Denene Millner at Simon & Schuster/Millner has acquired, in a preempt, Turning by Joy L. Smith. Pitched for fans of Brandy Colbert, this debut YA contemporary novel follows a promising young Black ballerina who must find the strength to confront the past after an injury causes her to reassess her plans for the future. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch Literary Services brokered the deal for world rights.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in an exclusive submission, an untitled YA fantasy duology pitched as Aztec Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games, where a transgender demigod must enter the Firebearer Trials to save his friends from sacrifice, plus a third YA novel, pitched as "gay Titanic in space," by Aiden Thomas (Cemetery Boys). Publication is planned for fall 2022, fall 2023, and fall 2024; Jennifer March Soloway at Andrea Brown Literary did the mid-six-figure deal for world rights.
Krista Marino at Delacorte has acquired, in a six-figure deal, You'd Be Home Now by Kathleen Glasgow (Girl in Pieces). Inspired by Thornton Wilder's classic play Our Town, the YA novel centers a contemporary small American town and a girl named Emory, who finds herself her brother's keeper after a near-fatal car accident and his return from rehab for opioid addiction, and the many secrets she must keep to hold her world together. Publication is set for fall 2021 with a second, untitled work to follow; Julie Stevenson at Massie and McQuilkin Literary Agents represented the author for world rights.
Kaitlin Ketchum at Ten Speed Press has bought world rights to The Comic Book Lesson by Mark Crilley (creator of the Mastering Manga series), a graphic novel that teaches readers how to create comics. The fictionalized narrative incorporates tips and tricks as readers follow the tale of a teenager who learns how to take her story idea and turn it into a real comic book. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary negotiated the deal.
Shaina Olmanson at Lerner/Twenty-First Century Books has acquired world rights to Connie Goldsmith's nonfiction YA Understanding Coronaviruses: SARS, MERS, and the Covid-19 Pandemic, covering topics such as how the pandemic started and spread, symptoms and treatment of Covid-19, terms such as "flattening the curve," and the new normal, with quotes from experts and interviews with healthcare providers and young people. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary brokered the deal.
Hannah Allaman at Delacorte has bought Into the Glades, the first middle-grade novel by Laura Sebastian, author of the Ash Princess series. After the death of their father and mentor unleashes a curse on their homeland, four friends must venture across an enchanted swamp in search of a witch who can bring back the dead, confronting fantastical creatures and their own emotional turmoil along the way. Publication is set for fall 2022; John Cusick at Folio Literary Management did the deal for world English rights.
Nancy Mercado at Dial has acquired, at auction, Fernanda Frick and Glenn Lazo's debut middle grade graphic novel, Raise the Bar. Sam dreams of becoming Chile's first Olympic gold medalist in weightlifting and leaves home to train at an international athletic center, but must contend with her family's misgivings. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Johanna Castillo at Writers House negotiated the deal for North American English- and Spanish-language rights.
Della Farrell at Holiday House has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Stories of the Islands and another graphic novel by debut author-illustrator Clar Angkasa. Stories of the Islands is based on Indonesian folklore and emphasizes female empowerment. Publication is slated for fall 2023, with the second book planned for spring 2025; the author was unagented.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to Punky Aloha, a picture book series by author-illustrator Shar Tuiasoa, starring Punky, an adventurous Polynesian girl. In the first book, Punky sets out on a quest for butter—her Grandma's banana bread depends on it! Overcoming her fears with a little magic and a lot of aloha, Punky saves the day and makes new friends along the way. Publication for the first book is scheduled for summer 2022; Tuiasoa was unagented.
Kelsey Skea at Amazon/Two Lions has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Jessie: Queen of the Road, a picture book by Lindsay Ward, told from the perspective of a motorcycle and inspired by the lives of four women who blazed new trails during the first half of the 20th century with their motorcycles. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Clelia Gore at Martin Literary & Media Management handled the deal for world rights.
Erin Clarke at Knopf has bought world rights to Window Fishing, a picture book by recording artist DK Dyson, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Rudy Gutierrez (Double Bass Blues). It tells the story of an overworked artist who learns to not be so cranky when the kid who lives upstairs sends down a paperclip hook attached to a fishing line. Publication is set for 2022; Edward Necarsulmer IV at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner represented the author and the illustrator.
