Kate Meltzer at Roaring Brook has acquired Melissa de la Cruz's first YA thriller, The Headmaster's List. In a story pitched as One of Us Is Lying meets Riverdale, a student at an elite Los Angeles private school is killed in a car crash. Who was driving—and who was at fault? In a place ruled by privilege and pedigree, the answers can only come at a deadly price. Publication is slated for winter 2023; Richard Abate of 3Arts Entertainment brokered the deal for world English rights.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins/Tegen has bought rights to The Boyfriend Wish by Swati Teerdhala, the author's first YA romantic comedy. After a Homecoming date proposal gone wrong, Deepa makes a wish on a rare and magical flower for the perfect boyfriend. The next day, a new neighbor moves in who fits her list, almost as if her wish has come true. To find out for sure, Deepa must kiss him, but the more she plans the perfect kiss, the more she questions whether she might be choosing the wrong boy. Publication is set for winter 2024. Kristin Nelson at the Nelson Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Cecil Castellucci's (l.) YA graphic novel My First Monster, which follows Amelia LaCouer, a new girl who gets swept into an emotionally abusive relationship with the most popular guy in school, who is, quite literally, a monster. Shazleen Khan will illustrate; publication is scheduled for 2025. Kirby Kim at Janklow & Nesbit represented the author, and Kurestin Armada at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Alex Antone at Skybound Comet has bought, in a multi-book deal, world rights to Michelle Fus's sci-fi/fantasy YA graphic novel series Ava's Demon, about a shy teenage girl named Ava who forms a dangerous pact with an ancient alien queen named Wrathia. Ava's Demon is one of the highest-performing webcomics graphic novel series on Kickstarter, having raised more than a million dollars to date. Publication of Ava's Demon Book One: Reborn is planned for May 2023; the author was unagented.
Jessica Yang at Quirk Books has acquired world rights to audio drama writer Jessica Best's Stars, Hide Your Fires. A thief is framed for the emperor's murder in this YA sci-fi murder mystery pitched as queer Knives Out in space. Publication is slated for spring 2023; the author was unagented.
Kristin Gilson at Aladdin has bought the first two books in The Sherlock Society by James Ponti (City Spies), a middle grade series featuring humor, mystery and adventure as a Miami sister and brother enlist their friends to help their grandfather dig into cold cases from his days as an investigative journalist. The first book will launch in summer 2024; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has acquired, in a five-house auction, world English rights to Mille of the Manor, a contemporary middle grade graphic novel by Karina Evans (l.), illustrated by Andrea Bell. The novel follows 11-year-old Millie as she navigates her crushing social anxiety when she's invited to a murder mystery birthday party. Publication is set for winter 2025; Jessica Mileo and Claire Friedman at InkWell Management handled the deal.
Hannah Fries at Storey Publishing has bought world rights to The Ink-Credible Octopus by marine ecologist Erin Spencer (The World of Coral Reefs), a nonfiction book for middle graders that takes a deep dive into all things octopus, from their unique suction cups to their nine amazing brains. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; the author is unagented.
Andrea Hall at Beaming Books has acquired, in a three-book deal, world rights to chapter book series The Infinity Rainbow Club, written by autistic author Jen Malia (l.) (Too Sticky!) and illustrated by Peter Francis. Set in an after-school club with different neurodivergent fourth graders in the lead for each book in the series, the first story follows an autistic boy competing in a brick-builder challenge with a partner when he's used to working alone. Publication starts in fall 2023; Naomi Davis at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Mela Bolinao at MB Artists represented the illustrator.
Winsome Bingham at Reycraft has bought world rights for the chapter book series Vampirita by Mariana Llanos. Book one is about eight-year-old Vampirita, who moves to Sunny City, Calif., with her Mamá but doesn't want to blend in with the humans. She devises a plan to move back home to her dilapidated mansion in Peru, but for her plan to work, she must break one of Mamá's rules by revealing her true identity. Publication is planned for fall 2023, with the second and third installments to follow in spring and fall 2024. Sera Rivers at Martin Literary & Media Management did the three-book deal.
