Stefanie Chin at Union Square Kids has acquired The Electric Life of Lavender Lewis by Kara Storti. This contemporary YA novel infused with magical realism tells the story of a teenage girl suffering from severe epilepsy who, in the aftermath of her mother's death, embarks on a road trip of magic, epic love, and forgiveness with her estranged aunt to search for the mysterious boy she hallucinates every time she has a seizure. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management sold world rights.
Shana Corey at Random House has bought, in an exclusive submission, Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles (Not an Easy Win; Take Back the Block), which follows Calla the summer after seventh grade as she tries to come to terms with the news that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate behavior with female students, and as she learns to use her voice to uplift the other girls and tell her own story. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic sold world rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has acquired Between Sun and Shadow, a sapphic science fiction YA by debut author Laura Genn, which reimagines the Persephone myth on a tidally locked planet. After crash-landing in enemy territory and being held for ransom by a fearsome queen of mutants, 16-year-old Kori uncovers a web of lies while striving to awaken sentience in her robot companion. As a dangerous attraction develops between Kori and her winged captor, they must join forces to avert all-out war between their nations. Publication is set for summer 2026; Jennifer Wills at the Seymour Agency sold world rights.
Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has bought Last Day Pool Party, a standalone middle grade graphic novel by Emma Steinkellner, an adventure set over one epic day as six very different kids from Orange Grove Junior High collide at an unforgettable last day of school pool party, in a story of friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Daniel Lazar at Writers House sold world English rights.
Samiha Hoque at Sorra Books has acquired Love Language by Christine Ko, a middle grade novel in verse about a Korean American girl whose family returns to South Korea, where she explores different languages one can love and be loved in, with themes of immigration, family, and belonging. Publication is scheduled for August 2026; Stephanie Hansen at Metamorphosis Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Elizabeth Blye at The Little Press has bought world rights to Don't Fret, Frida, a contemporary middle grade novel by Laurie Brown. After 12-year-old Frida Lang's parents divorce, her mother moves them from NYC to southern New Hampshire. But when her mom starts drinking, Frida flees back to NYC only to be dismissed by her father, leaving her with two problems—how to help her mother and win back the friends she ghosted. Publication is slated for spring 2027; the author represented herself.
Maria Modugno while at Random House Studio acquired Owl by Myself by Pete Oswald, following a day in the life of a young owl who's ready to do everything owl by himself; Farrin Jacobs will edit. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions sold world rights.
Namrata Tripathi at Kokila has bought world English rights to The People's Beach by Stonewall Book Award Honoree A.M. Wild (l.), illustrated by Ash Kwak Lukashevsky. In this picture book, a child spends a magical summer day with their moms and chosen family at their beloved Riis Beach in Queens, N.Y., a safe space for queer people. Publication is set for summer 2027; Marissa Brown at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented the illustrator.
Denene Millner at S&S/Denene Millner Books has acquired The Uncles by Tunisia Williams (l.), illustrated by Lance Evans, a picture book about how a boy's relationship to his uncles can be pivotal in his life. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Hilary Harwell while at KT Literary represented the author, who is now represented by Chelsea Hensley at Mad Woman Literary Agency, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought world rights to two picture books by debut author Karen Gebbia (l.), illustrated by Brizida Magro. Making a Blanket for Baby recounts the many steps and helping hands that share in the creation of a baby blanket for a beloved new family member, and is slated for spring 2027. Making a Pie with Baby, slated for fall 2028, shows baby participating with the extended family in the making of a first apple pie. Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Grace Kendall at FSG has acquired North American rights, at auction, to Girls Fart, a picture book by debut author Jayme Mattler (l.), illustrated by debut artist Lisa Lefringhouse, celebrating girls, moms, and grandmas who embrace their bodily functions. From undiagnosed allergy gluten sufferers to gold medalists and rock stars, farts can be "silent but deadly" or "loud and proud." Publication is planned for fall 2026; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented both author and illustrator.