Margaret Raymo at HMH has acquired The Windeby Child by two-time Newbery Medalist and The Giver author Lois Lowry. This genre-blending middle grade book, told in a four-act structure, draws from the history of the titular bog body found preserved in Germany and explores the potential timelines the child may have lived. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Emily van Beek at Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Sarah McCabe at S&S/McElderry has bought a YA duology by bestselling author Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights). Foul Lady Fortune, the first of the two books, is a speculative historical noir surrounding the events of Imperial Japan's expansion into China in the 1930s. A familiar character is recruited as a national spy, maintaining her false identity by posing as a young married couple with someone who might be the very enemy. Publication is set for fall 2022; Laura Crockett at Triada US Literary did the two-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.
David Levithan and Jeffrey West at Scholastic have acquired The Feeling of Falling in Love by Mason Deaver, as well as a second untitled standalone book. In this YA romance, when Neil Kearney's non-relationship ends right before his mother's latest wedding, he enlists the prep school roommate he barely tolerates to pose as his boyfriend, only for their temporary alliance to turn into something much more. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Lauren Abramo at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret handled the two-book deal for North American rights.
Alyza Liu at Simon & Schuster has bought, in an exclusive submission, The Kingdom of Without by Andrea Tang (Rebelwing; Renegade Flight). Pitched as a cyberpunk Six of Crows and set in an alternate history class-divided Beijing, a desperate young thief agrees to help a band of revolutionaries, including a mysterious renegade known only as the Red Yaksha, break out the leader of a failed rebellion. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired The Gamemaster's Society by Chelsea Ichaso (Little Creeping Things). In this YA thriller, Maren joins her elite boarding school's secret society in hopes of finding information about her missing best friend, but when the society's games take a dark turn, she must figure out how to win before someone winds up dead. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Uwe Stender at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights.
Emily Settle at Feiwel and Friends has bought a retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Kalynn Bayron for the publisher's new Remixed Classics line. The gothic reimagining will bring an intersectional twist to the classic tale by featuring queer Black teenagers navigating the oppressive society of the 19th century. Publication is set for winter 2023; Jamie Vankirk at Rainbow Nerds Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Amy Fitzgerald at Carolrhoda has acquired Gold Mountain by Betty Yee. In her debut YA novel, set in the 1860s, 15-year-old Ling disguises herself as a boy, journeys from China to the United States, and finds work as a laborer on the Central Pacific Railroad, where she faces danger on multiple fronts to earn money her family desperately needs. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Emily Keyes at Fuse Literary did the deal for world rights.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has bought, in a preempt, the Cretacea trilogy by debut middle grade author Skye Melki-Wegner, about warring dinosaur kingdoms in the spirit of Wings of Fire. After saving an enemy soldier, curious dinosaur Eleri is exiled to the Deadlands, where he joins a herd of other young exiles and uncover a terrible truth that could threaten the lives of all the herbivores in Cretacea. Publication for book one, The Exiles, is planned for winter 2023, and books two and three will publish in fall 2023 and spring 2024, respectively; Tracey Adams at Adams Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Beverly Horowitz at Delacorte has acquired world rights to RBG's Real Wonder Women: Brave, Brilliant, Jewish Women Who Inspire Everyone, written by Nadine Epstein (l.), introduced and selected by Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The passion project of Justice Ginsburg in the last year of her life, this collection of biographies paired with color portrait illustrations by debut artist Bee Johnson provides middle grade readers with a roster of more than 30 exemplary female role models. Publication is slated for fall 2021; the author was unagented, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the artist.
Joy Peskin at Farrar, Straus and Giroux has bought, in an exclusive submission, Jawbreaker by Christina Wyman. This debut middle grade novel follows a seventh grader with a craniofacial anomaly that's caught the attention of her school bullies—including her own sister. The author, like the novel's protagonist, grew up with a Class II malocclusion, which affected the shape of her jaw and therefore her teeth and her smile. Publication is set for spring 2023; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary did the deal for world rights.
Susan Rich at Little, Brown has acquired Borders by Thomas King, illustrated by Métis artist Natasha Donovan. This middle grade graphic novel adaptation of his short story of the same name addresses themes of identity, nationality, justice, and belonging from an Indigenous perspective. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Jackie Kaiser at Westwood Creative Artists brokered the deal for world rights (excluding Canada).
