Emilia Rhodes and Nicole Sclama at HMH have acquired, in a preempt, The Darkening by debut author Sunya Mara. In this YA fantasy duology, the only hope for a city trapped in the eye of a cursed storm lies with the daughter of failed revolutionaries and a prince terrified of his throne. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022 and spring 2023 for books 1 and 2, respectively; Tracey Adams at Adams Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Kieran Viola and Rachel Stark at Disney-Hyperion have bought world rights to Twelfth Grade Night and King Cheer, the first two books in the Arden High series by Molly Horton Booth (l.) and Stephanie Kate Strohm (c.), illustrated by debut graphic novelist Jamie Green (r.). Shakespeare's tales get an update in this YA graphic novel series set at a modern-day high school where magic and fairies are real, the LGBTQ themes of the original plays are more than subtext, and the drama is quite literally Shakespearean. Publication for Twelfth Grade Night is set for fall 2022; Alex Slater at Trident Media Group represented Booth, Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency represented Strohm, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented Green.
Hannah Hill at Delacorte has acquired Not Here to Stay Friends by Love from Scratch author Kaitlyn Hill (no relation). Pitched as The Bachelor meets The Rest of the Story, this YA romance follows Sloane and Liam, two childhood friends who reunite in L.A. for the summer after five years apart. But when Liam's producer dad ropes him into working for a teen reality dating show and Sloane becomes a contestant, their lives take a turn for the unreal. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary did the deal for world rights.
Amy Fitzgerald at Carolrhoda has bought North American rights to The Deep Blue Between by Ayesha Harruna Attah. Set in 19th-century Brazil, Ghana, and Nigeria, this dual narrative YA novel follows the journeys of two sisters who try to find their way back to each other after being separated—even as they remain connected through dreams. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal on behalf of Sarah Odedina at Pushkin Children's Books.
Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, in an exclusive submission, It Ends with December by Joan F. Smith (The Half-Orphan's Handbook). Pitched as They Both Die at the End meets The Butterfly Effect, the YA novel features 17-year-old December, who uses her gift of foreknowledge to help lifeguard Nick save a drowning man—only to discover that her actions have put Nick's life at risk. Publication is set for winter 2023; Kerry D'Agostino at Curtis Brown Ltd. negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Maya Marlette at Scholastic has bought Why Would I Lie? by Adi Rule, a YA psychological thriller about a high school senior and class valedictorian who becomes obsessed with proving that a charismatic classmate is not all that he seems. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has acquired Omar Rising by Aisha Saeed (Amal Unbound). Her next middle grade novel is about a scholarship student who navigates the challenges of his new boarding school, class prejudices, and his drive to reach his dreams. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Mallory Kass at Scholastic has bought North American rights to Duppy Island by Shakirah Bourne, a middle grade adventure about an aspiring filmmaker who follows her family to a silent retreat, only to find the island haunted by soulless children. Kass also bought Josephine Against the Heartman, the middle grade sequel to Josephine Against the Sea. Publication is slated for 2022 and 2023, respectively; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt and Zacker Literary negotiated the deal.
Krestyna Lypen at Algonquin has acquired world rights to Camp QUILTBAG* by Nicole Melleby (l.) (Hurricane Season) and A.J. Sass (Ana on the Edge), in which 12-year-old Abigail and 13-year-old Kai attend a queer summer camp for very different reasons and make a pact to help one another find their footing at camp, all while navigating crushes, their queer identities, and a competition pitting cabin against cabin. Publication is set for spring 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented Melleby, and Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary represented Sass.
Martha Mihalick at Greenwillow has bought Camp Famous, and another middle grade novel by Jennifer Blecher (Stick with Me). This contemporary story follows shy but determined Abby as she sneaks away to an overnight camp for the most famous kids in the world, where she learns that fitting in means being your true self. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Alexander Slater at Trident Media Group did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Beverly Horowitz at Delacorte has acquired Kay's Anatomy by former doctor and bestselling author Adam Kay, illustrated by Henry Paker; Alison Romig will edit. The book offers a complete guide to the human body for middle grade readers. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Alice Grigg at Penguin Random House UK on behalf of Cathryn Summerhayes at Curtis Brown UK negotiated the deal for U.S., Canada, and open market rights.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought middle grade verse novel The Hope of Elephants by Amanda Rawson Hill. Just before Cass turns 12, her family finds out Dad needs chemo again and that Cass has a 50/50 chance of having the same genetic syndrome he does. There's only one thing for Cass to do: get them both to one last World Series game. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown Ltd. brokered the deal for world rights.
