Emily Arrow
Why the buzz: “Singer-songwriter Emily Arrow’s debut picture book is a loving ode to the power of bookstores and the magic held within each story. Known for her memorable and kid-appealing children’s songs, Emily’s appreciation for the bookselling community comes through on every page. We can’t wait for readers to sing along!” —Tracy Miracle, VP of publicity, Walker Books Group
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Matthew Cordell
Why the buzz: “Anyone who knows Matthew knows that he is a lover of owls. I also love the elusive creatures, and I’m a huge fan of Matthew’s, so working on this picture book together made a lot of sense. Matthew’s passion for owls, his talent as a writer and illustrator, and his vast knowledge about finding owls has resulted in a richly emotional, fascinating, and helpful book for young readers.” —Lee Wade, VP and publisher, Random House Studio
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Shawn Harris
Why the buzz: “Shawn Harris’s Let’s Be Bees is, sure, a book about ‘imagination.’ But it’s really a book about becoming—with each buzz or roar, parent and child turn into the thing they’re pretending to be. Winning and trippy, joyful and hilarious, this book is the most genius read-aloud I’ve ever encountered. It’ll be the hit of kindergarten. And watch out—Let’s Be Bees leaves no reader unchanged.” —Taylor Norman, editorial director, Neal Porter Books
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
Tyler Hilton
Why the buzz: “Actor and musician Tyler Hilton’s first children’s book touches on family, imagination, and play. Tyler’s book tour will align with his upcoming U.S. and Canadian music tour, giving fans multiple ways of interacting with the star and his creative work.” —Ashley Marie Mireles, director of sales and marketing, Familius
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Varian Johnson
Why the buzz: “Varian Johnson’s picture book debut, with illustrations from Reggie Brown, is a lovely peek into the life of a growing family. The relationship between Elijah and Daddy is so special, and readers will fall in love with their bond. It reminds us of the little ways we can show people we care about them and always make room for play.”—Katie Heit, senior editor, Cartwheel
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
John Schu
Why the buzz: “A brand-new picture book from that champion of reading, John Schu! Ruthie Rose’s Big Idea features a little girl who, much like the author himself, changes the world around her with her love of the written word and her instinct for building a beautiful, mutually caring, and respectful community.”—Susan Van Metre, executive editorial director, Walker Books US
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Rebecca Stead
Why the buzz: “Rebecca Stead’s picture book, Anything, is pitch perfect and heartwarming. A girl’s dad shows her love and safety, and she shows him love and trust. By the end of the book, the child can be the generous one. The title has many layers of meaning. But one of them is ‘anything for you.’ ”—Ariel Richardson, senior editor, Chronicle
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Jesse Callans
Why the buzz: “Ollie in Between is an honest, unforgettable debut by a sparkling new talent. Ollie will be instantly relatable to readers: desperate not to stand out, but eager to discover who they are and live authentically as themself. We have all been Ollie at some point! We can’t wait for readers to fall in love with this character and their story.” —Kat Brzozowski, senior editor, and Brittany Groves, assistant editor, Feiwel and Friends
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kyle Casey Chu
Why the buzz: “The Queen Bees of Tybee County is a triumph. It’s funny and heartfelt and incisive, both an affirming coming-of-age story and also a thoughtful exploration of intersectional identity, friendship, and embracing your truest self. Kyle Casey Chu is a dynamo talent with brilliant things ahead, and we’re grateful and honored to be along for the ride.” —Jennifer Ung, editorial director, Quill Tree Books
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Megan E. Freeman
Why the buzz: “Megan Freeman’s debut, Alone, was an emotional tale of solitude and survival. Revisiting the same events from the opposite perspective, Away is a creative and challenging expansion of that story. Away tackles real issues on kids’ minds, such as environmental threats and manipulated media, so it’ll strike a chord. Readers don’t need to be familiar with the first book, but those who are will appreciate
it even more.” —Kristin Gilson, editorial director, Aladdin
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Gloria L. Huang
Why the buzz: “Kaya of the Ocean is a tender, brilliant, sun-splashed fantasy about a Chinese American girl who must untangle her magic from her anxiety. I wanted to buy this book immediately: Gloria’s an amazing writer, as her long list of publishing credits attests, and the story is an important one. It’s already an Indies Introduce Selection, a Kids’ Indie Next
Pick, and a JLG Gold Standard Selection!”—Mora Couch, editor, Holiday House
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Samantha van Leer
Why the buzz: “Samantha van Leer delivers a propulsive sci-fi adventure that explores themes of grief, inheritance, and acceptance. Finding the Lost One features a bold female protagonist and plot twists you’ll never see coming. Van Leer is a major young talent to watch!” —Kate Egan, executive editor, Pixel+Ink
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Grace Lin
Why the buzz: “Grace Lin, National Book Award finalist for When the Sea Turned to Silver, is one of our generation’s most brilliant storytellers, and I’m not just saying that because I’m her editor and childhood friend! This is her first novel in nine years, and I think it’s Grace’s most commercial, exciting book yet, maintaining her signature lyrical writing, vivid descriptions, and endearing characters. I’m excited for readers to fall in love with her characters, stories within the story, and gorgeous illustrations.” —Alvina Ling, VP and editor-in-chief, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kate Messner
Why the buzz: “Seventh grader Finn has been tasked with hiking all 46 Adirondack high peaks as reparation for vandalizing a woman’s headstone. This heartwarming, funny, and accessible story told in verse is Kate’s first standalone novel in five years, offering a wide-open, nature-filled blueprint for how to cope with the discomfort of vulnerability and make it to the other side. It’s absolutely worth the wait!” —Mary Kate Castellani, publishing director, children’s trade, Bloomsbury US
