Close to 70 children’s book creators will be in Pittsburgh to meet with booksellers at educational sessions, signings, and receptions.
Cece Bell
Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot!
Candlewick, Sept.; $12.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
Why the buzz: “What I love most about Cece Bell’s latest is that not only is it such a ridiculously funny, offbeat take on the old Dick and Jane reading primers: it also completely works as a beginning reader itself—kids will be laughing about smelly feet and manners while also truly learning to read!”
—Sarah Ketchersid, senior executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances at conferences and festivals; blogger outreach; school and library advertising; author video; social media campaign.
Elisha Cooper
River
Orchard, Oct.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
Why the buzz: “Elisha Cooper’s River is a breathtaking nautical exploration down the Hudson River filled with adventure and beauty. It is magical watching Elisha’s process creating River as he starts writing, sketching, and researching the Hudson River and finally adding the paintings to create a visual narrative story.”— Ken Geist, v-p, publisher, picture books
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; posters available; author video; social media promotion across Scholastic’s social media platforms.
Charlotte Nicole Davis
The Good Luck Girls
Tor Teen/Doherty, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 150,000
Why the buzz: “The Good Luck Girls has everything I wished for in a novel as a teen: black kick-ass female characters who create a bond as thick as blood, and a fantasy world grounded in reality that tackles so many timely themes, like LGBTQIA, the fight for freedom, and so much more.”—Saraciea Fennell, senior publicist, Tor/Tor Teen/Starscape
Publicity & marketing plans: National author tour, including prepub events; extensive print and online advertising; major prepublication buzz campaign; teen advisory board and YA book club promotions; preorder sweepstakes; #OutlawsByChoice digital marketing campaign; promotional giveaways; extensive school and library marketing.
Julia Drake
The Last True Poets of the Sea
Disney-Hyperion, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “The motto of Lyric, Maine, the setting of this astonishing debut, is ‘Their Love Was Our Beginning.’ It refers to our heroine Violet’s great-great-great-grandparents, the town’s founders. But I like to think that our love—the love of every early reader here and across the industry for this raw, funny, kind novel about the strength it takes to swim up from a wreck—will be the beginning of a romance for the ages.”
—Laura Schreiber, senior editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Prepublication and Instagram tour; blogger/vlogger campaign; online and print advertising; social media shareables; promotion on @LetsTalkYA; extensive online media outreach.
Hafsah Faizal
We Hunt the Flame
FSG, out now; $18.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
Why the buzz: “When I read the first sentences of We Hunt the Flame, I immediately fell in love. The rest of the read delivered a totally fresh, beautifully constructed fantasy world that I didn’t want to pull myself out of, starring richly drawn characters whose relationships are complex and intoxicating. If Hafsah Faizal’s debut can feel this gorgeous and effortless, I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
—Janine O’Malley, executive editor, FSG Books for Young Readers
Publicity & marketing plans: Fierce Reads national author tour; major national media campaign; incentivized preorder campaign; major consumer advertising.
David Gallaher
The Only Living Girl #1: The Island at the Edge of Infinity
Papercutz, May; $13.99 hardcover, $8.99 paper; ages 7–11
Announced first printing: 25,000 paper; 10,000 hardcover
Why the buzz: “The Only Living Girl is an epic fantasy with a deeply personal focus; there’s a bountiful sense of imagination to the series that’s both dangerous and wonderful. We think it is tremendously prescient.”
—Jim Salicrup, editor-in-chief
Publicity & marketing plans: Author and illustrator tours; video book trailer for YouTube and Papercutz/Bottled Lightning websites; educator guide for series; giveaway and promotion on Goodreads; social media campaign.
Illustrator Steve Ellis is not attending.
J.J. and Chris Grabenstein
Shine!
Random House, Nov.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “I’m excited about J.J. and Chris Grabenstein’s Shine! because it’s bursting with humor, heart, astronomy, and big questions like what it really means to succeed and what’s really important: being the best or being true to yourself? It’s accessible and fun and has so many great themes—kindness, figuring out who you are and who you want to be, and recognizing the different ways all kids shine, even those who aren’t the usual super stars.”
—Shana Corey, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Five-city school-focused author tour; advertising; social media campaign focusing on the What Makes Your Child Shine sweepstakes; nine-copy floor display; educators’ guide.
