Gretchen Durning at Razorbill has acquired Summer Nights and Meteorites by Hannah Reynolds (The Summer of Lost Letters; Eight Nights of Flirting), a YA rom-com in which a 17-year-old girl reluctantly agrees to spend the summer with her father on Nantucket, only to fall for her dad's annoyingly handsome assistant and uncover a century-old mystery full of love, betrayal, and astronomy. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Tamar Rydzinski at Context Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Jerome Pohlen at Interlude/Duet Books at Chicago Review Press has bought A Different Kind of Brave by Lee Wind (Queer as a Five-Dollar Bill), a globe-trotting, high stakes YA adventure romance in which two gay teens—Nico who has escaped from a gay reprogramming institute in California, and Sam, a privileged New Yorker who idolizes James Bond—come together to save each other and free the other teens trapped in the institute. Publication is set for March 2024; Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Sarah Shumway at Bloomsbury has acquired This Is How You Fall in Love by Anika Hussain, a debut YA novel about Zara, a rom-com obsessed teen on the hunt for her own great love story, who agrees to fake date her best friend Adnan in an effort to cover up his new secret relationship. Publication is slated for February 2024; Elle Brenton-Rounding at Hot Key negotiated the deal on behalf of Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary.
Ashtyn Stann at Flux has bought Lonely Places, a YA folk horror novel by Kate Anderson (Here Lies Olive), in which a 16-year-old girl whose skoolie family has made a lifestyle out of avoiding hard conversations must face her own childhood trauma to rescue her sister from a supernatural horror. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Sharon Belcastro at Belcastro Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Julia McCarthy at Atheneum has acquired world rights to The Dashing School for Wayward Princes, a middle grade graphic novel by Ben Kahn (l.) (Renegade Rule) and Jeremy Whitley (c.) (Princeless), illustrated by Melissa Capriglione (r.) (Basil & Oregano). It tells the story of Leo, a supposed prince who knows that, deep down, she's really a princess. Despite the school's rigid and outdated gender norms, Leo and her newfound misfit friends find the courage to embrace themselves and stand up to anyone who says otherwise. Publication is set for summer 2025; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary represented the writers, and Laurel Symonds at KT Literary represented the illustrator.
Abigail McAden at Scholastic/Graphix has bought Wish I Was a Baller, a '90s-set middle grade graphic memoir by Emmy-winning writer/producer Amar Shah (l.), illustrated by Eisner-winning comic creator Rashad Doucet. The story follows Amar's real-life experiences as a teen sports journalist covering the golden era of the NBA and sparking an unlikely friendship with Shaq, while navigating high school, first love, and his Indian American identity. Publication is planned for 2025; Jas Perry at KT Literary did the deal for world English rights.
Alyson Heller at Aladdin has acquired Last Chance Academy, a debut middle grade series by Debbi Michiko Florence (the Jasmine Toguchi series), in a two-book deal. Seventh grader Megumi Mizuno is sent away to boarding school, known by students as Last Chance Academy, where Meg is determined to win a mysterious treasure hunt with a prize that could reunite her with her dad—but soon learns there is a bigger mystery at the school to uncover. Publication is slated for spring 2025 and spring 2026; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary sold world English rights.
Alison Romig at Delacorte Press has bought It's Watching (Scritch Scratch) by Lindsay Currie, a chilling middle grade nod to The Ring, set in the most haunted cemetery in the country on Halloween night, where three kids must discover who—or what—is terrorizing them after receiving an ominous meme. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency handled the two-book deal for world English rights.
Erica Finkel at Abrams Amulet has acquired, in a two-book deal, Leah Cypess's chapter book, The Truth About the Tooth Fairy, first in a series about a girl who uses her superior detective skills to investigate fantastical creatures. Publication is planned for spring 2025; Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger negotiated the deal for world rights.
