Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to SOME OF US: A STORY OF CITIZENSHIP AND AMERICA by Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Huy Voun Lee, a picture book that explores the unique paths to U.S. citizenship through naturalization. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Claire Morance at Painted Words represented the illustrator.
The Secrets of Eden Eld series author Kate Alice Marshall's EXTRA NORMAL, in which a girl's paranormal investigator parents go on a much-needed vacation and she must take care of her supernatural siblings and stop the new neighbors' sinister plot—a tall order, considering her only superpower is maturity, which totally doesn't count, to Maggie Rosenthall at Viking Children's, for publication in 2023, by Lauren Spieller while at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Kelsey Sullivan at Disney-Hyperion has bought The Strange Will of Xavier Stoutmire by Kaitlyn Cavalancia, a YA debut mystery about an ordinary girl who gets brought into a magical world in which she has to solve a murder to win an inheritance. Publication is slated for spring 2025; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal for U.S., Canadian, and open market rights.
Vicki Lame at Wednesday Books has acquired The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood, a fantasy set against the backdrop of the Civil War, in which 18-year-old Jerusalem seeks revenge against the vampire who enslaved her family, and must work alongside the last person she ever expected to trust—Alexei, the handsome Union vampire she can't help but fall for. Publication is planned for summer 2024; Lauren Spieller, now at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management, negotiated the six-figure deal for world English rights while at Triada US.
Fiona Simpson at Wattpad Books has acquired Playin' Hard by Whitney Grandison (A Love Hate Thing), a YA novel about a budding romance between the school's star athlete and his tough, no-nonsense female classmate. Publication is scheduled for November 2024; Uwe Stender at Triada US brokered the deal for world rights.
TikTok personality Hannah Nicole Maehrer's ASSISTANT TO THE VILLAIN, based on the author's viral skits of the same name, pitched as Once Upon a Time meets The Office, in which the sunshine assistant to a grumpy villain discovers she's not only crushing on her boss but there's a rat in their lair, trying to take them both down, to Liz Pelletier at Red Tower, in a nice deal, in a three-book deal, for publication in fall 2023, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world). Audio rights to Tantor Media, in a nice deal, in a pre-empt.
Creators behind the Believe in Your own magic oracle deck Amanda Lovelace's COZY WITCH, a tarot deck and its accompanying guidebook, pitched for practitioners at every skill level, illustrated by Janaina Medeiros, to Patty Rice at Andrews McMeel, in an exclusive submission, for publication in fall 2023, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Foyinsi Adegbonmire at Feiwel and Friends has acquired North American rights, in a mid-six-figure deal, to Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé (l.) and Adiba Jaigirdar, an enemies-to-lovers rom-com in which two Muslim teenagers must confront the events of past Eids that made and broke their friendship, and in the process get a second chance at love. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Molly Ker Hawn at the Bent Agency represented Àbíké-Íyímídé on behalf of Zoë Plant, also at the Bent Agency, and Uwe Stender at Triada US represented Jaigirdar.
Creator of the Betty's Book List TikTok account Betty Cayouette's ONE LAST SHOT, following two friends who, after making a marriage pact, have a falling-out; a decade later, she's one of the most recognized models in the world, he's a successful photographer, and they have one last shot at love while working together on Italy's beautiful Cinque Terre, to Eileen Rothschild at St. Martin's, in a major deal, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for publication in summer 2024, by Lauren Spieller at Folio Literary Management, while at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Rights also to Katie Loughnane at Century (UK ex Can), in a two-book deal, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency; to Blanvalet (Germany), in a two-book deal, at auction, by Kathrin Nehm at Thomas Schlueck Agency; to Luna (Poland), in a two-book deal, at auction, by Piotr Wawrzenczyk at Book/lab Literary Agency; to Ciela (Bulgaria), at auction, in a three-book deal, by Marija Bosjnak at Corto Literary Agency; to Znanje (Croatia), by Marija Bosjnak at Corto Literary Agency.
Cynthia Ellingsen's A PLAY FOR REVENGE, about a newly divorced woman struggling with single-parenthood who discovers a play at The Starlight Cove Playhouse with a plot that may not be fiction and the lengths she goes to learn the truth in order to protect her family and the theatre, to Alicia Clancy at Lake Union Publishing, in a very nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2023, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Tiffany Colón at Scholastic Press has bought world rights to Paige Not Found by Jen Wilde (Queens of Geek), a debut middle-grade novel that follows Paige as she learns that her mind is under the control of an impulsive billionaire who thinks her autism needs a "cure" and joins forces with the other children involved to shut the experiment down before it's too late—all while exploring her queerness and gender identity. Publication is set for spring 2024; Lauren Spieller, now at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management, negotiated the deal for world rights while at Triada US.