Clarissa Wong at Scholastic has acquired world rights to We Who Produce Pearls by Joanna Ho (l.), author of Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Eyes That Speak to the Stars, illustrated by artist and activist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya. This poetic picture book about AA-NH/PI history, in the vein of The Undefeated, highlights the voices, power and strength in these rich and diverse communities. Publication is expected in spring 2024; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the artist represented herself.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has bought world rights to All That I Need to Be by activist, critic, and Do Better author Rachel Ricketts (l.), a picture book aimed to uplift and provide mindfulness resources for Black and Brown children when the world becomes too much, illustrated by Tiffany Rose (Abdul's Story; Dear Reader). Publication is slated for 2024; Cherise Fisher at Wendy Sherman Associates represented the author, and Erzsi Deak at Hen&ink Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has acquired world rights for The Spice Box, from the author-illustrator team of the upcoming A Garden in My Hands. This picture book, written by Meera Sriram (l.) and illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat, introduces readers to a boy named Rishi, who longs to cook curry alongside his father with the delicious flavors from his family's spice box, which has been passed down through generations. Publication is set for spring 2024. The book was part of a previously announced two-book deal negotiated by Tracy Marchini at BookEnds; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary represented the illustrator.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought world rights to I See Color by Valerie Bolling (l.) and Kailei Pew (c.), illustrated by Laylie Frazier (r.). This nonfiction picture book turns the seemingly well-meaning phrase of "I don't see color" on its head by affirming the diverse palette of color in people's skin tones, while celebrating achievements of individuals who have worked to improve the lives of all people. Publication is planned for winter 2024; James McGowan at BookEnds represented Bolling, Emily Forney at BookEnds represented Pew, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented Frazier.
Elizabeth Lazowski at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Juneteenth, a picture book by Natasha Tripplett (l.), illustrated by Daniel J. O'Brien, about a girl's celebration of Juneteenth, from morning wake-up to parade to evening BBQ, recounting history and connecting with loved ones. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Sonali Fry at Crown has bought world rights to Ice Cream Man, a picture book telling the story of Augustus Jackson, an African American entrepreneur who is known as the "Father of Ice Cream," written by Glenda Armand (l.) and Kim Freeman (c.), illustrated by Keith Mallett (r.). Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the authors, and the illustrator represented himself.
Brett Duquette at Little Bee Books has acquired world rights to The Queen of Chess: How Judit Polgár Changed the Game by Laurie Wallmark (l.) (Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code), illustrated by Stevie Lewis, the true story of how Judit Polgár captivated the world as she competed to become the youngest chess grandmaster in history. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented the author, and Ed Maxwell at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the illustrator.
Haven Iverson at Sounds True has bought world rights to Dinos Don't Meditate by Catherine Bailey, illustrated by Alex Willmore, about a rowdy little T-Rex who must learn to balance peaceful pauses with prehistoric playtime in order to stay friends with his serene pal, for publication in spring 2023. Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Christina Doffing at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Siqin He at Yeehoo Press acquired world rights to Nadia Ali's (l.) picture book Humphrey the Egg-Splorer, with Jiahui Zhu editing. Humphrey the egg is determined to become a great egg-splorer for big adventures but he cracks frequently, only to discover he must create his own solution. Valentí Gubianas will illustrate; publication is set for summer 2023 in the U.S. and mainland China. Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Malena Bastón at IMC Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought Fraser the Ranger, written and illustrated by debut author Matthew Schufman, the picture book story of a lonely forest ranger who sets out on an adventure to find a new friend. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Steven Chudney at the Chudney Agency sold world rights.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired author-illustrator MaryJo Scott's debut picture book Sam & Lucy, about a boy and his flock of chickens, and how he learns as his beloved hen Lucy grows older that the hardest part of loving is being able to let go. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Katie Heit at Scholastic has bought world English rights to Tumble, a nonfiction picture book about the life cycle of the humble tumbleweed and the beauty of the desert by author-illustrator Adriana Hernández Bergstrom (Abuelita and I Make a Flan). Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt negotiated the deal, with publication set for summer 2023.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, North American rights to Flyboy by Kasey LeBlanc, a queer YA debut novel with a dose of magic in the vein of The Night Circus, about a closeted trans teenager named Asher who begins dreaming of a magical circus where he can finally be seen for who he is, all while navigating senior year at his new Catholic school. Publication is slated for winter 2024; Mollie Glick at Creative Artists Agency negotiated the deal.
