Andrew Karre at Dutton has acquired Subwoofer by NBA finalist and two-time Printz Honor author Candice Iloh (Salt the Water), a near-future YA in which a teen with a spotless reputation in her community volunteers at a wealthy church at her mother's insistence, a position that serves as the perfect cover when she discovers an off-the-radar refuge for runaways who've left society for a life of softness and safety, and devises a plan to steal what they need; plus Glad UR O.K., an epistolary novel that explores guilt in the aftermath of surviving a near-death experience. Publication is set for 2026 and 2027; Patricia Nelson at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Tricia Lin at Random House has won, in a seven-publisher auction, Nest of Tongues by National Book Award finalist Randy Ribay, a YA paranormal-horror novel inspired by Filipino mythology, about two manananggal siblings who, after being targeted by a monster hunter, must defend their secrets, their home, and themselves. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for North American and audio rights.
Talia Benamy at Philomel has bought, in an exclusive submission, Out of the Clear Blue Sky and an untitled YA novel by Isaac Blum, Morris Award-winning and National Book Award longlisted author of The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen. In the first novel, two teens grapple with grief, faith, and family in the wake of a tragic accident. Publication is planned for fall 2026 and fall 2028 respectively; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency brokered the deal for world English rights.
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired Beasts by Ingvild Bjerkeland (l.), translated from Norwegian by Rosie Hedger. The Road meets A Quiet Place in this YA horror thriller about a boy and his younger sister on the run from mysterious, terrifying beasts, as civilization collapses around them. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Ida Amalie Svensson sold world English and Spanish rights on behalf of Cappelen Damm; the translator represented herself.
Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought The Shape of Water by Tonya Abari, a YA nonfiction about the ways Black Americans are deeply connected to water, not just as passageways, but as social, cultural, economic, and political spaces from past to present. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Natalie Lakosil at Looking Glass Literary & Media handled the deal for world rights.
Alex Antone at Skybound Comet has acquired world rights in an exclusive submission, to Pizza Witch by Sarah Graley (l.) (Glitch) and Stef Purenins, a YA graphic novel by the creators of Donut the Destroyer and Our Super Adventure, in which pizza magic trainee Roxy journeys to be the best Pizza Witch that's ever lived as she navigates unsupportive parents, a lackadaisical boss, and finding confidence in herself. Publication is set for September 2025; Steven Salpeter at Assemble Media negotiated the deal while at Curtis Brown Ltd.
Joshua Dean Perry at Tiny Ghost Press has bought Shannon K. English's YA spacefaring queer science fiction romance, The Lightyears Between Us. The last humans live aboard the utopic Eden, a space station orbiting Jupiter. To help maintain order, scheduled every quarter-century, 36 youths are selected by lottery for missions to check on terraforming projects left by the Eden's ancestors. Publication is planned for December 2025.
Cheryl Eissing at Flamingo Books has acquired two projects by Anna James. The Chronicles of Whetherwhy is a four-book middle grade series starring twins Juniper and Rafferty as they explore their magical abilities. When Juniper discovers she is an Enchanter, someone with the rare ability to wield all four seasons of magic, she must leave behind everything she knows to begin studying at the Thistledown Academy of Enchantment. Publication is set for May 2025. In the second deal, Alice with a Why and a second book by Anna James is a magical, middle grade revisiting of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, wherein Alice's granddaughter finds herself tumbling down into Wonderland in 1919. But the Wonderland she finds is not the colorful world she's heard stories of, but a world at war, empty tea parties and checkpoints, and a never-ending battle between the sun and moon. Publication is set for fall 2025. Juliette Clark at HarperCollins UK brokered both deals for U.S. rights.
Nancy Siscoe at Knopf has bought, in a two-book deal, Every Single Splendor and another untitled middle grade novel by APALA Honor Award winner Mae Respicio. It tells the empowering story of 12-year-old Gabriel Bayani, who stumbles upon a mysterious old family photo and sets off to find the story behind it, discovering his family's link to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair—where more than 1,000 Filipinos were brought from the Philippines and put on display. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold world English rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown Ink has acquired Wing It by Tori Sharp (Just Pretend), a middle grade graphic novel. Searching for overlap in their divergent interests, Kyle and his first-ever boyfriend start a true crime podcast in which they investigate a local crow's petty thefts; meanwhile Kyle questions whether he really understands what his friends mean when they "have a crush." Publication is slated for fall 2026; Brent Taylor at Triada US sold world rights.