Celia Lee at Simon and Schuster has bought world rights for Newbery Honoree Kyle Lukoff's ARE YOU A FRIEND OF DOROTHY?, a nonfiction picture book about the sanctuary and community sought by queer people claiming to be "friends of Dorothy" during the mid-20th century when homosexuality was still criminalized in the U.S. Levi Hastings will illustrate; publication is planned for summer 2024. Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch Literary Services represented the author, and Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the illustrator.
Jessica Smith at Aladdin has acquired debut author Britnee Meiser's All My Bests, an upper middle grade romance told in dual POVs about two childhood best friends turned maybe-something-more who just can't seem to get this thing called romance right, capturing the highs and lows of first love and first heartbreak. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Uwe Stender at Triada US handled the deal for world rights.
Emily Seife at Scholastic Press has acquired Barakah Beats author Maleeha Siddiqui’s next middle grade, AINY ON BRAND. In the novel, 12-year-old aspiring hijabi Ainy Zain is excited to design modest clothing for her mom’s clothing boutique, but when Ainy's older sister decides to take her hijab off, and a boy from school gives Ainy unwanted attention, Ainy begins to doubt everything—her abilities, her relationships, and whether she’s ready to wear hijab in the first place. Publication is slated for 2024; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Ardi Alspach at Union Square Kids has bought, in a preempt, YA contemporary novel Red by Annie Cardi (The Chance You Won't Return). Pitched as a nod to The Scarlet Letter in the #MeToo era, for readers of Speak and Grown, Red follows teenager Tess as her very personal decision goes public and, rejected and harassed, she seeks solace in music and uses her voice to end the cycle of abuse in her small town. Publication is planned for January 2024; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS did the deal for world rights.
Suzy Capozzi at Union Square Kids has acquired, in a preempt, Rhonda Roumani's middle grade novel Tagging Freedom. The story follows a 13-year-old Syrian graffiti artist at the beginning of the Syrian Revolution, who, after a close call with the secret police, is sent to live with his Syrian-American cousin in a small town in Massachusetts. Together, they discover the power of activism and the courage it takes to stand up for freedom of speech everywhere. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US sold world rights.
Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has acquired INSHA'ALLAH, NO, MAYBE SO by Rhonda Roumani and Nadia Roumani, illustrated by Olivia Aserr. Ranya and her mother ponder the best way to talk about their hopes and dreams in this picture book about a common Arabic expression used by Muslims and Arabs around the world for life's uncertainties. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the authors, and Jennifer March Soloway at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Ana Holguin's THE UPSIDE TO BEING WRONG, an enemies-to-lovers romcom about a Latinx Peloton/SoulCycle-esque spin instructor and a skeptical journalist hoping to dig up some dirt for his cover story on her rise to fame; and MUSIC PEOPLE, a romantic women's fiction about a Latinx film composer who finally gets the her chance to break the industry's glass ceiling but only if she agrees to work alongside her old music school rival, to Sam Brody at Forever, for publication in spring 2025, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Author of EPICALLY EARNEST Molly Horan's contemporary YA in which a teenager accidentally finds herself at the center of her classmates' drama when her role as the theater club's unofficial counselor goes public and her advice on life and love becomes a hot commodity, to mixed results, to Lily Kessinger at Clarion, for publication in fall 2024, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Alina Khawaja's MAYA'S LAWS OF LOVE, a rom-com about an unlucky-in-love "curse" for Maya Mirza, because how unlucky is it that she may have finally met the man of her dreams while on her way to her own wedding, to Leah Mol at MIRA, for publication in the summer of 2024, by Uwe Stender with Annalie Buscarino at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Aneeka Kalia at Viking Children’s has bought, in a six-figure preempt, WISH YOU WERE(N'T) HERE, a f/f YA RomCom by debut novelist Erin Baldwin. Pitched as The Hating Game for teens, the story follows childhood rivals Juliette and Priya, who are forced to be summer camp cabinmates, and must decide what they want more: to kill each other, or to kiss. Publication is set for summer 2024; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
NYT bestselling author Chloe Gong's LAST VIOLENT CALL, a set of two new novellas surrounding the events of forthcoming FOUL LADY FORTUNE, to Sarah McCabe at Margaret K. McElderry Books, in a good deal, for publication in spring 2023, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA). Rights also to Molly Powell at Hodder & Stoughton (UK), for publication in summer 2023
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee Books/Yellow Jacket has bought North American rights to THE SECRET OF THE DRAGON GEMS, an epistolary middle grade novel co-authored by Sydney Taylor Notable author Chris Baron and Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca. The story follows two kids who keep in touch by letter, email, and video chat after they discover some strange rocks together at a summer camp, and wonder whether they might be more than just rocks. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Literary Agency represented Baron, and Brent Taylor at Triada US represented LaRocca.
