Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired, in a four-house auction, The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by debut author Sonora Reyes. A YA contemporary for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, it follows 16-year-old Yamilet Flores, who has just started at a new Catholic school after being outed by her ex-best friend and crush at her old school. Her new goals: make her mom proud, keep her brother out of trouble, and most importantly, don't fall in love. But that's not easy when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is funny, cute, and seems like she might be interested in Yami. Publication is set for spring 2022; Alexandra Levick at Writers House did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Amanda Ramirez at Simon & Schuster has bought Retro, a contemporary YA thriller by Jarrod Shusterman and Sofía Lapuente. To save her struggling family, Luna enters a competition offering reward money to anyone who can successfully live without modern technology for a year. But when this social experiment turns sinister and her classmates start disappearing, her family's livelihood might not be the only thing she's in danger of losing. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Andrea Brown at Andrea Brown Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Lurie at Disney-Hyperion has acquired, in an 11-house auction, Ellie Engle Saves Herself by Leah Johnson, first in a middle grade contemporary series with a hint of magic, described as a superhero origin story in the tone of the Baby-sitters Club. After a freak earthquake hits the titular 12-year-old heroine's small town, she finds that she has the ability to bring things back to life with her touch. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary & Media brokered the seven-figure, two-book deal for North American rights.
Kate Harrison at Dial, in an offer made as a three-imprint house bid, has bought Mexikid, a middle grade graphic memoir by cartoonist Pedro Martin in a preempt. Recounting the winter that Pedro's family piled into a Winnebago and drove down to a small town near Guadalajara with a mission—bring their Abuelito back to America—the memoir is a family story going back generations to the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s and an epic road trip story. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Daniel Lazar at Writers House sold North American rights.
Kiara Valdez at First Second has acquired, at auction, world rights to Fool's Gold and a sequel by author-illustrator Quinne Larsen. In this debut middle grade graphic novel, the unlikely duo of enthusiastic Pili and suspicious Clover travel across an endless desert full of small towns and strange people, getting into trouble and helping those who need it—all in the hopes of solving their own mysteries, and slowly becoming friends along the way. Publication is set for summer 2024; Kurestin Armada at Root Literary represented the author-illustrator.
Anna Bloom at Scholastic has bought, in an exclusive submission, the first four books in a young middle grade fantasy series by two-time Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat. In Legends of Lotus Island, a girl with a mysterious past tries to survive her first year at an ancient island temple where kids learn to transform into magical creatures sworn to protect all living things. Publication is planned for 2023; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Sarah Ketchersid at Candlewick has acquired, at auction, world rights to Millie, written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, as well as a second untitled picture book. The first book tells the story of a child overcoming shyness and anxiety, gaining comfort and confidence from the love and companionship of a new dog. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Paul Rodeen at Rodeen Literary represented the author.
Neal Porter at Holiday House/Porter has bought Tadpoles by Boston Globe-Horn Book and Governor General's Award-winning author-illustrator Matt James, about a father and son's walk to an ephemeral pond teeming with tadpoles, and the sense of wonder to be found in the natural world. Publication is slated for spring/summer 2023; Jackie Kaiser at Westwood Creative Arts brokered the deal for world rights.
Kelly Delaney at Knopf has acquired Nesting Dolls by author-illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Just Like Me; Grandma's Purse), about a girl struggling to find her place within her family, and the beautiful and unexpected ways her Gullah ancestry has made her who she is. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Lori Nowicki at Painted Words handled the two-book deal for world rights.
Taylor Norman at Chronicle has bought Little Wonder, written and illustrated by Claire Keane, about a boy's day under the sea on an uncharted path full of new places, adventures, and unexpected friends that help him find the courage to face uncertainty and his way back home. Publication is set for spring 2022; Steven Malk at Writers House negotiated the deal for world rights.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has acquired world rights to Brian the Dancing Lion, written and illustrated by Tom Tinn-Disbury. This musical picture book tears apart any lingering notions of gender (and lion) stereotypes, celebrating the importance of believing in yourself, trusting your friends, and dancing at every opportunity. Publication is scheduled for January 2022; Beth Sparks at Plum Pudding Illustration represented the author-illustrator.
Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at Heartdrum have bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Rock Your Mocs written by Laurel Goodluck (l.) and illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight. This celebratory book highlights Rock Your Mocs Day, an annual Native American and Indigenous peoples' movement promoting Native pride, which takes place during Native American Heritage Month. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Farrin Jacobs at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Brown Girl, Brown Girl by poet Leslé Honoré (l.), illustrated by Coretta Scott King and Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera (Me & Mama). This debut picture book is inspired by Honoré's poem that went viral in 2020, which celebrates the beauty and strength of girls of color. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Johanna Castillo at Writers House represented the author, and Victoria Sanders at Victoria Sanders & Associates represented the illustrator.
Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has bought world rights to The Gift of the Great Buffalo by author of the Caldecott-winning We Are Water Protectors Carole Lindstrom (l.), illustrated by Aly McKnight. A Metis-Ojibwe girl has traveled far with her family for the buffalo hunt, but when there are no buffalo to be found, she must help her family find the herd that will enable them to survive the long winter. Publication is set for winter 2023; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Clarissa Wong at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to a debut picture book Chloe's Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte (l.), illustrated by Michelle Lee. Chloe joyously joins in her family's Lunar New Year traditions, all the while honoring and remembering her beloved A-má. The story introduces the rich cultural celebration of the holiday but also taps into universal themes of finding joy amid loss. Publication is slated for winter 2023; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Krestyna Lypen at Algonquin has bought world rights to Sunny & Oswaldo by Nicole Melleby (l.), illustrated by Alexandra Colombo, which charts a girl's relationship with her moody father and his prickly cat, and her journey to understand them both when the cat goes missing. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired, in an exclusive submission, A Monster Is Eating This Book by Karen Kilpatrick, illustrated by Germán Blanco, as well as the third picture book in their When Pencil Met Eraser series. In the first book, the words and pages are slowly getting eaten by the monster inside of it. Why is he eating all the words out of the book? Why is his shadow so scary? Publication of both titles is set for 2022; Deborah Warren at East West Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought world rights to If You Like Butterflies by Lola Schaefer (l.), illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. This picture book is an accessible, scientific overview of butterflies that explores species classification, anatomy, nutrition, metamorphosis, and ecosystems. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has acquired world English rights to We Are Starlings by Robert Furrow (l.) and Donna Jo Napoli, illustrated by Marc Martin. The rhythmic picture book follows the twists and turns of a starling murmuration through the sky. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the authors, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has bought world rights to A Room of Your Own: Virginia Woolf and Where We Go to Think, Dream, Be by Beth Kephart (l.), illustrated by Julia Breckenreid, a picture book inspired by the writer and her famous essay, and the importance of having space to oneself. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Wiley Blevins at Reycraft has acquired The Legend of the Spirit Serpent by Adaiah Sanford, winner of the First Annual Caribbean Writer's Contest, illustrated by Afro-Caribbean artist Ken Daley. This retelling of a traditional Kalinago tale has a twist that challenges gender inequality. Publication is set for winter 2022; the author was represented by Anette Thomas-Sanford, her mother, and the illustrator was represented by Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has bought world rights to Baa Baa Tap Sheep by debut author Kenda Henthorn (l.), illustrated by Lauren Gallagos. In this picture book, little lambs must learn all the best dance moves to help children count sheep to sleep. But when one sheep livens up the beat, the skeptical wooly ones must triple time their feet—until one little lamb intervenes. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Emma Parkin at Barefoot Books has acquired Joy to the World: Christmas Around the Globe by Kate DePalma (l.), illustrated by Italian artist Sophie Fatus. This rhyming nonfiction book invites young readers to experience Christmas traditions in 13 countries around the world. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; the author and the illustrator represented themselves in the deal for world rights.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Hattie Hates Hugs, written by debut author Sarah Hovorka (l.), illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee. This picture book tells a story about a girl who just wants to play horseshoes at the family reunion but must make her way through overly affectionate relatives, and learns to establish her boundaries with confidence. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Kaitlyn Sanchez represented the author when she was at Olswanger Literary, and Deborah Warren at East-West Agency represented the illustrator.
