Picture Books
Landis Blair
The Night Tent (Holiday House/Ferguson, Apr.; $18.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “New York Times–bestselling graphic novelist Landis Blair has established himself as a noted author and illustrator in the adult market. In his debut picture book, a young boy struggling with sleep uses his imagination to create an unforgettable nighttime adventure.”—Michelle Montague, executive director of marketing, Holiday House
Opening: “Watson couldn’t sleep.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Tim Fite
A Bucket of Questions (Atheneum, Mar.; $18.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “Tim Fite’s art is childlike yet refined, kooky but warmly approachable, and bursting with details that will have readers coming back to spot hidden gems. A Bucket of Questions encourages kids to be curious, celebrating the act of questioning and highlighting the fun to be had in crafting answers.”—Julia McCarthy, editor, Atheneum
Opening: “This bucket might look EMPTY... but it is actually FULL of QUESTIONS!”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Charnaie Gordon
Lift Every Voice and Change (Quarto/Becker&Mayer!, out now; $18.99; 10,000-copy announced first printing; ages 7–12)
Why the buzz: “To read text is one thing, but to hear it spoken by 12 remarkable Black leaders—your heroes—with all the raw power and emotion of their personalities is something special. As a woman of color, I’m excited to share such empowering content with our younger generation; these are the stories I wish I had when I was their age.”—Cara Donaldson, group managing editor, Quarto Group
Opening: “Have you ever thought about how powerful YOUR own voice can be?”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Vashti Harrison
Big (Little, Brown, May; $19.99; 200,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “We’ve been fortunate to publish Vashti Harrison since 2017, beginning with Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. While she worked on her nonfiction and illustrated for other writers, she was developing something more personal. Big is a tender, impactful story told with beauty, grace, and a genius double gatefold, that shows Vashti’s talent in a whole new way.”—Farrin Jacobs, v-p, editorial director, Little, Brown BFYR
Opening: “Once there was a girl with a big laugh and a big heart and very big dreams.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Jason June
Never Forget Eleanor (HarperCollins, Feb.; $18.99; illus. by Loren Long; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “Jason June and Loren Long have created an unforgettable story. Never Forget Eleanor will bring comfort to those struggling with watching a loved one undergo memory loss, and show kids how those we love never truly leave us.”—Megan Ilnitzki, senior editor, HarperCollins Children’s Books
Opening: “Elijah loved doing crossword puzzles with his grandma Eleanor.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Jon Klassen
The Skull (Candlewick, July; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 6–9)
Why the buzz: “Fairy stories and folktales are rich with distilled humanity, and The Skull is no exception. Klassen depicts his main characters—a skull and a girl on the run—with such affection. These two have been through a lot, and their decision to create a future together is tenderly earned.”—Liz Bicknell, executive editorial director, Candlewick
Opening: “One night, in the middle of the night, when everyone else was asleep, Otilla finally ran away.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Andy J. Pizza
Invisible Things (Chronicle, July; $17.99; 10,000-copy announced first printing; ages 5–8)
Why the buzz: “Andy’s picture book Invisible Things, inspired by his viral post, encourages expression of all types of emotion and the importance of giving agency to unseen parts of life, complete with his eye-catching and signature bold illustrations.”—Caitlin Ek, publicist, children’s, Chronicle
Opening: “Touch, Hear, Taste, Smell/ A Dog Bark, A cocka-doodle doo, a whisper, a song stuck in your head/ Can you hear anything? Wait a minute... Who’s There? ECHO!”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Rusch
All About Nothing (Charlesbridge, Apr.; $17.99; 30,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “When I first saw the dummy for All About Nothing, I got goosebumps. This book looks at nothingness in a new way, considering its literal, metaphorical, and socioemotional importance. It also rings true: When kids get off their screens, they say, ‘I’m bored!’—but boredom leads to creative ideas. This book encourages us to pause, take a breath, and notice. Moments of nothingness help us flourish!”—Alyssa Mito Pusey, executive editor, Charlesbridge
Opening: “What do you know about nothing?”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
John Schu
This Is a Story (Candlewick, Mar.; $17.99; illus. by Lauren Castillo; 65,000-copy announced first printing; ages 4–8)
Why the buzz: “John Schu has connected countless young readers to their favorite books. Here, he captures how that happens. A child’s personal interests pique their curiosity about a book; then, as the story fuels their imagination, they enter a larger world than the one they knew before. Lauren Castillo’s artwork is warm, intimate, and inclusive. Love the author’s cameo as the librarian!”—Karen Lotz, president and publisher of Candlewick and managing director of Walker Books Group
Opening: “This is a word.”