Katie Scott at Kids Can Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Puffin vs. Penguin by Helaine Becker (Counting on Katherine) and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester (The Fabulous Zed Watson!), a middle grade graphic novel about friendship and collaboration. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Susan Schulman at Susan Schulman Literary represented the author, and Michael Levine at Westwood Creative Artists represented the illustrator for world English rights.
Kate O'Sullivan at HMH has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Moon Remembers by Ezra Jack Keats Honor winner E.B. Goodale. This picture book assures young readers that no matter the moment or milestone, the moon remembers everyone when they were just babies, and will always be a benevolent constant for all creatures, great and small. Publication is set for spring 2023; Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Alyson Day at HarperCollins has bought world rights to Major Makes History: From the Shelter to the White House by Jill Twiss (l.) (Everyone Gets a Say), illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. This story of Major, one of the Biden family's German shepherds, focuses on the former shelter dog's journey and adjustment to the White House, and his urgent calling in life—to support and care for the president. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Brenda Bowen represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the artist.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired, at auction, world rights to Boys Don't Fry and an untitled picture book by Kimberly Lee (l.), illustrated by Charlene Chua. A Malaysian boy enthusiastically helps his grandmother prepare their family's New Year's dinner, all the while learning about the history of their traditional cuisine. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the illustrator.
Mary-Kate Gaudet at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to How Dinosaurs Went Extinct: A Safety Guide, written by Ame Dyckman (l.) and illustrated by Jenn Harney. This tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale "reveals," in rhyme, how nearly 30 species of dinosaurs went extinct by doing the very things parents repeatedly warn about. Publication is set for winter 2023. Scott Treimel at STNY represented the author, and Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books bought world rights to Just You and Me by Jennifer Ward and illustrated by Alexander Vidal, a picture book about unlikely pairs—like zebras and ostriches, hippos and egrets, and bees and flowers—that help each other survive in the wild. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel represented the author and the illustrator.
Anne Hoppe at Clarion has acquired world rights to Unflappable by Matt Ward (l.), illustrated by Scott Magoon. In the author's picture book debut, resilient flightless birds use ingenuity in their persistent quest to fly, leading to outrageous results in a celebration of unconventional problem-solving and determination. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Laura Rennert and Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Paul Rodeen at Rodeen Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Paula Wiseman at S&S/Wiseman has bought world rights to Beginning by Shelley Moore Thomas (l.) (From Tree to Sea), illustrated by Melissa Casatrillon. This picture book answers the question, "What does something become when it isn't itself anymore?" and shows the wonder of what happens at the end of something that causes something else to begin. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Cheryl Eissing at Philomel has acquired world rights to How to Get Your Octopus to School by Becky Scharnhorst (l.), illustrated by Jaclyn Sinquett. This back-to-school story shows readers how to safely deliver your shy and anxious octopus to his first day of school, thwarting his camouflage, ink, and all eight tentacles along the way. Publication is planned for summer 2023; James McGowan at BookEnds represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Asia Citro at Innovation Press has bought world rights to Locs, Not Dreads, written by Tonya Abari (l.) and illustrated by Chasity Hampton about a girl and her family who celebrate and take pride in wearing locs, because there is nothing "dreadful" about their hair. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Meredith Mundy at Abrams Appleseed has acquired world rights to Squeak-a-Boo! by Natasha Wing (l.), illustrated by Grace Habib, a lift-the-flap board book of rhyming riddles in which different animals, including a mouse and a chicken, play peek-a-boo with the reader. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the author and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Bria Ragin at Joy Revolution has acquired Queen Bee by bestselling romance author Amalie Howard. Pitched as a YA Bridgerton meets The Count of Monte Cristo, this historical romance with anti-historical elements features a teen girl who returns to London, under a fake identity, at the start of the glittering social season to exact revenge on the childhood best friend who betrayed her over a boy—a handsome marquess—now considered to be the town's most eligible bachelor. Publication is set for fall 2022; Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Maggie Lehrman at Amulet has bought, in an exclusive submission, world English rights to YA contemporary novel No Boy Summer by Amy Spalding. Lydia and her sister have had too much boy drama ever since—well, ever since they discovered boys. So this summer they're making a pledge: no boys. Lydia isn't expecting to fall for a girl, but she's not technically breaking her promise to her sister. What could go wrong? Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Kate Testerman at KT Literary brokered the deal.