Author of LOVE FROM SCRATCH Kaitlyn Hill's WILD ABOUT YOU, a grumpy-sunshine YA romance about an indoorsy theater girl and a surly nature-loving guy who must team up in an Amazing Race-style reality competition show set in the Appalachian wilderness that could earn them a huge college scholarship—if they don't kill (or kiss!) each other first, to Hannah Hill at Delacorte, in a very nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in summer 2024, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Alyson Heller at Aladdin has acquired world rights to Pies From Nowhere author Dee Romito’s Love Is In The Air, illustrated by Vivian Mineker. It is the story of aviation pioneer Nancy Love, who organized and directed the Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Squadron during World War II, the first women to fly military aircraft for the United States.
Publication is planned for fall 2023; Uwe Stender at Triada US represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at The Bright Agency represented the illustrator.
Author of THE DEVIL MAKES THREE and NOT GOOD FOR MAIDENS Tori Bovalino's MY THROAT AN OPEN GRAVE, in which a struggling high school student must brave the dangers of the wood that borders her small town to save her baby brother from the being that took him, and face the truth of how her life went so very wrong, to Lauren Knowles at Page Street, in an exclusive submission, for publication in winter 2024, by Amelia Appel and Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Alexandra Cooper at HarperCollins/Quill Tree has bought four novels by Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca. The deal includes THE SOUND OF MAGIC, a middle grade fantasy about a girl who battles the lasting effects of colonialism and greed to save her homeland, for publication in winter 2024; NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH, a YA reimagining of Sita's story from The Ramayana, for publication in 2025; MYSTERY PARTY, a middle grade novel in which six middle schoolers are invited to a reclusive billionaire's mansion but must solve the mystery of his unexpected disappearance, for publication in 2026; and CHEMISTRY LESSONS, a YA rom-com inspired by Jane Austen's Emma that explores the true nature of beauty, for publication in 2027. Brent Taylor at Triada US did the high-six-figure deal for world English rights.
Shelly Romero, while at Scholastic, bought world rights, with Tiffany Colón editing, to Pack Your Bags, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno, illustrated by Courtney Lovett. The second book of the Maggie Diaz series follows seventh-grader Maggie as she prepares for the school's spring break trip, while her friends are more excited for the dance and navigating first crushes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Laura Crockett at Triada US Literary Agency represented the author, and Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Poet Amanda Lovelace's MAKE YOUR OWN MAGIC: A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO SELF-EMPOWERING WITCHCRAFT, an illustrated book that seeks to make witchcraft accessible to all, and gently helps aspiring witches build a realistic practice from the ground up, to Shannon Kelly at Running Press, in a significant deal, at auction, for publication in winter 2024, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Allison Cohen at Running Press Kids has acquired, at auction, author Amanda Lovelace's debut middle grade nonfiction, an illustrated young readers' adaptation of make your own magic: a beginner's guide to self-empowering witchcraft that helps aspiring witchlings build a realistic practice from the ground up. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Lauren Spieller at Triada US brokered the deal for world rights.
Rachel Stark at Disney Hyperion has signed Jason June (JAY'S GAY AGENDA) to write THE SPELLS WE CAST—a YA contemporary fantasy in which two boys, pitted against each other in a contest to keep their magic, discover the sparks that fly between them—for the Melissa de la Cruz Studio imprint. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author in a two-book deal, for publication starting in summer 2023.
NYT bestselling author of THE ATLAS SIX Alexene Farol Follmuth writing as Olivie Blake's previously self-published MASTERS OF DEATH, ONE FOR MY ENEMY, and TWELFTH KNIGHT, pitched as SHE'S THE MAN with a gamer twist, and three new untitled books, to Lindsey Hall at Tor, in a major deal, in a seven-figure deal, in a multi-book deal, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Della Farrell at Holiday House has acquired Breathing Underwater by Abbey Nash, a YA novel about a competitive swimmer whose carefully planned future is threatened by an epilepsy diagnosis just before a national meet. As she struggles with change and uncertainty, an unexpected romance shows her there may be more to life than making plans. Publication is slated for summer 2024; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency sold world rights.
