Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired two books by Printz Honor author Eric Gansworth. The first, a YA novel called My Good Man, tells of the coming of age of a boy on the Tuscarora Reservation and the father figures that mark his life; the second is a book to be named later. My Good Man will publish in fall 2022; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for world rights.
Stephanie Cohen at Inkyard Press has bought world English and audio rights to A Monstrous Vengeance and an untitled second YA book by Sydney Taylor Award-winning author Aden Polydoros. The first, a horror novel set in 1943 Lithuania, in the vein of Inglorious Basterds meets Frankenstein, follows Vera, a golem torn between fulfilling her creator's vengeful mission against the Nazis and collaborators who murdered his daughter, the very girl Vera was modeled after, and protecting the humans she's come to call her friends. Publication is set for fall 2023; Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency did the deal.
Alex Brown at Wednesday Books has acquired Philip K. Dick Award-winning author Alison Stine's YA contemporary novel Dust, about a partially deaf girl in a strict, reclusive family who meets someone else in the Deaf community for the first time, finding connection in a land ravaged by climate change. When a second Dust Bowl of apocalyptic proportions approaches, she and the boy who has begun to secretly teach her sign language must convince their skeptical rural community to flee to safety. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Eric Smith at PS Literary handled the deal for world English rights.
Wendy Loggia at Delacorte has bought Hearts Overboard and a second book by Becky Dean (Love & Other Great Expectations). After a very public breakup where her ex says she's boring and stuck in her ways, a girl decides that her mother's company cruise to Alaska is the perfect opportunity to prove she can be fun, which isn't as easy as it sounds when she discovers her long-time nemesis is also on the ship. Publication is slated for summer 2024 and summer 2025. Eva M. Scalzo at Speilburg Literary sold world rights.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has acquired the YA thriller We’ll Never Tell by Wendy Heard (She's Too Pretty to Burn), about a group of teens who stumble into a vintage Hollywood murder mystery. One of them is stabbed at the scene of a homicide from the 1970s, leaving the others to solve crimes old and new… or die trying. The book is scheduled for summer 2023; Lauren Spieller at Triada US brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Robyn Chapman at First Second has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Monstrous, a YA graphic memoir by Sarah Myer. The story follows a Korean American adoptee growing up in a primarily white farming community where she faces bullying and struggles to fit in. Michael Moccio will also edit. Publication is set for 2023; the author was unagented.
Annette Pollert-Morgan at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired, in a preempt, two novels by debut author Lily Meade. The first novel, The Shadow Sister, is a YA speculative thriller rooted in Hoodoo tradition and folklore about a biracial Black girl whose sister returns from her abduction changed in ways that trauma alone can't explain. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Elana Roth Parker at the Laura Dail Literary Agency handled the deal for world English rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree has bought Young Engineers by Michelle Mohrweis (The Trouble with Robots). This middle grade contemporary novel follows Maggie, an autistic seventh grader with a love of all things space, who finds herself paired together on an engineering project with baton twirler Tatum, aka her biggest crush. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Emily Forney at Bookends Literary sold world rights.
Olivia Ngai and Jennifer Newens at West Margin Press have acquired world English rights to Alex Schumacher's middle grade graphic novel The Ill-Effects of Pickled Herring, pitched as Raina Telgemeier meets Jeff Kinney from a Jewish author-illustrator. It follows the tumultuous year-long preparation for introverted 12-year-old Micah Gadsky and his outgoing sister Alana's joint B'nai Mitzvah (Bar and Bat mitzvah), as they struggle to make sense of family changes and their identities. Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal, for publication in September 2023.
Megan Brown at IDW Publishing has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Marshfellows, the debut middle grade graphic novel by Anna-Laura Sullivan. Something's fishy in Slumber City, and it's not the local half-gilled residents. Elderly couple Marvin and Pearl join forces with an angsty orphan named Urchin to solve the city's dark mysteries and save its inhabitants from the Mayor's evil plans. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; the creator represented herself.
