Krista Marino at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission pre-empt, The Black Queen by debut author Jumata Emill, a YA thriller set in the deep South. When Lovett High School's first Black homecoming queen is murdered the night of her coronation, her best friend finds an unlikely ally in the search for her killer—her white rival nominee, who is the prime suspect in her death. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Alec Shane at Writers House brokered the deal for North American rights.
Casey McIntyre at Razorbill has bought world English rights to How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine, pitched as a YA slasher version of It's a Wonderful Life, in which a 17-year-old is sent back to the night of her sister's murder and has until midnight to figure out who the killer is or risk losing her sister forever. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Hillary Jacobson at ICM Partners negotiated the two-book deal.
Karen Chaplin at Quill Tree has acquired, in a preempt, This Town Is on Fire by Pamela N. Harris. Pitched as Little Fires Everywhere meets I'm Not Dying with You Tonight, the book is a mystery about a Black girl whose best friend becomes the latest "Becky" on the internet, unraveling her past and culminating in another teen's death. Publication is planned for winter 2023, with an untitled second book to follow; Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights while at Bradford Literary Agency.
Tara Weikum at HarperTeen has acquired Mere Mortals by Erin Jade Lange, a YA dark comedy about two glamorous teen vampires who break the laws of their clan and must endure a punishment far worse than death: Normal American High School. The book is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency handled the deal for North American rights.
Kate O'Sullivan at Clarion/HarperAlley has bought, at auction, world English rights to School Spirits, a YA graphic novel series by Nate Trinrud (l.), Megan Trinrud (c.), and Maria Nguyen (r). The first book follows a teenager who finds herself living her own personal nightmare: she's been murdered, she's stuck haunting the halls of her high school, and she's pretty sure her ex-boyfriend killed her. When she finds that the school is haunted by others who died there over the past hundred years, she has to deal with being the new girl in the afterlife while investigating her own murder. Publication of the first book is set for fall 2024; Charlie Olsen at InkWell Management brokered the two-book deal.
Shaina Olmanson at Lerner/Zest has bought a young readers adaptation of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by botanist and Citizen Potawatomi Nation member Robin Wall Kimmerer (l.). Monique Gray Smith (Cree) (c.) will adapt the bestseller for a teen audience with illustrations by Nicole Neidhardt (Navajo) (r.). Publication is slated for fall 2022; Adam Lerner and Daniel Slager negotiated on behalf of Lerner Publishing Group and Milkweed Editions, respectively. Maria Massie at MMQLIT represented Milkweed and Kimmerer, and Jacqueline Lipton at Raven Quill Literary Agency represented Smith and Neidhardt in the deal for world rights.
Maggie Lehrman at Abrams/Amulet has acquired, at auction, Super Boba Café and a sequel, a middle grade graphic novel series by Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina; Jukebox). After a traumatic event at middle school, Aria spends the summer with her grandma at her boba cafe in San Francisco. She doesn't realize that her grandma uses the boba to placate the hill monsters—avoiding an earthquake. But Aria thinks there has to be a better way for the monsters to survive and for the café (and her self-esteem) to thrive. Publication is set for spring 2024; Jodi Reamer at Writers House did the deal for world English rights.
Anne Schwartz at Random House/Schwartz has bought an untitled middle-grade graphic memoir by author-illustrator Daniel Miyares, based on his father's dangerous and harrowing escape from Cuba as a child just after the Cuban Revolution. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the author-illustrator for world rights.
