Ruta Rimas at Razorbill has acquired world rights to Chaos & Flame, a YA fantasy duology co-written by Justina Ireland (l.) (Dread Nation) and Tessa Gratton (The Queens of Innis Lear), about rival houses and the two scions—one raised in darkness, the other in war—swept up into the game their dangerous prince regent is playing, where their survival depends on learning to tolerate—even trust—each other. Publication is set for spring 2023; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Gratton, and Eddie Schneider at JABberwocky Literary Agency represented Ireland.
Beverly Horowitz at Delacorte has bought world rights to This Is Not a Cookbook, a nonfiction debut from Flynn McGarry (l.), the 22-year-old American chef, illustrated by Adil Dara. Flynn explains how he discovered his passion for food and cooking at an early age and how the process needs curiosity and creativity to thrive. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; the author and illustrator were unagented.
Arianne Lewin at Putnam has acquired, at auction, YA romcom Chloe and the Kaishao Boys by Mae Coyiuto, about a Chinese-Filipino girl from Manila whose father sets her up on a marathon of dates in hopes that she'll get a boyfriend and want to stay in the Philippines for college instead of going to school in the U.S. The book is slated for fall 2022; Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.
Nancy Siscoe at Knopf has acquired The Peach Rebellion by Wendelin Van Draanen, a YA novel set in 1947 California. The story brings together three teens from three social classes in a story about the power of friendship, compassion, and young women united against a patriarchal society. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown Ltd. negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Krestyna Lypen at Algonquin Young Readers has bought How You Grow Wings, a YA contemporary debut by Rimma Onoseta, set in Nigeria and following sisters Cheta and Zam whose distinct personalities are forged in the same oppressive home, but whose paths to break free diverge widely—one to an aunt's luxurious, aloof home and the other to a hardscrabble life of survival through any means. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Hannah Smith at Owl Hollow Press has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to the YA fantasy novel The Nine by Kes Trester (A Dangerous Year), about 18-year-old Blake Wilder, who has the ability to see pivotal moments in other people's pasts and futures. When a premonition compels her to intervene for a stranger, she's drawn into a centuries-old paranormal society on the brink of civil war and witnesses a series of bizarre murders that have yet to occur. Publication is set for fall 2022; Kim Lindman at Stonesong brokered the deal.
Deanna McFadden at Wattpad Books has acquired world rights to I Sold Myself to the Devil for Vinyl... Pitiful I Know by Karianne Giard. This YA romance follows the overthinking Lexi as she tries to unravel the clues behind a mysterious stranger she has become enamored with. It's slated for spring 2023; the author was unagented.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought, in an exclusive submission, Girls to the Front, written and illustrated by Nina Mata (I Promise; Ty's Travels). This middle grade nonfiction anthology highlights and celebrates Asian-American and Pacific Islander women throughout American history whose contributions helped create, shape and inspire our nation. Publication is planned for early winter 2024; Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency sold world rights.
Erinn Pascal at Scholastic has acquired, in an exclusive submission, an untitled middle grade graphic novel from Amina Mucciolo, founder of Studio Mucci. The fictionalized autobiographical story follows Amina's experience in middle school when she started braiding her hair with bright colors as a way to cope with bullying, body image, and neurodivergence, forging a path towards what would one day become her signature rainbow aesthetic and mindset. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Melissa Edwards at Stonesong negotiated the deal for world rights.
Nathaniel Tabachnik, while at Penguin Workshop, bought Shadow House series author Dan Poblocki's collection of linked stories, Tales to Keep You Up at Night; Alex Wolfe and Rob Valois will edit. This middle grade short story collection centers around a book with a synonymous title, which Amelia finds while cleaning out her grandmother's attic. As Amelia reads the terrifying stories inside, creepy elements from within them seep into the world around her. It's set for August 2022; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the two-book deal for world rights.
