Ruta Rimas and Simone Roberts-Payne at Putnam have acquired Sarah Everett's next YA novel, A Year of Unfinished Days, a speculative rom-com pitched as While You Were Sleeping meets 500 Days of Summer, about a teen whose boyfriend breaks up with her on their anniversary, but then gets into a car accident catapulting her back in time through memories of their relationship, where she must figure out what went wrong and why he wanted to end things. Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media did the deal for world English rights, with publication set for summer 2026.
Jessica Yang at Quirk Books has bought world rights, in a preempt, to Gay the Pray Away, a YA novel by award-winning audiobook narrator Natalie Naudus. In a story inspired by the author's own experiences, an Asian American teen longs to break free of the conservative Christian cult she was raised in as she falls in love with the new girl in town. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Jenny Bent at the Bent Agency brokered the deal.
Liz Pelletier at Entangled Teen has acquired Dragon Cursed, first in a new YA series by Elise Kova, a romantasy where, in the final human stronghold of a blighted land, every teen is subject to brutal trials designed to separate the dragon hunters from the dragon cursed, and one young woman must fight for her life amid suspicions that there is more to this curse than meets the eye. Publication is planned for winter 2025; Jenny Bent at the Bent Agency negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
Wes Adams at FSG has bought author-illustrator K. Woodman-Maynard's (l.) graphic novel adaptation of Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the book's publication. Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary handled the world rights deal for publication in fall 2025.
Connie Hsu and Nicolás Ore-Giron at Roaring Brook have acquired world rights to Howie Hackit, a middle grade graphic novel by Kevin Johnson (l.), illustrated by Dika Araújo. A boy sends a signal to space to find a recording of his mother's voice, only to bring home an alien instead. Publication is slated for spring 2027; Kevin Lewis at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Krista Vitola at Simon & Schuster has bought Fight to Win by Kim Kelly, a young readers edition of the adult book Fight Like Hell, a people's history of labor in the U.S. told through a feminist perspective, focusing on the people, from the 1880s to the present day, who have been crucial to the labor movement but whose contributions were ignored or written out of the story. Publication is set for summer 2026; Chad Luibl at Janklow & Nesbit Associates sold U.S./Canada/OPM rights.
Elizabeth Stranahan at Random House has acquired three books in an illustrated middle-grade series by Katie Kirby (Hurrah for Gin!). Lottie Brooks is 11 ¾ and her life is already over. She's too flat-chested to wear a bra, she's starting seventh grade with zero friends, and even her hamsters are giving her the side-eye. It'll be a long and embarrassing year if Lottie can't learn to laugh at life's little mistakes. Book one, The Extremely Embarrassing Life of Lottie Brooks, is planned for summer 2025, with books two and three to follow in spring 2026 and fall 2026. Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn Literary did the deal for U.S./Canada/Philippines/OPM rights.
Katie Scott at Kids Can Press has bought author-illustrator Anne Appert's graphic novel debut, Bright Birds According to L. Ness Monster. In this fact-meets-fiction tale that humorously addresses the issue of misinformation, L. Ness Monster is excited to share her book filled with fabulous info about birds, but unfortunately for her, disguises won't hide her from fact-checking Puffin, who scolds Ness for making up stories. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Charlotte Wenger at Prospect Agency sold world rights.
Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has acquired, in a five-house auction, Steph Littlebird's picture book debut You Are the Land, a joyful exploration of the love that surrounds a child as she grows up within a family and community that honor the natural world. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency sold world rights.
Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought, in a preempt, world rights to After the Pool by Courtney Code (l.), illustrated by X. Fang, a body-positive picture book in which a girl spends the perfect day playing with her aunt at the pool and a perfect evening just being together. Publication is scheduled for summer 2027; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Erica Rand Silverman at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Andrea Welch at S&S/Beach Lane Books has acquired world rights to Pretty Close, But Not the Same by Meg Fleming (l.), illustrated by Steph Stilwell, a comedic nonfiction picture book differentiating a cast of characters including dolphins and porpoises, turtles and tortoises, and the importance of getting it right. Publication is set for summer 2026; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the author, and Aliza Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Janine O'Malley at FSG has bought world rights to Pamela Courtney's (l.) next picture book, Freedom's Eve: A Story of Watch Night, illustrated by Keisha Morris. This story follows a girl named Eve-Lynn who bravely prepares to lead her family's annual Watch Night celebration on Freedom's Eve, the evening before the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, on January 1, 1863. Publication is slated for fall 2026; James McGowan at BookEnds represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
Lois Evans at Make Me a World has acquired world rights to Jeong Is Jeong, a debut picture book by Jessica Yoon (l.), illustrated by Michelle Lee (My Lost Freedom), in which a girl and her grandmother spend a day learning the nuances of the Korean word "jeong" in a social-emotional journey of love, kindness, and understanding that explores the not-quite-translatable parts of a bilingual family. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.