Shannon Greenland
Scouts
LB/Patterson, July; $16.99 hardcover; ages 9–12
First printing: 60,000
Why the buzz: “When I first read Scouts, it immediately struck me as the perfect Jimmy book: page-turning, heartfelt, and packed with thrills. The deep friendships and sense of unknown adventure reminded me of cult classics like The Goonies and Stand by Me and also today’s Stranger Things. It’s a truly wonderful read!”—Jenny Bak, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Author events in East Tennessee, where the book takes place; advertising; library promotions; promotion on James Patterson’s social media.
Vashti Harrison, illustrator
Sulwe
Simon & Schuster, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 250,000
Why the buzz: “Sulwe is a moving and whimsical story that takes a complex subject—colorism—and addresses it directly and compassionately. The illustrations Vashti created for this remarkable story portray the range of emotions our unforgettable heroine Sulwe experiences as she discovers her own beauty.”—Zareen Jaffery, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Advertising; national publicity; digital promotions.
Author Lupita Nyong’o is not attending.
Kimberly Jones
I’m Not Dying with You Tonight
Sourcebooks Fire, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “When I first read the manuscript for I’m Not Dying with You Tonight, I was fascinated by the characters of Lena and Campbell. They’re so different from each other, but the experience they go through really widens and deepens the reader’s appreciation for these vulnerable but strong young women. The two authors expertly used the device of alternating voices as they told this powerful story.”
—Steve Geck, editorial director, children’s books
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour; advertising; teen book club campaign; social influencer campaign; author video series; Firereads newsletter and social media promotions.
Coauthor Gilly Segal is not attending.
Erin Entrada Kelly
Lalani of the Distant Sea
Greenwillow, Sept.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “Erin Entrada Kelly’s Lalani of the Distant Sea celebrates the power of the quiet kid, and it brilliantly juggles multiple characters and points of view, but, for the first time, we get to experience the big and joyful imagination of this gifted author. The fantasy is set in an archipelago inspired by the Philippines, and the story was informed by Erin’s Filipino heritage. I hope readers, especially those quiet kids, will be enthralled and inspired.”—Virginia Duncan, v-p, publisher
Publicity & marketing plans: Eight-city author tour; major online advertising; extensive social media campaign; influencer mailing; educator guide.
Hena Khan
More to the Story
Simon & Schuster, Sept.; $17.99 hardcover;
ages 8–12
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “More to the Story is inspired by one of my, and author Hena Khan’s, favorite books, Little Women. In Hena’s skillful hands, this reimagining centers on a family of Pakistani-American sisters. The Mirza sisters, much like the March sisters, face many challenges as they come of age, but the way they rally together is inspiring. Their story will live in the heart of any reader who picks up this poignant novel.”
—Zareen Jaffery, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour; advertising; digital promotions.
Monica Kulling
Aunt Pearl
Groundwood, Aug.; $18.95 hardcover; ages 4–7
First printing: 10,000
Why the buzz: “In Aunt Pearl, beautifully written by Monica Kulling, a homeless woman comes to live with her family, and interestingly it is the youngest child who seems to understand her aunt the best. This is a very thought-provoking story, and we’re excited about the kinds of conversations it might spark in homes and classrooms. Irene Luxbacher has illustrated the story in her rich collage style with great sensitivity.”
— Nan Froman, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Print and online marketing campaign to launch in the fall; book will be highlighted at conferences.
Illustrator Irene Luxbacher is not attending.
Ryan La Sala
Reverie
Sourcebooks Fire, Jan. 2020; $17.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “This book is such an exciting one. It’s a thrilling and mysterious debut that explores what happens when the worlds we hide inside us become our reality, and how far we’re willing to go to confront them. It’s poignant, has compelling characters, epic worldbuilding, and explores the strengths and weaknesses within ourselves. Ryan La Sala also has a wonderful voice that I’m so pleased will be out in the world, connecting to readers.”
—Annie Berger, senior editor
Publicity & marketing plans: East Coast author events and festivals; advertising; paid social campaign; YA social influencer campaign; subscription box outreach; Firereads newsletter; social media promotions.
Lindsay Lackey
All the Impossible Things
Roaring Brook, Sept.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “This book is pure magic, and I can’t wait for the world to read it and fall in love with it the way I have.”
—Jennifer Besser, senior v-p and publishing director, Roaring Brook, FSG, and First Second
Publicity & marketing plans: National author tour; early buzz campaign; Indies Introduce selection.