Ashtyn Stann at Jolly Fish Press has bought The Cassette Tape Secret, a debut middle grade mystery by Danielle Herzog. When 11-year-old Alex discovers a decades-old secret buried in his front yard, he's forced out of the safe routine built to accommodate his OCD and challenged to solve the mystery, in the process learning to embrace his first true friendship and exposing the complicated history of his community. Publication is set for fall 2025; Kathryn Green at Kathryn Green Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has acquired world rights to It's True! 180 Weird Jewish Facts by Deborah Bodin Cohen (l.) (Lilith's Ark; the Engineer Ari series), and Kerry Olitzky, a collection of facts regarding Jewish people and Judaism for middle graders. The book is scheduled for fall 2025; the authors represented themselves.
Grace Maccarone at Holiday House has bought world rights to Just One Owl by Carolyn Crimi (l.), illustrated by Janie Bynum, an early reader in which an unlikely friend shares Owl's tree and he finds his perfect companion. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Erzsi Deak at Hen&Ink represented the illustrator.
Sara Sargent at Random House has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, to literacy ambassador and librarian Mychal Threets's (l.) debut picture book, I'm So Happy You're Here, illustrated by Lorraine Nam, a celebration of library joy in which a group of librarians welcome children to a neighborhood library and revel in the warm space it offers all members of the community. Publication is expected in 2026; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Alexandra Levick at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Lois Evans and Christopher Myers at Make Me a World have bought world rights to A Zombie Day, the debut picture book from Printz Medalist and NBA finalist An Na (l.), illustrated by August Zhang. When Suuni, a zombie, starts at a new school, her first day is filled with mishaps and misunderstandings, but ultimately everyone realizes just how amazing Suuni truly is. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Holly McGhee at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the artist.
Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick Press has acquired world rights to The Snowmansion, a wordless picture book by Gideon Sterer (l.), illustrated by Stella Lim. A snowman yearns for a cozy home like the one his young maker lives in, so the boy helps him build a sparkling abode out of ice and snow and found objects. When the neighborhood kids and their snow people join in, a community is formed and the reveling commences. Publication is set for fall 2025; Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the author, and Aliza R. Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Lauri Hornik at Penguin/Rocky Pond Books has bought world rights to Truman author Jean Reidy's (l.) Gifts and Talents, illustrated by World's Best Class Plant illustrator Lynnor Bontigao, a picture book about a girl who sets out to discover the gifts and talents of each student in her classroom and, while doing so, wonders about finding her own. Publication is planned for spring 2027; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Anne Hoppe at Clarion Books has acquired The Giant Orange What-the-What?! by debut author-illustrator Nicole Michels, a picture book in which a girl gains new perspective, skills, and friends while contending with a disruptive mysterious object that appears out of nowhere. It's scheduled for winter 2026; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for world English rights.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought A Space for Nina, a debut picture book by author-illustrator Karen Koh, which celebrates family bonds and creative joy as it follows a budding Korean American artist looking for a space to create in her increasingly crowded house. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Joanna MacKenzie at Nelson Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Claire Tattersfield at Flamingo Books has acquired world rights to Dear Mom and Dear Dad, illustrated by Natalie Lundeen, picture book celebrations of love and appreciation for parents. Publication for both is planned for spring 2026; Sol Salinas at Astound US represented the illustrator.
Catherine Laudone at S&S/Beach Lane Books has bought world rights to Who Nests Here?, a picture book by Karen Jameson (l.), illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. A series of clues leads readers on a lively nest hunt in this picture book featuring incredible animals and their nesting behaviors, for spring 2026. Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Margaret Quinlin at Peachtree/Quinlin has acquired world rights to Sibert Honor author Patricia Newman's (l.) narrative nonfiction picture book about music, nature and science, tentatively titled Beatrice and the Nightingale, illustrated by Isabelle Follath, recounting the first time a bird's song, accompanied by world-class cellist Beatrice Harrison, was broadcast live via the BBC and reached more than a million listeners. Publication is set for spring 2026; Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and Amy Kitcherside at Pickled Ink represented the illustrator.
Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has acquired, in a preempt, Last Chance Live!, a debut YA novel by Helena Haywoode Henry, in which an 18-year-old death row inmate gets a shot at freedom by competing on a reality TV show. If Eternity can convince the viewing audience she deserves another chance, she will win clemency from her impending execution, but if America doesn't vote for her, she'll be executed within a week of elimination. Publication is set for fall 2025; Alyssa Maltese and Holly Root at Root Literary negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights.
Maggie Lehrman at Abrams Fanfare has bought Shanda McCloskey (l.) and Ben McCloskey debut young graphic novel series, Punk Rock, about a lonely rock who gets trampled on a path in the park, and finds friends and his voice through punk rock music. The first book is scheduled for fall 2026; Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio sold world English rights.
Dana Leydig at Viking has acquired A Promise to Hades by Kelly Creagh (Phantom Heart), a YA romantasy in which a young priestess eager to explore her forbidden crush on a handsome musician is surprised when her final ceremonial rite pulls her to the Underworld, where she's promised as bride to the God of Death. Publication is slated for 2026; Jessica Watterson at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.
Alex Borbolla at Bloomsbury has bought I Didn't Do It by Elle Gonzalez Rose, a YA thriller about Dina, the daughter of a convicted killer, who must prove her innocence after a party at her crush's secluded cabin turns deadly. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Uwe Stender at Triada US handled the deal for world rights.
Britny Perilli at Running Press Kids has acquired, in an exclusive submission, A Magical Science by Mike Chen in his YA debut, in which a teen returns home after months in a fantasy realm where he was the Chosen One, only to discover that he's still a nobody, and that his adventures on the other side of the portal might have done more harm than good. Publication is set for summer 2026; Eric Smith at P.S. Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has bought world rights to Last Days in Moav by Sharon Reiss Baker (A Nickel, a Trolley, a Treasure House), a YA title about four Israelite siblings, two of whom have special healing abilities and one who narrates from beyond the grave, as they embark on a dangerous journey to take control of their lives. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; the author represented herself.
Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead's middle grade novel. In The Experiment, 12-year-old Nathan and his parents seem to be living a typical life on Earth—but they're from another planet, and now their experiment on Earth may be ending. What happens when the players don't want to leave? The book explores the big questions of belonging, family, exploration and what it means to really choose your own place in the world... or galaxy. Publication is planned for fall 2025; Faye Bender at the Book Group sold North American rights.
Alyssa Miele, Rosemary Brosnan, and Cynthia Leitich Smith at Heartdrum/Harper Collins have bought The Witches of Bear Creek Falls, a debut middle-grade novel by Christine Hartman Derr (Cherokee). In the year following her parents' sudden deaths, Raven must adjust to living away from her Cherokee community after relocating to live with her aunt. She works to find a sense of home and healing while battling the unjust student code of conduct at her new school—and discovers her baking skills may have a dash of magic. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary sold world English rights.
Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook Press has acquired world rights to Kasparov vs. Deep Blue, a nonfiction middle grade graphic novel co-written by Newbery Honor author Steve Sheinkin (l.) and chess grandmaster Maurice Ashley (c.), illustrated by Eisner winner Thien Pham (r.) (Family Style). The story follows chess legend Garry Kasparov's famous match against Deep Blue, IBM's most cutting-edge computer, and explores the backgrounds of Kasparov, a child of the Cold War, and Taiwanese American computer scientist Feng-hsiung Hsu, the brains behind the supercomputer. Publication is set for fall 2026; Steve Malk at Writers House represented Sheinkin, Michael Johnston at CAA represented Ashley, and Pham represented himself.
Jenna Lettice at Random House Graphic has bought, in a preempt, Neighborhood Witch by Sarah Davidson, a slice-of-life middle grade graphic novel about Addie who, after being abandoned by her mother, moves in with her estranged father and comes to terms with her broken family with the help of two quirky boys, a baby squirrel, and the neighborhood witch, plus a second untitled graphic novel. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Jessica Mileo at InkWell Management Literary Agency sold world rights.