Dana Chidiac at Henry Holt has bought world rights to The Swan by Leila Boukarim (l.) (Lost Words; Rima and the Painter), illustrated by Reza Dalvand (What Could That Be?), an interactive picture book about perspective based in the deceptively simple activity of a child watching a swan at the park. Publication is set for winter 2027; Lilly Ghahremani at Full Circle Literary represented both author and illustrator.
Samantha Swenson at Tundra has acquired in an exclusive submission, world rights to two picture books by Riel Nason (l.), illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler. In the first title, The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise, the little ghost quilt—whose layers keep him warm in the winter—decorates a Christmas tree to show his friends the delights of the season. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Hilary McMahon at Westwood Creative Artists represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has acquired, in a preempt, North American rights to Dream by the Shadows and a second untitled novel in the duology by Logan Karlie, a YA romantasy debut pitched as "Beauty and the Beast" meets Labyrinth, about a shadow-cursed girl who must venture the depths of a deadly dream world to avenge her family—all while falling for the prince of darkness. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Gwen Beal at UTA sold North American rights.
Stacey Barney at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought, in a preempt, Sundown Girls, the YA debut of adult thriller writer L.S. Stratton, in which a family vacation turns ominous as their 17-year-old daughter discovers the horrifying history of sundown towns where Black people had to leave before dusk or risk their lives, and that history's connection to several present-day disappearances. Publication is slated for spring 2026; Barbara Poelle at Word One Literary sold world rights.
Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired world English rights to Something Like Right author H.D. Hunter's next YA novel, A Lake with No Bottom. The novel follows a teenage boy who is captured by a community of scorned spirits beneath Georgia's mysterious and dangerous Lake Lanier, and used as a pawn to advocate for justice with the townspeople who don't believe they exist. Publication is set for fall 2026. Leah Pierre at Ladderbird Literary Agency brokered the deal; the author is now represented by Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency.
Alex Borbolla at Bloomsbury has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Laura Taylor Namey's If We Never End. Sylvie's summer takes a mystical turn when her latest thrift find comes with a ghost boy attached. With no memory of who he is, the two set out to solve the mystery, putting both love and life on the line. Publication is planned for winter 2026; Natascha Morris at the Tobias Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal.
Taylor Norman at Neal Porter Books/Holiday House has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Mustang Summer: told for posterity by Nash Eliza West, a debut middle grade novel by picture book author Amy Alznauer. Coda meets The Black Stallion in this cowboy's determined quest to solve her horselessness once and for all—convincing her Deaf parents, saving her estranged Deaf cousin, and earning a wild mustang's trust. But when disaster strikes, keeping this horse will demand not only the help of her human and animal, Deaf and hearing communities, but an all-out miracle. Publication is slated for fall 2026; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio brokered the deal for this and a second untitled middle grade novel.
Kara Sargent at Aladdin has bought Phantom Academy by Christine Virnig (A Bite Above the Rest), a middle grade novel that follows Finn, a recently deceased 12-year-old who winds up as the newest student at a boarding school for ghosts. Missing home, Finn and a couple of his ghostly classmates team up to plot an escape from the Spirit Realm. Publication is scheduled for summer 2025; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret sold North American rights.
Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired Single Fin, a middle grade novel by Steve Bramucci (Race for the Ruby Turtle; the Danger Gang series). Pitched as Hatchet meets Blue Crush, the book tells the story of a 13-year-old boy, grappling with his parents' divorce, who gets stranded in the Mentawai Islands during a surf trip. When his boat is wrecked in a storm, he faces the elements in a fight for his survival. Publication is set for spring 2026; Sara Crowe at Sara Crowe Literary sold world rights.
Jenny Bak at Viking has bought, at auction, world rights to Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique, a middle grade adventure fantasy in which a boy joins forces with other Native kids to pull off a grand heist, infiltrating a colonizer's new city to retrieve a stolen World Turtle egg that must be returned to its mother before she falls from the sky in grief—taking the whole continent with her. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Melanie Figueroa at Root Literary negotiated the deal.
Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda has acquired world rights to Wild Mountain Ivy, Shannon Hitchcock's middle grade contemporary ghost story with a twist, and the rights to reissue The Ballad of Jessie Pearl. In the first title, Ivy is recovering from long Covid at her uncle's bed-and-breakfast, an old mansion that served as a tuberculosis sanatorium in the 1920s, where she meets the ghost of TB patient Jessie, who has unfinished business. Deborah Warren at East West Literary brokered the deal, which is scheduled for spring 2026.
