Wendy Loggia at Underlined has acquired Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg. Pitched as Love from A to Z meets When Dimple Met Rishi, 17-year-old Dua spends the month of Ramadan in NYC with family she hasn't seen in years and tries to find common ground with her cousins and juggle the complexities of faith and the obstacles life throws in her way—all while battling her hormones whenever she sees Hassan, the cute drummer in a Muslim band who shows up at her most awkward moments. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Jamie Vankirk at Rainbow Nerds Literary sold world rights.
Sylvan Creekmore at Wednesday has bought, in a preempt, contemporary YA romance Ander and Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa. Pitched as Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe meets The Sun Is Also a Star, a non-binary teen muralist falls for the newest waiter at their family's taquería, sparking a romance made complicated when ICE shows up at the taquería and the love interest is a potential target. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Claire Draper at the Bent Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Krista Marino at Delacorte has acquired, in a preempt, The Grimoire of Grave Fates, a multi-authored YA fantasy-mystery told in a series of interconnected, diverse POVs set in a world created by Hanna Alkaf (The Weight of The Sky) and Margaret Owen (The Merciful Crow), following the untimely murder of a professor at an esteemed wizarding school and the efforts of various students to track down his killer. Contributors will include Cam Montgomery, Darcie Little Badger, Hafsah Faizal, Jessica Lewis, Julian Winters, Karuna Riazi, Kat Cho, Kayla Whaley, Kwame Mbalia, L.L. McKinney, Marieke Nijkamp, Mason Deaver, Natasha Diaz, Preeti Chhibber, Randy Ribay, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Victoria Lee, and Yamile Saied Méndez. Pitched as a response to the exclusion of minority and LGBTQ+ groups from fantasy worlds, the creators will be partnering with We Need Diverse Books to establish initiatives for marginalized authors using their proceeds from the sale. Publication is set for fall 2022; Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary represented the authors for world rights.
Laura Godwin at Godwin Books has bought two YA nonfiction books on political activist Emma Goldman and Anne Frank's sisters by Deborah Heiligman, the National Book Award finalist and Printz Honor author of Torpedoed, Vincent and Theo, and Charles and Emma. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023 and spring 2025 respectively; Susan Ginsburg at Writers House handled the deal for North American rights.
Stephanie Guerdan at HarperTeen has acquired, at auction, Acting the Part by Z.R. Ellor (May the Best Man Win). In this sophomore YA novel, a teenage actor questioning their gender identity starts a fake relationship with a co-star to convince their showrunners to give their on-screen f/f couple a happy ending. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Kaitlyn Johnson at Belcastro Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought YA horror graphic novel Controlled Burn by Marie Enger. Sparrow knows something is wrong: with their town, with their brother... and definitely with them. Publication is slated for 2024; Cory Casoni at CRWN Studios represented the creator for world rights.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook has acquired, in a five-house auction, world rights to We Are All Apollo: The Fight for Equality, the Quest for Space, and the Unsung Heroes Who Made the Difference by Coretta Scott King Honoree Greg Neri (l.) and Caldecott and Sibert Honoree John Rocco, an illustrated look at the achievements of pioneering Black technicians, mathematicians, engineers, and astronauts who overcame systemic racism to make significant contributions to NASA's greatest triumphs, and the ways the civil rights movement intersected with the space program. Edward Necarsulmer IV at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary represented Neri, and Rob Weisbach at Rob Weisbach Creative Management represented Rocco.
Caroline Abbey and Jenna Lettice at Random House have bought two books in the middle grade series The Fifth Hero: Climate Chaos by Bill Doyle (Escape This Book! ). In the stories, four kids become unlikely climate superheroes with the powers of Land, Air, Sea, and Creatures as they protect Earth from the onslaught of a destructive corporation, working to make humans abandon the Earth. Through choose-your-own-adventure elements, the reader (the fifth hero) makes decisions affecting the future of the planet. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023 and 2024; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary did the deal for world rights.