Educational session: “Raising Readers: Literacy During the Elementary School Years,” Feb. 21, 606, 10:40–11:40 a.m.
Emma Straub
Very Good Hats (Rocky Pond, out now; $18.99; illus. by Blanca Gómez; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 2–5)
Why the buzz: “Emma Straub has created an original, playful, and slyly meaningful text that sings. Then came illustrator Blanca Gómez, with exhilarating illustrations that provide even more inspired silliness. This book is a hug and a grin-maker. You’ll start seeing everything around you—your cup, plant pot, slipper—as hats. Unmitigated joy!”—Lauri Hornik, president and publisher, Rocky Pond
Opening: “Do you know what a hat is?”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45-2:15 p.m.
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
MIDDLE GRADE
Miya T. Beck
The Pearl Hunter (Balzer + Bray, Feb.; $17.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “I was dazzled by Miya’s debut from the opening pages, with its gorgeous writing, sky-high stakes, immersive fantasy world grounded in Japanese culture and legend, and relatable, flawed protagonist. Magical, humorous, surprising, richly layered, and deeply satisfying—The Pearl Hunter feels like an instant classic.”—Donna Bray, v-p and copublisher, Balzer + Bray
Opening: “Hovering deep underwater with her black hair fanning out all around her like squid ink, Kai stretched her hands toward her twin sister.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Sean Ferrell
The Sinister Secrets of Singe (Pixel+Ink, June; $18.99; illus. by Graham Carter; 30,000-copy announced first printing; ages 10 and up)
Why the buzz: “The Sinister Secrets of Singe kicks off a sweeping adventure series packed with robots, smugglers, battles, and a lonely boy trying to find where he fits in the world. Sean will take readers on an intriguing journey.”—Morgan Hillman, sales director, Holiday House
Opening: “Noah lived in a house that grew larger at night.”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
María José Fitzgerald
Turtles of the Midnight Moon (Knopf, Mar.; $17.99; 30,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “Turtles of the Midnight Moon has everything you could want in a middle grade novel—a heart-tugging friendship, a high-stakes mystery set on a beautiful Honduran beach, the deep bond between a child and a wild creature, and a sprinkle of magic to top it off. A veteran teacher, María José Fitzgerald knows her readership well, and it shows in this captivating debut.”—Katherine Harrison, executive editor, Knopf BFYR
Opening: “Barana woke to the crescent moon-shaped scar between her shoulder blades tingling, calling her to the beach.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Beth Lincoln
The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels (Dutton, Feb.; $17.99; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, this sharp, funny whodunit is a love letter to the power—and complexity—of language and packed with games, wordplay, and lots of mischief. I’m not sure who could resist a main character named Shenanigan, but it’s not me.”
—Julie Strauss-Gabel, president and publisher, Dutton
Opening: ”It was a bright, well-dressed morning in early May, and the Swifts were in the middle of a funeral.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Kiyash Monsef
Once There Was (Simon & Schuster, Apr.; $18.99; 350,000-copy announced first printing; ages 10 and up)
Why the buzz: “There are a handful of authors—Philip Pullman, N.K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman—whose work transcends age and category, and I see Kiyash Monsef carving out a place on that list. Once There Was has the ability to reawaken your sense of wonder, to give you that prickle on the back of your neck that makes you question whether magic is real.”—Kendra Levin, editorial director, Simon & Schuster BFYR
Opening: “Once was, once wasn’t.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Rex Ogle
Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel (Four Eyes #1) (Graphix, May; $12.99 trade paper; illus. by Dave Valeza; 35,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “It’s a truth universally acknowledged that middle school was pretty terrible for everyone. Friendships shifted, bullies flexed their muscles, and—if you were like Rex Ogle or me—your eyes were failing and you had to get glasses. Rex’s mission to make kids who feel voiceless, lonely, and out of control feel seen shines through the pages of Four Eyes.”—Lia Ferrone, senior publicist, Scholastic
Opening: “Race ya, Rex!”
