Tiffany Shelton at Wednesday Books has acquired, at auction, Needy Little Things by debut author Channelle Desamours. The YA speculative mystery follows 17-year-old Sariyah Lee Bryant, a Black teen living in Atlanta who can telepathically hear what people need. When neither the police nor the media pay much attention after another one of her friends goes missing, Sariyah must use her gift to find out what really happened. Publication is scheduled for winter 2025; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights.
Mabel Hsu at HarperCollins has bought, in a preempt, Shimcheong by Fred Ebb Award-winning composer-lyricist and debut author Julia Riew. Pitched as a Korean princess story inspired by the author's own life and "The Blind Man's Daughter" folktale, this middle grade novel is a royal fantasy with princesses, family secrets, and dueling kingdoms—all with a female-centered narrative. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Cindy Uh at CAA brokered the deal for North American rights.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought, in an exclusive submission, The Froggy Archive by Julie Fiveash, Diné/Navajo author-illustrator and librarian for American Indigenous Studies at Harvard. In this middle grade graphic novel, an anthropomorphic frog volunteers at a community library and is tasked with creating a community archive to re-inject interest in the library, which is woefully underfunded. Publication is set for 2025; Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Jordan Brown at HarperCollins/Walden Pond Press has acquired Eden Royce's The Creepening of Dogwood House, a middle grade Southern Gothic story based on the hoodoo practice of hair burning, about a boy's adoption by a kind couple with an enormous, creepy house haunted by ghosts and something far more frightening. Publication is tentatively slated for summer 2024; Adriann Ranta Zurhellen at Folio Literary Management handled the deal for North American rights.
Catherine Frank at Peachtree has acquired Juneberry Blue, a middle grade magical realism novel by Candice Ransom. When the gift Andie is supposed to receive on her 11th birthday takes an unexpected form, Andie's plans for saving her fading factory town—and reuniting her family—fall apart. But with the help of a loyal friend, a ghost cat, and the magic that flows from the place she calls home, she may be able to pull off her plan after all. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary sold world rights.
Kate Harrison at Dial has bought cartoonist Sam Hepburn's debut, Schoolbot 9000, a middle grade graphic novel pitched as a big-bad-tech adventure. 11-year-old James faces a world turning upside down when the school district replaces his beloved teachers with robots. When James and a few unlikely allies take action, they'll discover the real masterminds behind the artificial intelligence. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Daniel Lazar at Writers House did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Megan Brown at IDW has acquired the middle-grade graphic novel A Worm's Tale by author-illustrator Konstantin Nien Shen Steshenko. In a fantastic insect kingdom where every species has a role to fulfill, Klay—a hopeful and brash young worm who dreams of becoming a knight—must join forces with a sentient, haunted suit of armor to protect his kingdom, even though no one believes a lowly earthworm capable of great deeds. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Kate Meltzer at Roaring Brook has bought world English rights in a two-book, six-figure preempt to Where There Be Monsters, first in the Outersphere series, a middle-grade fantasy by debut author Alby C. Williams. The story follows 12-year-old Glory Brown, whose family inn offers a safe haven to scientific travelers in a monster filled-universe. But when Glory sets out on her own adventure to help a friend deliver a mysterious, magical package, she discovers something is dangerously amiss in the Outersphere—and it's up to her to figure out how to fix it. Publication is set for winter 2025; Jordan Hill and Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media did the deal on behalf of Cake Creative.
Katrina Gutierrez at Lantana has acquired world rights for Ellie and the Marriage List, the first book in debut author Tricia Seabolt's (l.) middle grade series One Extra Sparkle, illustrated by Lucy Rogers, about a vibrant girl with Down syndrome who faces her fears and finds her voice over the course of one eventful summer. Publication is scheduled for May 2024; the author was unagented, and Jennifer Herrington at Harvey Klinger represented the illustrator.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Kente for Jojo, a picture book by Ghanaian author Bernard Mensah (l.), illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon, about a boy named Kwame who designs a special traditional Kente for his baby brother, celebrating the importance that Kente holds not only in Ghanaian tradition but now across the world. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented the author, and Lori Nowicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Ben Rosenthal at HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Books has acquired world rights to Queen of Day by Jacob Sager Weinstein (l.), illustrated by Victo Ngai, a picture book that follows a girl and her grandfather as they explore the world through the lens of chess. Publication is set for winter 2026; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Gail Gaynin at Morgan Gaynin represented the illustrator.