Alex Wolfe at Penguin Workshop has acquired graphic novel mystery series Finder's Creatures by Kevin Kelly (l.) and Rebecca Kelly, writing as P. Knuckle Jones. The first book, Bog Gone!, follows Finder, a young frog and aspiring detective, and her friends as they investigate why everyone in the bog has mysteriously gone missing, while self-proclaimed "World's Greatest Detective" Seymour Warts stumbles along in comical attempts to solve the case. Publication is set for summer 2023; Jennifer Weltz at Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world rights.
Winsome Bingham at Reycraft has bought, in an exclusive submission, English and Spanish rights to D. Zollicoffer's How to Defeat a Blob Monster, first in the Game On, Zhuri! chapter book series in which a young video game creator enters the gaming world to save her uncle from a mysterious blob monster, but what begins as a rescue mission leads to a confrontation with her very first, embarrassing creation. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Tara Walker at Tundra Books has acquired, at auction, three picture books by debut author-illustrator X. Fang. The first book, Dim Sum Palace, explores a girl's excitement about a dim sum meal, which spills over into her dreams. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023, followed by the fall 2024 publication of Broken, a picture book about a child who breaks her grandmother's teacup and discovers the beauty of broken things as well as the art of repairing them, and the summer 2025 publication of We Are Definitely Human, a picture book about the arrival of three strangers to a small town who are definitely human, despite all evidence to the contrary. Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio handled the deal for North American rights.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Tegen has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to the picture book, A Place for Feelings by Corey Ann Haydu (l.), illustrated by Geeta Ladi. Little Mara lives in a perfect town, where everything from pebbles to popsicles has a perfect place to live—including feelings. But then there's Mara—too fast, too wild, generally just too much Mara—who struggles to find where she and her messy feelings belong. Publication is slated for winter 2024; Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Joanna Cárdenas at Kokila has acquired world rights to Girls on Wheels by Srividhya Venkat (l.), illustrated by Kate Wadsworth. Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, this picture book follows three friends from different walks of life who come together in their special place—the skate park—and support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Clelia Gore represented the author while at Martin Literary Management, with Adria Goetz co-agenting, and the illustrator represented herself.
Clarissa Wong, while at HarperCollins, bought world rights to Pockets for Two: A Collection of Girlhood by Lindsay Ward (l.) (Helping Hospital), illustrated by Brizida Magro; Tamar Mays will edit. The picture book is a celebration of two girls' friendship and the pockets in their clothes that help them navigate the world with a sense of freedom, adventure, and independence. Publication is set for winter 2024; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the artist.
Anne Schwartz at Random House/Anne Schwartz Books has acquired world rights to Indigo Hands by Sita Singh (l.), illustrated by Naveen Selvanathan. In this picture book that celebrates culture, family, and tradition, an Indian girl accompanies her grandfather to his indigo studio and dyes cloth the color of the evening sky. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Angus Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press has bought Roll Roll Little Pea! by Cécile Bergame (l.), illustrated by Magali Attiogbé. This simple life cycle story tells the tale of an escaped pea that goes on a journey to the backyard, avoids a cast of hungry characters along the way, and lands in some warm moist soil. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Ieva Vaitkeviciute at Editions Didier Jeunesse sold world English rights.