Lisa Sandell at Scholastic has acquired Beneath the Wide Silk Sky by debut author Emily Inouye Huey. Set on an island in Washington state in the days leading up to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, the YA novel features a 15-year-old Japanese American girl who uses her passion for photography to document what is happening to her family and her town, as she fights to save her family's farm with the help of the boy next door. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary did the deal for North American rights.
Wendy Loggia at Underlined has bought Girl Overboard by thriller writer Sandra Block; Hannah Hill will edit. Pitched as Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10 for teens, the author's YA debut follows Izzy, who's reaching peak boredom on a cruise with her parents until she meets thrilling new friend Jade. When Jade goes missing in the middle of the night, leaving a cryptic note, Izzy must unravel the mystery of what happened to her—but someone doesn't want Izzy to make it off the ship alive. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Rachel Ekstrom at Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired, in a preempt, world English rights to Something Like Right and an untitled YA novel by H.D. Hunter. Something Like Right follows a Black boy sent to an alternative school where he finds himself experiencing the highs and lows of first love, all while contending with his complicated feelings about the reunion of his estranged mother and previously incarcerated father. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Leah Pierre at Ladderbird Literary represented the author.
Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired, at auction, world English rights to Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah (Foreshadow), a YA novel about a girl from a family of sea-monster trainers who will stop at nothing to be the first of her caste to compete in a monstrous chariot race. Winning means saving her family and losing will cost her everything. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency brokered the two-book deal.
Hannah Hill at Underlined has bought Bad at Love by Gabriela Martins (Like a Love Song). This YA romance follows Brazilian teen rocker Daniel, who has a bad boy reputation with the tabloids, and aspiring journalist Sasha, who's determined to dig up dirt on Daniel—and finds herself falling for him along the way. But when she uncovers Daniel’s biggest secret, Sasha must decide if she'll follow her heart or deliver the hottest story of the summer. Publication is set for summer 2022; Chelsea Eberly at Greenhouse Literary handled the deal for world rights.
Justin Krasner at Odd Dot has bought Be Smarter Now and Be Happier Now by Jacob Sager Weinstein, which consist of 100 quick and easy steps for teens to attain their goals in a practical and accessible way. Publication for both books is planned for spring 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Liesa Abrams, in her first acquisition for Labyrinth Road, preempted world English rights for two books in the middle grade fantasy series Heroes of Havensong by debut author Megan Reyes. The tale follows four children—a boy-turned-dragon, his reluctant dragon rider, a witch whose magic rebels against her, and a young soldier carrying the weight of family secrets—bound together by the Fates themselves as they find the will to trust one another before the world is torn apart and magic, as they know it, disappears forever. Publication for the first book is set for fall 2022; Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media represented the author.
Laura Godwin at Godwin Books preempted North American rights to Seed and an untitled second novel by award-winning Welsh author Caryl Lewis. Lewis's first English-language middle grade novel follows a boy named Marty, who doesn't have much, until his eccentric grandfather gifts him with a very special seed, and soon everything changes. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio did the deal on behalf of Anwen Hooson at Bird Literary in the U.K.
Clarissa Wong at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Unhappy Camper by Lily LaMotte (l.), illustrated by Ann Xu. This middle grade graphic story follows two sisters who rebuild their bond and learn more about their culture after going to a Taiwanese American summer camp. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Susan Graham at Einstein Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Jonathan Eaton at Tilbury House has bought world rights to Elephants Remember: The Story of Lawrence Anthony and Nana the Matriarch, written and illustrated by Jennifer O'Connell (Ten Timid Ghosts). The picture book follows the true story of Lawrence Anthony saving Nana the elephant and her herd, forming a bond so deep that the elephants knew of his death and returned to his house to mourn him. Publication is planned for September 2022; Marie Lamba at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author-illustrator.