Rajani LaRocca
Midsummer’s Mayhem
Yellow Jacket, June; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “Midsummer’s Mayhem has all the ingredients I could possibly want in a book: magic, mystery, baking, friendship, wacky families, Shakespeare, and, most of all, a heroine you can root for to overcome all the odds. And the art created for this book is gorgeous and does so much in bringing the story to life!”—Charlie Ilgunas, associate editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Bookstore and school events; advertising; social media campaign; #BookBirthday postings; ABA white box mailing; Big Mouth mailing; featured title at school and library conventions; dedicated teacher and librarian e-newsletter features.
Wil Mara
DK Life Stories: Albert Einstein
DK, out now; $16.99 hardcover, $5.99 paper; ages 8–12
Announced first printing: 35,000
Why the buzz: “DK has worked with teachers, parents, librarians, literacy experts, booksellers, and kids in creating the new DK Life Stories series, so we can deliver everything they need in a modern biography. Whether kids are looking for book report and history project resources, or they just want to curl up with a great read, DK Life Stories has them covered. We’re excited to take readers, parents, and educators on this journey with us.”—Sarah Larter, publishing director
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; major prepub trade and educator buzz campaign; advertising; social media campaign; e-newsletter feature.
Kwame Mbalia
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Disney/Riordan, Oct.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “We’re tremendously excited about bringing Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky to middle grade readers. They will fall in love with Tristan, who easily could be friends with Percy Jackson. We were delighted to see old American folktale characters like Brer Fox, John Henry, and Gum Baby featured in such a fresh, modern, page-turning adventure. And we’re grateful to Kwame Mbalia for introducing new generations to the rich stories of West Africa and the African Diaspora.”—Stephanie Lurie, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Seven-city author tour with school visits; buzz mailings; online advertising campaign; blogger/vlogger campaign; nine-copy floor display; online teachers guide; promotion on Read Riordan.
Brittney Morris
Slay
Simon Pulse, Sept.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
Why the buzz: “Slay is a home run of a book. It thoughtfully interrogates issues at the center of national attention—gaming culture, women in STEM, prejudice, and racism—while also delivering an inventive, action-packed, entertaining story. Brittney has crafted a world that is equal parts techy, cool, and inspiring, and I am so excited for readers, particularly young black readers, to see pieces of themselves in our heroine, Kiera, and understand their own power to change the world.”—Jennifer Ung, senior editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour, including book festivals; book trailer; prepub buzz campaign; advertising; dedicated website; social media promotion; education and library marketing campaign.
Maika and Maritza Moulite
Dear Haiti, Love Alaine
Inkyard, Sept.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
Announced first printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “From the moment I read the opening pages of Dear Haiti, Love Alaine, I had to have the book on my list. This sparkling debut features an irrepressible, effervescent voice created by two sisters who share their heroine’s heritage and positively portray a part of the world that is so often stereotyped negatively. Told through emails, journal entries, texts, letters, and more, the book is a celebration of storytelling and imagination that leaped off the pages right into my heart.”—Natashya Wilson, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Six-city author tour; prepub buzz campaign; prepub author appearances; online and social media advertising; author video; school and library conference appearances and promotions.
Ibtihaj Muhammad
The Proudest Blue
Little, Brown, Sept.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “Olympic medalist and activist Ibtihaj Muhammad’s picture book debut is every bit as warm and inspirational as Ibtihaj herself. Together with cowriter S.K. Ali and illustrator Hatem Aly, this dream team delivers a stunning story with a powerful message. Every page evokes oohs and ahhs as the book celebrates the power of family, the beauty of hijab and faith, and the importance of being proud of who you are and where you come from.”—Lisa Yoskowitz, editorial director
Publicity and marketing plans: Author appearances; advertising; prepub buzz campaign; school and library conference promotions; author video; exclusive digital content; social media outreach.
Illustrator Hatem Aly and contributor S.K. Ali are not attending.
Frank Murphy
A Boy Like You
Sleeping Bear, July; $16.99 hardcover; ages 4–7
Why the buzz: “I love that A Boy Like You opens the door to conversations about masculinity and emotion—about being a strong ally for others and being true to yourself. As Uncle Ben said, ‘With great power comes great responsibility.’ And this book teaches boys how to wield that power to strengthen themselves and the rest of their community. As the expectant mother of a boy, I feel so strongly about this project.”—Sarah Rockett, editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour.