Katie Heit at Scholastic has bought world rights to Where Water Meets the Sky by Diana Farid (l.), illustrated by Hoda Hadadi. In this picture book, a girl learns to find comfort in unfamiliar horizons after her family is forced to leave their home. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Anna Roberto at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights to You Can Sit with Me by Rachel Tawil Kenyon (l.), illustrated by Tatiana Kamshilina, a picture book about inclusion and friendship at school or elsewhere, and the power of inviting someone—no matter what their appearance, challenges or abilities—to "sit with me." Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Mary Cummings at Great River Literary represented the author, and Lillian Mazeika at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Woods and Words: The Poetry of Mary Oliver by Sara Holly Ackerman (l.), illustrated by Naoko Stoop (The World's Loneliest Elephant). This biography celebrates Mary Oliver, one of America's best-loved poets, who found truth by walking the woods, paying attention, and finding poems in moles, skunk cabbages, and other unexpected places. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the artist.
Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has acquired world rights to Eloísa's Musical Window, a picture book about a music-loving girl in 1930s Cuba who discovers the melodies in the world outside her window, written by Newbery Honor author Margarita Engle (l.), inspired by her mother's childhood, and illustrated by Pura Belpré Honor winner John Parra. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Michelle Humphrey at Martha Kaplan Agency represented the author, and Adriana Dominguez at Aevitas Creative Management represented the illustrator.
David and Stephanie Miles at Bushel & Peck Books have bought world rights to Stronger Than She Thinks by two-time Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan (l.), co-written with Ryan G. Van Cleave (c.), illustrated by Arief Putra (r.); Brooke Vitale will edit. Kerrigan's debut picture book features scenes from her childhood as she learns how to work hard, believe in herself, and land her first axel jump. Publication is set for fall 2023; Jerry Solomon represented Kerrigan, Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown represented Van Cleave, and Atlanta Jaff at Advocate Art represented Putra.
Celia Lee while at Scholastic acquired world rights to You Make the World by Mượn Thị Văn (l.) (Wishes), an exploration of the ways we shape the world, with Phung Nguyen Quang (c.) and Huynh Thi Kim Lien (r.) illustrating; Clarissa Wong will edit. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented the author, and Kate Webber at Good Illustration represented the illustrators.
Josh Gregory at Albert Whitman has bought world English rights to The Wedding Shoe Snatch by Madhu Messenger (l.), illustrated by Darshika Varma. During a treasured Indian wedding tradition, Shilpa, the bride's sister, makes sneaky plans to snatch the groom's shoes, while Rishi, the groom's brother, attempts to guard the shoes. Publication is slated for fall 2024; Marisa Cleveland at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate-Art represented the illustrator.
Yasemin Uçar at Kids Can Press has acquired world rights to A Kite Story by Zoey Abbott, a sibling story about a boy who wants things "just so" and a little sister who pushes him beyond his comfort zone into new emotional territory. Publication is set for spring 2025; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties brokered the deal.
Kallie George at Greystone Kids has bought Mountains by Julia Kuo, a picture book exploring mountain ranges and their exhilarating peaks. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights.
Rebecca Davis at Astra Young Readers has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Curry Means More by Maria Marianayagam (l.), illustrated by Geeta Ladi, in a two-book deal. The book introduces readers to Shirin, a girl who loves curry but isn't sure what it is until she watches her Amma cook and is transported into memories of her life. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Alice Fugate at Joy Harris Literary Agency represented the author, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Kate DePalma at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to I'll See You in Ijebu by Bunmi Emenanjo (l.), illustrated by Diana Ejaita (Olu and Greta). In this picture book, a Catholic city girl from Lagos travels into the Nigerian countryside to spend Eid al-Adha with her Muslim extended family. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Ellen Goff at HG Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Julia Bliven at Charlesbridge Publishing has acquired world rights to Bounce! A Scientific History of Rubber by Sarah Albee (l.), illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen, a nonfiction picture book about the surprising history of rubber. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Sarah Rockett at Sleeping Bear Press has bought world rights to Just Flowers by Erin Dealey (l.) (Snow Globe Wishes), about a budding botanist, a grumpy neighbor, and random acts of kindness, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. Publication is set for spring 2024; Deborah Warren at East/West Literary represented the author, and Janet DeCarlo at StoryBook Arts represented the illustrator.