Emily Seife at Scholastic has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Offside, a middle grade graphic novel by Christina Diaz Gonzalez (l.) (Invisible), illustrated by Mari Costa (Bell of the Ball), about five kids on a co-ed soccer team who must confront insecurities, language barriers, and gender stereotypes to make a difference in the sport they love. Publication is slated for 2026, in time for the 2026 World Cup; Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Krista Vitola at Simon & Schuster has bought Little Bones by Sandy Bigna, a middle grade novel in verse. It tells the story of 12-year-old Bones, who since the tragic death of her younger brother, spends most of her time drawing animal skeletons and foraging for dead things to add to her collection. One night, under the magic of the full moon, Bones inadvertently brings a baby bird skeleton back to life. The creature wishes to return to its natural state and asks Bones to figure out how to reverse her wish. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Erin Sandiford at University at Queensland Press did the deal for North American rights.
Joanna Cárdenas at Kokila has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Class Pet Ghost Detective: What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? by author-illustrator Akeem S. Roberts (J.D. and the Great Barber Battle), first in a graphic novel series for young readers about a boy who solves pet mysteries with the ghost of his former class pet. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for world English and Spanish rights.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has bought Bartleby by author-illustrator Matt Phelan (Pignic) at auction. Inspired by Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener," this picture book follows Bartleby, a dapper, non-compliant polar bear cub who would "prefer not to" join almost all school activities until he finds his own way to express himself purposefully and joyfully. Publication is set for winter 2026; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the two-book deal for world rights.
Caitlyn Dlouhy at Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Portraitist by Zoey Abbott, a reflective picture book about a mouse artist who captures the unique beauty of each resident in a small town through portraiture. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties brokered the deal for North American English rights.
Tamar Mays at Harper Alley has bought The Interstellar Sisterhood of Moonie and Junie and its sequel by Katie Kordesh (Enola's Best Friend) at auction. Moonie, who lives alone on the moon with her pet rocks, becomes pen pals with Junie, an alien on family vacation on Mars. Will Junie's long list of fears—including heights, open bodies of water, and in-person communication—might prevent them from meeting in real life and curing Moonie's loneliness? Publication is slated for fall 2026 and summer 2027, respectively; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Jonah Heller at Peachtree has acquired The Little Red Steamer, written and illustrated by Nick Maland, a picture book that follows a family-operated ferry as it's swept away to a strange, new city, where the captain and his daughter must forge new friendships to repair their beloved steamboat. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Alan Lynch at Alan Lynch Artists sold world rights.
Sarah Howden at Orca has bought Tiny Hiker, a picture book by Natasha Zimmers (l.), illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon, about a girl on her first backpacking trip to camp on the beach and when the trail is longer, steeper, and much more difficult than she expected, she has to find a way to keep going, even when she wants to give up. Publication is set for winter 2026; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory represented the author, and Molly O'Neill at Root Literary represented the illustrator.
Kaylan Adair at Candlewick has acquired world rights to the picture book Ameena's Special Thobe by Palestinian American author Safa Suleiman (l.), illustrated by Bassent Dawoud. The story follows a girl as she sits with her Sitty to learn tatreez, a centuries-old Palestinian embroidery art, just to realize she lacks a very important skill—patience. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Ana Crespo at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has bought world rights to Otis Knows (How to Be a Bear) by Martha Brockenbrough (l.) and Liz Garton Scanlon (c.), illustrated by Steph Laberis (r.), inspired by real-life Katmai National Park bear Otis, who emerges from hibernation slower and skinnier than other bears, but whose persistence and experience have made him a four-time Fat Bear Week champion, for publication in summer 2026. Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Brockenbrough, Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented Scanlon, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented Laberis.
Julie Matysik at Running Press Kids has acquired world rights to Christmas Under Construction by Frank Tupta (l.), illustrated by Josh Cleland. When Santa's workshop is destroyed in a Christmas Eve storm, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and friends must follow Mrs. Claus's blueprints to rebuild it with construction vehicles in time to save Christmas. Publication is slated for October 2025; Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Amanda Hendon at Advocate Art represented the illustrator.
Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Landing in a New Pond by Marisa Ramel (l.), illustrated by Jennifer Doehring. After moving, a boy misses the playmates he left behind; a flock of duck friends fill the void until they fly away—and reveal a friend who's sure to stay forever. Publication is set for summer 2026; Samantha Wekstein at Thompson Literary Agency represented the author, and Sorche Fairbank at Fairbank Literary Representation represented the illustrator.