Graphix Scholastic after-party, Feb. 22, Grand Ballroom, 9:30–11:30 p.m.
Lincoln Peirce
Big Nate: Nailed It! (Andrews McMeel, Feb.; $11.99; 200,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Big Nate: Prank You Very Much (Andrews McMeel,
out now; $12.99; 175,000 first printing; ages 7–12)
Why the buzz: “We’re excited to introduce a new set of antics featuring legendary sixth-grader Big Nate in the Nailed It! collection and Prank You Very Much, based on the Emmy-nominated Big Nate animated series on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. While Nailed It! features four-panel, 2-D comics, Prank You showcases the stunning CG artwork of the series. A diverse cast, over-the-top comedy, and intriguing story lines make Big Nate a favorite of middle-grade readers.”—Lucas Wetzel, senior editor, Andrews McMeel
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Betty C. Tang
Parachute Kids (Graphix, Apr.; $24.99, $12.99 trade paper; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 9–12)
Why the buzz: “Inspired by her own experience as a ‘parachute kid’ who migrated from Taiwan to the U.S., Betty C. Tang’s graphic novel Parachute Kids teaches readers how scary it can be to live in a new country, learn a new language, and fend for oneself. Infusing visual storytelling with humor and heart, Parachute Kids builds empathy at a time when it’s needed most.”—Elisabeth Ferrari, publicity manager, Scholastic
Opening: “Our first trip to America!”
Graphix Scholastic after-party, Feb. 22, Grand Ballroom, 9:30–11:30 p.m.
Ethan Young
39 Clues: The Maze of Bones (39 Clues Graphic Novel #1) (Graphix, Apr.; $12.99 trade paper; 75,000-copy announced first printing; ages 8–12)
Why the buzz: “39 Clues: The Maze of Bones is the first adaptation of the mega-bestseller by Rick Riordan, the tentpole novel for Scholastic’s innovative 39 Clues series. Ethan Young brings a new perspective to the material, and it’s an honor for me to continue to work with Rick Riordan, a good friend from our many years of working together at Disney.”—Seale Ballenger, v-p of publicity, Scholastic
Opening: “Five minutes before she died, Grace Cahill changed her will.”
Graphix Scholastic after-party, Feb. 22, Grand Ballroom, 9:30–11:30 p.m.
YOUNG ADULT
Alexandra Bracken
Silver in the Bone (Knopf, Apr.; $19.99; 250,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “Silver in the Bone shines a spotlight on Arthurian legend just as Lore did for Greek mythology. Discover a cursed Avalon that grows darker with every twist. Tamsin is the sort of heroine you’ll gladly follow to the ends of the earth—or beyond.”—Katherine Harrison, executive editor, Knopf BFYR
Opening: “The first thing you learned on the job as a Hollower was never to trust your eyes—Nash, of course, had a different way of saying it: All sorcery is half illusion. The other half, unfortunately, was blood-soaked terror.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Keah Brown
The Secret Summer Promise (Levine Querido, May; $19.99; 25,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12–18)
Why the buzz: “The Secret Summer Promise—one of the best titles I’ve ever encountered. And happily, the book itself is just as if not more wonderful. Keah Brown has a funny, surprising voice that’s emotionally earnest in a way I find refreshing. And the story, about a queer, disabled Black girl spending the summer trying—and failing, obviously—to fall out of love with her best friend? Yes please!”—Nick Thomas, executive editor, Levine Querido
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Alex Crespo
Saint Juniper’s Folly (Peachtree Teen, May; $18.99; 35,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “Alex Crespo’s queer haunted house mystery is equal parts spine-tingling thrills, celebration of found family, and must-read for paranormal romance fans. An up-and-coming voice in the YA and LGBTQ+ author communities, Alex and his debut novel embody Peach-
tree Teen’s mission of providing authentic, enthralling stories for teen readers.”—Elyse Vincenty, associate marketing manager, Holiday House
Opening: “Nothing good ever happened in Saint Juniper, Vermont.”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Ananya Devarajan
Kismat Connection (Inkyard, June; $19.99; 40,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13 and up)
Why the buzz: “Ananya Devarajan’s debut is the childhood friends-to-lovers, fake-dating romance of my dreams! As a Gen Z author, Ananya is tapped into those big emotions that define the YA genre, and she expertly explores the whirlwind of first love, the yearning to take charge of your destiny, and learning to embrace your cultural identity.”—Claire Stetzer, editor, Inkyard
Opening: “The stars are absolutely in your favor.”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Kate Glasheen