Anne Schwartz at Random House/Anne Schwartz Books has bought, at auction, Palestinian-born author-illustrator Hazar Elbayya's debut picture book, My Olive Tree, as well as an untitled picture book. After learning from her grandfather of the importance of olive trees to her heritage, a girl plants a seed—only to be devastated when the sapling is trampled by invading soldiers. But her community rallies together to plant new trees, with the promise that they will survive and grow strong—delivering a hopeful message about the power of unity, culture, and renewal in the face of conflict. Publication is set for fall 2024 and fall 2025, respectively; Gillian MacKenzie at Gillian MacKenzie Agency sold North American rights.
Elizabeth Law at Holiday House has acquired world rights to The Memory Cake by Caroline L. Perry (l.), illustrated by Jen Bricking. In this picture book, a girl visits her grandmother on the island of Malta during the feast of Santa Marija, and the baking of a celebratory cake reveals layers of Nanna's life during World War II, when Malta was the most bombed place on Earth. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the illustrator.
Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Ottaviano has bought world rights to World of Wonders by Amy E. Sklansky (l.) (Knock, Knock, Trick or Treat!), illustrated by Wade Zahares (Liberty Rising) in an exclusive submission. This picture book celebrates a collection of natural and human-made wonders from around the world, with each wonder featuring an original poem, corresponding facts, and an immersive illustration. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Studio Goodwin Sturges represented both author and illustrator.
Caitlyn Dlouhy at Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books has acquired Zoey Abbott's This Year, a Witch, a story about a girl who is tired of being adorable every Halloween, so she hatches a plan to be terrifying. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Renee Kelly at Penguin Workshop has bought Bears Don't Share! by J.E. Morris (Flubby Is Not a Good Pet!), a picture book in which two stubborn bears argue over the best napping rock in the forest. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Carrie Hannigan at HG Literary represented the author-illustrator for world rights.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has acquired world rights to Line Leads the Way by Laura Purdie Salas (l.), illustrated by Alice Caldarella. Square, Triangle, and all the other shapes each think they're perfectly perfect for a special job at the library. But Line brings imperfection and kind determination to the challenge. Publication is set for fall 2024; the author represented herself, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Jieun Lee at Annick Press has bought world rights to When the Air Sang by Laura Bontje (l.), illustrated by Sarah Whang, a picture book about a child's joyful exploration of different insects in her backyard—in particular, the mysterious cicadas and their songs. Publication is planned for winter 2025; James McGowan at BookEnds represented the author, and Kelly Dyksterhouse at Tobias Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Alexa Pastor at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to The Keeper of Stories by Caroline Kusin Pritchard (l.), illustrated by Selina Alko, a nonfiction picture book about the 1966 library fire at the Jewish Theological Seminary and how volunteers from all backgrounds came together to rescue more than 100,000 books. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented the author, and Marietta B. Zacker at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Sarah Howden at Orca has bought world rights to A Sky for the Birds by Rina Singh (l.), illustrated by Barkha Lohia. This picture book tells the uplifting story of two Muslim brothers in Delhi, who against all odds have devoted their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating black kites—the majestic birds of prey injured in the polluted skies of the capital city. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear Press has acquired world rights for Brave Old Blue by Colleen Muske (l.), illustrated by Christopher Thornock, a picture book about an old horse's arrival at a rescue farm and the girl who teaches him how to trust and accept love again. Publication is set for spring 2025; Kelly Dyksterhouse at Tobias Literary Agency represented the author, and Lori Steel at Red Fox Literary represented the illustrator.
Callie Lovvorn at Clear Fork has bought world rights to Toby Undone by Michele McAvoy (l.). illustrated by Elliott Jaudz Oliver, a social-emotional picture book in which the nonbinary character's world unravels (as does their favorite red sweater) when their parents lose their jobs. A story about loss, change, and finding your way in unexpected people and places. Publication is planned for fall 2024; the author and illustrator represented themselves.