Karen Lotz at Candlewick has acquired at auction, in a three-book deal, an untitled YA autobiography by Zion Clark (l.), known internationally for his athletic feats and as the subject of an award-winning Netflix short documentary. Clark's first autobiography chronicles his journey from his foster care childhood to his rise as an elite high school wrestler through his current training and competitions in pursuit of his goal of representing the U.S. in the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2021; publication is set for 2022. The other two books in the deal are Zion Unmatched, a photo essay co-written with James S. Hirsch set for summer 2021, timed to Clark's quest for Olympic and Paralympic gold; and a picture book. Katie Cunningham at Candlewick will edit all three titles. Todd Shuster at Aevitas Creative Management did the deal for world rights.
Anne Schwartz at Random/Schwartz has bought world rights to the next YA nonfiction title from Candace Fleming (The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh). This untitled project will explore American cults of past and present—such as Jim Jones and the People's Temple, and Mathias the Prophet and the Mount Zion Group—and the influence they've had in our culture and on our lives. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Ethan Ellenberg at the Ethan Ellenberg Agency brokered the deal.
Claudia Gabel at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar (The Henna Wars), a high-stakes and romantic heist YA novel set on the Titanic, in which four girls team up to steal a priceless jewel-encrusted book on board the infamous ship. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Uwe Stender at Triada US represented the author.
Andrew Karre at Dutton has bought Diamond Park by Phillippe Diederich, a contemporary YA novel that tells the story of four Mexican American teenagers from Houston, a '59 Impala, and the murder that changes all their lives. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Isabelle Bleecker at Nordlyset Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Maggie Rosenthal at Viking has acquired, at auction, Made of Stars by debut YA author Jenna Voris. Inspired by Bonnie and Clyde and set in space, this YA novel follows Shane and Ava, two renegades who live outside the law, and Cyrus, the recent military academy grad who is hot on their trail. When they collide in a battle over planetary resources, the three of them have to decide how much they're willing to sacrifice for their homes, their futures, and for love. Publication is set for spring 2023; Claire Friedman at InkWell Management handled the deal for North American rights.
Hannah Milton at Little, Brown has bought world rights to The Drowned Woods by Emily Lloyd-Jones (The Bone Houses). This YA fantasy novel is part dark fairy tale and part heist novel about the last living water diviner, 18-year-old Mererid, who has spent years running from the prince who bound her into his service when she was a child. When her old handler returns and asks Mer to destroy the magical well that keeps the prince's lands safe, she can't refuse. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic brokered the deal.
Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights to We Are Mayhem by debut author Beck Rourke-Mooney. Pitched as Glow meets Moxie and set against the very male world of underground indie wrestling, the YA novel follows Birdie as she is befriended by Abigail Rose, who thinks Birdie could be the perfect performer to help her take her family's wrestling promotion in a new, more feminist direction, if only Birdie can get over her desire to blend in. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Lauren MacLeod at the Strothman Agency negotiated the deal.
Mari Kesselring at Flux has bought Every Variable of Us by Charles A. Bush. This YA contemporary debut, pitched as The Hate U Give meets Moonlight, is a timely story about race, love, and being true to yourself. After Philly teenager Alexis Duncan is injured in a gang shooting, her basketball career comes to a halt. At the urging of new Indian student (and crush?) Aamani, Alexis shifts her focus to the school's STEM team in hopes of earning a college scholarship, but gains more than she could have imagined. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Christopher Schelling at Selectric Artists Literary and Talent Management did the deal for world rights.
Olivia Valcarce at Scholastic Press has acquired Over and Out by Jenni L. Walsh (I Am Defiance). In this middle grade historical novel set in Cold War Germany, a science-loving girl dreams of a better future on the other side of the Berlin Wall. When she is forced to spy for the East German secret police, she risks everything to plot an escape. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has bought, at auction, Doña Quixote: Knight of the Nagual and a sequel by Rex Ogle writing as Rey Terciero, illustrated by Monica M. Magaña. This middle grade graphic novel is a gender-flipped reimagining of Don Quixote that follows Lucia Castillo's obsession with becoming a modern-day knight. After finding a family heirloom that lets her see the supernatural world of Mexican lore, Lucia's parents think she's imagining things just like her "Abuelo Loco" had years before, but she's determined to prove them wrong and thwart the villainous Mayor's dangerous plans for the town. Publication is set for spring 2023 and 2024; Simon Lipskar at Writers House represented the author on behalf of Temple Hill Publishing, and the illustrator represented herself.
