Vicki Lame at Wednesday Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Kristen Ciccarelli's Tempting Fate duology, a YA romantasy series pitched as Underworld meets gender-swapped John Wick in which a vampire princess falls for the one person she shouldn't—her werewolf bodyguard. The first book will be published in winter 2026; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency brokered the deal for North American rights.
Foyinsi Adegbonmire at Feiwel and Friends has bought Worth a Dream by Caroline Bonin, a YA fantasy romance set at a magical university in which a girl struggling to balance classes, work, and tuition costs gets roped into investigating a corporation's shady product, all while falling for a new crush. Publication is planned for winter 2026; Emelie Burl at Susan Schulman Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has acquired Dani Chuatico's YA contemporary graphic novel, Passé It On. When Jamie travels to New York to start training at a renowned ballet school, she finds herself questioning if her passion is enough to keep her going. It is only after she meets more dancers that she realizes she'll need to practice to keep up with her new friends. Jamie and her classmates find themselves navigating through the pressure to succeed, fear of failure, falling in love, and the journey of figuring out who they really are. Publication is set for fall 2025; Kurestin Armada at Root Literary sold world rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown Ink has bought world rights to a YA graphic retelling of The Great Gatsby by Ivy Noelle Weir (l.), illustrated by Isadora Zeferino, in which a queer Nick Caraway becomes entangled in the lives of his wealthy peers and enamored with the enigmatic Jay Gatsby against the backdrop of two elite boarding schools. Publication is slated for 2027; Anjali Singh at the Anjali Singh Agency represented the author, and Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management represented the illustrator.
Celina Sun at Penguin Workshop has acquired How to Fake a Love Story in 15 Days by Aashna Avachat, a YA desi revenge rom-com aimed at fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, in which a scientifically minded girl sets out to break the heart of her former best friend and crush while he enters a bet with his friends that he can make her fall in love with him before Winter Ball. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Laurel Symonds at KT Literary brokered the deal for world English rights.
Wendy McClure at Sourcebooks Fire has bought world English rights to Secrets of the Blue Hand Girls by debut author Rowana Miller, a YA thriller about first love, surviving high school, defining justice, and the murderous lengths to which teenage girls will go for acceptance. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Amelia Appel at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal.
Andrea Tompa at Candlewick Press has acquired The Peach Thief by Linda Joan Smith, an upper middle grade debut set in 1850s England, in which a starving workhouse girl poses as a boy to get a job scrubbing flowerpots in an Earl's walled garden, but soon finds her dream of a home there at risk, her secret ever harder to keep and her loyalties torn between the gruff head gardener and a charming garden boy who toys with her heart. Publication is set for spring 2025; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary handled the deal for world English rights.
Reka Simonsen at Atheneum has bought J. Anderson Coats's newest middle-grade novel, inspired by the life of her grandmother. In The Unexpected Lives of Ordinary Girls, a girl from a large Slovene immigrant family who is desperate to leave behind her old-fashioned, traditional neighborhood and her hard-to-pronounce name gets a chance at a new "American" life, only to find that there is a lot more to this process—and to her past—than she had imagined. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency sold world rights.
Kate Fletcher at Candlewick has acquired Sweet, Tart by Kara Thom, a coming-of-age middle grade novel about the pony, sister, dog, and friends who help sixth-grader Halle make peace with the interconnected beginnings and endings in life. It's scheduled for September 2025; Karen Kilpatrick at East West Literary sold world rights.
Mark Siegel at First Second has bought My Sister the Werebeast, Alina Tysoe's middle-grade graphic novel about two sisters who recently moved to a magical new town and must take care of their little sister, Peanut, as she begins to show strange abilities. Publication is planned for 2025; Maile Beal at Arc Literary Management sold world rights.
Kristie Hudson at Orca Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Climate Care by Bonita Eloise Ford (l.), illustrated by Claudia Dávila, a middle grade nonfiction book meant to help young readers cope with ecological and climate breakdown. Publication is set for spring 2027; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency sold world rights.
Kate Meltzer at Roaring Brook Press has bought, in an exclusive submission, Love Finds a Way, a picture book by author-illustrator Vern Kousky, in which a little bird brings home the most ferocious guard dog to keep love away, but somehow it sneaks in when he least expects it. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Elana Roth Parker at Laura Dail Literary did the deal for world rights.