Bri Gallagher at Tommy Nelson acquired Good Night, Cuddle Tight: Bunny Bedtime Book, a board book by Kristi Valiant about the sweet love between a Daddy and his bunnies when one wide-awake bunny requests a just-you-and-me bedtime cuddle; Karissa Taylor will edit. Publication is scheduled for winter 2024; Linda Pratt at Wernick & Pratt Agency did the deal for world rights.
Tiffany Liao at Zando Young Readers has won, in a five-house auction, Madeline Claire Franklin's debut The Wilderness of Girls, a YA contemporary at the intersection of thriller and folklore, following a pack of feral girls who are either lost princesses from a faraway land or brainwashed kidnapping victims, after they are "rescued" from the woods and forced into a society that insists on taming their wildness. Publication is scheduled for June 2024; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Lois Evans at Random House/Make Me a World has acquired, in a four-house, six-figure auction, Mariah-Rose Marie's debut YA graphic novel Go Back and Get It. When two mixed-race sisters drive cross-country to visit family in the American South, they come to reckon with their history, differences, and roots, all while unknowingly answering the call of something more ancient, magical, and illuminating than they could imagine. Publication is planned for 2026; Desiree Wilson at the Bent Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Nicole Fiorica at S&S/McElderry has bought Love Off the Record, a YA romance by Samantha Markum (This May End Badly). Pitched as You've Got Mail meets The Hating Game for teens, in which college freshman nemeses Wyn and Three are fighting over a coveted spot on their university newspaper, while also—unbeknownst to them—falling in love over an anonymous school dating app. Publication is set for 2024; Lauren Spieller at Folio Literary Management handled the deal for world rights.
Camille Kellogg at Bloomsbury has acquired The Reaper's Glass and an untitled sequel by Lin Thompson (The Best Liars in Riverview; The House That Whispers). Pitched as Our Flag Means Death meets The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue, the queer/trans YA historical duology is about three teens who set sail to face down a secret magical society in 1840s New England. The first book is slated for spring 2025; Beth Phelan at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for world rights.
Nicole Ellul at Simon & Schuster has bought Isabel Strychacz's newest YA novel, The Withering of Brier Hall. The novel is a modern gothic story of secrets, memories, and ghosts, about a girl returning to the mysterious house from her past, facing what haunts her in an effort to uncover the truth and find her missing sister. Publication is scheduled for 2024; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Zoie Konneker at Peachtree Teen has acquired Vesuvius by debut author Cass Biehn, a queer YA historical fantasy pitched as They Both Die at the End by way of The Song of Achilles, set in Pompeii days before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in which two boys, Felix and Loren, must grapple with their closely guarded secrets and untangle their fates to make it out of the burning city alive. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Annalise Errico at Ladderbird Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Emily Daluga at Abrams has bought Hanna Alkaf's The Beasts Beneath the Winds, a middle grade anthology and compendium of mythical creatures from Southeast Asian lore. Contributors include Brandon Hoang, Dow Phumiruk, Erin Entrada Kelly, Gail D. Villanueva, Greg Van Eekhout, Hanna Alkaf, Jesse Q. Sutanto, June CL Tan, Mae Respicio, Moniza Hossain, Nadia Mikail, Shing Yin Khor, Van Hoang, Veeda Bybee, and V.T. Bidania, illustrated by Jes and Cin Wibowo. And a contest will allow winners to join the group of contributors. Publication is set for spring 2025; Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented Alkaf, and Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management represented the illustrators.
Lauri Hornik at Penguin/Rocky Pond Books has acquired world English rights for Alison McGhee's new middle grade novel, The Telephone of the Tree, about a girl who finds her way through the grief of missing her best friend with the help of her family and a mysterious old-fashioned telephone found perched in the branches of her favorite tree, a telephone with the magical power to reach the lost. Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary brokered the one-book deal for publication in May 2024.
Renee Kelly at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to the first two books in a graphic novel chapter book series called The Elephant in the Room by Cyndi Marko (Kung Pow Chicken), about a smallish girl in a biggish world who suddenly finds herself the only one in her family who can see the elephant in her living room. Publication for the first book is slated for summer 2025; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency negotiated the deal.
