Karen Lotz at Candlewick and Walker Books Group has acquired world rights to The Beatryce Prophecy, a standalone fantasy novel by two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo (l.) and two-time Caldecott Medalist Sophie Blackall, the first collaboration between the duo. Andrea Tompa will edit. DiCamillo's text and Blackall's black-and-white illustrations create a tale of fate, love, and the power of words, in a medieval setting. Publication is slated for September 28, 2021; Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker represented the illustrator.
Sara Sargent at Random House has bought world rights to Grammy Award-winning music artist Lil Nas X's (l.) C Is for Country, an alphabet picture book illustrated by Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner Theodore Taylor III. Publication is scheduled for January 5, 2020; David Vigliano at Vigliano Associates represented the author, and Carrie Hannigan at HG Literary represented the illustrator.
Chris Hernandez at Razorbill has acquired, at auction, world rights to Champions of Breakfast by Reed Black, a YA graphic novel series for fans of The Adventure Zone and Nimona, in which the wizard Cereal assembles a group of ragtag adventurers including the thief Bacon and the necromancer Coffee for a near impossible quest to prove their worth in a magical D&D-style fantasy world populated with anthropomorphized food. Publication for the first book is set for spring 2022; Alyssa Jennette at Stonesong did the six-figure, two-book deal.
Arianne Lewin at Putnam has bought North American rights at auction to How to Succeed in Witchcraft by debut YA author Aislinn Brophy, pitched as Booksmart meets The Craft. A biracial witch is cast as the lead in her school play and must decide between exposing her predatory drama teacher or getting the magical scholarship she desperately needs. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency negotiated the two-book deal.
Stephanie Guerdan at HarperTeen has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Winter Break by Jake Maia Arlow, a contemporary YA rom-com about two Jewish girls reluctantly falling in love at Christmastime, a hate-to-love romance pitched as “like a Hallmark Christmas movie—if a Hallmark Christmas movie ever starred sexually frustrated lesbian Jews.” Publication is slated for fall 2022; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret brokered the two-book deal.
Jessica Garrison at Dial has bought world English rights to A Catalog of Burnt Objects by Shana Youngdahl (As Many Nows As I Can Get). The YA novel follows Caprice, a teenage girl who aches to escape her tiny Northern California town, where her addict brother's legacy looms large. When a catastrophic fire tears through her community—and her home—she's forced to rethink everything in this story about loss and hope. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic handled the deal.
Andrea Tompa at Candlewick has acquired, at auction, cartoonist Alex L. Combs's debut nonfiction YA graphic novel, Trans History: A Graphic Novel. Written and illustrated from an #OwnVoices perspective, this book introduces readers to the history of transgender identities, the transgender rights movement, and what it means to be trans in the U.S. and beyond. Publication is set for 2023; Zabé Ellor at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Zachary Clark at Scholastic has bought world rights to Last Gate of the Emperor, an Afro-Futurist middle grade Black Panther set in a mythical Ethiopia, written by Kwame Mbalia (l.) (Tristan Strong series), and Prince Joel Makonnen, the great-grandson of the real Ethiopia's last emperor, kicking off a new series. Publication is planned for summer 2021; Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media now represents the deal, originally brokered by Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary on behalf of Cake Literary. Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary & Media represents Mbalia, and Jesseca Salky at Lyons & Salky Law represents Makonnen.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook has acquired middle grade nonfiction Doomed: The Tragic Story of Sacco & Vanzetti by John Florio and Ouisie Shapiro (War in the Ring), which explores the controversial lives of two Italian anarchists convicted of murder and later executed in Boston. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Jennifer Weltz at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Phoebe Yeh at Crown has acquired world rights to the middle grade anthology Recognize: Honoring Black Life, edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson of Just Us Books. The collection will feature short stories, essays, poems, and full-color art from authors and artists such as Mahogany L. Browne, Floyd Cooper, Dhonielle Clayton, London Ladd, Kwame Mbalia, Nic Stone, and Alicia Williams, among others, in celebration of Black lives, Black creativity, Black fortitude, Black vision, and Black resistance. Publication is set for fall 2021; Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson represented themselves.