Michelle Frey at Knopf has acquired Where There's Smoke, a YA novel by E.B. Vickers (Fadeaway), about 18-year-old Calli, who finds herself on her own after her father's death—until a bruised and broken girl shows up on her property, forcing her to face the present, rethink her future, and unearth the skeletons of her own past. The book will publish in December 2023; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Kelsey Sullivan at Disney-Hyperion has bought The Strange Will of Xavier Stoutmire by Kaitlyn Cavalancia, a YA debut mystery about an ordinary girl who gets brought into a magical world in which she has to solve a murder to win an inheritance. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal for U.S., Canadian, and open market rights.
Megan Brown at IDW has acquired world English rights to Desert Rain, the debut YA graphic novel from author-illustrator Kristin Kemper. In a futuristic dystopia masquerading as a paradise, two clones must navigate questions of gender and identity as they discover the insidious truth behind their city. Publication is scheduled for spring 2027; Erica Bauman at Aevitas Creative Management represented Kemper.
Meg Gaertner at Flux has bought debut author T.L. Simpson's Strong Like You, a YA contemporary novel in which an impoverished 15-year-old linebacker grapples with ideas about strength and masculinity after the dope-dealing hillbilly father he idolized goes missing. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Shari Maurer at the Stringer Literary Agency sold world rights.
Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has acquired two middle-grade graphic novels from Eisner Award-winning author Hope Larson. The first book, The Absolute Value of Verity, follows the story of an overachieving eighth grader whose life is turned upside-down by her struggles with dyscalculia. It's set for summer 2025; Judith Hansen at the Hansen Literary Management sold world rights.
Regan Winter at Disney-Hyperion has bought author-illustrator Primo Gallanosa's The Pet Placement Society middle grade graphic novel series for the Melissa de la Cruz Studio, aimed at animal lovers and fans of the Baby-Sitters Club. A group of tweens form a club to help find the perfect homes for animals at the local shelter while learning how to deal with middle school drama. Publication of the first book is slated for spring 2025; Kristin Nelson at Nelson Literary Agency brokered the three-book deal for world rights.
Phoebe Yeh at Crown has acquired the middle grade novel Operation Sisterhood: Stealing the Show by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, in an exclusive submission. When Sunday's plans for a spectacular neighborhood theatre production go awry because of a new celebrity neighbor, her sisters need to help her find the way back to the community connections that sparked the idea in the first place. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Lynne Polvino at Clarion Books has bought Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe New Talent Award winner Ronald L. Smith's Project Mercury. In this fast-paced middle grade adventure with a sci-fi futurist twist, two military brats whose families are stationed near Area 51 uncover secrets far stranger than aliens. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Joanna Cárdenas has acquired Stand Up, Yumi Chung! author Jessica Kim's next middle grade novel, On Thin Ice, a sibling rivalry story about two polar opposite fraternal twins, one a figure ice skater and the other a hockey player, who must team up if they want to win in their respective sports. Publication is set for spring 2025; Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency sold North American rights.
Elizabeth Law at Holiday House has bought two novels by Dan Gutman (Houdini and Me; the Genius Files). In the first book, The Secret of Cleopatra's Needle, five children narrate the journey of Cleopatra's Needle from its creation in Egypt in 1461 BCE to its erection in Central Park in 1881, for publication in summer 2024. The second book, The Doodle, tells of a kid who finds a doodle he realizes was created by Picasso, for publication in summer 2025. Liza Voges at Eden Street Literary sold world English rights.