Andrew Karre at Dutton has bought Laura Zimmermann's sophomore YA novel, Do This One Thing for Me, a con-artist thriller about three siblings in rural Wisconsin who risk everything on the grift their mother started so they can keep their family together. Publication is scheduled for August 2023; Tina Dubois at ICM Partners sold world English rights.
Stephanie Guerdan at HarperTeen has acquired J. Albert Mann's Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, which tells the story of the U.S. working class in the vein of Jason Reynolds's Stamped and Melanie Crowder's Audacity. The book will give context to some of the most pressing issues today, drawing attention to the intersection between labor history, class, race, gender, economics, and even climate change, while shedding light on the workers and events that shaped our modern world. It's tentatively set for spring 2024; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal for world rights.
David Saylor at Scholastic/Graphix has bought, in an exclusive submission, First Steps, a semi-autobiographical middle grade graphic novel by debut author-illustrator Kane Lynch. After his parents' divorce, 12-year-old Galen must balance two separate lives—one at his dad's run-down apartment where his father's quirky, young girlfriend is moving in, and another at his mom's house with her new level-headed boyfriend and his angsty teenage daughter—while trying to keep the peace between his fractured yet growing family. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Alexandra Weiss at Azantian Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Bria Ragin at Delacorte has acquired Bumps in the Night by Amalie Howard, a contemporary supernatural horror novel and her middle grade debut, in which a 12-year-old girl who is sent to her grandmother's home in Trinidad for the summer discovers that her long-lost mother has actually been trapped in a magical silk cotton tree, and she must team up with a group of young witches to save her from a malevolent force. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has bought at auction Mark Crilley's middle-grade epistolary graphic novel, The Mighty Onion and a sequel, in which a pair of students work together to create their very first comic book, navigating the highs and lows of artistic collaboration, the path to publication, and local fame. Publication is scheduled for 2024; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency sold world rights.
Anna Parsons at Aladdin has acquired Joan Reardon's middle-grade debut The Grimsbane Family Witch Hunters, pitched as Scritch Scratch meets Ghost Squad. The novel follows Anna Grimsbane's cryptid-riddled quest to save her accident-prone and extremely cursed brother from The Watcher, along the way uncovering a dark family legacy that makes her question what she believes to be true. Publication is set for summer 2024; Larissa Melo Pienkowski at Jill Grinberg Literary Management sold North American rights.
Alex Antone at Skybound Comet has bought, at auction, Mac Smith's debut action-adventure middle grade graphic novel Scurry, collecting the hit webcomic and Kickstarter phenomenon, about a colony of mice surviving in a post-apocalyptic world. Publication is planned for February 2023; Gordon Warnock at Fuse Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Courtney Code at Abrams Appleseed has acquired, at auction, We Might See by Charlie Mylie, a concept picture book that invites the youngest readers and their grownups to notice things together. It will publish in spring 2023; Hannah Mann at Writers House handled the deal for world rights.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought He's Gone, written and illustrated by Federico Gastaldi. This picture book debut delivers a tender-hearted approach to childhood grief after the loss of a beloved pet. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Amy Thrall Flynn at Rubin Pfeffer Content sold world rights.