Constellations (Holiday House, May; $22.99; $14.99 trade paper; 55,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “Kate Glasheen’s debut graphic novel shares the story of a queer teen living in the margins while struggling with substance abuse issues and their determination to find their way ahead. Holiday House is focused on expanding our graphic novel program, and Constellations is an ideal title to break into the YA space.”—Michelle Montague, executive director of marketing, Holiday House
Opening: “This city’s days as a manufacturing powerhouse are long gone.”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Maurene Goo
Throwback (Zando, Apr.; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “Throwback is a romantic comedy that makes you laugh, swoon, and tear up—but it also delves deeper, with rich observations of the Korean American immigrant experience and, as Maurene puts it, ‘big mom feels.’ We can’t wait to bring the 1990s back with this time-hopping adventure.”—Tiffany Liao, executive editor, Zando Young Readers
Opening: “My phone battery was at 7 percent and my dress was too small for me.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Cynthia Leitich Smith
Harvest House (Candlewick, Apr.; $19.99; 35,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12 and up)
Why the buzz: “Harvest House has it all: a fast-paced mystery that keeps readers turning the pages, a sweet romance featuring two adorably shy teens, a spooky ghost story with a twist, and a critical look at issues faced by Native communities, from cultural appropriation to the missing and murdered Indigenous women crisis. It’s a terrific read for Halloween or any time—beautifully written with humor and drama and characters to root for.”—Andrea Tompa, executive editor, Candlewick
Opening: “The Bad Man has many faces, and I remember them all.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Krystal Marquis
The Davenports (Dial, out now; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12 and up)
Why the buzz: “When I read it on submission, I knew immediately: The Davenports was everything—fun, escapist, and romantic, mixed with turn-of-the-last-century Chicago setting, beautifully realized characters, smart social commentary, and much-needed representation via its vibrant cast. It’s a slice of history I hadn’t seen in YA from a Black young woman’s perspective. On that first breathless read, I had Bridgerton and Downton Abbey vibes, proving you can swoon while madly flipping pages.”—Jessica Garrison, executive editor, Dial BFYR
Opening: “Olivia Elise Davenport pulled a bolt of vibrant yellow silk from the display and held it to her dark complexion.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Lily Meade
The Shadow Sister (Sourcebooks Fire, July; $18.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–18)
Why the buzz: “The Shadow Sister is a gripping YA speculative thriller about a Black teen whose sister goes missing and returns, changed in ways her trauma alone can’t explain. Lily Meade’s pacey debut explores the dynamics of two sisters, individuals our society values or deems acceptable to miss, and traumas passed down through generations. I can’t wait for readers to meet Casey and Sutton!”—Annette Pollert-Morgan, editor-at-large, Sourcebooks
Opening: “My sister is a bitch, but that doesn’t mean I want her dead.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Dan Nott
Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day (Random House Graphic, Mar.; $23.99 trade paper; 30,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12 and up)
Why the buzz: “Water, electricity, and the internet: I can’t live without them, but I didn’t understand how they work until reading Hidden Systems. Dan Nott pulls back the curtain on the science and history of systems that we take for granted, and brings attention to our infrastructure, in a fantastically illustrated informative book filled with aha moments.” —Patrick Crotty, senior designer, Random House Graphic
Opening: “Sometimes, I am very surprised by how little I know about everyday things.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
Thien Pham
Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam (First Second, June; $17.99 paperback; 60,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14–18)
Why the buzz: “Thien is such a joyful, true voice in comics. He’s as generous, funny, and genuine in person as he is in this profoundly endearing and inspiring graphic memoir. Family Style is a book about food, but really it’s about finding joy at every opportunity—whether in an improvised shelter in a refugee camp or in a storefront bakery or in the back seat.”—Callista Brill, editorial director, First Second
Opening: “My first memory is from when I was five.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Liselle Sambury
Delicious Monsters (McElderry, Feb.; $21.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “Delicious Monsters transcends its own genre. It’s a horror story where the scariest elements are neither ghosts nor demons, but instead the terrible things that regular people are capable of doing to each other. Yet despite the horror, this book is deeply hopeful at its heart. I guarantee this is a story that will stay with you long after you read the final page.”
