Rebecca Kuss at Disney-Hyperion has acquired There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia in a six-figure, seven-house auction. This comedic YA debut follows three best friends in South L.A. who use social media to form a fake gang in hopes of scaring off developers when the destructive powers of gentrification threaten the stability of their community. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights.
Kate Prosswimmer at McElderry Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, a YA contemporary fantasy called Spell Bound, plus another book, by F.T. Lukens (In Deeper Waters; So This Is Ever After). In the novel, a non-magical sorceress's apprentice must team up with his grouchy rival apprentice when a device he invented that would allow non-magical individuals to access magic results in his boss's kidnapping and threatens his dreams of wielding the magic that enchants him in the first place. Publication of the first book is planned for spring 2023; Eva Scalzo at Speilburg Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Ruqayyah Daud at Little, Brown has acquired YA debut novel The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairy. Pitched as Furia meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, the book is about the unlikely friendship between a Syrian American boxer and Syrian refugee, the pressures and expectations of being the perfect Syrian daughter, and the repercussions of the Syrian Revolution both at home and abroad. Publication is set for winter 2023; Serene Hakim at Ayesha Pande Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Allison Moore at Bloomsbury Children’s Books has bought tentatively titled A Supercut of Us by Pride Book Fest co-founder Steven Salvatore (Can't Take That Away). The YA novel, pitched as Jandy Nelson's I’ll Give You the Sun meets Dawson's Creek, follows twins who have different ways of dealing with their father's incarceration—and then his untimely death—and the complications that arise when one discovers a secret third sibling and keeps them from his sister. It’s set for publication in 2023; Jessica Regel at Helm Literary sold North American rights.
Marisa DiNovis at Knopf has acquired, in an exclusive submission, My January Heart by Noor Rasoul. Pitched as Giant Days meets Hey, Kiddo, the semi-autobiographical YA graphic novel follows 17-year-old Noor's attempt to leave her anxiety behind in the Middle East as she pursues her dream of going to art school in California—only to find that running away won't solve all of her problems. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Jessica Errera at the Jane Rotrosen Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Guerdan at HarperCollins has bought world rights to the queer YA fantasy duology Hex and Havoc, written by Nilah Magruder (Reel Love; M.F.K.), illustrated by Sonia Liao (Thief in the Trees; The Marie Curie Society). The books follow two girls in a caste-based magical society as they fall in love and spark a revolution. Publication is planned for summer 2023 and 2024; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Magruder is now represented by Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/ Balzer + Bray has acquired Nikhil Out Loud by actor and Stonewall Honor winning author of The Best at It Maulik Pancholy, a middle grade story about a gay Indian American boy, the star of a hit animated series, who learns the power of using his own voice after his family relocates to a small town in Ohio. Publication is set for fall 2022; Jessica Regel at Helm Literary sold North American rights.
Ardi Alspach at Sterling Children’s Books has bought world English rights to The Paper Museum, a debut middle grade novel by Kate S. Simpson about a girl who must solve the disappearance of her parents, save her family home and legacy at the Paper Museum, and repair the broken relationship with her best friend. Set in a world where paper is obsolete and magic is all but forgotten, the book is a story of family and friendship, with a touch of Black Mirror. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary did the deal.
Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Animal Song by Jonty Howley, a seasons-spanning picture book told in the tradition of bedtime onomatopoeia classics about three musicians—a crocodile, a bear, and a weasel—and their search for an audience come winter. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Hannah Mann at Writers House brokered the deal for world rights.
Kate O’Sullivan at Clarion has bought I Am Stuck by debut author-illustrator Julia Mills. Turtle is stuck upside-down, and none of the animals asserting the best way to get right-side-up seem to be offering turtle-specific advice; when Possum arrives, she doesn't offer advice, but rather offers to keep Turtle company. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House handled the two-book deal for world rights.
Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has acquired world rights to A Wish for Twins by Dorothia Rohner. In this ode to twins, two babies float and play in the cosmos—at first alone and then together—dreaming of cuddles, kisses, and family until they are tenderly called to Earth, where their loving home awaits them. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio negotiated the deal.
Kate Harrison at Dial has bought world English rights to Just Try One Bite written by Camila Alves McConaughey (l.) and Adam Mansbach (c.), illustrated by Mike Boldt (r.). This debut picture book is a role-reversal tale of three kids who try to convince their picky eater parents to put down the ice cream and cake to just try one bite of healthy foods. Publication is set for March 2022; Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment represented the authors, and Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the artist.