Liesa Abrams at Aladdin has bought world English rights to Super Atomic Wombat Girl by Russell Ginns (l.) and illustrator Jay Cooper, a new graphic novel series starring a fearless wombat and her loyal pangolin sidekick as they save the world from ANVIL (the Agglomerated Network of Venomous Insects and Lizards). Publication for the first book is planned for spring 2022; Kevin O'Connor at O'Connor Literary represented the author, and Teresa Kietlinski at Bookmark Literary represented the illustrator in the two-book deal.
Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda has acquired world rights to Hear Me by Crystal Kite-winning author Kerry O'Malley Cerra. This #OwnVoices contemporary middle-grade novel follows 12-year-old Rayne who, at odds with her parents over her sudden hearing loss and looming cochlear implant surgery, sets off on a journey where she discovers that even though her ears may be broken, she is not. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Janine Le at Sheldon Fogelman Agency did the deal.
Wiley Blevins at Reycraft has bought world rights to Voices of the People by Joseph Bruchac, who is enrolled in the Nulhegan Band of the Abenaki Nation. The poetry anthology features more than 30 biographical poems about Native Americans, including The Peacemaker, Pocahontas, Pontiac, Nancy Ward, Tecumseh, Chief Joseph, Susan La Flesche, Maria Tallchief, and others. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Barbara Kouts Literary negotiated the deal.
Julie Matysik at Running Press Kids has acquired world rights to She Raised Her Voice!: 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way into Music History, written by music journalist and writer Jordannah Elizabeth (l.), illustrated by Briana Dengoue. This middle grade anthology explores the lives of 50 women singers across musical genres—from jazz, blues, and R&B to folk, opera, and hip hop—and shines a light on their determination, tenacity, and drive to follow their dreams. Publication is set for December 2021; the author represented herself, and Aurora Meyer at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has bought Andrew Weiner's early reader graphic novel, Daddy and the Beanstalk, in which Estella refuses to go to sleep without a bedtime story, so her father crafts his own hot-dog filled twist on the classic “Jack and the Beanstalk.” Rachel Dukes is set to illustrate. Publication is planned for winter 2024. Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management represented the author and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the artist in the two-book deal for world rights.
Cynthia Leitich Smith and Rosemary Brosnan at HarperCollins/Heartdrum have acquired North American rights to Just Like Grandma by debut author Kim Rogers (Wichita) (l.), illustrated by Julie Flett (Cree-Métis), a picture book about a contemporary Wichita girl who wants to be just like her grandmother. Publication is slated for winter 2023; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Margaret Anastas at Penguin/Flamingo has bought North American rights to author Kelly Corrigan's (l.) debut picture book, Hello World, illustrated by Stacy Ebert, plus a second untitled picture book. Hello World teaches children that the most enriching experiences in life come from getting to know each other, and meaningful connections come from asking each other questions. Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; Suzanne Gluck at William Morris Endeavor represented the author, and Jennifer March Soloway at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree has acquired A School for Problems: Myles Horton and the Highlander Folk School by Cynthia Levinson (The Youngest Marcher and coauthor of Fault Lines in the Constitution), illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. The picture book in verse portrays the school and its founder, as well as their impact on civil rights and other social justice movements in the U.S., including providing strategizing for Rosa Parks, Septima Poinsette Clark, and others. Publication is set for fall 2022; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the illustrator in the deal for world rights.
