Algonquin Buys Griffin’s ‘Farm’
Two-time National Book Award finalist Adele Griffin (The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone) sold world English rights to a middle grade novel called Blackberry Farm. Algonquin’s Elise Howard acquired the book from Emily van Beek at Folio Jr., a division of Folio Literary Management. The book, van Beek said, follows a young woman named Becket Branch “who uses her city smarts and charms not only to cope, but to thrive when her family moves to her grandmother’s farm.” Blackberry Farm is set for spring 2019.

Allen’s ‘Line’ to Dutton
In a world English rights acquisition, Andrew Karre at Dutton nabbed Kate Allen’s middle grade debut, The Line Tender. The author was represented by Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. The book, Dutton said, is about the daughter of a shark rescuer who experiences a “grief-filled summer when she realizes she must face her fears and complete the important scientific work her late mother began.” Karre acquired two books in the deal, and the second work is currently untitled; Line is scheduled for 2019.

HMH Kids Welcomes Hapka’s ‘Junior Ninja’
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers’ Elizabeth Bennett and Alessandra Preziosi bought the first two books in Catherine Hapka’s middle grade series Junior Ninja Champion. Jaida Temperly at New Leaf Literary & Media brokered the world rights deal, and called the series “American Ninja Warrior meets the Baby-Sitters Club.” She said the books are about “a diverse group of boys and girls who become unlikely friends while training together at the local gym, each with their own motivation for mastering the tricky challenges and winning the final competition.” The first book in the series is set for spring 2018 and the second for fall 2018.

Marino Inks Six-Figure Picture Book Deal
Tracy Gates at Viking took world rights, for six figures, to three new picture books by author-illustrator Gianna Marino (Night Animals). The first book, Just Like My Brother, is slated for fall 2018 and is about, Viking said, “a young giraffe who discovers she is just like her big brother in a game of hide and seek.” Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented Marino.

Veissid’s ‘Sword’ Lands at Chronicle
Chronicle Books’ Victoria Rock bought world rights to Jacqueline Veissid’s picture book, Rosie’s Sword. The book, which will be illustrated by Paola Zakimi, is about a little girl who often feels left out when her brothers are playing. Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio, who represented Veissid, said the girl “uses a stick and a big imagination to transform the world around her.” Zakimi was represented by Emily van Beek at Folio Jr., a division of Folio Literary Management. The book is slated for spring 2019.