Tracy Mack at Scholastic/Graphix has acquired, in an exclusive submission, debut middle-grade graphic novel Parachute Kids and a second untitled graphic novel, written and illustrated by Betty C. Tang. Inspired by the author-artist's childhood, Parachute Kids follows three siblings who emigrate from Taiwan to California and find themselves on their own to face language and cultural barriers when their parents unexpectedly return home. Publication is slated for 2023; Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook has bought, at auction, Girls Give Me Butterflies by Dresden Douglas, a debut middle-grade graphic novel pitched as a sapphic Lizzie McGuire, about young Brooke who begins to feel flustered and tongue-tied around other girls while struggling to tune out the voice of Sprout, an excitable little figment who manifests all Brooke's innermost thoughts. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Claire Draper at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has acquired debut paranormal middle grade adventure Beyond Blood by Maria Tureaud, in which 12-year-old Sophie and her 300-year-old best vampire friend, Delphine, break into a secret government facility in search of a cure for the weird illness that is turning vampires rogue. Together, they must fight to save their families from becoming part of a mutated vampire army, and bring hope back to Hopetown. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Amy Giuffrida at Jennifer DeChiara Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Michelle Nagler and Shana Corey at Random House have bought world rights to a graphic novel adaptation of bestselling middle grade novel Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein (l.). When 12-year-old Kyle Keeley learns that the world's most famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello, has designed his town’s new library and is having an invitation-only lock-in on opening night, Kyle is determined to be there, but the tricky part isn't getting into the library—it's getting out. Douglas Holgate (The Last Kids on Earth) will illustrate. Publication is set for summer 2023; Carrie Hannigan and Josh Getzler at HG Literary represented the author, and Simon Bollinger at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Wesley Adams at FSG has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Jack Robinson: The Story of a Black Freedom Fighter by Yohuru Williams (l.), former chief historian of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and Michael G. Long (42 Today: The Life and Legacy of Jackie Robinson). This illustrated middle grade biography of Robinson will survey his life with particular focus on his early years fighting against racism and his post-baseball support for the civil rights movement. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Joan Brookbank at Joan Brookbank Projects represented Williams, and John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented Long.
Alison Deering at Capstone will publish the debut early chapter book series Jalen’s Big City Life by WNDB mentee Dorothy H. Price (l.), which follows seven-year-old Jalen Corey Pierce’s life in the big city. Between adventures with his two best friends, Amir and Vicky, and new experiences with his family, J.C. is always learning new things and exploring city life. Shiane Salabie will illustrate; publication will begin in fall 2022. Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency did the four-book deal for world rights on behalf of the author, and Stacey Endress of IllustrationX represented the artist.
Heidi Kilgras at Random House has bought world rights, at auction, to picture book Otto the Ornament by author-illustrator Troy Cummings. Snazzy, spunky Otto is dismayed when he isn't given the place of honor at the top of the Christmas tree, but through a series of misadventures Otto learns to look past sparkly trappings to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Laura Rennert at Andrea Brown Literary Agency brokered the deal.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook has acquired world rights to Choosing Brave: Mamie Till-Mobley, Emmett Till, and the Voice That Sparked the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Joy (l.), illustrated by Janelle Washington. This biography of Mamie Till-Mobley is a testament to the power of love and how one woman's advocacy for justice became a rallying point for the civil rights movement. Janelle Washington will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2022. Jamie Weiss Chilton at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the artist represented herself.
Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has bought world rights to Granny Rex by Kurtis Scaletta (l.), illustrated by Nik Henderson, a picture book about a small but mighty chickadee who discovers her ancestors are dinosaurs. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Kallie George at Greystone Books has acquired Insect Expedition, a picture book co-written by environmentalist David Suzuki (l.) and author Tanya Lloyd Kyi (c.) (Me and Banksy), illustrated by Qin Leng (r.) (Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin). In the book, Bompa and his twin grandkids set out for a walk believing they know everything about their neighborhood, but quickly discover a whole new world of intriguing insects. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Amy Tompkins at Transatlantic Agency represented Lloyd Kyi, and Suzuki and Leng were unagented.
Bria Ragin with Nicola and David Yoon at Joy Revolution have acquired House Party, a multi-authored YA contemporary rom-com edited by justin a. reynolds (Opposite of Always; Early Departures). House Party is told through a series of interconnected stories in which 10 teens intermingle for one epic, life-changing night at the last house party before high school graduation. Contributors include (clockwise from top l.) Angeline Boulley, Jerry Craft, Natasha Diaz, Lamar Giles, Ryan La Sala, Jasmine Warga, Randy Ribay, justin a. reynolds, Christina Hammonds Reed, and Yamile Saied Méndez. Publication is set for summer 2023; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency did the deal at auction for world English rights.
Emilia Rhodes at Clarion has bought Creep: A Love Story by Lygia Day Peñaflor (All of This Is True), a YA novel about Laney and Nico, Holy Family High School's most popular couple—as seen through the eyes of Rafi, the sophomore who's stalking them. As Rafi's obsession grows, her self-control gets shakier—but when Laney and Nico's relationship is threatened by an unexpected disaster, Rafi's attempts to fix the situation can only have devastating results. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Jennifer Ung at Quill Tree has preempted rights to YA debut This Is Not a Personal Statement by Tracy Badua, which follows a teen who leaves home for the college of her dreams... that she wasn't actually accepted to, breaking into dorm rooms, dodging security, crashing classes, and figuring out how to actually get in next semester before she's caught. Publication is slated for winter 2023, with a second, untitled book to follow; Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency brokered the deal for world English rights while at Bradford Literary Agency.