Innosanto Nagara
M Is for Movement
Triangle Square, Nov.; $19.95 hardcover; ages 8–12
First printing: 30,000
Why the buzz: “The best books ask something of the reader. M Is for Movement asks that we really imagine what it would be like if the people took back our political power, using the example of the author’s own life growing up in Indonesia, where in 1998 the people finally rose up and forced the corrupt president, Suharto, to resign.”—Dan Simon, publisher, Seven Stories
Publicity & marketing plans: Eight-city author tour, including school events; advertising; social media campaign, including promotion to #AIsForActivist; library marketing.
Oge Mora
Saturday
Little, Brown, Oct.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 50,000
Why the buzz: “I thought I couldn’t have been more smitten with Oge Mora’s Caldecott Honor–winning debut, Thank You, Omu!, until she delivered her second masterpiece, Saturday, a heartfelt story about what happens when life doesn’t go according to plan. There’s so much I adore here: its swoonworthy palette, its message about cherishing time together, its resonance with overworked moms trying to do it all... and its unequivocal confirmation that Oge Mora is a major new talent!”—Andrea Spooner, v-p, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; advertising; prepub buzz campaign; school and library conference promotions; author video; exclusive digital content; social media outreach.
Joowon Oh
Our Favorite Day
Candlewick, Sept.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 3–7
Why the buzz: “I’m excited about Our Favorite Day because it’s the debut picture book from #OwnVoices author and illustrator Joowon Oh. The simple text tells a sweet and timeless story about a special relationship between a grandfather and granddaughter, focusing on some favorite things they have in common—like dumplings and making crafts together. The cut-paper artwork perfectly captures the small moments between them and the project they undertake.”—Kate Fletcher, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; targeted publicity; blogger outreach; art from the book will be used in social media campaigns and online giveaways.
Jerry Pinkney, illustrator
A Place to Land
Holiday House/Porter, Aug.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 7–10
First printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “The combination of a gorgeously written account of the little-known story of the writing of the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech and the great Jerry Pinkney’s masterly artwork make this a book I’m immensely proud of.”—Neal Porter, v-p and publisher
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances at conferences, trade shows, and festivals; national press campaign with special pitch.
Author Barry Wittenstein is not attending.
Rory Power
Wilder Girls
Delacorte, July; $18.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “We are thrilled to be publishing Rory Power’s Wilder Girls. Rory’s talent is off the charts. Her gift for language is evident from the first page of this feminist Lord of the Flies, but it’s her skill at storytelling that will hook you until the end. Somehow Rory marries the literary with the commercial in a way I’ve never seen. Wilder Girls is an extraordinary novel.” —Krista Marino, senior executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; nine-copy floor display; escape room event for local influencers; advertising; promotion at consumer events and festivals; animated assets.
Sharon Robinson
Child of the Dream
Scholastic Press, Sept.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “As an author, Sharon Robinson has shared many intimate and inspirational stories about her father, baseball icon and American hero Jackie Robinson. But, with her new memoir, Sharon opens up about her own incredible life. Set in 1963, Sharon turns 13 against the backdrop of one of the most important years of the civil rights movement. This is the story of how one girl finds her voice in the fight for justice and equality.”—Matt Ringler, senior editor, Scholastic Press
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour; educator advertising; bookmark giveaways; social media assets; cross-promotion with Jackie Robinson Foundation and Major League Baseball; digital chapter sampler and audio clip available on Scholastic’s social media networks and websites for parents, educators, and librarians.
Laura Ruby
Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All
HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
Why the buzz: “Printz Award winner Bone Gap could be the pinnacle of any great author’s career; for Laura Ruby, it was a launchpad. In Thirteen Doorways, Wolves Behind Them All, Laura gives us a story about the past, present, and future of America: a genre-bending WWII-era tale of two girls—one living, one dead—and their will to survive devastating injustice and loss. It is an unforgettable work of brilliance and heart, like nothing I’ve ever read before.”—Jordan Brown, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour; lead promotion at national school and library conferences; HarperStacks sweepstakes/influencer campaign and behind-the-book feature; educator guide; author video; promotion on Epic Reads social community.