Wesley Adams at Farrar, Straus and Giroux has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Air by Monica Roe. In this debut middle grade novel, 12-year-old Emmie, a high-octane kid with wheelchair motocross dreams, is working hard to save up for the high-end stunt chair she's always wanted. But when her well-meaning community decides to intervene and "help," Emmie must find her own voice—and the courage to speak up for her right to get things done on her own terms. Publication is planned for winter 2022; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary represented the author.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired Neverforgotten by Alejandra Algorta (l.), illustrated by Iván Rickenmann, and translated by International Latino Book Award winner Aida Salazar in her first novel translation. It tells the story of the best bicycle rider in all of Bogotá who, one day, simply forgets how to ride. Publication is set for fall 2021; Pablo de la Vega did the deal for world English and Dutch and USC Spanish rights on behalf of Babel Libros; Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker represented the translator.
Jen Besser at Roaring Brook has bought world rights to What Are You? by Christian Trimmer (l.) (The Little Things), illustrated by Mike Curato (Flamer). Inspired by the author's and artist's own experiences growing up biracial, this picture book playfully explores ideas of identity through the eyes of a puggle and two poodles. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented both the author and artist.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has acquired world rights to Sow Seeds of Change by Nina Laden (l.) (You Are a Beautiful Beginning; Peek A Who), illustrated by Sawyer Cloud. This picture book reveals how small acts become the seeds for changes that can be not only personally gratifying but also powerful and transformative on a larger scale. Publication is set for fall 2022; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author and Sam Groff at the Advocate Art Agency represented the illustrator.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Hooray for DNA! by debut author Pauline Thompson, to be illustrated by Greg Pizzoli (The Watermelon Seed). A playful and rhythmic introduction to DNA, this picture book celebrates the similarities we share with all life forms and with each other. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Katie Cunningham at Big Picture has acquired Art of Protest: What a Revolution Looks Like by designer-activist De Nichols, featuring illustrations from Diego Becas, Diana Dagadita, Molly Mendoza, Raul Opera and Olivia Twist. Art of Protest looks at the role of the arts in protests throughout history and across the world and what it takes to make a collective visual impact. Publication is planned for September 2021; Bonnier Books UK did the deal for North American rights.
Howard Reeves at Abrams has bought Hope in a Hollow: How a Toy Helped Save Lives in the Holocaust by Elisa Boxer (l.), illustrated by Amy June Bates. It tells the true story of the brave teenage girl who risked her life to save those of many Jews in Paris using a wooden toy duck to ferry forged documents. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency represented the author, and Linda Pratt at Wernick & Pratt represented the illustrator.
Sylvie Frank at S&S/Wiseman has acquired world rights to How to Make a Memory by Elaine Vickers (l.), illustrated by Ana Aranda. This picture book celebrates memory and its place in helping us hold dear life's precious moments. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Adriana Dominguez at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.
Cecily Kaiser at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to How You Came to Be, a picture book about a baby's development in the womb, by Carole Gerber (l.), illustrated by Sawsan Chalabi. Publication is slated for April 2022; Liza Pulitzer Voges at Eden Street represented the author, and Marlena Torzecka at Marlena Agency represented the artist.
Kayla Tostevin at Page Street has acquired world rights to Payden's Pronoun Party by Blue Jaryn, illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo. This picture book features a child's quest for the best pronouns and a party for celebrating the perfect match. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Claire Draper at the Bent Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented themself.
Asia Citro at Innovation Press has bought world rights to Xavier's Voice by Ashley Franklin (l.), with art by debut illustrator Tatiana Gardel. This picture book follows a socially awkward boy who has no idea how to use his voice to make friends; but after sharing his sketchbook with a new buddy, he learns he doesn't have to mask who he is in the name of friendship. Publication is set for fall 2023; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Kayla Tostevin at Page Street Kids has acquired world rights to So Not Ghoul by Karen Yin (l.), illustrated by Bonnie Lui, an #OwnVoices picture book about a Chinese American ghost girl in bicultural fashion limbo. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at T2 Agency represented the illustrator.
Christy Cox at Little Bigfoot has bought world rights to Baba's Gift: A Persian Father's Love of Family by Ariana Shaheen Amini (l.) and Christina Maheen Amini (c.), illustrated by Elaheh Taherian (r.). Baba's Gift is a celebration of a Persian father's love of family, from his boyhood in Iran to his new life in America. Publication is slated for spring 2022; the authors and illustrator represented themselves.
