PICTURE BOOKS
Lauren Castillo
Just Like Millie (Candlewick, Apr.; $17.99; 30,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I fell in love with this story about a girl finding the courage to come out of her shell with the help of her new dog Millie, who isn’t afraid of meeting new people. Lauren’s approach is so natural and so respectful of her young narrator’s emotions and point of view. Like all of her books, this story brims with warmth, authenticity, and feeling.” —Sarah Ketchersid, editorial director, Candlewick
Opening: “Before Millie it was just Mom and me, in a new city, in our new apartment.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Rick Hendrix
The Rainbow Parade (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, May; coauthor Shane Jordan, illus. by Jieting Chen; $18.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “This special book came to us with warnings of being banned, and while some may view that as dangerous, we view it as life-changing. We can’t wait for this book to change lives and help our youngest readers feel seen as they define their rainbow.” —Meg Gibbons, senior editor, Sourcebooks
Opening: “Each and every one of us is born full of color: reds and oranges and yellows and greens and blues and purples too!”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Loren Long
The Yellow Bus (Roaring Brook, June; $19.99; 150,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “We know all about magical school buses! But for me, The Yellow Bus is its own kind of spectacular magic: On its surface, a story about the decadeslong career of a school bus who loves her job; beneath its hood, a visually stunning, breathtaking journey full of wonder, sorrow, and joy.” —Jen Besser, president, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group
Opening: “There was once a bright yellow bus who spent her days driving.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Andie Powers
I Am Bold (Gibbs Smith, Apr.; illus. by Betsy Petersen; $18.99; 20,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I’m excited for the follow-up to Andie Powers and illustrator Betsy Petersen’s I Am Quiet. Children who are called ‘too much’ will be thrilled that they’ve turned their attention to representing the bold kids.” —Moneka Hewlett, director of sales, Gibbs Smith Book and Gift
Opening: “My name is Bea. I am BOLD.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Connie Schultz
Lola and the Troll (Razorbill, Feb.; illus. by Sandy Rodriguez; $18.99)
Why the buzz: “Connie Schultz’s words will make an impact on young readers. In the words of late publisher and acquiring editor Casey McIntyre, ‘This is a story about staying true to who you are, even when that means being extra, extra brave.’” —Simone Roberts-Payne, assistant editor, Razorbill
Opening: “Every morning before school, Lola walked out her front door and took a deep breath.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Phuc Tran
Cranky (HarperCollins, Feb.; illus. by Pete Oswald; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “There’s a lot that doesn’t help when you’re feeling cranky, but you know what does? This book. The big feelings Cranky the crane truck experiences are relatable, and his self-management journey is validating. Phuc Tran’s punny storytelling and Pete Oswald’s humor-filled illustrations are perfect vehicles for this laughter-inducing story full of social-emotional learning and trucks!” —Nancy Inteli, v-p and director of publishing, HarperCollins Children’s Books
Opening: “I’m Cranky.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Brendan Wenzel
Two Together (Chronicle, Apr.; $18.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Once again, Brendan’s mastery of illustration is the real stunner here as Two Together (companion to his Caldecott Honor book They All Saw a Cat) offers up two unique points of view, art styles, and journeys for a pair of unlikely pals in this tale of perception, senses, and friendship.” —Caitlin Ek, publicist, Chronicle Children’s Books
Opening: “Two together headed home.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
MIDDLE GRADE
Justina Ireland
Tales from Cabin 23: The Boo Hag Flex (Balzer + Bray, May; with Hanna Alkaf; $15.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I fell in love with reading thanks to books by R.L. Stine, John Bellairs, and Mary Downing Hahn. Justina Ireland and Hanna Alkaf’s Tales from Cabin 23 series brings that middle grade scary-story magic, with an exciting update: each title—starting with Ireland’s The Boo Hag Flex—will be written by a different author, inspired by creatures and folklore from a diverse array of cultures.” —Jordan Brown, executive editor, Balzer + Bray
Opening: “Summer camp was supposed to be fun. It was not.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Nashae Jones
Courtesy of Cupid (Aladdin, out now; $17.99)
Why the buzz: “Courtesy of Cupid is exactly what I wanted to read as a middle schooler! You’ll swoon at the romance and snort with laughter over the hijinks, but what really draws you in is Erin’s voice. She’s so many things—vulnerable, skeptical, wry, sweet, and always relatable. I love her!” —Jessica Smith, senior editor, Aladdin
Opening: “There are two things wrong with this world.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Scott Kurtz