Katie Scott at Kids Can Press has bought world rights to Pugs Cause Traffic Jams by Jennifer McGrath (l.). When Kirby the pug goes missing, his owner sets off on a search of the neighborhood—encountering various personalities and their canine companions along the way. Kathryn Durst will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2021. Sally Keefe Cohen represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Anna Membrino at Scholastic acquired world rights to Hey, You're Not Santa!, a picture book by TV comedy writer Ethan T. Berlin (l.) and illustrated by Edwardian Taylor; Rachel Matson will edit. When Santa needs a last-minute substitute, an unlikely hero steps in. But will this cow be up to the job? Publication is slated for fall 2021; Susanna Einstein at Einstein Literary Management represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Michelle Bisson and Alison Deering at Capstone have bought world English rights to the nonfiction picture book Soaring in Style: How Amelia Earhart Became a Fashion Icon by Jennifer Lane Wilson, about aviation icon Earhart's love of fashion and her lesser-known career as America's first celebrity fashion designer. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Clelia Gore at Martin Literary & Media Management negotiated the deal.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear has acquired world rights to Jack Horner: Dinosaur Hunter, a picture book biography by Sophia Gholz, illustrated by Dave Shephard. The book chronicles the life of paleontologist Horner, who overcame many obstacles, including severe dyslexia, to become the world-famous paleontologist who inspired a main character in Jurassic Park. Publication is set for fall 2021; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Julie Rosenberg at Razorbill has acquired, in a seven-house auction, Flirting with Fate and a second untitled novel by bestselling author J.C. Cervantes (The Storm Runner series). Flirting with Fate is a contemporary YA romance set in Los Angeles that introduces three tight-knit sisters, the ghost of their grandmother, and a fifth-century saint charged with aiding them in setting their fate right. Together, they must help the youngest sister find the mysterious boy who intercepted the deathbed blessing her grandmother meant for her. Publication for the first book is planned for 2021; Holly Root at Root Literary brokered the deal for world English rights.
Rebecca Kuss at Inkyard has bought, in a six-figure preempt, A Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron. Pitched as The Princess Diaries meets The Parent Trap, the contemporary YA debut follows the closeted crown prince, newly established in Canada, and an out-and-proud Montana cowboy, who meet by chance and turn out to be long-lost twin brothers. But will these two be able to take on coming out, coronations, and high school together—or will this royal reunion become a royal mess? Publication is set for summer 2022; Brent Taylor at TriadaUS did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Melissa Warten at FSG has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Duet: The Song of the Mockingbird's Success by NBA-winning and Newbery Medalist Phillip Hoose (The Race to Save the Lord God Bird and Moonbird). It outlines the centuries-long partnership between humans and mockingbirds, providing a narrative account of the mockingbird's impact on art, science, and culture, and a case study of the species' courage, resiliency, and powerful song in the face of constant change. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennie Dunham at Dunham Literary negotiated the deal.
Sara Goodman at Wednesday Books has bought three books in the Charm City Heights series by Paula Chase. The YA contemporary books, a Gen Z Parent Trap story, follow twin sisters from different backgrounds who face the pressures of achieving at their radically ambitious high school while learning to live within their newly blended family. Publication of the first book is slated for winter 2022; Jennifer Carlson at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary handled the deal for North American rights.
Wendy Loggia at Underlined has bought world rights to The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo; Hannah Allaman will edit. In this debut YA romance, a bookish Filipino American girl with a secret blog works at an inn in the Finger Lakes during the holidays to earn cash for college. When she crosses paths with the innkeeper's cute nephew and they accidentally switch phones, she learns he has a secret of his own that might draw them together. Publication is set for fall 2021; Rachel Brooks at BookEnds brokered the deal.
Melissa Frain, when she was at Tor Teen, acquired, at auction, world English rights to All of Us Villains, the first in a YA fantasy duology by Amanda Foody (l.) and Christine Lynn Herman. Ali Fisher will edit. In the blood-soaked city of Ilvernath, seven families compete every generation in a tournament to the death for control of high magick. The powerful, villainous Lowes have won nearly every tournament, but this year, thanks to a salacious tell-all book, each of the other families has the means to win. Publication is planned for fall 2021 and 2022, respectively; Whitney Ross at Irene Goodman Literary represented Foody, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary represented Herman.