Stephanie Owens Lurie at Disney-Hyperion has acquired Daughter of the Deep by Rick Riordan, the first stand-alone novel from the author not set in the Percy Jackson universe. The middle grade novel, an homage to Jules Vernes’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, features Ana Dakkar, the last living descendant of Captain Nemo, who must locate his secret island before her enemies find it and use his technology for nefarious purposes. Publication is scheduled for October 5, 2021; Nancy Gallt at Gallt & Zacker Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Sarah McCabe at S&S/McElderry has bought, in an exclusive submission, in a six-figure deal, Butcherbirds by Liselle Sambury (author of the forthcoming Blood Like Magic). In this standalone YA, a 17-year-old reluctant medium must confront the ghosts—both literal and figurative—of her mother's past when an inherited mansion in northern Ontario is not as idyllic as it would seem. In a parallel timeline years later, a budding investigative journalist attempts to uncover what happened to her. Publication is set for 2023; Kristy Hunter at the Knight Agency did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Rebecca Kuss at Inkyard has acquired, at auction, Seoulmates, along with a second untitled novel by Susan Lee. In this YA debut, recently dumped high school nobody Hannah Cho must face her unresolved feelings for her childhood best friend, Jacob Kim, when he returns to their San Diego hometown as the newest K-drama heartthrob—and blackmails her into completing his summer bucket list with him before he's thrust back into stardom in Korea. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary brokered the two-book deal for world English rights.
Foyinsi Adegbonmire at Feiwel and Friends has bought And Other Mistakes and a second book by debut author Erika Turner. The coming-of-age story takes place a year after 17-year-old Las Vegas teen Aaliyah Marshall is outed and her life falls apart. Now in her senior year, she grapples with family drama, her crush on the new girl, a best friend who may want more, regaining the trust of her cross-country team, and figuring out what's next. Publication is planned for winter 2023; Quressa Robinson at Nelson Literary negotiated the six-figure deal for North American rights.
Calista Brill at First Second has acquired world rights to an untitled YA graphic memoir by Thien Pham; Alex Lu will edit. The book follows the author's experience as a Vietnamese child refugee who immigrates to America with his family, telling the story of his childhood and teen years in the U.S. through the lens of food and meals. Publication is scheduled for 2023; the author was unagented.
Deanna McFadden at Wattpad has bought world rights to Rest Easy by ghostwriter turned novelist Warona Jolomba. A coming-of-age tale inspired by a true story, the novel centers on two teens who form a bond while volunteering in a retirement home over a fateful summer filled with love and loss. Publication is set for fall 2021; the author was unagented.
Courtney Stevenson at HarperCollins/Quill Tree has acquired a YA nonfiction book by speaker and "financial hype woman" Berna Anat, whose mission is to make personal finance less male, less pale, and more empowering for young people trying to figure out how to handle their money and shape their world. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Tabia Yapp at Beotis Creative brokered the deal for world rights.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought Resilience and a second untitled middle grade novel by Newbery Honor author Jasmine Warga. Told from the point of view of an anxious Mars rover named Res and featuring a cast of other NASA vehicles, it's the story of a dangerous mission that Res must fulfill with bravery, determination, humor, and resilience. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group did the deal for world English rights.
Mary Cash at Holiday House has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights for an untitled middle grade novel by No Ordinary Thing author G.Z. Schmidt; Kelly Loughman will edit. In the story, a reclusive family invites nearly everyone in a remote village to a Halloween celebration, which sets off a mystery adventure. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Adria Goetz at Martin Literary Management negotiated the deal.
Kelsey Murphy at Philomel has bought, in an exclusive submission, The Webs We Weave by debut author Lakita Wilson. In this middle grade novel, 12-year-old Macy, fresh off her latest friendship breakup, attempts to start over in a new town. But as she resorts to old habits—stitching together a new life for herself one small lie at a time—things begin to fall apart, and Macy must decide whether to keep chasing after the person she thinks she's supposed to be or to embrace the people who see her for who she really is. Publication is set for summer 2022; Melanie Castillo at Root Literary handled the two-book, six-figure deal for world English rights.
Matt Ringler at Scholastic has acquired two middle grade horror novels from Hide and Seeker author Daka Hermon. The first, Down with the King, pitched as A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors meets Monster Squad, features a horrible dream world creeping into reality and the diverse cast of kids who have to stop it. Publication for the first novel is slated for 2022; Emily Keyes at Fuse Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has bought Cat and Cat Adventures: The Quest for Snacks by comic artist Susie Yi in a preempt. The graphic novel follows two cats who, while their human is at work, learn to use their hidden powers to create a potion for unlimited snacks, and find themselves accidentally teleported to a deserted island. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Kathleen Ortiz at New Leaf Literary & Media negotiated the six-figure, three-book deal for world English rights.