Talia Seidenfeld at Scholastic has acquired world rights to Queen of the Sea, first in a new chapter book series by Reese Eschmann (Home for Meow). The series follows Caitlin, an eight-year-old girl whose dad lands a job on the fanciest, coolest family-friendly cruise ship. Between water slides, all-you-can-eat buffets, and cool arcade prizes, Caitlin and her brother have a fun summer ahead, but can't help but get into some trouble along the way. Publication is scheduled for summer 2024; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency did the three-book deal.
Namrata Tripathi at Kokila has bought, in a two-book deal, at auction, Mistaco, the author-illustrator debut of 2022 James Marshall Fellow Eliza Kinkz (Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock). The story follows young Izzy's efforts to keep secret the gigantic mistake she made at school, until her embarrassing attempts to make a round tortilla with her abuelo and abuela reveal that she can actually eat her mistakes. Publication is set for spring 2025 and spring 2026; Stephen Barr at Writers House negotiated the deal for world rights.
Erin Clarke at Knopf has acquired world English rights to A Knot Is Not a Tangle by Daniel Nayeri (l.), illustrated by Vesper Stamper, the story of an Iranian boy who learns to see beauty and purpose in the imperfect while weaving a new family rug with his grandmother, as well as a second untitled picture book. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media represented the author, and Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Cara Donaldson at Quarto/becker&mayer! Kids has bought world rights to A Juneteenth Celebration Cookbook by Alliah L. Agostini (l.) (The Juneteenth Story), a kid-friendly collection of illustrated recipes supplemented with historical notes, cultural activities, and anecdotes. The book will be written in collaboration with cooking instructor, recipe developer, and food writer Taffy Elrod (c.), and Sawyer Cloud (r.) will illustrate. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented Agostini, and Atlanta Japp at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Sonali Fry at Crown has acquired world rights to Gators, Ghosts, and Trees with Knees: Down on the Bayou with Grandpa by Glenda Armand (l.), a picture book about a boat ride that evokes Grandpa's memories of the lush Louisiana landscape, illustrated by Alleanna Harris. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Jessica Echeverria at Lee & Low has bought Edie for Equality: Edie Windsor Stands Up for Marriage Equality by Michael Genhart (l.) (Rainbow: A First Book of Pride), illustrated by Cheryl Thuesday (Kind Like Marsha), a picture book biography about the LGBTQ icon whose landmark case before the Supreme Court paved the way for marriage equality. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author and the illustrator for world rights.
Anne Schwartz at Random House/Anne Schwartz Books has acquired world rights to Augie Learns to Play Chess by Meredith Rusu (l.), illustrated by Stephen Costanza (King of Ragtime: The Story of Scott Joplin). Meet Augie, a shy new kid, whose father helps him regain his confidence by teaching him how to play chess. Publication is set for summer 2025; Elizabeth Rudnick at Gillian MacKenzie Agency represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Katie Heit at Scholastic has bought, at auction, world rights to Millie Fleur's Poison Garden by Christy Mandin, in which the mundane town of Garden Glen is flabbergasted when Millie Fleur moves to town and plants a peculiar garden, in a six-figure, two-book deal. Publication is planned for summer 2024 and summer 2025; Adria Goetz negotiated the deal while at P.S. Literary Agency.
Christianne Jones at Capstone has acquired A Bold Pumpkin Plan, a picture book by author-illustrator Katy Hudson (Too Many Carrots). A plan to build a fresh, unique home takes Hedgehog on a journey of self-discovery and illustrates just how bold one timid hedgehog can be. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency sold world rights.
Michele McAvoy at The Little Press has partnered with environmental nonprofit One Little Earth to acquire Wonder of the Woods by author-illustrator Bonnie Kelso. This nonfiction story follows the footsteps of a child as they explore a common, wooded area and discover the wonders that await—from mammals, birds, and fish to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Publication is set for fall 2024; Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary sold world English rights.