Clarissa Wong at HarperCollins has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Say My Name, a picture book by Joanna Ho (l.) (Eyes That Kiss in the Corners), illustrated by Khoa Le. Say My Name is about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different characters—and the importance of saying names correctly. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Caryn Wiseman at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author in the two-book deal for world rights, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Alice Jonaitis at Random House has bought world rights, in a two-book deal, to How to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows (l.), a rhymed addition to the Beginner Book line about a young Black equestrian and her pony throughout the changing seasons of a year on a family horse farm. The first book will be illustrated by Nneka Myers. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to The Birthday of the World by Rachel Naomi Remen (l.), illustrated by Rachell Sumpter (Down Under the Pier), a picture book retelling by the author of the bestselling Kitchen Table Wisdom of a beloved story about finding light in a dark world. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Esther Newberg at ICM Partners represented the author, and Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Tamar Brazis at Viking has bought world rights at auction to Hello, Beautiful by Traci N. Todd (l.) (Nina), illustrated by Jestenia Southerland. A love letter from caregiver to child, the picture book invites the reader to assert the power of their own potential by recognizing the humanity of others. Publication is set for spring 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Anne Moore-Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired world rights to We Are American, Too by Kristen Mei Chase (l.), illustrated by Jieting Chen, a picture book about a fourth-generation Chinese American girl who revisits her family's history and shares it at an antiracism rally supporting Asian Americans, leading a chant of "We are American, too." Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Annie Bomke at Annie Bomke Literary Agency represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has bought world rights to My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams, and a second untitled picture book, both written by Tanisia (“Tee”) Moore; Robert Paul Jr. will illustrate the first book. An anthem to Black Boy Joy, this debut picture book calls on the youngest readers to celebrate their place in a venerated legacy while inspiring them to see themselves as the next generation's leaders: their ancestors' wildest dreams. Publication is slated for 2023; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Brian Sockin at Persnickety Press has acquired world rights to The Artist Behind the Wall by Jeffrey Turner, a picture book about a mouse with enough ambition and talent to motivate her hesitant muse, a cat named Ruben, to follow his heart. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary represented the author-illustrator.
Mallory Kass at Scholastic has acquired North American rights to The Whispering Dark by Deaf author Kelly Andrew, a debut YA novel about a Deaf college student with a peculiar link to the afterlife. First-year student Delaney Meyers-Petrov has always talked to the dark, but she never expected it to talk back. When she's assigned to her university's controversial new-age program, she must learn to channel her uncanny abilities to cross between worlds—and, along with her capricious TA Colton Price, who seems determined to despise her, must venture down a rabbit-hole of buried secrets. It’s slated for fall 2022; Josh Adams at Adams Literary negotiated the deal.
Jenny Bak at Viking has bought world English rights to the YA debut Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido. Bobby Agbayani is trying to navigate his way out of the closet when his personal idol, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, makes a statement denigrating all gay people, forcing Bobby on a journey to self-acceptance as he learns what happens when your heroes let you down. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal.
Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired, at auction, YA graphic novel debut Graduation Day by Schulz Studio staff artist Mary Shyne. Pitched as Palm Springs crossed with a John Hughes film, this coming-of-age rom-com set in the Chicago suburbs tells the story of Chris O’Brien, who finds himself stuck in a time loop with his former friend Alicia Ochoa on their high school graduation day. Publication is planned for winter 2025; Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Michelle Frey and Christopher Myers at Make Me a World have bought world rights, in a two-book deal, to Planet Brooklyn by screenwriter Tony Patrick (l.), illustrated by Goñi Montes. In this middle grade graphic novel, a teenager discovers that he's trapped in a planetary-sized replica of Brooklyn created by inter-dimensional aliens smitten with his Bed-Stuy neighborhood, in a look at gentrification through a sci-fi lens. Publication is set for spring 2024; Cecile Barendsma at Cecile B Literary Agency represented the author in an exclusive submission, and the illustrator represented himself.
Kendra Levin of Simon & Schuster has acquired Once I Was You: Young Readers Edition by Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor of Latino USA Maria Hinojosa. The book blends stories of Hinojosa's childhood and teen years not included in her adult memoir with her newly penned perspectives about how the next generation can shape today's America. It will be published simultaneously in English- and Spanish-language editions in fall 2022; Adriana Dominguez at Full Circle Literary negotiated the deal for English and Spanish North American rights.