Elise Howard and Krestyna Lypen at Algonquin have acquired world rights to Smaller: The Search for Subatomic Particles by Katie Slivensky, with Lypen editing. This middle grade nonfiction debut will trace the wild journeys scientists have embarked on to find evidence of the existence of ever-smaller matter, and show how what they find helps us understand the universe. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary brokered the deal.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has bought world rights to Happily Ever After Rescue Team: Agents of H.E.A.R.T. by Sam Hay (l.), illustrated by Genevieve Kote. In this new chapter book series, a nine-year-old girl's wish to help out in her family's seaside café gets out of hand when she accidentally summons a rescue squad of meddling fairy tale princesses. Publication for book one is planned for February 2022; Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency represented the author, and James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired, in a preempt, Izzy Paints by author-illustrator Tim Miller. In this picture book, a young koala struggles with the pressure of a blank canvas, only to discover the joy and freedom of letting go to create something new. Publication is set for summer 2022; Steven Malk at Writers House handled the two-book deal for world rights.
Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has bought world rights to Something Beautiful, a picture book written and illustrated by Lita Judge. In this celebration of friendship, Mouse, Elephant, Giraffe, Porcupine, Warthog, and Lion explore the world together and discover the beauty that comes with making new friends. Publication is slated for summer 2022; the author-illustrator represented herself.
Meriam Metoui at Viking has acquired world rights for On a Rainy Day by debut author-illustrator Sarah LuAnn Perkins. This picture book celebrates the sounds of a rainy day, in which a girl and her father retreat indoors while waiting for a rainstorm to pass. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Adria Goetz at Martin Literary Management negotiated the deal.
Ilona Oppenheim at Tra Publishing has bought Sweet People Are Everywhere by Alice Walker, illustrated by Quim Torres. This picture book featuring Walker's 2013 poem of the same title is a celebration of humanity and globalism. The poem addresses an American boy getting his first passport and walks the boy through a series of countries, focusing on the "sweet people" to be found all over the world. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Joy Harris at Joy Harris Literary brokered the deal.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane has acquired world rights to All By Himself, written by National Book Award finalist Elana K. Arnold and illustrated by Giselle Potter, the story behind one child's magnificent masterpiece and all the people he didn't realize were part of it. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented the author, and Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Hooray for DNA! by debut author Pauline Thompson, 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 set for spring 2023; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired world rights to Let Us March On! by Yohuru Williams (l.) and Michael G. Long, illustrated by Xia Gordon, which tells the story of James Weldon Johnson and the Silent Protest Parade, the first mass all-Black march for civil rights in the U.S. and the first time that children played a primary role in a protest march of this kind. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Joan Brookbank at Joan Brookbank Projects represented Williams, John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich and Bourret represented Long, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Samantha Swenson at Tundra has bought world rights to How to Teach Your Cat a Trick, written by Nicola Winstanley (l.) and illustrated by Zoe Si, a picture book about a kid trying and failing to teach their cat special skills. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; the author represented herself, and Lindsay Auld at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear has acquired There Was a Hole by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Carrie O'Neill, a story about loss, change, and ultimately how love sustains us. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has bought world rights to The Perfect Tree, by Corinne Demas (l.), illustrated by Penelope Dullaghan, a picture book about a bunny who searches for the perfect tree, only to discover she didn't have to look very far at all. Publication is set for fall 2022; Ariana Philips at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency represented the author, and Scott Hull at Scott Hull Associates represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has acquired That's Mine! and Undies, Please! by debut author Sumana Seeboruth (l.), illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin (Family Reunion). These board books explore the ups and downs of friendship at daycare, and potty-training at home. Publication is planned for fall 2021; the author and the illustrator represented themselves in the deal for world rights.