Alyson Heller at Aladdin has acquired world English rights to If You Were a Princess, a picture book by Hillary Homzie (l.), illustrated by Udayana Lugo, a nonfiction look at historical and current princesses from many diverse lands who have made their marks on the world. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Victoria Wells Arms at Wells Arms Literary/HG Literary represented the author, and Kate Kendrick at Astound represented the illustrator.
Renee Kelly at Penguin Workshop has bought National Jewish Book Award winner Erica Perl's When Carrot Met Cookie, in which Carrot and Cookie confront their differences to discover if a dessert and vegetable can be friends, illustrated by Geisel Honor winner Jonathan Fenske. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Carrie Hannigan at HG Literary represented the author and illustrator for North American rights.
Hannah Lambert at Little Simon has acquired world rights to Wake Up, Freight Train by Danna Smith (The Hawk of the Castle), illustrated by Jon Andersen. In this board book, a variety of freight train cars are "woken up" and joined together for a nighttime journey. Publication is set for summer 2021; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Katie Wade at Lemonade Illustration Agency represented the illustrator.
Tamar Mays at HarperCollins has bought world rights to Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes A Congresswoman, a picture book autobiography by Sharice Davids (l.), with Nancy K. Mays (c.), and illustrated by Ojibwe artist Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (r.). This picture book follows the story of one of the first Native American women elected to Congress, and the first LGBTQ+ congressperson to represent Kansas. Publication is planned for summer 2021; the authors are unagented, and Jackie Kaiser at Westwood Creative Artists represented the illustrator.
Michelle Frey at Knopf has acquired, in a preempt, in a two-book deal, Does My Body Offend You?, plus a second novel, written by CNN special projects producer Mayra Cuevas (l.) and founding co-chair of El Refugio Marie Marquardt. This coming-of-age YA, told in dual points of view, follows a Puerto Rican teen who seeks justice after running afoul of her school's sexist dress code—and the white girl who wants to help her lead "The Bra-bellion" but must first learn how to become an effective ally. Publication is set for spring 2022; Saritza Hernandez at Andrea Brown Literary represented Cuevas, and Erin Harris at Folio Literary Management represented Marquardt in the deal for world rights.
Vicki Lame at Wednesday Books has bought Kate McLaughlin's Daughter, in which 17-year-old Scarlet finds out the father she's never known was a notorious serial killer, and now that he's dying, he'll only give the names of his remaining victims to her—if she agrees to meet with him. Publication is scheduled for winter 2022; Deidre Knight at the Knight Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown/Poppy has acquired world rights to Sister of the Bollywood Bride by Nandini Bajpai (A Match Made in Mehendi). The YA novel details one teen's summer spent planning her sister's Indian wedding as she balances family, a new romance, and a monster hurricane headed her way. Publication is planned for summer 2021; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal.
Wendy Loggia at Delacorte has bought Murder at the Hype House by Kiley Roache. Pitched as Knives Out meets One of Us Is Lying, the contemporary YA thriller is about a group of famous TikTokers who find themselves turning on each other when one member of the group turns up dead in the infinity pool of the Malibu mansion where they all live. Publication is slated for fall 2021; Nicole Resciniti at the Seymour Agency did the deal for world rights.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired, in a seven-house auction, Team Chu and the Laser Tag Adventure, a middle grade debut by Julie C. Dao. When a Vietnamese American brother and sister become trapped with their group of friends in a virtual reality laser tag game, they must overcome their sibling rivalry in order to escape, but one of them might have to make the ultimate sacrifice first. Publication is set for spring 2022; Tamar Rydzinski at Context Literary negotiated the three-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.
Arianne Lewin at Putnam has bought, in an exclusive submission, Clarice the Brave by Lisa McMann, author of the Unwanteds series. This middle grade novel follows mice siblings separated during a mutiny at sea, who must overcome hunger, loneliness, and cats in order to reunite with one another. Antonio Caparo will illustrate; publication is scheduled for fall 2021. Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret brokered the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Owens Lurie at Disney/Rick Riordan Presents has acquired Moko Magic and an untitled sequel by Tracey Baptiste, author of the Jumbies series. In this Caribbean folklore-inspired middle grade contemporary fantasy, a young Moko Jumbie—a protector spirit who walks on stilts—is learning her divining powers when she discovers a plot by a rogue Moko Jumbie to capture power during the annual Brooklyn Carnival. Publication is planned for 2023 and 2024; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt and Zacker Literary handled the deal for North American English rights.