Sergio Ruzzier, illustrator
Roar Like a Dandelion by Ruth Krauss
HarperCollins, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
Why the buzz: “I completely fell in love with this never-before-published picture book by the [late] legendary Ruth Krauss. In Roar Like a Dandelion, as with all Ruth’s books, she creates an immediate and authentic connection with the reader. Her language and voice excite children, and Sergio Ruzzier’s illustrations with their irresistible wit play off her words with perfection. This pair has created a book that is magically unique and playful. It’s an absolute treat.”
—Nancy Inteli, v-p, editorial director, HarperCollins Children’s Books
Publicity & marketing plans: Illustrator appearances; social media advertising campaign; indie bookstore outreach; custom video content with Ruzzier; extensive social media promotion across HarperKids and HarperStacks platforms.
John Schoffstall
Half-Witch
Big Mouth, Oct.; $14.95 paper; ages 12–up
First printing: 10,000
Why the buzz: “With the right luck, Half-Witch could become a modern classic. It’s a debut that snuck onto NPR’s Best of the Year list and delighted the New York Times; it was a staff favorite at indies across the nation, including Elliott Bay and Pegasus Books. It’s a novel of two girls in a world that is changing as fast as they are, and we’re thrilled to be publishing the paperback.”
—Gavin J. Grant, publisher, Small Beer
Publicity & marketing plans: Advertising; social media campaign; outreach to YA websites and bloggers; Crawford Award finalist, Junior Library Guild selection, and Locus recommended reading.
Steve Sheinkin
Born to Fly
Roaring Brook, Sept.; $19.99 hardcover; ages 10–14
Announced first printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “With fearless women pilots, the thrill of the early days of aviation, and a nail-biting race across the skies, Born to Fly combines the very best in storytelling: inspiring heroes, characters bursting with life, and suspense and danger. Best of all, this reads like page-turning fiction, but it’s all 100% true.”
—Connie Hsu, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Festival appearances; national media campaign; extensive outreach to teachers and librarians.
Sydney Smith
Small in the City
Holiday House/Porter, Sept.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 45,000
Why the buzz: “This exquisite picture book is an intensely moving meditation on childhood, loss, love, and redemption—all in 40 pages. We look forward to reintroducing Sydney to American booksellers at CI 7 and with a three-city prepub tour. His stunning artwork will appeal to art lovers everywhere.”
—Michelle Montague, director, trade marketingPublicity & marketing plans: Author appearances at major conferences, trade shows, and festivals; special galley mailing to reviewers and influencers.
Maggie Stiefvater
Call Down the Hawk
Scholastic Press, Nov.; $19.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “Maggie Stiefvater is at the top of her game with Call Down the Hawk, which marks the start of the Dreamer trilogy. The Lynch brothers from the Raven Cycle are back—and they’re joined by a new cast of characters that are as mysterious, idiosyncratic, and compelling as any of Maggie’s other creations. It’s no small feat to satisfy devout fans and inspire new ones at the same time, but Maggie pulls it off here to a degree that leaves me awestruck.”
—David Levithan, v-p, publisher, and editorial director, Scholastic
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; extensive prepub buzz campaign; advertising; dedicated Tumblr site; social media assets; digital chapter sampler and audio clip; social media campaign via the I Read YA community; feature on Scholastic’s social media networks and websites for parents, educators, and librarians.
Sam Streed
Alfred’s Book of Monsters
Charlesbridge, Aug; $15.99 hardcover; ages 3–7
Announced first printing: 40,000
Why the buzz: “Sam presented the book as his final project for a class at Rhode Island School of Design, where I was giving feedback to the students, and when I saw his modern twist on the Victorian setting and heard the droll, clever story, I was hooked. We made an offer as soon as I got back to the office.”
—Yolanda Scott, associate publisher/editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: New England appearances; extensive social media campaign; online activity guide.
Rosiee Thor
Tarnished Are the Stars
Scholastic Press, Oct.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 14–up
Why the buzz: “Tarnished Are the Stars is a captivating adventure about unlikely allies who must work together to save their world. What’s so special—in addition to being top-tier sci-fi/fantasy—is how it puts queerness at the forefront: not only are all three main characters queer, but we see Nathaniel begin to feel more comfortable in his skin when he comes to identify as ace—and the words asexual and aromantic appear on the page.”—Orlando Dos Reis, editor, Scholastic Press
Publicity & marketing plans: Social media promotion via Scholastic’s teen community, I Read YA, and across Scholastic’s social media platforms.