Table Titans Club (Holiday House, Mar.; $13.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Growing pains, game-play adventure, and 20-sided dice abound in Table Titans Club, a new graphic novel series about a middle school Dungeon & Dragons club from Eisner and Harvey Award–winning cartoonist Scott Kurtz. Set in the same universe as his wildly popular webcomic PvP, we believe this middle grade adventure will have immense crossover appeal.” —Sally Morgridge, senior editor, Holiday House
Opening: “First day! New state, new school, new opportunities.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Loretta Lopez
City Girls (Triangle Square, Apr.; illus. by Ducenopronto; $17.95; 15,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “A tender, sweet story about adolescent female friendships, told with humor and a remarkable attention to both the intense pressures of growing up—amid family trouble and new surroundings—and the idiosyncrasies of personalities. Elisa, Lucia, and Alice are complex characters doing the hard work of trying to understand their own complexities together.” —Oona Holahan, editor, Triangle Square
Opening: “My body is still getting used to hers. And even though I don’t want to, I flinch as my mami runs her fingers through my black hair.”
Lunch & Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 13
Kekla Magoon
The Secret Library (Candlewick, May; $18.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I love a good time-travel story, and The Secret Library perfectly balances meaty questions about race, privilege, free will, and fate with a fun, adventurous page-turner of a plot and a completely satisfying ending.” —Andrea Tompa, senior executive editor, Candlewick
Opening: “Dally paused with her hand on the doorknob and took a deep breath.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Allie Millington
Olivetti (Feiwel and Friends, Mar.; $17.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Olivetti is one of those rare debuts that feels so memorable, so classic. Allie Millington’s mastery of the typewriter’s unique point of view is stunning, and her empathy for all her characters is reassuring and much-needed in our world, where so many readers, young and old, are searching for hope. This book will be with us for generations to come.” — Liz Szabla, v-p, associate publisher, Feiwel and Friends
Opening: “It’s quite possible you’ve never spoken to a typewriter before.”
Lunch & Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 13
Colleen Oakes
The Second Favorite Daughters Club 1: Sister Sabotage (Pixel + Ink, Apr.; $17.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “As a bestselling YA author, Colleen Oakes is no stranger to writing about teenager dynamics. In her middle grade debut, Santana and Casey form a friendship defined by their unfortunate ranking as their parents’ second favorite daughters. Sister Sabotage is the first in a series sure to delight booksellers and readers alike in its celebration of friendship and family.” —Anna Abell, senior publicist, Holiday House, Peachtree, and Pixel+Ink
Opening: “Santana Barnes was tired of waiting inside auditoriums that smelled like feet.”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
A.F. Steadman
Skandar and the Unicorn Thief
(Simon & Schuster, Feb.; $9.99; 250,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Skandar soars to new heights in this high-flying novel as he and his friends begin their training to become warrior unicorn riders. Readers will be eager to enter the dangerous world of unicorns and to discover even darker secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Get ready for an epic page-turner!” —Deeba Zargarpur, senior editor, S&S Books for Young Readers
Opening: “The cameraman heard the unicorns before he saw them.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Jonathan Todd
Timid: A Graphic Novel (Graphix, Apr.; $12.99; 35,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Timid perfectly captures the relatability of dealing with identity, family, friends, frenemies, and feeling like an outsider. Featuring a Black boy protagonist, Jonathan Todd provides much-needed representation to the contemporary middle grade graphic novel genre!” —Victoria Velez, publicity co-
ordinator, Scholastic
Opening: “Cecil, you ready?”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
Ray Xu
Alterations (Union Square Kids, out now; $24.99; 10,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Alterations has some serious themes—extreme embarrassment, being Asian in a mostly white school, a family starting to fray at the seams. In the expert hands of Ray Xu, though, this graphic novel is much more: a drama mixed with humor, action, and imagination on every page.” —Chris Duffy, editor, Union Square Kids
Opening: “PTSCHHH! You cannot defeat me!”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
Maysoon Zayid
Shiny Misfits (Graphix, Apr., illus. by Shadia Amin; $24; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I’m so excited for the world to meet Bay Ann in her sparkling story about friendship, fame, and fighting to write your own narrative. Maysoon Zayid’s voice is sharp and hilarious and Shadia Amin’s art is eye-catching and powerful. Shiny Misfits brings needed joy and visibility to the disability—or, to use Maysoon’s words—glittering and diverse disco ball community.” —Lia Ferrone, senior publicist, Scholastic
Opening: “Hey, Pops, what’s on the menu tonight?”
