founders and editors David and Nicola Yoon of Joy Revolution have acquired You Bet Your Heart by debut author and Pitch Wars alum Danielle Parker, a contemporary YA rom-com, bought at auction in a two-book deal, in which a star student finds herself academically tied for high school valedictorian with her childhood best friend-turned-rival and agrees to settle the score through a series of bets, even if it means putting her heart and happiness on the line. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Pete Knapp at Park & Fine Literary and Media negotiated the deal for U.S., Canada, and non-exclusive OPM rights.
Sylvan Creekmore at Wednesday Books has bought, in a preempt, the YA medieval romance Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher (Reputation). The quick-witted Princess of England and a future duke/general gadabout have been betrothed since birth, but the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other, until they learn a mutual secret: that they're both queer, and they realize they might make better allies than enemies. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Stephanie Guerdan at HarperTeen has acquired world rights to Transmogrify!, edited by g. haron-davis, an anthology of trans and non-binary authors reclaiming a seat at the table of children's fantasy. It has love spells gone wrong, magical road trips, a truth-reflecting mirror, baby dragon care, and more. Contributors include Nik Traxler, Renee Reynolds, JL Kastin, Francesca Tacchi, Sonora Reyes, Mason Deaver, Cam Montgomery, Saundra Mitchell, Ash Nouveau, and A.R. Capetta and Cory McCarthy. In addition, an open call will be extended to trans and/or non-binary writers for a slot in the collection. Publication is set for summer 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret brokered the deal.
Melissa Manlove at Chronicle has bought world rights to Black Girl Rising, by Brynne Barnes (Colors of Me), illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, a no-holds-barred anthem to Blackness, femininity, and excellence, which confronts societal perspectives, referencing historic Black pillars who told their truths to the world, and aims to inspire young women to forge their own identities in the fire of a nation. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the artist.
Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired world rights to The Moon Conch by novelists David Bowles (l.) and Guadalupe García McCall, in a two-book deal. In the YA fantasy romance, a young Aztec warrior and a contemporary immigrant Mexican girl, connected across the centuries by a sacred conch, flee oppression and fight to survive. Against all odds, they struggle to find their way to each other, for even 500 years isn't enough to keep them apart. Publication is slated for 2023; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary represented Bowles, and Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented McCall.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has bought contemporary YA fantasy A Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by Sidekick Squad series author C.B. Lee. When two polar opposite girls hit it off at a coffeeshop, little do they know that what should be a meet cute is actually the symptom of an impending catastrophic collision of multiverses, and their romance plunges them into a race against time to prevent the collapse of their worlds. The book is set for spring/summer 2023; Thao Le brokered the deal for North American rights.
Maggie Rosenthal at Viking has acquired Together We Rot by debut author Skyla Arndt, a YA horror novel pitched as Hereditary meets Winterwood about two former best friends—tough-as-nails Wil and shy, sheltered Elwood—who must confront an ancient evil living in the forest before it's too late. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Claire Friedman at InkWell Management negotiated the deal for U.S. and Canadian rights.
Wendy Loggia at Underlined has bought Fireworks by Alice Lin; Alison Romig will edit. In this YA debut, Lulu Li is ready for a fun summer before heading off to college—but when her next-door neighbor Kite Xu returns home from South Korea for the first time after making it big as a K-pop star, their old friendship picks up and turns into something more. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Cindy Loh while at Bloomsbury Children’s Books acquired, and Sarah Shumway will edit, Remind Me to Hate You Later, a contemporary YA novel by Lizzy Mason (The Art of Losing). In the story, told in alternating chapters and timelines, Natalie is reeling from the loss of her best friend, Jules, who died by suicide after her mother (a popular lifestyle influencer and blogger) wrote an article about her that went viral. But as Natalie finds comfort in Jules's boyfriend, she struggles with the guilt and anger that accompany her grief. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Stephen Barbara at Inkwell Management brokered the deal for world rights.
Andrea Davis Pinkney at Scholastic has bought, in an exclusive submission, middle grade novel Moonflower by National Book Award winner Kacen Callender (King and the Dragonflies). The story is about 12-year-old Moon who struggles with depression and travels to the spirit realms every night, hoping never to return to the world of the living again. But when the realm is threatened, it's up to Moon to save the spirit world, sparking their own healing journey. Publication is set for 2022; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Liz Bicknell at Candlewick has acquired world rights to Elf Dog and Owl Head by M.T. Anderson (l.). While the world is in lockdown during a plague, a boy named Clay and his magical dog explore the hidden worlds in the woods behind his house. Junyi Wu will illustrate; publication is scheduled for spring 2023. The David McCormick Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer and Bray has bought, at auction, The Real Riley Mayes by debut graphic novelist Rachel Elliott. When rumors fly about a queer crush, Riley, with the help of new friends and an old celebrity, wins over the mean girls in this middle grade story about first inklings of identity and belonging in a small town. Publication is planned for May 2022; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary did the deal for world English rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has acquired, in an exclusive submission, debut middle grade graphic novel Upstaged by Robin Easter, in which Ashton, a nonbinary stagehand, struggles to confess their feelings to their best friend Ivy during their last summer at theater camp. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management brokered the deal for world rights.
Sophia Jimenez at Atheneum has bought world rights to author-illustrator debut As the Seas Rise by Angela Quezada Padron. The picture book is about environmental scientist and activist Nicole Hernandez Hammer, who was recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union address for her efforts to educate people about climate change and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. Publication is set for September 2023; Saritza Hernandez at Andrea Brown Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Taylor Norman at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Oh No, the Aunts Are Here! by Adam Rex (l.), illustrated by Lian Cho, a picture book that celebrates the loud, chaotic, and loving presence of a girl's aunts who come to visit. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Hilary Van Dusen at Candlewick/MIT Kids Press has bought world rights to Great Gusts: Poems About the Wind by Melanie Crowder (l.) and Megan Benedict (c.), illustrated by Khoa Le (r.). The nonfiction picture book is a global sweep of poems celebrating the different types of wind that shape our world. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the authors, and Astound US represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to Love Birds by Jane Yolen (l.), illustrated by Anna Wilson, a picture book about a bird-loving boy who finds a bird-loving girl. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown represented the author, and Jodie Hodges at United Agents represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought, and Kate DePalma will edit, Rooftop Garden by Danna Smith (l.) (The Hawk of the Castle; Swallow the Leader), illustrated by Pati Aguilera. This picture book about a modern urban community working together to grow a garden on the roof of their apartment building joins Barefoot's collection of singalong picture books. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself in the deal for world rights.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has acquired world rights to Luna's Green Pet by Kirsten Pendreigh (l.), pitched as a city kid spin on Sophie's Squash meets When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, about a girl who circumvents her landlord's strict "no pets" policy by "rescuing" a discarded houseplant from the trash. Carmen Mok will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2022. Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented the author while at Bradford Literary Agency, and Emily van Beek at Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