Tim Tingle
Doc and the Detectives
Scholastic/Levine, Oct.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “I love reading the author’s note first before diving into a story. Tim Tingle explains that this story is a modern version of his younger self, a Choctaw Indian crime stopper, staying up late reading the Hardy Boys. The opening chapter grabs you immediately, with Timmy sneaking out at midnight to investigate a strange noise outside. He soon teams up with Dr. Moore to solve the mystery. Master storyteller Tim Tingle unravels twists and turns with humor and lots of heart, including the special care of introducing the challenges of Doc’s developing dementia. I loved Timmy’s beautiful Native American family and learning about Choctaw culture.”—Lizette Serrano, executive director, educational marketing
Publicity & marketing plans: Educator advertising; featured at educator and librarian conferences; social media assets; digital chapter sampler and audio clip available; feature on Scholastic’s social media networks and websites for parents, educators, and librarians.
Duncan Tonatiuh
Soldier for Equality
Abrams, Sept.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 6–8
Announced first printing: 25,000
Why the buzz: “In Soldier for Equality, Duncan once again returns to his passion of sharing with children the lives and exceptional work of both Mexicans and Mexican Americans. In this time of unrest in the U.S. about immigrants and border walls, it is important to recognize the contributions that so many immigrants have made to this country. Duncan’s work offers a light for children to follow as they learn what makes America great.”
—Howard Reeves, editor-at-large
Publicity & marketing plans: National author tour; advertising; social media campaign; school and library conference promotions.
Chris Van Dusen
If I Built a School
Dial, Aug.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 5–8
First printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “Chris Van Dusen’s previous titles in this series have become modern classics—go-to favorites that are equally appreciated by kids and the adults who read them aloud over and over again. And so it’s super exciting to be launching a third after nine years of waiting. Chris’s art has more radiance, cheer, and creative surprise than ever, and the school subject matter is perfect for inspiring kid inventors. It is an exhilarating book.”—Lauri Hornik, president and publisher
Publicity & marketing plans: National author tour; storytime kit; advertising; online and social media promotion; featured at school and library conferences.
Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Wilma Rudolph (Little People, Big Dreams series)
Quarto/Lincoln, out now; $14.99 hardcover; ages 4–6
Why the buzz: “Isabel Sánchez Vegara, the author of the Little People, Big Dreams series, is attending all the way from Spain this year, having just hit the milestone of 1.5 million copies sold across 25 titles in the series, with 14 more titles releasing in 2019. The series features picture book biographies of heroes from history as children with a new spinoff board book series and gift formats. Wilma Rudolph is the latest book in the series.”—Hannah Moushabeck, marketing manager, children’s books and toys, Quarto
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; blogger/Instagrammer tour; online promotion and social media outreach.
Illustrator Amelia Flower is not attending.
Nancy Vo
The Ranger
Groundwood, Aug.; $17.95 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 10,000
Why the buzz: “The Ranger, the second book in the Crow Stories trilogy, is as intriguing as The Outlaw and features a young girl as the protagonist. Nancy Vo’s art is absolutely stunning: her subtle use of color (as well as period newspapers and fabric patterns), interesting perspectives, and sensitive portrayal of Annie and the fox. I also love the simplicity, depth, and elegance of the text.”
—Nan Froman, editorial director
Publicity & marketing plans: Print and online marketing campaign to launch in the fall; highlighted at conferences.
Renée Watson
Some Places More Than Others
Bloomsbury, Sept.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Announced first printing: 75,000
Why the buzz: “This book is about exploring the places and collecting the stories that make us who we are, while also a love letter to Harlem. And who better to write about discovering Harlem than Renée Watson, who is bringing new life to the brownstone that belonged to Langston Hughes? The experience of the neighborhood and sense of family and culture are inspiring; readers will delight in discovering along with Amara in Renée’s skillful hands.”—Sarah Shumway, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Eight- to 10-city national tour with school visits, festivals, and bookseller events.