Nancy Mercado at Dial has acquired world rights to Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste (l.), illustrated by Tonya Engel. Claudette Colvin's refusal, at age 15, to give up her bus seat helped launch the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and the ripple effects of her activism can still be felt to this day. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary represented the author, and Gail Gaynin at Morgan Gaynin Agency represented the illustrator.
Sarah McCabe at S&S/McElderry has bought North American rights to Field Guide to the Supernatural Universe by bestselling author Alyson Noël. This spooky story, set in a town shrouded in fog and teeming with spirits, follows Max, a boy on an unlikely quest to uncover an enchanted book that contains the key to defeating an unearthly nemesis. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic negotiated the deal.
Phoebe Yeh at Crown has acquired the middle grade novel Obie Is Man Enough by transgender Korean American author, athlete, and activist Schuyler Bailar. Obie knew that his gender transition would cause waves, but he didn't think he'd have to give up his swimming coach, the pool where he grew up, and the teammates who were his best friends. As Obie works to prove he can hold his own against the fastest boys in the pool, he'll also have to contend with new friendships, bullies, and his biggest competition: himself. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker did the deal for North American, Philippines, and non-exclusive open market English-language rights.
Reka Simonsen at Simon & Schuster has bought world rights to the first two books in the Alley & Rex middle grade series by Joel Ross, a reimagining of Jeeves and Wooster in middle school (think Jello, tray surfing, and ceiling fan). Nicole Miles will illustrate; publication of the first book is set for fall 2021; Caitlin Blasdell at Liza Dawson Associates represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Amanda Maciel at Scholastic has acquired Anna Staniszewski's next two middle-grade novels: Clique Here and Double Clique, which follow a 12-year-old girl who decides to try to become popular using the scientific method—with unforeseen consequences. Publication for the first book is scheduled for summer 2021; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the deal for North American rights.
Carolina Ortiz at HarperCollins has bought Vivian Zhou's debut middle grade graphic novel duology Atana, which follows the adventures of Atana and her friends, Ren and Cosmos—a mermaid, a firebird, and a witch. As Atana searches for answers to her identity, she becomes entangled with the mysterious and powerful Witch Queen, who may hold the answer to her past. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books has bought Family Reunion, by debut father-and-son co-authors Chad (l.) and Charles Richardson (publishing as Chad & Dad Richardson), illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (Layla's Happiness). This kid's-eye-view perspective of an extended family reunion celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties. Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; the authors and illustrator represented themselves in the deal for world rights.
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has acquired the first three picture books in the Books of Great Character series by Silly Street founders Mags DeRoma (l.) and Christine Peck, in which young readers are invited to build character and social-emotional intelligence through story interaction and interpretive moments. The first book, The Bubble, is planned for publication in spring 2021, with Brave and Tweets to follow in fall 2021; Hannah Mann at Writers House brokered the deal for world rights.
Talia Benamy at Philomel has acquired world rights to The Planet We Call Home, a cumulatively told story about the ways various ecosystems on our planet are interconnected, showcasing our mutual responsibility to care for the Earth, by debut author Aimee Isaac (l.), illustrated by Jaime Kim. Publication is set for spring 2023; Alyssa Eisner Henkin and Alice Fugate at Trident Media Group represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has bought world rights to Lulu & Zoey by Carrie Finison (l.), illustrated by Brittany Jackson. The picture book follows the relationship of two sisters as they learn to share and get creative together. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary represented the author, and Lori Norwicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Nina Gruener at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to Beautiful Useful Thing by Beth Kephart (l.), illustrated by Melodie Stacie, a picture book about English artist William Morris, a passionate advocate for making beautiful, useful things, such as books. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has bought world rights to Just Be Claus, written by Barbara Joosse (l.). A boy named Claus worries that he is different from other kids, with his loud, jolly laugh and affinity for red clothing. But when a snowstorm threatens to ruin Christmas, Claus learns just how special he really is. Kim Barnes will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2021. Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