Melissa Warten at FSG has acquired Fast Break, a debut middle-grade graphic novel by Shawn Pryor (l.), illustrated by Courtney Hahn, in which seventh grade basketball prodigy Mikayla Thomas is denied a spot on her new school's team and ends up joining the motley co-ed Firebirds—not exactly the team she was looking for, but maybe exactly where she belongs. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Krista Vitola at S&S has bought Far Out by Anne S. Bustard (Blue Skies), a middle-grade novel about Magnolia Jean Crook, a would-be detective and UFO-phile who's desperate to protect her grandma Mimi against accusations of theft—and the looming fear that her recent memory lapses signal something more serious. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt handled the deal for North American English rights.
Robyn Chapman at First Second has acquired Continental Drifter, Kathy Macleod's middle grade graphic memoir about a Thai-American girl caught between two worlds: Bangkok, where her family lives, and Maine, where they spend their summers. Publication is scheduled for 2023, Chad Luibl of Janklow & Nesbit Associates negotiated the deal for world rights.
Chris Schoebinger at Shadow Mountain has bought The Last Library by Frank L. Cole. Set in a future where paper is scarce, the middle grade novel follows a girl scavenger who finds the rarest of treasures—a book. The story within contains clues to finding the fabled 'Last Library' before it falls into the wrong hands. Publication is set for 2023; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Catherine Frank at Peachtree has acquired Alma Fullerton's middle grade novel Flipping Forward Twisting Backward, about a strong-willed gymnast who must convince her mother to get her tested for learning disabilities so she can get the help she needs and deserves. It's slated for summer 2022; Deborah Warren at East West Literary did the deal for world rights.
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks eXplore has bought world rights, in a preempt, to Black Boy, Black Boy by Ali Biko Sulaiman Kamanda (l.) and Jorge Redmond (c.), illustrated by Ken Daley (r.). This picture book celebrates the possibilities for today's Black boys by highlighting the accomplishments of the famous men that came before them and encouraging them to forge their own paths. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Kevin O'Connor at O'Connor Literary Agency represented the authors, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Kate Jacobs while at Roaring Brook acquired world rights to Lily and the Other Guy by Shelley Tougas (l.), illustrated by Sara Palacios; Emily Feinberg will edit. Lily is not sure about the new guy her Mom is seeing, and she misses Dad, but with a little patience and humor she learns that having fun with a new step-parent doesn't mean forgetting Mom or Dad, and that letting someone new into your life means more love all around. Publication is set for summer 2022; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary represented the author, and Minju Chang and Kendra Marcus at BookStop Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Courtney Code at Abrams has bought world rights to Rajani LaRocca's (l.) Summer Is for Cousins, illustrated by Abhi Alwar (Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates). The picture book is about a boy who wonders if his big cousin still remembers all the things they used to share, in a story about the sweetest summer joys: sun, water, cousins, and ice cream. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Brianne Johnson represented the illustrator while at Writers House. Alwar is now represented by Alexandra Levick at Writers House.
Grace Kendall at FSG has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, to Brown by Supriya Kelkar (l.), illustrated by Noor Sofi, an ode to all the positive, beautiful things about the color brown and what they mean to one Indian-American girl as she creates a gift just in time to welcome her new baby brother to the world. Publication is planned for fall 2022. Kathleen Rushall at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Thao Le at the Sandra Dijkstra Agency represented the illustrator.
Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook has bought world rights to A River's Gifts by Sibert Honor author Patricia Newman (l.), illustrated by Natasha Donovan. This nonfiction picture book explores the long history of the Elwha River and the Lower Elwha Klallam tribe, especially the environmental problems caused by white settlers and the Elwha dams as well as the eventual removal of the dams and restoration of the ecosystem. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Nicole Frail at Skyhorse has acquired world rights to Lucky Grapes by Tracey Kyle (l.), illustrated by Marina Astudillo, a picture book that celebrates the Spanish New Year's tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Jessica Garrison at Dial has bought, in a preempt, world English rights to The Davenports, a debut YA novel by Krystal Marquis, inspired by the forgotten history of wealthy Black Americans at the turn of the last century. Set in 1910, this YA romance follows the daughters of William Davenport, a formerly enslaved man and now wealthy entrepreneur, as they find their way—and unexpectedly find love—in a rapidly changing country. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Viana Siniscalchi and Sara Shandler at Alloy Entertainment negotiated the two-book deal with Tamar Rydzinski at Context Literary Agency. Foreign rights have been sold in 11 countries, many at auction.