Rachel Sonis at Penguin Workshop has acquired, in an exclusive submission, What Was the Turning Point of the Civil War?: Alfred Waud Goes to Gettysburg by Eisner Award nominee and NBA longlisted cartoonist Ellen T. Crenshaw (Kiss Number 8). Publication is scheduled for spring 2022 as part of the newly announced Who HQ graphic novel series; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary did the deal for world rights.
Alison Deering at Capstone has bought world rights to ¡Hola Lola!, a new chapter book series by Guatemalan-born author Karen Krause, writing as Keka Novales. The series will follow Lola Lopes Martinez, a second-generation Hispanic American girl, as she navigates the "firsts" of growing up. Publication is set for fall 2022; Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary brokered the four-book deal.
Nathaniel Tabachnik at Penguin Workshop has acquired The Me Tree and a second untitled early reader book by author-illustrator Ashley Belote. It's the story of a bear who has had it with living with roommates, but when he finally finds his own tree ("just for me!"), he discovers that this perfect house may be home to a number of uninvited guests. Publication for the first book is planned for fall 2021; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Susan Rich at Little, Brown has bought The Impossible Mountain by David Soman. This modern folktale celebrating ingenuity and resilience follows two siblings who set out to explore the extraordinary world that lies beyond their village wall. Publication is slated for fall 2021; Douglas Stewart at Sterling Lord Literistic did the deal for world rights.
Melissa Manlove at Chronicle has acquired world rights to The Red Tin Box by Matthew Burgess (l.) (The Bear and the Moon), a picture book about the best secrets of childhood and the way they grow into ageless gifts. Evan Turk (A Thousand Glass Flowers) will illustrate. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the artist.
Neal Porter at Holiday House has bought world rights to Maple and Rosemary by children's author and cofounder of Kindling Words Alison James (l.), illustrated by Jennifer K. Mann. The book follows a lifelong friendship between a girl and a sugar maple tree that defies the elements and withstands the test of time. Publication is set for spring 2023; Jennifer Weltz at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency represented the author, and Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired world rights to Before Colors by Annette Bay Pimentel (All the Way to the Top) (l.), illustrated by Madison Safer. The picture book explores how people have, throughout time and across the world, used the natural materials they find around them to make color. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Victoria Rock at Chronicle has bought world rights to Grief Is an Elephant by Tamara Ellis Smith (l.) and illustrated by Nancy Whitesides, a picture book in which a child experiences grief as it evolves over time, first as large as an elephant and ultimately in the form of a firefly. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Vicky Holifield at Peachtree has acquired world rights for Bioblitz by Susan Edwards Richmond (l.), illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman. When Gabriel hosts his cousin Ava for a week in the city, they are both in for a surprise. Gabriel's father, a local park ranger, is running a Biodiversity Day (or Bioblitz), and he invites Gabriel and Ava to participate. Publication is set for fall 2022; Stephen Fraser at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Tofu Takes Time by Helen H. Wu (l.), illustrated by Julie Jarema. Inspired by the author's memories of learning to make tofu with her grandmother, this picture book invites readers to ponder how patience can bring the whole universe together in a simple dish in a modern Chinese American family. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; the author and illustrator were unagented.
Suzy Krogulski and Rebecca Davis at Boyds Mills have acquired, in a four-book deal, world rights to Arithmechicks Take a Calculation Vacation and Arithmechicks Play Fair, plus two additional picture books featuring the same characters, written by Ann Marie Stephens (l.) and illustrated by Jia Liu. The first two titles follow STEM-savvy chicks who get in and out of trouble as they demonstrate basic math skills. Publication for the books will be twice a year beginning in spring 2022; Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Jill Braithwaite at Beaming Books has bought world rights to How to Train Your Pet Brain by Cat Dog Dog author Nelly Buchet (l.), with illustrations by Amy Jindra; Liz Schleisman will edit. This self-help picture book invites children to train their brains, much like a pet, to mitigate overwhelming reactions that do not serve them like anxiety and extreme anger. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Erzsi Deak of Hen&ink Literary Studio represented the author, and Lucie Luddington of the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Christopher Robbins of Familius has acquired world rights to My House, My Family, written by C. Hope Finchbaugh (l.) and illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth. This picture book celebrates diversity and inclusiveness in its depictions of many varied families and homes. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Hartline Literary represented the author and Essie White of Storm Literary represented the illustrator.