Daniel Ehrenhaft at Blackstone has acquired Positive Space by writer and artist Jenny Laden, an illustrated YA novel set in the early ’90s about a high school senior finding out that her gay dad has AIDS, illustrated by the author. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Kevin O'Connor at O'Connor Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has bought, in an exclusive submission, Spellbinders and a second book, launching a humorous middle grade fantasy series from Andrew Auseon. The series follows a lonely middle schooler whose imaginative and detailed D&D-style game leads him to be mistaken for the "chosen one" by a warrior-in-training from a fantasy world. Publication is set for spring 2023; Jen Gates and Erica Bauman at Aevitas Creative Management negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights.
Maggie Lehrman at Abrams acquired world rights to Adventuregame Comics by Jason Shiga (Meanwhile), an interactive middle grade graphic novel series where readers make their own choices about how the story unfolds. The first of three books is Leviathan, about the quest through an old medieval village to vanquish a giant sea creature terrorizing the Cobalt Isles. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Daniel Lazar at Writers House negotiated the deal.
Chris Hernandez at Razorbill has bought, at auction, world English rights to the first two books in Maple Lam's Monkey King and the World of Myths. In this debut middle grade graphic novel series, the legendary Monkey King must set off on a globe-trotting adventure to defeat a mysterious new threat, but along the way the trickster-turned-god can't help himself from making unusual friends, facing off against unexpected foes, and ultimately turning the worlds of ancient mythologies on their heads. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Jordan Hamessley at New Leaf Literary and Media represented the author-illustrator.
Arianne Lewin and Susan Kochan at Putnam have acquired The Unofficial Lola Bay Fan Club, by C.M. Surrisi (the Quinnie Boyd Mystery series). This contemporary middle grade novel follows 11-year-old Iris Underwood as her devoted fandom to a pop star distances her from good friends, attracts false friends, and draws her into bad decisions. Iris must ultimately evaluate the influence of peers, social media, parents, and pop culture as she decides what kind of person she wants to be. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Kelly Dyksterhouse at Raven Quill Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Karen Li at Groundwood Books has bought Game Face by Schneider Family Book Award winner Shari Green. This middle grade novel in verse focuses on a 13-year-old boy with big hockey dreams, who must learn to manage his heightened anxiety and ask for help after a friend's medical crisis during a pivotal game. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Amy Elizabeth Bishop at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights.
Katie Carella at Scholastic Branches has acquired world rights to the first three books in Priya's Parties, an early chapter book series by Mitali Banerjee Ruths (l.), illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, about a girl who starts a party-planning business that raises money to help endangered animals. The stories portray South Asian American culture and explore party planning, DIY crafts, starting a business, and ways to care for the planet. Books 1 and 2 are set for spring 2023, and book 3 for summer 2023. Victoria Wells Arms at Wells Arms Literary/HG Literary represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Everybody Has a Body by Molli Jackson Ehlert (l.), illustrated by Lórian Tu, a body-neutral picture book that shows the variety of ways that bodies can look and the range of things they can do. Publication is scheduled for spring/summer 2023; the author represented herself, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, in a two-book deal, world rights to Por un Ratito by Gabriela Orozco Belt (l.), illustrated by Richy Sanchez Ayala, a bilingual picture book in which Maribel and her family must move in with her aunt and cousins por un ratito—for a little while—and observe and appreciate all the differences that come with living in a new place. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Alyssa Jennette at Stonesong represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane has bought world rights to 365 by Miranda Paul (l.), a picture book celebration that counts one full year, birthday to birthday, measured in both standard and creative units of time, illustrated by Julien Chung. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Rubin Pfeffer at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented the illustrator.
Emma Ledbetter at Abrams has acquired world rights to The Yellow Handkerchief (El Pañuelo Amarillo) by Pura Belpré Honor winner Donna Barba Higuera (l.), illustrated by Cynthia Alonso. In this picture book, a girl struggles with the way her Mexican grandmother and her pañuelo amarillo—a yellow handkerchief—makes her feel different. But she grows to love the handkerchief, which represents a language and a culture she once feared others would not understand. Publication is set for spring 2023. Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