Wendy Loggia at Underlined has acquired Amy Christine Parker's Flight 171, pitched as Final Destination meets Stephen King's Storm of the Century; Hannah Hill will edit. When a girl boards a plane bound for a ski trip with her classmates after her twin's death, she never guesses she'll be fighting for her survival against a creepy old woman who's on the flight and shows the kids exactly what will happen if they don't choose one of their own to sacrifice: she'll crash the plane. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Lucienne Diver at the Knight Agency did the deal for world rights.
Rosemary Brosnan and Cynthia Leitich Smith at HarperCollins/Heartdrum have bought Rez Ball by Byron Graves (Ojibwe), in an exclusive submission. This YA debut tells the story of an Ojibwe basketball player who must navigate social landmines and manage the heavy weight of community expectations, all while grieving the loss of his big brother. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Terrie Wolf at AKA Literary Management brokered the deal.
Lauren Knowles at Page Street has acquired The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror, edited by Tori Bovalino, in which famous urban legends and new stories alike are brought to life in 13 dark, atmospheric stories. Contributing authors include Erin A. Craig, Chloe Gong, Erica Waters, Hannah Whitten, Allison Saft, Courtney Gould, Olivia Chadha, Alex Brown, Shakira Moise, and Tori Bovalino. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Amelia Appel, Brent Taylor, and Uwe Stender at Triada US negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Rob Valois and Alex Wolfe at Penguin Workshop have bought world rights to The Horrible Bag of Terrible Things by Rob Renzetti, creator of Nickelodeon's My Life as a Teenage Robot. The middle grade horror novel follows 11-year-old Zenith's journey into the bizarre, macabre world within the eponymous bag as he struggles to save his older sister from a living hairball and survive a trio of bloodthirsty mouths, a sentient sawdust-stuffed giant, and an eldritch, spider-limbed god, among other horrors. Publication for the first book is set for summer 2023; Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content did the three-book deal.
Della Farrell at Holiday House has acquired Dana Alison Levy's first nonfiction middle grade project called Breaking the Mold, a look at scientists studying the earth's landscape, animals, and climate, from global experts to recent graduates, who defy stereotypes of who looks like a scientist. They include scientists of diverse racial, gender, economic, physical, and geographic backgrounds, helping readers find their own path into science. The book is slated for spring 2023; Marietta B. Zacker of Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Nancy Inteli and Megan Ilnitzki at HarperCollins have bought world rights to Smuggler by Susan Hood (Lifeboat 12). This inspirational middle grade nonfiction book in verse tells the story of Henny Sinding, who was just 22 when she courageously helped hundreds of Jewish families in occupied Denmark to safety in Sweden during the Holocaust. It will publish in winter 2023; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group negotiated the deal.
Wesley Adams at FSG has acquired Latina author Sallie Anne Rodriguez's debut novel, Treasure Tracks, a middle grade adventure set in the Florida Keys about a teen boy who dives for hidden treasure with his beloved grandfather, a Cuban immigrant. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Stephen Fraser at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency handled the deal for world English rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree has bought The Trouble with Robots, a contemporary middle grade novel from debut author Michelle Mohrweis. Sparks fly when perfectionist Evelyn and "couldn't care less" Allie are thrust together in a metal screeching robotics competition. Together, the girls must find common ground while battling grief and feelings of otherness. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Mulligan at McSea Books has acquired Heart Stones by author-illustrator Maryann Cocca-Leffler, a middle grade mystery novel with a touch of magical realism. In the aftermath of a devastating Nor'easter, 10-year-old Gale Hope and her friend are on a quest to solve a mystery when heart-shaped stones appear all around their Maine coastal town. Publication is set for spring 2022; the author was unagented.