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Brandon Mull
Why the buzz: “Brandon Mull returns to the fantasy world of Fablehaven and to the comedic satyr duo, Newel and Doren, who captivate readers with their bravery and their antic participation in the Satyr Games Prank War. Chock full of illustrations, this adventure will engage reluctant readers as well as longtime fans.” —Chris Schoebinger, publisher, Shadow Mountain
Lunch author reception, Feb. 26
James Robinson
Why the buzz: “Whale Eyes is the book of an editor’s dreams. Not only is it an intimate and powerful memoir, but it’s also a universal story about empathy and compassion that every reader, regardless of age, will find a deeply meaningful connection with. And with its unique design, readers will love turning, twisting, and upending the book to challenge the very way they see the world.” —Nicholas Magliato, executive editor, pop culture and trends, Penguin Workshop
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Why the buzz: “Using an alchemical blend of myth, fantasy, and reality, Pam Muñoz Ryan introduces one of the most original and needed inventions I’ve read: the Library of Despair and Sorrow. It opened a portal inside me and changed how I look at loss and grief. El Niño will be my go-to book for anyone in need of comfort or to be swept away on an entrancing adventure.” —Tracy Mack, VP and publisher, Scholastic Trade Book Group
Ignite authors and editors reception, Feb. 22
J.E. Thomas
Why the buzz: “The AI Incident asks, ‘What role should artificial intelligence have in schools?’ and ‘What does it mean to be human?’ I love how it doesn’t provide easy answers but instead creates a space for young readers to find answers for themselves, all wrapped up in a funny, clever, and ultimately happy story about Colorado’s unluckiest foster kid.” —Nick Thomas, executive editor, Levine Querido
Ignite authors and editors reception, Feb. 22
Paul Tremblay
Why the buzz: “I am tremendously excited about accomplished adult horror writer Paul Tremblay’s children’s debut. It’s deliciously creepy, with just the right amount of scariness. Paul is a teacher, and you can tell he knows kids. He writes about his main character with great compassion. So, in addition to the edge-of-your-seat scariness, this book has heart.” —Rosemary Brosnan, VP and publisher, Quill Tree and Heartdrum
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Kaitlyn Cavalancia
Why the buzz: “This atmospheric mystery brims with red herrings and conspiracies, all shrouded in a sinister fae mist—perfect for fans of Holly Black and Melissa Albert. If you’ve ever wanted to smash Knives Out with Labyrinth, this book is for you!” —Jessica Hahl, Books Inc., San Leandro, Calif.
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Alex Combs & Andrew Eakett
Why the buzz: “Absolutely essential, thoroughly researched, engaging, infuriating, and laugh-out-loud funny—what’s not to love about Trans History? I’ve been singing the praises of this enlightening and empowering color comic, and its talented and thoughtful creators, since it first came my way, and I’m thrilled that teens will soon have access to this incredible resource.”
—Andrea Tompa, senior executive editor, Candlewick Press
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Michelle Jabès Corpora
Why the buzz: “Michelle Jabès Corpora sets this epic YA fantasy in an ancient Egyptian kingdom in turmoil, where an oracle portends to birth power from bloodshed. The immersive narrative follows four dramatic perspectives, and each twist crescendos into an incredible ending. You’ll want to go back and reread the novel…and eagerly await the next book in the Throne of Khetara series.” —Annette Pollert-Morgan, executive editor, Sourcebooks Fire and Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
DeAndra Davis
Why the buzz: “All the Noise at Once shines with humor and joy just as fiercely as it contends with what it means to be Black and neurodivergent in this country. It’s a gorgeously moving story of brotherhood, identity, and justice, and every page is rooted in love. Debut author DeAndra Davis is an absolute marvel—I can’t wait for
readers to fall in love with her words!” —Julia McCarthy, senior editor, Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Tracy Deonn
Why the buzz: “Oathbound is the third book in Tracy Deonn’s Legendborn Cycle, and I cannot wait to hear readers’ reactions to this absolute feast of twists, reversals, and trope turduckens. If you’ve been meaning to read Legendborn, don’t wait until Oathbound is out—you’ll want to be part of the discussion for this one!”—Kendra Levin, VP and editorial director, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Xan Kaur
Why the buzz: “When Devils Sing combines the peeling-back-the-layers creepiness of Midsommar and She Is a Haunting with the edge-of-your-seat suspense of Sadie. Like the best scary campfire stories, it incorporates Southern lore that will leave you with nightmares. There’s also a rich contemporary mystery that keeps readers guessing until the shocking truth is revealed. Xan Kaur’s stunning storytelling marks the debut of an exceptional talent.” —Brian Geffen, executive editor, Henry Holt
Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Erin Entrada Kelly & Kwame Mbalia
Why the buzz: “On Again, Awkward Again is about finding that person who gets you, even when you don’t make sense to anyone else. In their first YA novel, Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia are an author dream team—they’re totally attuned to the early-teen years and all the embarrassment and excitement that goes along with it. I laugh every time I read it!” —Maggie Lehrman, associate publisher, Abrams Children’s Books
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Sophia Lee
Why the buzz: “Eliza, from Scratch is achingly funny and effortlessly swoony, with so many things to say about self-discovery, diaspora, and unlearning that deep-rooted instinct to move through life on autopilot. I felt deeply for Eliza, and I know she’ll be a source of light for all the academic try-hards out there looking for meaning beyond grades and tests.” —Jennifer Ung, editorial director, Quill Tree
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Briana Loewinsohn
Why the Buzz: “In her understated yet masterful approach to comics storytelling, Loewinsohn eschews dramatic confrontations and overt sentimentality, preferring instead to underscore the idea that sometimes acceptance and love can be communicated through quiet, everyday moments and close family bonds.” —Fantagraphics
Evening author reception, Feb. 25.