Clarissa Wong at HarperAlley has acquired North American rights to Shakti, the debut graphic novel by SJ Sindu, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali. The middle grade story follows an Indian American girl who unleashes the power of the Hindu goddess Kali Ma when she confronts a coven of mean-girl witches. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Erin Harris and John Cusick at Folio Literary brokered the two-book deal for the author, and James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has bought world rights to Wave by Diana Farid (l.) (When You Breathe), illustrated by Kris Goto, a middle grade novel in verse set in Southern California in the 1980s about a Persian American girl who rides the waves, falls, and finds her way back to the shore. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Fun Lovin' Curmudgeon by Bob Shea, illustrated by Geisel-winning artist Laurie Keller. A crowd of unpopular vocabulary words compete for the prestigious honor of being included in a book in this picture book about the richness of language, scheduled for fall 2023. Steve Malk at Writers House represented the author and the illustrator.
Kate O'Sullivan at HMH has bought a picture book from Craig Foster (l.) and Ross Frylinck, creators of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. The untitled project will offer an immersive dive into the deep ocean, complete with photographs of never-before-seen animal behaviors and transformative lessons of the sea. Publication is set for fall 2022; Rachel Neumann at Idea Architects represented Foster and Frylinck in the deal for North American rights.
Yolanda Scott at Charlesbridge has acquired world rights to The Unknown Soldier by Jess M. Brallier, illustrated by Jamie Peterson. This picture book follows a boy on a family trip to Washington, D.C., where he learns to appreciate the sacrifices made by military veterans and develops a sense of honor and respect for those who serve. Publication is planned for fall 2022; the creators represented themselves.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has bought world rights to Wall of Respect by Jabari Asim, illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Noa Denmon, a picture book in which two siblings help their father and other painters create a community mural in their African American neighborhood. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Joy Harris at Joy Harris Literary represented the author, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Christian Trimmer at Henry Holt has acquired world rights to the picture book Pop's Perfect Present, written by Corey Finkle, illustrated by Lenny Wen; Kate Farrell will edit. Wanting to thank her father for being generally awesome, a girl tries to come up with an unforgettable gift, only to discover that, in Dad's opinion, spending time with her is the perfect present. Publication is set for spring 2023; Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Meriam Metoui at Viking has bought All I Need by K.A. Reynolds (l.), illustrated by Chloe Dominique. This picture book debut features a girl and her dog as they deal with anxiety and fear of the unknown. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency represented the author, and Frederica Dawson at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired world rights to Bug on the Rug by Florida State Book Award Gold Medalist Sophia Gholz (l.), a read-aloud with themes of inclusiveness, forgiveness, friendship, and humor, illustrated by Susan Batori. Publication is planned for 2022; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented the author, and Doreen Thorogood at Good Illustration represented the illustrator.
Kristine Enderle at Magination Press has bought world rights to You Can't Hug the Quokka by Daniel Errico, creator of the Hulu show based on the book, and illustrated by Mia Powell. A marsupial makes the rules about when he can and cannot be touched; publication is slated for spring 2022. Kevin O'Connor at O'Connor Literary represented the author, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has acquired world rights to Woodland Dreams author Karen Jameson’s (l.) Double Takes, a nonfiction picture book in verse using riddles to identify animal look-alikes, illustrated by Lorna Scobie. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson represented the illustrator.