Lisa Yoskowitz at Little, Brown has bought Dust by Dusti Bowling (The Canyon’s Edge; Across the Desert). The middle grade novel follows an asthmatic girl who must find her voice, and her superpower, when a new boy with a terrible secret and a trail of bullies stirs up strange, life-threatening dust storms around town. Publication is scheduled for 2023; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Alyson Heller and Jessica Smith at Aladdin has acquired world rights to Magnolia Hall, an equestrian-themed series by Jessica Burkhart, author of the Canterwood Crest series. In book one, a 12-year-old girl must learn to share the spotlight with her new stepsister at an equestrian boarding school, while an anonymous source spreads rumors to break them apart. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Josh Getzler at Hannigan Getzler Literary brokered the four-book deal.
Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has bought middle grade theater camp mystery Twelfth by Janet Key, in which 12-year-old Maren is drawn into the hunt for a legendary diamond ring linked to the camp's namesake, Charlotte "Charlie" Goodman, a promising director navigating blacklist-era Hollywood. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Heather Rizzo at Rizzo Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Katherine Harrison at Knopf has acquired, at auction, Turtles of the Midnight Moon, by Honduran American debut author Maria Jose Fitzgerald, a middle-grade eco-mystery with magical elements, set in Honduras. The story follows Barana and Abby, who reluctantly come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana's coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage, and community. Publication is set for spring 2023; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Catriella Freedman at PJ Publishing has bought rights for Detour Ahead by Pamela Ehrenberg (l.) and Tracy López. In alternating chapters of prose and verse, this dual-POV contemporary middle grade novel depicts the friendship between Gilah, a neurodiverse Jewish girl preparing for her bat mitzvah, and Guillermo, a Salvadoran American boy who is new to Washington, D.C. Riding the bus together every day, Gilah and Guillermo learn to navigate life’s detours. Publication is slated for winter 2022; the authors represented themselves.
Michele McAvoy at Little Press/Blue Bronco Books has acquired world rights to Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt, a middle grade historical fiction debut by Kathleen Wilford. Desperate to save her family's struggling homestead—and to escape being a housemaid—12-year-old Cabby plays matchmaker between her older sister and a British aristocrat. When her scheme backfires, she must use her voice to stand up for her family, a new friend, and her Kansas community. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; the author represented herself.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought, in an exclusive submission, chapter book graphic novel series Tig and Lily by Dan Thompson, about a tiger named Lily who finds her home invaded by a housecat named Tig, who believes he is a tiger. Can these two very different cats find a way to share their space? Publication is planned for 2023; Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary negotiated the three-book deal for world rights.
Bridget O'Brien at ABDO has acquired world rights to the chapter book series Back of the Net by Gary Fabbri (l.), illustrated by Alan Brown. The Mt. Pleasant High soccer team members have very different home lives and face challenging situations such as dyslexia, ADHD, Lupus, and run-ins with the police; will their love of soccer be enough to help them overcome their personal obstacles and develop into a championship team? Publication for the set of six books is set for September 2022; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Erin Tisdel at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Katie Carella at Scholastic has bought world rights to the Adventure Friends series written by Brandon Todd (l.) (Tou-Can't) and illustrated by Gloria Félix, for the Acorn early reader line. Beginning readers can follow Miguel and Clarke as they explore their neighborhood and draw maps along the way. The first book, The Adventure Friends: Treasure Map, is due out in spring 2023. John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Christine Hong at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Tara Walker at Tundra Books has acquired the tentatively titled Eon's Matchboxes by author and Governor General's Award-winning illustrator Cybèle Young, a picture book about an aspiring scientist who delights in crafting habitats in matchboxes for her friend, a tardigrade. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought world rights to picture book The Storytellers by author-illustrator Christy Mandin, in which a girl with writer's block receives a little help from her writing utensils. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Adria Goetz at Martin Literary Management brokered the deal.
Neal Porter at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has acquired world rights to picture book Nainai’s Mountain by Livia Blackburne (l.) (I Dream of Popo), illustrated by Joey Chou. A girl visiting Taiwan has the chance to experience her grandmother's former home through her eyes, and in the process gains a deeper understanding of their shared heritage and connection. Publication is set for spring 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator.
Anuoluwapo Ohioma at Penguin Workshop has preempted world rights to My Fade Is Fresh by Shauntay Grant (l.), the tale of a child who heads to the barbershop and is determined to get the cut and style she wants—no matter how anyone else tries to persuade her otherwise. Kitt Thomas will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2022. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Christy Cox at Little Bigfoot has bought world rights to Nobody Likes Frogs by Barbara Davis-Pyles (l.), illustrated by Liz Wong, a humorous picture book about frogs. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; the author represented herself, and Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary represented the illustrator.