Katie Scott at Kids Can Press has acquired A Bindi Is a Dot by Suma Subramaniam (l.) (Namaste Is a Greeting), a celebration of the beauty and cultural significance of bindis that explores the different names for bindis, when and how they are worn, and how they are made. Kamala Nair will illustrate; publication is scheduled for spring 2024. Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has bought world rights to The Big Stink by Cathy Stefanec Ogren (l.), illustrated by Lesley Breen. The nonfiction picture book, about Colonel Thomas Meacham's gift to the president and how it grows from a slice of an idea into a surprise that causes a big stink and chaotic public reception at the White House. Publication is set for spring 2023; Victoria Selvaggio at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Yasemin Uçar at Kids Can Press has acquired world rights to Taking the Shot by Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir (l.) and Judith Henderson (c.), illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel (r.), a picture book about Abdul-Qaadir, who stood by her beliefs and her passions to become the first NCAA Division I basketball player to wear hijab in the U.S. and who went on to play one-on-one basketball with President Obama at the White House. A fall 2023 publication is planned; Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary represented the authors, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought at auction world rights to Monster Hands, a picture book about a Deaf boy who comes up with a playful and engaging way to vanquish bedtime fear with American Sign Language, written by Karen Kane (l.) and Jonaz McMillan (c.), illustrated by Dion MBD (r.). Publication is slated for 2024; Jennifer Carlson at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner represented the writers, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Sue Tarsky at Albert Whitman has acquired world rights to When Mama Rings the Bell by Shayna Vincent (l.) and Nancy Churnin (c.), illustrated by Wazza Pink (r.), a picture book about a child whose mother has cancer, which she calls "the big sick," and how the child looks forward, month by month, to her mother ringing the bell that signifies her treatment is over. Publication is scheduled for September 2023; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the authors, and Tina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Alexandra Hightower at Little, Brown has acquired, in an exclusive submission, How to Find a Missing Girl by debut author Victoria Wlosok. In this YA thriller, 17-year-old amateur sleuth Iris and her sapphic detective agency decide to investigate when Iris's ex-girlfriend—notorious for creating a polarizing true-crime podcast about Iris's missing sister—disappears too. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Jessica Errera at Jane Rotrosen Agency sold world rights.
Wesley Adams at FSG has bought historical thriller I'll Tell You No Lies by Amanda McCrina (Traitor; The Silent Unseen). This Cold War novel set in upstate New York features the teenage daughter of an Air Force officer who becomes entangled with a young Soviet pilot accused of being a spy. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Jennie Kendrick at Red Fox Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has acquired Marc J Gregson's YA SF/F novel Sky's End, about teenager Conrad's hell-bent reclamation of status and power after his devious uncle exiles him to live as a Low. This action-adventure set on floating islands follows a tumultuous revenge plot as Conrad enters the Selection, where he joins one of 12 Trades to battle monsters in skyships, forge unexpected alliances, and rescue his sister from a twisted meritocracy swarming with treachery. Publication is set for spring 2024; Heather Cashman at Storm Literary Agency sold world rights.
Dan Simon and Lauren Hooker at Seven Stories Press have bought How to Get Over the End of the World by NBA nominee author Hal Schrieve (Out of Salem), about queer and trans teens in the Pacific Northwest creating community and creating art, finding love, and being rocked by alien visions that offer hope for a sustainable future. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Hannah Fergesen at KT Literary brokered the deal for world rights.
Meghan Maria McCullough at Levine Querido has acquired Emi Watanabe Cohen's middle grade fantasy novel, Golemcrafters. In the story, Japanese-Jewish siblings Shiloh and Faye discover they are descended from a long line of golemcrafters, and spend the summer learning to sculpt golems in the tradition of Jewish folklore. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Mary C. Moore at Kimberley Cameron & Associates did the deal for world rights.
Emily Daluga at Abrams/Amulet has bought world English rights to an untitled, standalone middle grade novel by Chad Lucas, and You Owe Me One, Universe, a middle grade sequel to Thanks a Lot, Universe. Universe follows Brian and Ezra as they navigate mental health challenges, new family dynamics, unexpected romance, and their changing best-friendship. It is slotted for fall 2023, and the untitled middle grade is slated for fall 2024; Christa Heschke and Daniele Hunter at McIntosh & Otis negotiated the two-book deal.
Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has acquired There's No Place Like Home, a middle grade novel by James Bird (The Second Chance of Benjamin Waterfalls) about a Native American boy and his family living in their car, a stray dog, and the challenges of hoping for a forever home. It's scheduled for spring 2023; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for North American rights.