Featured talk and evening author reception, Feb. 13
YOUNG ADULT
Meredith Adamo
Not Like Other Girls (Bloomsbury, Apr.; $19.99; 125,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Not Like Other Girls will be one of the most important books I ever publish. It’s for every girl who has questioned whether she ‘deserved it,’ but who actually deserves a hell of a lot better. This unmissable debut will break your heart and fill the cracks with a mix of rage and, more importantly, hope.” —Alex Borbolla, senior editor, Bloomsbury Children’s/YA
Opening: “So, this is the trouble with girls like me—I stole that from my mother, by the way.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Ana Ellickson
The Vanishing Station (Amulet, Apr.; $19.99; 30,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “The Vanishing Station is a heart-pounding ride through San Francisco’s network of magical trains, a contemporary novel with the hint of the fantastic along every track. I loved following stubborn, vulnerable Ruby Santos as she learned the trains’ dark secrets and meets a boy with whom she might share her own secrets.” —Maggie Lehrman, editorial director, fiction, Amulet and ComicArts
Opening: “Montgomery once told me: the trains are always listening.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Madeline Claire Franklin
The Wilderness of Girls (Zando Young Readers, June; $19.99; 150,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I devoured Madeline’s novel on submission, tearing through the pages to find out the truth about Rhi and her wild girls, and emerged from her strange, wondrous world entirely transformed. Straddling thriller and folklore, fantasy and reality, Madeleine’s debut is an exploration of how young women are forced to tame their wildness—and the powerful hope that, together, we can claw ourselves free.” —Tiffany Liao, executive editor, Zando Young Readers
Opening: “The night her father is arrested, Eden is sitting on the long side of the dinner table, facing the wall that separates the dining room from the kitchen.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Laurie Halse Anderson
Rebellion 1776 (S&S/Dlouhy, Oct.; $18.99; 500,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “No one—I repeat—no one, brings history to life like Laurie Halse Anderson, researcher extraordinaire that she is. In Rebellion 1776, we have Boston under siege by both the British and the smallpox epidemic, a fear of vaccines, and a 13-year-old girl whose sole living relative has gone missing. The parallels to our own Covid struggles are eerie and stunning, the twists and turns are brilliantly conceived, and you truly feel you are there experiencing it all.” —Caitlyn Dlouhy, v-p, publisher, Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Opening: “Take away this puke bucket, girl, and bring me a clean one!”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
Zoe Hana Mikuta
Off with Their Heads (Disney Hyperion, Apr.; $19.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “A sapphic, Korean-inspired dark fantasy that reimagines Alice in Wonderland as an epic lovers-to-enemies tale. Zoe stretches the bounds of YA storytelling—she wraps her words up like an intricate ball of yarn and challenges you to unravel every piece, revealing a depth of creativity and talent that is astounding.” —Rebecca Kuss, senior editor, Disney
Opening: “There exists an old creation tale that they tell in the country of Isanghan: a girl asleep in a flower field, who dreams up the world.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Carolina Ixta
Shut Up, This Is Serious (Quill Tree, out now; $19.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Shut Up, This Is Serious is a fierce, intimate examination of friendship, chosen family, and the cycles we must break to become our truest selves. It’s the kind of book that feels utterly alive, pulsing with this energy that’s joyful and intoxicating and emotional. We’re proud to publish Carolina Ixta’s unforgettable debut. She has brilliant things ahead.” —Jen Ung, executive editor, Quill Tree
Opening: “If you really knew about it, you’d know Leti’s mom never even taught her about birth control.”