Francesca Young at DK has bought U.S. rights to Max and Chaffy, a graphic novel series by U.K. author-illustrator Jamie Smart. Discovering the secret to finding friends, Max and Chaffy move around the Island finding different objects for the individual characters they meet, highlighting the importance of friendship regardless of one's differences. The first book, Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island, tells the story of Max and his family moving to a new island inhabited by walking and talking animals. Publication will start in 2025; Bronwen Bennie at David Fickling Books brokered the deal.
Kelly Delaney at Crown has acquired K.A. Reynolds (l.), Eric Smith (r.), and Jazz Taylor's The Adopted Kids' Guide to Surviving Seventh Grade, a multi-POV story about the varying experiences of adopted kids, by adopted kids, and the joy that can be found in community, speaking up, and talking about your feelings. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Thao Le at Sandra Djikstra Literary Agency, Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary, and Holly Root at Root Literary did the deal for world rights.
Mark Siegel at First Second has bought Small Magics, Emily Tetri's middle grade graphic novel about a girl who spends her summer on a magical island; Tess Banta will also edit. Publication is planned for 2026; Leon Gladstone at GladstoneWeisberg ALC negotiated the deal for world rights.
Katie Hearn at Annick Press has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Legendary Allies, a contemporary fantasy chapter book series by Linda Trinh, illustrated by Quynh Anh Nguyen. The four-book series follows a team of adventuresome kids and their ally animals—inspired by Vietnamese mythical creatures (Phoenix, Lan, Turtle, and Dragon)—who are chosen to complete quests to further social justice in the magical land of Van Lang and must learn to work together. Publication of the first book, The Healer and the Phoenix, is set for winter 2026; Bridgette Kam at Westwood Creative Artists represented the author, and the illustrator represented themselves.
Jill Bialosky at Norton has bought, with Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers editing, USCOM rights to Joy Harjo's For a Girl Becoming, a benediction for a girl's journey through life and a celebration of our connections to the world around us. The former U.S. Poet Laureate's poem will be published as a picture book, with three-time Pura Belpré Honoree Adriana M. Garcia illustrating. Publication is scheduled for spring 2025; Jin Auh at the Wylie Agency represented the author, and Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the artist.
Michael Yuen-Killick at Red Comet Press has acquired world rights to two picture books by Imagination Soup blogger Melissa Taylor (l.). The first title, Tova's Sweet Solution, tells the story of Tova Baker, a bear with a bellyache, who learns to manage her allergies, illustrated by debut artist Aurelie Lise-Anne. The second book, Grayson Saves the Library, stars a gargoyle who helps to bring readers back to his library, illustrated by Dave McCall (r.), also a debut artist. The books are slated for publication in spring and fall 2026 respectively; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Gary Swift at the Lemonade Agency represented both illustrators.
Nancy Inteli at HarperCollins has bought world rights to Growing Together, a picture book by Ruth Spiro (l.), illustrated by Paola Escobar; Erika DiPasquale will edit. Throughout a summer in the community garden, working with her friends and neighbors, a child discovers the unique qualities of each plant—and person—and the joy that comes from growing something you can eat, together, with your community. Publication is set for 2026; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary represented the author, and Amy Kitcherside at Pickled ink represented the artist.
Kim Anderson at Marvel Press has acquired world rights to a Fantastic Four picture book by Stacy McAnulty (l.) (Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years), illustrated by Matt Kaufenberg. When the Human Torch accidentally opens a wormhole in the Baxter Building lab, it unleashes a dimension-spanning, boredom-bashing adventure that requires Marvel's first family to use teamwork, humor, and real scientific concepts to save the day. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator was unagented.
Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought world rights to My Pony Wonder by Jessica Milo (l.), illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki. This rhyming picture book celebrates the special bond between a girl and her pony as they ride through the woods, sharing moments of trust, excitement, and discovery, while realizing that the greatest wonder is the time spent together. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented the author while at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Face to Face by Dinah Johnson (l.), illustrated by debut artist Kayla Mahaffey, a picture book that celebrates the diversity of extraordinary everyday children, and all that their beautiful faces can communicate. It is scheduled for summer 2026; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself.
Alex Aceves at Holiday House has bought world rights to Row, Sow, Grow: The Past and Future of Mexico's Floating Gardens by Cynthia Harmony (l.), illustrated by Laura Sandoval Herrera, for the Books for a Better Earth collection. This nonfiction picture book explores the science and history of chinampas, innovative floating farms originated by the Nahuas, the indigenous people of Mexico. Publication is planned for summer 2026; James McGowan at BookEnds represented the author, and Aliza Hoover at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has acquired world rights to Lily's Hong Kong Honey Cake by Erica Lyons (l.), illustrated by Bonnie Pang, a picture book about a young Jewish refugee who holds onto a sense of home as her family moves from Vienna to Shanghai and then Hong Kong, set across 10 years of Rosh Hashanah celebrations from 1937 to 1946. Publication is set for fall 2025; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Kate Powell at Astound US represented the illustrator.