—Sarah McCabe, senior editor, Margaret K. McElderry Books
Opening: “There were two stories of how I was named.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Jen St. Jude
If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come (Bloomsbury, May; $19.99; 60,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “I love If Tomorrow Doesn’t Come because it tells readers they are worthy of happiness, no matter what mistakes they may have made or how bad their situations might be. This book feels like it has the power to change lives—and maybe even save them. On top of that, it manages to be fast-paced and fun to read. It will keep you desperately turning pages, even as you weep!”—Camille Kellogg, editor, Bloomsbury YA
Opening: “I wanted to hide my body somewhere no one would have to find it.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Priyanka Taslim
The Love Match (Salaam Reads, out now; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12 and up)
Why the buzz: “The Love Match has everything I’ve ever wanted in a rom-com. Besides every trope under the sun—love triangle! friends-to-lovers! secret prince!—it has a relatable portrait of family, a thoughtful depiction of class anxiety, a vibrantly written community, and a headstrong heroine as winsome as Pride and Prejudice’s Lizzie Bennet herself.”
—Dainese Santos, associate editor, Simon & Schuster BFYR
Opening: “Bangladeshi weddings can be brutal.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Robby Weber
I Like Me Better (Inkyard, May; $19.99; 40,000-copy announced first printing; ages 13 and up)
Why the buzz: “Robby’s writing transports me directly to the sun and sand of a Florida summer, and no one makes a better host than main character Zack. He’s a jock with a huge heart, a crush to impress, and a well-meaning lie to untangle. Relatable, authentic, warm, silly, and joyful—come root for Zack to get the boy and have lots of fun along the way.”—Olivia Valcarce, editor, Inkyard
Opening: “Whoever said winning isn’t everything must not have won very often.”
Author lunch reception, Feb. 23, 4B, noon–1:30 p.m.
Andrew Joseph White
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth (Peachtree Teen, Sept.; $19.99; 100,000-copy announced first printing)
Why the buzz: “From the New York Times–bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us comes an explosive gothic horror novel set in Victorian England. We are elated that Andrew will participate in this keynote panel, where he’ll share an inside look at writing about an authentic autistic trans protagonist in a historical setting.”—Michelle Montague, executive director of marketing, Holiday House
Opening: “At least the doctors had the decency to kill me before they opened me up.”
New Voices in Genre, Feb. 21, 6ABC, noon–1 p.m.
Brittany N. Williams
That Self-Same Metal (The Forge & Fracture Saga #1) (Amulet, Apr.; $19.99; 50,000-copy announced first printing; ages 12 and up)
Why the buzz: “Brittany Williams’s debut novel grabbed me from the first page. Set in Shakespeare’s London, and featuring Shakespeare himself and his troupe of disreputable actors, the book introduces a heroine who can melt metal and who is key to mending humanity’s pact with the vicious and violent fae. It’s the genre-bending historical fantasy of my dreams!” —Maggie Lehrman, editorial director, fiction, Abrams
Opening: “You two need to count before you accidentally take each other’s eyes out.”
Evening author reception, Feb. 22, 4B, 5–6:30 p.m.
Justine Pucella Winans
Bianca Torre Is Afraid of Everything (Clarion, Apr.; $19.99; 35,000-copy announced first printing; ages 14 and up)
Why the buzz: “This debut has one of the strongest voices I’ve yet to come across, effortlessly braiding a darkly absurdist murder mystery and a queer identity thread with equal measures of anxiety and humor. Instead of Rear Window, think of it as Queer Window, but with a heartwarmingly platonic love story, an abundance of anime references, bird puns, and an inexplicable coziness despite all the vomiting, blood, and murder most fowl.” —Lily Kessinger, editor, Clarion
Opening: “There are many things we are uncertain of on this planet, like what happens after death, the possibility of life outside our solar system, and the existence of lesbian sheep.”
Lunch and Booksellers Present: Indies Introduce Authors, Feb. 22, 6ABC, 12:45–2:15 p.m.