Mora Couch at Holiday House has acquired world rights to The Luminous Life of Lucy Landry, a middle-grade historical novel by Ojibwe author Anna Rose Johnson (The Star That Always Stays). When Lucy, a French-Ojibwe orphan, is sent to stormy Lake Superior to live with a family of lighthouse keepers, she has to overcome her fear of water in order to find the legendary necklace her father spent his life seeking. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; Jessica Schmeidler at Golden Wheat Literary brokered the deal.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought world rights to Liz Kleinrock (l.) and Caroline Pritchard's (c.) What Jewish Looks Like, an illustrated middle grade collection of short biographies of 36 Jewish leaders who are diverse across identities, geography, and passions, yet are connected through their commitment to Jewish values; Iris Gottlieb (r.) will illustrate. Publication is expected for fall 2024; Emily Sylvan Kim at Prospect Agency represented Kleinrock, Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented Pritchard, and Kate Woodrow at Present Perfect represented Gottlieb.
Alison Weiss at Pixel+Ink has acquired world rights to Forever Friends and Secrets and Sillies, the first two books in the Drag and Rex early chapter book series by Susan Lubner (l.), illustrated by Blythe Russo, which chronicle the adventures of a dragon and T. rex who are best friends and stick together through thick and thin. The first book will publish in fall 2023, with the second following a year later. Linda Epstein at Emerald City Literary represented the author, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Anu Ohioma at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to a new picture book series, written by Shauntay Grant (l.) and illustrated by Leticia Moreno, where African proverbs are brought to visual life as they highlight and celebrate the joys of love and family. The first book, Where There Is Love, will publish in spring 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Lillian Mazeika at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator in the three-book deal.
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Chelsea Lin Wallace's (l.) We Are the Theater, about a group of children putting on a theatrical performance, but when their big moment comes and things start going awry, will their show be a hit or a flop? Molly Idle will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2024. Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Emily Feinberg at Roaring Brook Press has acquired world rights to Kwame's Day, a picture book by Denise R. Adusei (l.), illustrated by Dominique Ramsey, about Ghanaian naming practices and one boy named Kwame who awaits the arrival of a new sibling. Publication is slated for fall 2025. Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary Agency represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Karen Chaplin at HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books has acquired world rights to Brave Voldomyr, a picture book biography by Linda Elovitz Marshall (l.), illustrated by Ukrainian artist Grasya Oliyko. The book, inspired by Marshall's heritage, chronicles Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's Jewish background and fight for Ukraine's freedom, with a donation being made to benefit humanitarian efforts. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author, and the artist represented herself.
Katherine Harrison at Knopf has bought world rights to Birdlore by Jess Keating (l.) (Shark Lady), with Sydney Taylor Honoree Devon Holzwarth illustrating. This picture book biography celebrates the life of Florence Merriam Bailey, a groundbreaking woman scientist and conservationist who popularized birdwatching among biologists and hobbyists alike, and inspired a movement to protect our feathered friends. Publication is set for spring 2025; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired world rights to Vivien Thomas: Scientist and Educator at Heart by Joan Schoettler (l.), illustrated by Steffi Walthall. The picture book biography details the life and work of Vivien Thomas, a groundbreaking Black cardiac surgeon who, without any professional education beyond high school, rose to the top of his field, developed lifesaving procedures, and trained countless medical students and fellow surgeons. Publication is planned for summer 2025; the author represented herself, and James Burns at the Bright Group represented the illustrator.
Lauri Hornik at Penguin/Rocky Pond Books has bought, at auction, world rights to Magic in a Drop of Water: How Ruth Patrick Taught the World About Water Pollution by Julie Winterbottom (l.), illustrated by Susan Reagan. This STEM-themed picture book biography tells the story of pioneering botanist and ecologist Ruth Patrick, one of the first scientists to study river ecosystems and warn about the dangers of water pollution. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the author, and Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the artist.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired world rights to Big Tune author Alliah L. Agostini's (l.) Great Idea Malia, illustrated by Olivia de Castro. The picture book features creative Malia, whose imaginative ways of assisting Mom in her busy new job don't prove helpful, until mother and daughter mantras spark new ideas for spending time together. Publication is set for fall 2024; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Marley's Pride by Joëlle Retener (l.), illustrated by DeAnn Wiley, about a nonbinary child with big anxieties who must overcome their fear of crowds when their Zaza is up for an award at Pride. Publication is scheduled for spring 2024; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the author and the illustrator.