Adonia Ripple and Katie Coit of Yosemite Conservancy have bought world rights to Fire Shapes the World by Joanna Cooke (l.), illustrated by Cornelia Li, a nonfiction look at Earth's long history with fire, and how humans, plants, and animals have adapted to this element as an integral part of their existence. Publication is set for spring 2022; the author represented herself, and Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Tori Kosara at DK has acquired world rights to Allies: Real Talk About Showing Up, Screwing Up, and Trying Again, curated by Shakirah Bourne (l.) and Dana Alison Levy. This YA anthology is a collection of true stories about allyship from 17 YA authors, featuring Shakirah Bourne, Derick Brooks, Sharan Dhaliwal, Naomi Evans, Natalie Evans, I.W. Gregorio, Lizzie Huxley-Jones, Adiba Jaigirdar, Brendan Kiely, Dana Alison Levy, Cam Montgomery, Andrea Rogers, Aida Salazar, A.J. Sass, Eric Smith, Kayla Whaley, and Marietta B. Zacker. A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to We Need Diverse Books (U.S.) and The Black Curriculum (U.K.). Publication is set for September 2021; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt and Zacker Literary represented the curators.
Casey McIntyre at Razorbill has bought, at auction, Hotel Magnifique by debut author Emily J. Taylor. Pitched for fans of Caraval and The Night Circus, the YA fantasy is set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel, and follows 17-year-old Jani as she uncovers the deeply disturbing secrets of the legendary Hotel Magnifique. Publication is planned for April 2022; Alexandra Machinist and Hillary Jacobson at ICM Partners sold world English rights in a two-book deal.
Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Leap by debut author Simina Popescu, a queer coming-of-age YA graphic novel about two dancers navigating adolescence, their sexuality, first love, and heartache in a conservative post-communist city. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Natascha Morris at Tobias Literary brokered the deal.
Harriet Low at HMH has bought, at auction, debut YA graphic novel, I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, a queer Regency romance starring two friends trying to find their places in the world and each other's lives. George and Eleanor's story explores class privilege, trans identity, and friendship in the time of calling cards and Empire waists. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Aimee Friedman at Scholastic has acquired the next YA novel by Debbie Rigaud, author of Truly Madly Royally and the forthcoming Simone Breaks All the Rules. The currently untitled novel follows Atlanta teenager Claire Hastings, who, after an embarrassing incident at her school, jumps at the chance to visit her cousin in London for the summer where she falls for a cute British boy, and may even be discovered by a top choreographer. Publication is set for 2023; Laura Dail at Laura Dail Literary did the deal for world English rights.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought High Spirits by debut author Camille Gomera-Tavarez. The YA book interweaves stories exploring machismo, family, and identity in the Dominican diaspora. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; the author represented herself in a deal for world rights.
Rotem Moscovich, while at Disney Hyperion, acquired Operation Parent Trap by Newbery Honor winner Victoria Jamieson; Kieran Viola will edit. The middle grade graphic novel follows twin sisters who were separated at birth, only to reunite years later at a STEM camp where they concoct an elaborate plan to make their adoptive parents fall in love. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Paul Rodeen at Rodeen Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Jenne Abramowitz at Scholastic has bought, in a three-book deal, Brooklyn School of Magic by New Yorker cartoonist Liz Montague. This illustrated middle grade series is about 10-year-old Rose Vera and her Magic-Bearing community in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. As Rose and her fellow young Brooklynites undergo their biggest challenge yet—passing the test to move up from Elementary into Middle Magic—they must first discover the origins of magic in their community, and how it was gifted to Rose's ancestors from the natural world hundreds of years ago. Publication of the first book is slated for fall 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the deal for world English rights.
Aneeka Kalia at Viking has acquired Daybreak on Raven Island by Fleur Bradley (Midnight at the Barclay Hotel). When three kids miss the last ferry to get off Raven Island during a school field trip and are stuck on the island overnight, they must outrun a killer, a weird ghost hunting crew, and a creepy flock of birds—and solve a generations-old mystery—if they want to survive until daybreak. Publication is set for summer 2022; Laurel Symonds at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought, in an exclusive submission, Chilling Stories of Horror by Andrew Nance (Daemon Hall), a middle grade novel about a podcast run by kids who experience paranormal events, setting the stage for tales of terror. Publication is planned for 2023; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook has acquired, in a preempt, White Lies by Sibert Honoree Ann Bausum, the first book in a narrative nonfiction series for young readers. Book one will trace the troubling legacy of the Confederacy's "Lost Cause" message from its post-Civil War creation to the world we live in today. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the author in the three-book deal for world rights.