Kenneth Oppel
Why the buzz: “About once every decade, I get a submission that not only rachets up the tension so high that I can’t stop reading, but then, after it’s through, feels like it’s shown me something much greater than just the story. Transfixing and illuminating—that’s what we have here. To say anything more before you read it would be a disservice.”—David Levithan, SVP, publisher, and editorial director, Scholastic
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Lynn Painter
Why the buzz: “Hockey has a special place in my heart, and so does Lynn Painter. Lynn provides a wonderful romance for her fans in Fake Skating, while exploring deep messages of family dynamics and themes of self-worth—not to mention plenty of her signature witty banter and romantic tension. Lynn has done it again!” —Nicole Ellul, executive editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Lauren Roberts
Why the buzz: “Since I first had the honor of reading Powerless, I have been eagerly waiting to see where this exciting adventure would take us. It’s an emotional and thrilling journey as our hearts are put through the wringer, witnessing these special characters and the challenges they are forced to endure. Lauren Roberts has created an incredible conclusion to an incredible trilogy. Epic is an understatement.” —Nicole Ellul, executive editor, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Brian Selznick
Why the buzz: “When Brian Selznick delivered his Arbuthnot lecture on the vital power of queerness that runs through our literature, I knew it was only a matter of time before he would write a truly remarkable gay love story for teen (and adult) audiences, in his own unique way. Sure enough, here’s a defiantly queer love story for the ages, about the ages.” —David Levithan, SVP, publisher, and editorial director, Scholastic
Lunch author reception and closing keynote, Feb. 26
Sasha Peyton Smith
Why the buzz: “Not since I read the first draft of Kiera Cass’s The Selection have I been so entranced by a high-stakes, life-or-ruin romance. Add in a string of treacherous fae bargains, a cruel competition for the crown, and a steamy love triangle between a determined underdog and two brothers, and you have a truly epic escape that will sweep you off your feet.” —Erica Sussman, VP and publisher, Harper
Romance afterparty, Feb. 24
Emily J. Taylor
Why the buzz: “The Otherwhere Post drew me in from the very first word, with its multiple unique worlds, captivating magic, and deeply lovable characters. This is a stunning dark academia fantasy that blends all the best elements of the genre with fresh and original worldbuilding to create something truly magical!” —Gretchen Durning, editor, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
Trisha Tobias
Why the buzz: “Trisha Tobias has written a fresh, inventive addition to the Gothic horror canon, replacing the typical countryside and windswept manor with a vibrant estate in Jamaica where the sticky heat and lush surroundings are closing in. And while this novel is incredibly spooky, it’s also a heartfelt story about a young woman’s journey with identity, grief, and redemption. It’s a stunner.” —Lexy Cassola, senior editor, Zando/Sweet July Books
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Victoria Zeller
Why the buzz: “In the immortal words of Stefan, this book has everything: messy teenage bisexuals, a countdown to the Big Game, Chappell Roan references—what more could you want? On a serious note, One of the Boys is about the things we are willing to sacrifice to do what we love, and the things we must sacrifice to survive.” —Irene Vázquez, associate editor, Levine Querido
Indies Introduce lunch, Feb. 25
Ibi Zoboi
Why the buzz: “Ibi Zoboi’s contemporary fantasy debut began as her MFA thesis. By the time I read a full draft, she’d become an award-winning, bestselling author—and (S)kin had evolved into a spare, potent page-turner with a gut-punch ending. There’s power in these pages, in words as much as magic, and characters linger, haunting us with where their choices might take them next.” —Weslie Turner, senior editor, Versify
Evening author reception, Feb. 25