Anna Bloom at Scholastic has bought Must Love Pets, a young middle grade series by Saadia Faruqi (Meet Yasmin!), centering on a Pakistani American girl who starts a pet-sitting business with her friends to prove she is ready for a pet of her own. The series launches in summer 2022 with Furry Friends Forever; Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary Agency negotiated the four-book deal for world rights.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired world rights to The Pumpernickel-Daffodil by Galia Bernstein; Sara Sproull will edit. The picture book tells the tale of an esteemed dog show and an unexpected friendship. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the author-illustrator.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Bronx Is My Home by Alyssa Reynoso-Morris (l.), illustrated by Kim Holt. Pitched as B Is for Brooklyn meets Saturday, this picture book love letter to the Bronx features a family's weekend adventure in their native borough, with destinations including Orchard Beach, Grand Concourse, Yankee Stadium, the High Bridge, and Arthur Avenue. The book is slated for 2023. Kaitlyn Sanchez at Context Literary Agency represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the artist.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press has bought world rights to Maria Gianferrari's (l.) To Dogs, with Love, a thank-you letter to dogs for all the support and love they bring, for publication in spring 2023; Ishaa Lobo will illustrate. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has acquired world rights to Big Tune by Alliah L. Agostini (l.), in a two-book preempt; Shamar Knight-Justice will illustrate. In Agostini's rhythmic debut, a shy boy works up the courage to bust out his dance moves at the neighborhood dancehall party. Publication is planned for winter 2023; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired world rights to the picture book My Cat Does Ballet by Robert Heidbreder (l.) (Roarchestra), illustrated by Matt Schu, introducing readers to ballet terms and famous dancers through history, as a young dancer compares the antics of his pet with those of his friends, culminating in a "cat"astrophe of a ballet. Publication is set for fall 2023; Hilary McMahon at Westwood Creative Artists represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Nour's Secret Library by Wafa' Tarnowska (l.) (The Arabian Nights), to be illustrated by Vali Mintzi (The Girl with a Brave Heart). Inspired by real-life events, this picture book tells the story of the brave children who create a library from books they find in the streets of their war-torn home of Damascus, Syria. Publication is slated for spring 2022; the author and illustrator represented themselves.
Ginny O'Donnell at Cottage Door Press has acquired world rights to a board book series by Chugga Chugga Choo Choo author Kevin Lewis (l.), celebrating brown babies, launching with Brown Sugar Baby in spring 2022; Jestenia Southerland will illustrate the first book. Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author in the three-book deal; Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Suhani Parikh at Modern Marigold Books has bought world rights to Basking in My Brown by Fatima Faisal (l.), a picture book featuring a girl celebrating the beauty of her brown skin and Pakistani culture in the summer sun, illustrated by Pakistan-based artist Anain Shaikh. Publication is scheduled for July 2022; the author and illustrator were unagented.
Luyang Xue at Yeehoo Press has acquired world rights to Shanna Silva's (l.) picture book A Dog's Guide to Being Human. Smudge, the dog, welcomes a new baby into his home by offering his perspective and wisdom on how to be a good human being. Agnès Ernoult will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2022 in the U.S. and mainland China. The author represented herself, and Amary Tang and Juliette Lott of IllustrationX represented the illustrator.
Michele McAvoy at Blue Bronco Books Jr. has bought world rights to Bella & Blue, first in a graphic early reader series by Berrie Torgan-Randall, which follows eight-year-old Bella and her therapy dog Blue as they navigate life's everyday struggles, silliness, and surprises. Publication is planned for October 2022; the author-illustrator represented herself.