M.L. Webb
The GayBCs
Quirk, Oct.; $14.99 hardcover; ages 4–8
First printing: 35,000
Why the buzz: “We’re thrilled to be publishing M.L. Webb’s debut picture book this fall. The GayBCs is a joyful alphabet book of LGBTQ+ vocabulary, offering kids an inclusive, accessible space to celebrate identities of all kinds. Lively poems are paired with bright illustrations of four friends who play, sashay, and dream together, making The GayBCs a perfect way to introduce concepts, provide a resource for questioning kids, or simply serve as a fun readaloud.”—Alex Arnold, senior editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Partnership with LGBTQ organizations, community organizations, and nonprofits, including bookstores and libraries hosting Drag Queen Story Times; online media campaign with advertising.
Brendan Wenzel
A Stone Sat Still
Chronicle, Aug.; $17.99 hardcover; ages 2–5
First printing: 100,000
Why the buzz: “Brendan’s continued growth and creativity as an author-illustrator are thrilling to witness. This book is so ambitious—he explores huge ideas here, everything from the passage of time and mindfulness to the importance of place and appreciating the environment and the animals who live in it—and he absolutely delivers on everything. Just like They All Saw a Cat and Hello Hello, A Stone Sat Still will make you see the world in a way you may not have done before. It’s a masterpiece.”
—Ginee Seo, children’s publishing director
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances; print and online advertising; author video; special art print; social media campaign; promotion at school and library conferences and regional trade shows.
Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver
Alien Superstar
Amulet, Oct.; $14.99 hardcover; ages 8–12
Announced first printing: 100,000 copies
Why the buzz: “We’re so excited to welcome Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver to the Abrams list. Buddy Burger is an alien who looks strange but has a very relatable heart. He crash-lands in Hollywood and gets cast in a sitcom as a wacky alien—with hilarious results. With Henry and Lin’s Hollywood expertise, they’re the perfect authors for this fish-out-of-water story.”
—Maggie Lehrman, executive editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Authors tour; major print and digital advertising campaigns; strong retail promotion across all channels.
David Yoon
Frankly in Love
Putnam, Sept.; $18.99 hardcover; ages 12–up
First printing: 300,000
Why the buzz: “I’m excited about Frankly in Love because while it’s a book that is rooted in a specific place, time, and situation, it is also utterly relatable. The novel will make you laugh and cry, and I hope it’s also a primer for more in-depth conversations about race, class, and identity.”—Jennifer Klonsky, president and publisher, Putnam and Razorbill
Publicity & marketing plans: Author tour; prepub buzz campaign; advertising; promotion at consumer festivals and cons; extensive online promotion, social media, and blogger outreach; major promotion at national school and library conferences.
Alyssa Zaczek
Martin McLean, Middle School Queen
Sterling Children’s Books, Jan. 2020; $16.95 hardcover; ages 8–12
Why the buzz: “I like to think of Martin McLean, Middle School Queen as glitter that won’t get everywhere—it’s about the transformative power of drag, and the story is so uplifting, life-affirming, and just pure fun to read! This book makes my heart so happy, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
—Rachael Stein, editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Author events; print and online publicity campaign; bookseller mailing; discussion guide.
Sylvia Zéleny
The Everything I Have Lost
Cinco Puntos, Sept.; $15.95 hardcover, $11.95 paper;
ages 12–up
Why the buzz: “We want to give readers all across the country a feel for our part of the world, the U.S.-Mexico border. Sylvia Zéleny is going to really bring this region into focus. She has all the energy and imagination of border writers, and The Everything I Have Lost reveals, diary entry by diary entry, what it’s like to be a teenager trying to navigate the dark mysteries of her family holding together in Juarez, Mexico.”
—Lee Byrd, editor and copublisher
Publicity & marketing plans: Author appearances at Feria Internacional del Libro, Bogotá; co-op available; galley mailing.
Katie Zhao
The Dragon Warrior
Bloomsbury, Oct.; $16.99 hardcover; ages 8–11
Announced first printing: 50,000
Why the buzz: “This enchanting middle grade effortlessly combines all the best elements of fantasy with a strong layer of heart. Katie Zhao pulls you into a breathless adventure across U.S. Chinatowns, filled with scheming gods and fierce creatures from Chinese mythology (most notably: dragons!). Amid the high-octane action, our relatable kick-butt protagonist, Faryn Liu, truly grounds the story. She’s both funny and determined, and flawed and vulnerable, and readers will love rooting for her and her friends.”
—Hali Baumstein, associate editor
Publicity & marketing plans: Three- to five-city national tour with emphasis on school visits; festival appearances.