Lunch & Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 13
Tony Keith Jr.
How the Boogeyman Became a Poet
(HarperCollins/Tegen, Feb.; $19.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Tony Keith Jr.’s poetry transcends the page in a singular way—his sharp, provocative, playful, and dynamic lyricism is electrifying. His debut YA memoir in verse ignites like the beacon Tony is on stage, a vulnerable and powerful journey of Black joy and liberation, the story of a young man finding his voice and self-acceptance through poetry and spoken word.” —Ben Rosenthal, editorial director, Katherine Tegen Books
Opening: “I CAME OUT IN THE WORLD LIKE ‘THIS’: / bright and burning, / a brilliant little Black star, / weighing every bit of seven pounds, seven ounces, measuring / nineteen and a half inches long.”
Lunch & Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 13
Megan Lally
That’s Not My Name (Sourcebooks Fire, out now; $11.99; 125,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “A teen with no memory is reunited with the man who claims to be her father. Meanwhile, another teen desperately searches for his girlfriend who went missing. That’s Not My Name is filled with incredible twists as the two characters exchange points of view. I thought I knew what was coming. I was wrong.” —Annette Pollert-Morgan, executive editor, Sourcebooks Fire and Young Readers
Opening: “I think I might be dead.”
Lunch & Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 13
Darcie Little Badger
Sheine Lende: An Elatsoe Prequel (Levine Querido, Apr.; illus. by Rovina Cai; $19.99; 40,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “I don’t think anyone can really write like Darcie; when I read her, this kind of flow state takes over me and I wake up halfway through, enthralled, usually a little hungry. If you’ve read Elatsoe and loved it, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t, it’s all good—start with this one first.” —Nick Thomas, executive editor, Levine Querido
Opening: “They’d left the trail hours ago, and Shane worried that the bloodhounds were leading them astray.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Molly Knox Ostertag
The Deep Dark (Graphix, June; $16.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “The Deep Dark is a beautiful graphic novel about Mags Herrera, a teenager in the California desert who is struggling under the weight of a monster of a secret. When a childhood friend comes back to their small town to visit after many years away, Mags is forced to confront her terrifying truth head-on.” —Brooke Shearouse, associate director of publicity, Scholastic
Opening: “Bing! life_lit_up has requested to follow you.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
Erica Ivy Rodgers
Lady of Steel and Straw (Peachtree Teen, June; $19.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Readers are hungry for romantasy, and debut author Erica Ivy Rogers can’t wait to feed that need. In Lady of Steel and Straw, book one of a planned duology, a tenacious heroine with a dark gift must defend her family’s legacy and faith from a handsome enemy.” —Sara DiSalvo, publicity manager, Holiday House, Peachtree, and Pixel+Ink
Opening: “As far back as he could remember, Parson Rainier Worthington had been more comfortable around the dead than the living.”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
Jamie Sumner
Deep Water (Atheneum, Apr.; $17.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Deep Water is Jamie Sumner’s first novel in verse, and it is truly something special. Told in fierce and gorgeous verse over a single day as a girl tries to complete a marathon swim, the story balances tough topics with humor and tons of heart. Deep Water moves fast but it’ll stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.” —Reka Simonsen, editorial director, Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Opening: “The problem with letting someone else tell your story is that they always get it wrong.”
Lunchtime author reception, Feb. 14
LaDarrion Williams
Blood at the Root (Labyrinth Road, May; $20.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “Not since I acquired Legendborn have I been this instantly hooked by a contemporary real-world-based YA fantasy novel. I fell in love with the gorgeous, evocative descriptions; the palpable emotion; the reclamation of voodoo and hoodoo magic systems; the centering of messy teen boyhood; and the vibrant depictions of (magic!) HBCU campus life. As LaDarrion Williams says, let the Blackgical revolution begin.” — Liesa Abrams, v-p and editor-in-chief, Labyrinth Road
Opening: “Black boys like me don’t have magic powers.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 13