Lisa Yoskowitz at Little, Brown has bought The First Notes: The Story of Do, Re, Mi by bestselling authors Julie Andrews (l.) and Emma Walton Hamilton (c.), illustrated by Chiara Fedele (r.), a picture book that introduces readers to the remarkable story of Guido d'Arezzo's development of the solfège in medieval times, and which speaks to the beauty of music and the power of perseverance. The book includes backmatter and notes from the authors, and incorporates the lyrics from "Do-Re-Mi." Publication is slated for fall 2022; Steve Sauer at Media Four Management and Janine Kamouh at WME represented the authors, and Christine Hong at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Aneeka Kalia at Viking has acquired, in a preempt, debut picture book That's Not My Name by Anoosha Syed, about a girl whose first day of school is not what she expected when no one says her name correctly, and how she remembers to both love her name and use her voice. Publication is set for fall 2022; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Sonali Fry at Random House has bought world rights to Little Chef's First 100 Words, written and illustrated by Tenisha Bernal. This oversized board book introduces little ones to 100 kitchen items, from cooking utensils and common appliances to international cookware and baking supplies. Publication is planned for summer 2022; the author-illustrator represented herself.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Somewhere in the Bayou by Ezra Jack Keats Honorees Jarrett Pumphrey (l.) and Jerome Pumphrey, a thought-provoking picture book about four swamp rodents trying to cross a river. Publication is scheduled for winter 2022; Hannah Mann at Writers House negotiated the deal for world rights.
Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has bought Don't Eat Bees: Life Lessons from Hank the Dog, written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt. The duo behind I Don't Want to Be a Frog is back, with Hank the dog's guide to living your best life. Hank is seven; he knows things. Like what to eat (important papers, the fancy bird the humans cooked for the fancy dinner, Grandpa's teeth), and what not to eat (bees). He won't get those mixed up, will he? Publication is slated for summer 2022; Jen Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary sold world rights in an exclusive submission.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired, at auction, world rights to Naming Ceremony by debut Nigerian American author Seina Wedlick (l.), illustrated by Jenin Mohammed. This picture book celebrates the West African tradition of a naming ceremony—where friends and family gather to each gift a newborn baby with a name meant to be a blessing on the child—told through the story of a girl deciding what name she should give to her new baby sister. Publication is set for spring 2023; Alice Fugate, while at Trident Media Group, represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought two picture books by debut author #DopeDad, and CEO/founder of The Dad Gang, Sean Williams. The first book, Girl Dad, celebrates fathers and their daughters, and the second, Boy Dad, does the same for fathers and their sons. Girl Dad, told in playful rhyme, features diverse dad-daughter pairs, and portrays inclusive parenting styles. Publication for Girl Dad, illustrated by Jay Davis, is planned for winter 2022, and Boy Dad will follow in summer 2023. Williams represented himself and Brent Taylor at Triada US represented Davis.
Kathleen Merz at Eerdmans has acquired I'll Always Come Back to You by Charlotte Zolotow Award-winning author Carmen Tafolla (l.), illustrated by Grace Zong, a picture book meant to make the many transitions of being away from parents less stressful and more fun. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Karen Smith at Knopf has bought Sisters in Science, a picture book biography of Marie Curie and her sister Bronia by Linda Elovitz Marshall (l.) (The Polio Pioneer), illustrated by Anna and Elena Balbusso. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author, and Tammy Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrators for world rights.
Juree Sondker at Bala Kids has acquired world rights to Weather Any Storm by Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, illustrated by Paddy Donnelly, a rhyming meditation to help kids be the captain of their own ship and navigate emotional highs and lows. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; the author was unagented, and Robbin Brosterman at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