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has bought world rights to The Very Eager Evergreen, a picture book by Stef Wade (l.), illustrated by Erin Taylor. Doug Fir has the winter blues, but a surprising new pen pal helps him find joy in winter—and himself—again. Publication is set for fall 2026; Christa Heschke at McIntosh and Otis represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Deidra Purvis at Free Spirit has acquired world rights to Arlo All Over Again by Sayuri Stabrowski (l.), illustrated by Dave Szalay, a picture book celebrating the magic of unexpected friendship on a snowy day in the city. When Oliver, a reserved and cautious boy, meets the bold and spirited Arlo, the two form a bond that helps Oliver step out of his comfort zone and try new things. But when the snowstorm that brought them together melts away, Oliver is left wondering if he will ever see Arlo again. Publication is slated for winter 2026; Cassie Labriola-Sitzman will edit. Sarah Stephens at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Alexandra McKenzie at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to the board book Chloe's Community Garden by Valerie Bolling (l.), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights for illustration by Felicia Whaley. Chloe likes to help Daddy in the community garden, and with the help of other community members, Chloe learns that plants need sunlight, food, water, time, and more to grow—just like her. Publication is planned for spring 2027 as part of Steamworks; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Natalia Vázquez Torres at Charlesbridge has acquired YA novel Midnight Falls by Hayley Reese Chow (l.) and E.P. Stavs. When Amelia's mother dies, she moves with her newfound great-aunt to Midnight Falls, a tourist destination for spirits and humans, and meets Wyatt, who works at his parents' bakery. Wyatt's touch gives Amelia visions of a murderous secret in town, and they must work together to solve the mystery before there is another victim. Publication is slated for fall 2027; Kristen Terrette at Martin Literary & Media Management sold world rights.
Grace Kendall at FSG has bought Marieke Nijkamp's Boundless: 17 Stories Starring Disabled Kids, a middle grade collection of joyful, empowering short stories featuring disabled characters and the adventures they deserve, with contributions from Samira Ahmed, Cindy Baldwin, Ronni Davis, Clare Edge, H.E. Edgmon, Kati Gardner, Mike Jung, Lillie Lainoff, Ann Clare LeZotte, Natalie Lloyd, Anna-Marie McLemore, Mo Netz, Gabe Cole Novoa, Natalia Sylvester, Jazz Taylor, and Gail D. Villanueva. Publication is set for winter 2027; Suzie Townsend and Sophia M. Ramos did the deal for world English rights.
Donna Bray at Macmillan/Balzer + Bray imprint has acquired, in a preempt, Galaxy Brain by Chris Harding, a middle grade graphic novel series about 13-year-old inventor Polly, who hacks her school's chatbot to unlock the secrets of popularity with hilariously disastrous results as she learns the best way to optimize friendship: just be yourself. Publication will begin in fall 2026; Daniel Lazar at Writers House brokered the two-book deal for North American rights.
Celia Lee at S&S/Salaam Reads has bought Safi's Summer Split by Ashley Franklin, a middle grade debut about a girl who wants to have an unforgettable summer of fun, only to have plans change when her problem-starter cousin comes to town, leading to hijinks and a bowling battle for the right to chill at a local anime hangout and win at summer in a totally unexpected way. Publication is planned for summer 2027; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Denene Millner at S&S/Denene Millner Books has acquired world rights to Color Me a World by Brynne Barnes (l.) (When I See You), illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (Layla's Happiness). Inspired by the author's experience with synesthesia and neurodiversity, the picture book is a celebration of the varied ways in which we see and experience life, written as a gentle call for readers to discover the joy of painting the world with the beauty of their own colors. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Deborah Warren at East/West Literary represented the author, and Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the artist.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought world rights to Song for a Pony by Nicholas DeShaw (l.) (Anishinaabe and Migiziwan Odoodeman author of Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow), illustrated by Bridget George (Anishinaabe illustrator of Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior), a picture book about a girl whose love of her grandmother's horses is enriched when she learns the story of how the lives of the Ojibwe horses and people have always been intertwined. Publication is scheduled for fall 2027; the author represented himself, and Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired, at auction, in a two-book deal, world rights to Tears Are for You by Antwan Eady (l.), illustrated by Jamiel Law (c.), a picture book ode to the vulnerability of Black children, especially Black boys, set one summer in the South as one child reconnects with his family's roots and discovers his tears reflected in the world around him, from Grandma's sweet tea to rain on the tin roof. The second book, People of the Coast, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (r.), is an exploration and celebration of Gullah Geechee culture, from fought-for lands and found freedom to sweetgrass baskets and pit-smoked barbeque. Publication is set for spring 2027 and fall 2027; Steven Malk at Writers House represented Eady and Law, and Victoria Sanders at Victoria Sanders & Associates represented Cabrera.