Megan Tingley and Alexandra Hightower at Little, Brown have acquired world rights to the I Love My… series by Natasha Tarpley (l.), illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow. This series of four picture books stars spunky and determined seven-year-old Keyana, a girl full of big ideas that don't always go as planned, and the family, friends, and community she adores. Publication is set for fall 2022; Tanya McKinnon at McKinnon Literary represented the author for book one, and Jesseca Salky at Salky Literary Management for books 2–4, and Lori Nowicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Joanna Cárdenas at Kokila has bought world rights, at auction, in the two-book deal, to Angelica and La Guira by Angie Cruz (l.) (Dominicana), illustrated by Disney Television Animation story artist Luz Batista. The picture book debut follows a girl in Washington Heights who has been given a guira by her grandfather in the Dominican Republic and finds her musical voice—a power so strong that it brings her entire community together. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Dara Hyde at Hill Nadell Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Alvina Ling at Little, Brown has acquired, in an exclusive submission, How to Send a Hug by husband-and-wife team Hayley Rocco and Caldecott Honoree John Rocco, a picture book about the journey of hugs across miles in the form of handwritten letters and their power to keep us all connected. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Rob Weisbach at Rob Weisbach Creative Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Cheryl Klein at Lee & Low Books has bought Tenacious: Fifteen Adventures Alongside Disabled Athletes by Patty Cisneros Prevo, illustrated by Dion MBD. Using rhyme and prose, the picture book biography compilation profiles 15 athletes who compete in sports ranging from sled hockey to waveskiing to wheelchair motocross, focusing not only on the athletes' accomplishments, but their daily challenges and joys as disabled individuals. The #OwnVoices manuscript won the publisher's New Voices Award Honor. Publication is slated for spring 2022; the author was unagented, and Chad Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the artist.
Meredith Mundy at Abrams Appleseed has acquired bought world rights to Measuring a Year: A Rosh Hashanah Story by Linda Elovitz Marshall (l.), illustrated by Zara González Hoang. Through verse, this tale encourages a child to thoughtfully look back over their past year. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Georgia Amson-Bradshaw at Quarto/Ivy Kids has bought world rights to My Friend Tree by Dawn Casey (l.), illustrated by Geneviève Godbout, about two children who connect to each other through their shared gratitude of a tree in their garden. Publication is set for fall 2022, as part of Quarto's sustainably printed Ivy Kids list; James Catchpole at the Catchpole Agency represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Marilyn Brigham at Amazon Crossing Kids has acquired I Am You: A Book About Ubuntu by Refiloe Moahloli (l.), illustrated by Zinelda McDonald. First published in South Africa under the title We Are One, the picture book is a celebration of friendship, kindness, and the South African concept of ubuntu—the connectedness of all people. Publication is slated for winter 2022; Aoife Lennon-Ritchie at the Lennon-Ritchie Agency and Bieke Van Aggelen at African Literary did the deal for world English rights minus Southern Africa.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to Rosalind Looked Closer: The Story of Scientist Rosalind Franklin by debut author Lisa Gerin (l.), illustrated by Chiara Fedele. This picture book biography tells the story of Rosalind Franklin, who took the first photo of the DNA double-helix and whose study of the molecular structure of viruses contributed to the development of the polio vaccine. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency represented the author, and Kate Kendrick at Astound represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to two picture books written and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. The first, Magic, is a story inspired by the author's magical childhood growing up on a pineapple farm in Veracruz, Mexico. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022, and the second untitled book is scheduled for fall 2023; James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the author.
Maria Dismondy and Adam Blackman at Cardinal Rule Press have bought world rights to This Could Be You by Cindy Williams Schrauben (l.), illustrated by Julia Seal, a picture book debut to empower readers to believe in themselves, identify their value, and persevere. Publication is set for spring 2022; Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the author, and Erin Tisdel at Advocate Art represented the artist.