Alison Deering at Capstone has bought world rights to Naomi Nash, a chapter book series by Jessica Lee Anderson (l.), illustrated by Alejandra Barajas, in a four-book deal. The series will follow eight-year-old Naomi on her snake-filled encounters in her Texas neighborhood. Along with her best friend and older brother, Naomi is on a mission to help these misunderstood, feared creatures—especially when they get caught in some sticky situations. Publication of the first title, Saving Snakes, is set for spring 2023; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Erin Tisdel at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Leonard Marcus at Astra Publishing has acquired world rights to James McMullan's next picture book, Tractor Max. in the book, Tractor Max is hard at work on the farm satisfying the loud demands of the animals and even the farmer when the power goes out; he ends the day celebrating his accomplishments with a lullaby. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Holly McGhee of Pippin Properties negotiated the deal.
Taylor Norman at Chronicle Books has bought world rights to debut author-illustrator Sendy Santamaria's picture book Yenebi's Drive to School, a story of a girl's daily commute, in which Yenebi and her mother and sister get up at 5:00 each morning to drive across the border from Mexico, where the family lives, to the U.S., where the sisters go to school. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Santamaria was unagented and is now represented by Andrea Morrison at Writers House.
Ann Kelley at Random House Studio has acquired world rights to Many Things at Once, written by Newbery Honor author Veera Hiranandani (l.), illustrated by Nadia Alam, about a child navigating the complexities of her two cultures and finding joy in her own identity. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Sara Crowe represented the author and Elena Giovinazzo represented the illustrator, both at Pippin Properties.
Sylvie Frank, in her first deal since joining Disney Hyperion, has bought world rights to Amazing Augustus by Tammi Sauer (l.), a picture book about a confident and unflappable squirrel who is so busy boasting he finds himself eaten, and an untitled sequel; Nichole Wong Forti will illustrate. Publication is set for fall 2024 and fall 2025; Laura Rennert represented the author and Jennifer March Soloway represented the illustrator, both at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Krestyna Lypen at Algonquin Young Readers has acquired world rights to Merry and Hark, A Christmas Story by April Genevieve Tucholke (l.), illustrated by Rebecca Santo. This picture book adds a fantasy-adventure twist to the real-life tale of the tiny owl that was found in the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Eric Myers of Myers Literary Management represented the author, and Patricia Lindgren of Lindgren and Smith represented the artist.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Wild Brunch: How Animals Eat What They Eat by David L. Harrison (l.) (Now You See Them, Now You Don't), illustrated by Giles Laroche (A Place to Start a Family). This collection of poems and cut-paper illustrations investigates how animals find food and what they eat. Publication is slated for fall 2024; The author represented himself, and Studio Goodwin Sturges represented the illustrator.
Meredith Mundy at Abrams Appleseed has acquired world rights to Sandy Toes and Snowy Mittens, the first two titles in the Let's Play Outside! board book series celebrating the unconstrained joy of outdoor play, whatever the season. The books will be written by Shauntay Grant (l.) and illustrated by Candice Bradley. The first book will publish in fall 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator
Rebecca Glaser at Amicus has bought world rights to Happy Birthday Belly Button by Kalli Dakos (l.), a rhyming celebration of how much we can grow—from funny bones to belly button—in a year, illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell. Publication is set for spring 2023; Ron Zollshan at Kirchoff/Wohlberg represented the author, and Deborah Warren of East/West Literary represented Navarro Powell.
Samantha Swenson at Tundra Books has acquired world rights to Banana by Zoey Abbott. In this picture book, a girl loves hanging out with her dad, but when a magical banana distracts him from the things he used to enjoy, she's determined to take action. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties negotiated the deal.
Elizabeth Schleisman at Beaming Books has bought North American rights to Be Your Own Bird, a picture book about mindfulness, self-acceptance, confidence, and bird yoga by Russ Willms (Parker's Place). Publication is planned for fall 2023; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency brokered the deal.
Alessandra Preziosi at Clarion has acquired the interactive board book Swaddled with Love, which celebrates the joy of welcoming a new baby to the world, and the way all new parents wrap up their little ones with love. Anoosha Syed will illustrate; publication is slated for spring 2023. Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary did the deal for world rights.