Meghan Maria McCullough at Levine Querido has bought world rights to The Lost Ryū by Emi Watanabe Cohen. In this middle grade fantasy set in post-WWII Japan, Kohei Fujiwara must team up with his new neighbor to search for the truth, both about Kohei's family history and the disappearance of the giant ryū (dragons) that fought in the war. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Mary C. Moore at Kimberley Cameron & Associates negotiated the deal.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has acquired Pura Belpré Award-winning author Ruth Behar's The Story I Sing to You, in which daughters from several generations of a family seek freedom during revolutionary times. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Alyssa Eisner Henkin at Trident Media Group did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown has bought, at auction, world English rights to The Best Liars in Riverview, as well as an untitled novel, by Lambda Literary Fellow and debut author Lin Thompson. The middle grade novel stars 12-year-old Aubrey, who has been quietly questioning their gender identity, and their search for their missing best friend in the woods that used to be the kids' personal sanctuary. Publication is set for winter 2022; Beth Phelan at Gallt & Zacker brokered the deal.
Andrew Eliopulos at HarperCollins/Quill Tree has acquired Manatee Summer, a debut middle grade novel by Evan Griffith. During one transformational summer, 11-year-old Peter finds his voice to stand up for endangered Florida manatees while navigating the difficult feelings that stem from his grandpa's worsening dementia and the news that his best friend Tommy is moving away. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich, & Bourret negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has bought world English rights to Megan Wagner Lloyd's middle grade debut, Haven: The Story of a Cat. A timid young housecat must set out on a perilous journey when her human falls dangerously ill. To survive, Haven will need to find the strength to face a fearsome predator, live with loss, and become the truest, fiercest version of herself. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary did the deal.
Neal Porter at Holiday House/Porter has acquired world rights to Geisel Honoree Stephen Savage's Moonlight, a picture book that traces the mercurial path of moonlight, across city and country, from nightfall to dawn. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group brokered the deal.
Maria Russo at mineditionUS has bought, in an exclusive submission, The Path by New Yorker cover artist and author Bob Staake. The picture book is a celebration of making your way through life's many challenges by moving beyond binary thinking and finding your own authentic direction. Publication is set for spring 2022; Gillian Mackenzie at Mackenzie Wolf negotiated the deal for world rights.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Listen Up, Louella by author-illustrator Ashley Belote, wherein an overly excited elephant named Louella learns that listening leads to "ele-phantastic" friendships at summer camp. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds handled the deal for world rights.
Cheryl Eissing at Philomel has bought world rights to Carrie Tillotson's (l.) debut picture book, Counting to Bananas, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço. In this mostly rhyming picture book where a Banana and a Narrator can't agree what their book will be about, Banana goes from a star waiting in the wings to potentially… lunch?! Publication is slated for spring 2022; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the author and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the illustrator.
Suzy Capozzi at Sterling has acquired world rights to picture book Lovebird Lou by Tammi Sauer (l.), illustrated by Stephanie Laberis. In the book, a lovebird sees the amazing things other birds can do, and decides to be something other than a lovebird, with unexpected results. Publication is set for December 2021; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Christian Trimmer at Holt has bought world rights to The Greatest Spy of the Civil War: The Story of Mary Bowser by Jay Leslie (l.), illustrated by Rachelle Baker. The picture book biography follows Mary, a freed Black woman who went undercover as an enslaved person in the home of the Confederacy president to help the Union win the Civil War. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Julie Matysik at Running Press Kids has acquired world rights to the nonfiction picture book Kind Like Marsha: Learning from LGBTQ+ Leaders by Sarah Prager (l.), illustrated by Cheryl "Ras" Thuesday, an introduction to important and inspiring historical figures in the queer community. Publication is slated for May 2022; Carrie Howland at Howland Literary represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Yasemin Uçar at Kids Can Press has bought world rights to I'm Number One! Persona Poems by Extraordinary Animals by Linda Ashman (l.), a collection of "mask" or "persona" poems—each assuming the voice of a different subject—exploring animals with superlative characteristics (such as biggest or fastest). Kathleen Keenan will edit; Aparna Varma will illustrate. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Jennifer Mattson at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself in the deal.