Alex Wolfe at Penguin Workshop has acquired world rights to author-illustrator Jess Fogel's debut picture book Toby, the story of a chipmunk who knows deep down that he's really a dog, and now he just has to convince the other dogs in the park of this fact. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal.
Adonia Ripple and Katie Coit at Yosemite Conservancy have bought world rights to Tasha's Voice by Carmen Bogan (l.); illustrations by the late Floyd Cooper (c.), will proceed with illustrator Daria Peoples (r.). Peoples, a Highlights Foundation mentee of Cooper's, will create illustrations based on his final sketches for the project. Publication is planned for spring 2024. Bogan and Cooper were unagented; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights for Minh Lê (l.) and Dan Santat's next collaboration, Built to Last, as well as another untitled picture book by Minh. In this picture book about perseverance and friendship, two friends love building things together, though everything they make ends up falling apart (in spectacular fashion)—everything, that is, except their friendship. Publication is set for summer 2024; Stephen Barbara at InkWell Management represented the author, and Jodi Reamer at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Sara Schonfeld at HarperCollins/Tegen has bought world rights to Sunshine in the Monsoons by Tina Athaide (l.) (Orange for the Sunsets), illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan (Where Three Oceans Meet), a picture book set during the monsoon season in Goa, India, when a girl starts new traditions with her family and aging grandmother to find joy on even the rainiest days. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the illustrator.
Carter Hasegawa at Candlewick Press has acquired world rights to Not Far from Here and a second untitled work by LatinxPitch co-founder Nydia Armendia-Sánchez (l.), illustrated by Devon Holtzworth. In this picture book weaving English and Spanish languages, Mamá shares the story of Papá's blacksmith heritage and their family's determination to hammer out a life as immigrants without being pushed to the margins through the bonds of love, courage, and the human connection that forge us all. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Lori Steel at Raven Quill Literary Agency represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Emma Sakamoto at Groundwood Books has bought world rights to Maybe a Whale by Kirsten Pendreigh (l.), a picture book journey of healing about a girl who reluctantly embarks on a kayak trip with her mother and, immersed in the healing beauty of the sea, finds herself able to articulate her grief for her recently deceased grandpa and share her yearning to see her first whale—something she was supposed to do with him. Crystal Smith will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2023. Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Agency while at Bradford Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Carolyn Yoder at Calkins Creek has acquired world rights to Cactus Queen: Minerva Hoyt Establishes Joshua Tree National Park by Lori Alexander (l.), illustrated by Jenn Ely, a picture book biography about the inventive methods one woman used to increase awareness about desert wildlife and her quest to preserve one million acres of land. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Kathleen Rushall represented the author and Kelly Sonnack represented the illustrator, both at Andrea Brown Literary Agency.
Sue Tarsky at Albert Whitman has bought world rights to Get Ready for School by Janet Nolan (l.) (Seven and a Half Tons of Steel), illustrated by Maria Neradova. In a picture book homage to teachers, principals, librarians, and bus drivers and their patience, planning, and teamwork, readers will go behind the scenes to learn how staff members get ready before the school bell rings. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Deborah Warren at East/West Literary represented the author, and Good Illustration Agency represented the artist.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired world rights to The Pie That Molly Grew by Sue Heavenrich (l.), illustrated by Chamisa Kellogg, a STEM-focused picture book that showcases the stages of a seedling's growth, the bees, flowers, sunlight, and water that all work together to produce the main ingredient in one of the world's most beloved pies. Publication is set for fall 2023; Heather Cashman at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Claire Easton Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Jennifer Newens at West Margin has bought world rights to Broccoli Is Trying to Kill Me by Katie Evans (l.), illustrated by Savannah Allen. In this picture book, despite Dad's insistence that broccoli is good for him, a child is in the fight of his life against a mob of evil vegetables. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Kristina Slater at Metamorphosis Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