Jenna Lettice at Random House Books for Young Readers has acquired Little Red and Big, Bad Fred by Ashley Belote, a gender-swapped retelling of the classic Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale in which Little Red believes the wolf is his best friend in the whole wide world, and the wolf just wants to eat him. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary sold world rights.
Kristin Allard at Norton Young Readers has bought Lesley Breen's debut author-illustrated picture book, What Rachel Heard, about marine biologist, conservationist, and author Rachel Carson. The book centers around a young Rachel's love of nature as she listens to its sounds, observes its beauty, and takes action to protect it. The book is set for winter 2027, in time for Carson's 120th birthday and the 65th anniversary of the publication of Silent Spring. Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Karen Lotz while at Candlewick acquired, in an exclusive submission, This Is a Theater by John Schu (l.), illustrated by Jaime Kim; Susan Van Metre will edit. The picture book is a celebration of actors, audiences, and the transportive power of the performing arts to open minds and inspire hearts. Publication is planned for 2027; Molly O'Neill at Root Literary sold world English rights for the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words sold world rights for the illustrator.
Sara Sproull at Abrams has bought world rights to Baba Palooza by A.D. Ghani (l.), illustrated by Nadia Alam. In this picture book about a Pakistani American Muslim family, a taxi-driving father sometimes feels ashamed of driving a yellow cab, but all his daughter sees in it is wonder. When Baba has to miss her school's daddy-daughter dance because of his long hours, she decides to throw her own party to celebrate him. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Meriam Metoui at Viking has acquired Ghost Army by Sarah Glenn Marsh (l.), illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. The story is based on the real-life troop of artists known as the Ghost Army aiding the Allies during World War II, tasked with an important mission in Europe: using their collective talents to put on an elaborate traveling show of deception to mislead Hitler's forces. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Christine Collins at Disney Hyperion has bought world rights to Habitat Heroes and the Platypus Party by Daniel Bernstrom (l.), illustrated by Carolina Coroa. This picture book follows a team of four kids, the Habitat Heroes, as they help a zoo find their missing platypus and build its dream habitat, with one introverted Hero finding his voice along the way. Publication is set for spring 2026; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group represented the author, and James McGowan at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Krista Marino at Delacorte Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Kill Creatures by Rory Power (Wilder Girls), a YA psychological thriller in which a teen girl, Nan, must reckon with the truth behind her three best friends' disappearances when one of them inexplicably returns a year later—which should be impossible, because Nan's the one who killed them. Publication is set for summer 2025; Jessica Mileo and Kim Witherspoon at InkWell Management sold North American rights on behalf of Daisy Parente at Lutyens and Rubinstein.
Stephanie Pitts at Putnam has bought, in a preempt, North American rights to Time After Time by Mikki Daughtry (co-author of Five Feet Apart), a YA sapphic romance unfolding over two sets of lives, 100 years apart. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Liz Parker at Verve Talent & Literary Agency brokered the deal.
Milena Blue Spruce at Little, Brown has acquired How to Love You When You're Gone, a YA novel by debut author Gabriela Gonzales, a dual-POV rom-com in which a girl's life is suddenly changed by both friendship and loss. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Chip Rice at Wordlink negotiated the deal for world rights.
Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda has bought Pura Belpré Honor author Marcia Argueta Mickelson's contemporary YA novel The Writing Room, in which 18-year-old Maya struggles to break free from her wealthy and controlling father while finding her own voice amid the polarizing run-up to a state election. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Kathryn Green at Kathryn Green Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Caroline Abbey at Random House has acquired Chris Grabenstein's Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest, in which two brothers must get along long enough to win Ms. Pennypickle's million-dollar prize. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025; Carrie Hannigan and Josh Getzler at HG Literary sold world rights.
Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has bought James Riley's latest middle grade novel, The Dragon's Apprentice. Twelve-year-old Ciara lives in a world where magic has been banned by the Emperor, but in an effort to save her mother, she accidentally summons a cranky old dragon who just might be the only one who can help her. Publication is set for spring 2025; Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret sold world English rights.
Elizabeth Stranahan at Random House has acquired Sprout, a middle grade contemporary fantasy novel by Taylor Tyng (Clara Poole and the Wrong Way Up). Sprout has always hidden from the world—having antlers growing out of your head will do that. But when she hears that someone else like her might exist, Sprout is willing to risk her safety, and that of her town, to get to the truth. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Erin Clyburn at Howland Literary sold world rights.
Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought Whale Fall by Elysia Rourke, a debut middle grade novel in the tradition of Black Beauty and The One and Only Ivan, in which a young orca who dreams of becoming the matriarch and storyteller of her pod undergoes an emotional journey from wild animal to a life in captivity. Publication is planned for 2026; Rachel Ekstrom Courage at Courage Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.
Justin Krasner while at Odd Dot acquired world rights to Amy Cherrix's illustrated nonfiction book The United States of Dinosaurs (and Other Prehistoric Animals): 50 of America's Wildest and Weirdest Bygone Beasts. Part field guide, part "weird but true," this fact-filled book will highlight 50 American paleontological treasures. The book will be edited by Kate Avino. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency did the deal.
Sally Hosokawa while at Union Square Kids has bought world rights to How Rude: Animals with Attitude by Sibert Honor author Chana Stiefel (l.), illustrated by Anna Louise Oliver, a middle grade nonfiction work that spotlights an assortment of animal behaviors such as snot shooting, public pooping, thievery, belching, barfing, gas passing, and more—and includes profiles of scientists who've unlocked smart reasons for these seemingly impolite survival strategies. Tracey Keevan will edit; publication is set for fall 2025. Miranda Paul at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Nancy Moore at Mendola Artists Representatives represented the artist.
Ruta Rimas at Putnam has acquired world rights to four books in a new chapter book series, Amina Banana, by Shifa Saltagi Safadi (l.) (Kareem Between), illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel. The series is about nine-year-old Amina, a Syrian refugee who adjusts to her new life in Indianapolis—with SEL concepts, fun science experiments, and tasty Syrian recipes. Publication will begin in summer 2025; Janine Le at Janine Le Literary represented the author, and Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Elizabeth Stranahan at Random House has bought three books in the chapter book series Murray and Bun! by author-illustrator Adam Stower. Murray the cat and Bun the sweet-bun-turned-bunny travel through the enchanted cat flap and find themselves in a land of Vikings. The first two books are slated for summer 2025, with book three to publish in spring 2026. Juliette Clark at HarperCollins UK did the deal for U.S./Philippines/non-exclusive open market rights.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired world rights to Judith Henderson’s debut author-illustrated picture book, I Told a Little Lie, a story of how a little lie, even by omission, causes big ripple effects and disappointment whether you're a human, a bunny or even an ant. Publication is planned for summer 2026. Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary brokered the deal.
Rebecca Davis at Astra Young Readers has bought world rights to picture book We Match! by Chris Barton (l.) (Shark vs. Train), illustrated by Sharon Glick (¡Perros! ¡Perros! Dogs! Dogs!), in which a congregation of canines off-leash at a dog park joyfully discover the many things they have in common. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Victoria Wells Arms at HG Literary represented the author and illustrator.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has acquired world rights in an exclusive submission to We Belong Together by Kristen Tracy (l.), illustrated by Federico Fabiani, a picture book about an innovative yet anxious housecat who deals with separation anxiety when Wild Princess thinks her family is going on vacation without her. Publication is set for winter 2026; Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary represented the author, who is now represented by Carrie Hannigan at HG Literary; Jessica Saint Jean at Jill Grinberg Literary Management represented the illustrator.
Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Of the Sun by Xelena González (l.) (All Around Us), illustrated by Emily Kewageshig (Walking Together). This anthem for Indigenous and First Nations youth celebrates their ancestral connection to the land and unshakable right to belong. Publication is planned for fall 2025; the author and illustrator represented themselves.
Sarah Rockett at Tilbury House has acquired Shipwreck by Deirdre Laide (l.) illustrated by Carlos Velez Aguilera. This book invites readers to travel the world and explore shipwrecks from ancient times to the recent past, alongside the intrepid scientists and marine archaeologists who discovered them. Publication is slated for summer 2025; the author represented herself, and Tina Doffing at Astound US represented the artist.
Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books has bought world rights to I Love My People by Kim Singleton (l.), illustrated by Kim Holt, a picture book written in rhythmic poetry, celebrating the beauty and legacy of the Black community. Publication is scheduled for January 2026; the author represented herself, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