Andrea Tompa and Melanie Cordova at Candlewick Press have acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Newbery Honor author Rajani LaRocca's (l.) Mauntie, illustrated by Nadia Alam. The story follows a girl who must come to terms with sharing her favorite auntie (Mauntie) with her older cousin. Publication is planned for fall 2024; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Jenny Chen at Bantam has pre-empted, in a good deal, THE KILL CLUB author Wendy Heard's INTO THE FIRE, a stylish eat-the-rich suspense novel about two grifters—best friends—trapped on a billionaire’s private island where the lines blur between mark and the marker. Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for world Rights
NYT bestselling author of THE ATLAS SIX Alexene Farol Follmuth writing as Olivie Blake's ALONE WITH YOU IN THE ETHER, a previously self-published title exploring time, love, and mental and emotional well-being, to Lindsey Hall at Tor, in a good deal, for publication in December 2022, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world). Additional rights sold: UK rights to Bella Pagan at Tor UK, by Chris Scheina at Macmillan.
Author of FLIGHT 93 and GETTYSBURG REBELS Tom McMillan's OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE, revealing how generations of an enduring military family, the Armisteads, defended, fought, hid, but ultimately preserved the original Star Spangled Banner viewed by Francis Scott Key over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, and finally donated it to the Smithsonian Institution where it is displayed today, to Alex Novak at Knox Press, for publication in June 2023, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Ruqayyah Daud at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has acquired two new books from critically acclaimed middle grade writer Alexandria Rogers. In The Beast, the Queen, and the Lost Knight, best friends Ellie and Caedmon must complete three quests to graduate to the next level as Knights of the Round Table, but when an ancient evil arises, saving the realms will require them to overcome a test of loyalty among foes determined to tear them apart; and Spellbound Solstice, pitched as for fans of Hocus Pocus, about a 13-year old girl, who in an effort to bring her parents back together, uncovers a generations old curse. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023 and 2024; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two book deal for world rights.
Kate Alice Marshall's debut WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS, about what happens when a woman and her two best friends survive a brutal attack, and their resulting testimony puts away a serial killer, making them heroes - and liars, because twenty years later, one of them wants to reveal the secrets they kept, and the body they hid, to Christine Kopprasch at Flatiron Books, in a six-figure pre-empt, in a two book deal, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Jessica Anderson at Ottaviano/Little, Brown has acquired the YA thriller WE’LL NEVER TELL by Wendy Heard (She’s Too Pretty to Burn), about a group of teens who stumble into a vintage Hollywood murder mystery. One of them is stabbed at the scene of a homicide from the 1970s, leaving the others to solve crimes old and new…or die trying. The book is scheduled for Summer 2023. Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for World rights.
Elizabeth Lee at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to DAN OF GREEN GABLES by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Eisner Award nominee Claudia Aguirre. A twist on Anne of Green Gables, this YA graphic novel tells the story of a queer, half-Mexican teenager named Dan who is forced to live with his grandparents in rural Tennessee when his mother abandons him. With the help of his Mawmaw and his new friends, Dan makes an unlikely home for himself at 1600 Green Gables. Publication is planned for summer 2025; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee Books has bought world rights to A VACCINE IS LIKE A MEMORY by Newbery Honor author and physician Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte, a picture book explaining how vaccines work, the history behind them, and why they're important. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Lindsay Auld at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Elle Gonzalez Rose's debut CAUGHT IN A BAD FAUXMANCE, a queer, Latinx YA rom-com pitched as To All the Boys I've Loved Before meets Schitt's Creek, in which an aspiring artist's winter vacation devolves into hijinks after his family's affluent long-time rivals challenge them to a bet that could cost his family their beloved lake cabin; but when the enemy's attractive son comes to him in desperate need of a fake boyfriend, he reluctantly agrees to set aside loathing for love to take down the other family once and for all, to Bria Ragin, Nicola Yoon, and David Yoon at Joy Revolution, for publication in fall 2023, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Megan Ilnitzki at HarperTeen has bought, in an exclusive submission, RILEY WEAVER NEEDS A DATE TO THE GAYBUTANTE BALL by Jason June and a standalone second book. In this contemporary YA novel, gay, femme 16-year-old Riley hopes to enter the Gaybutante Society, a world-renowned organization full of queer tastemakers. When he's told by a gay cis classmate that gay guys aren't attracted to femme gays, Riley bets he'll find a boyfriend in time for the Gaybutante Ball. Publication is set for summer 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Author of MALICE and the forthcoming MISRULE Heather Walter's CRIMSON CROWN, pitched as a Tudor-inspired retelling of the rise of Snow White's Evil Queen, in which a witch, hunted by a zealous king, infiltrates the religious faction who seeks to eradicate her kind--and must choose between loyalty to her coven, or her heart, to Tricia Narwani at Del Rey, in a good deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2024, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Jonathan Eaton at Tilbury House has acquired world rights to THE BANNED-BOOKS BAKE SALE, written by Aya Khalil and illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. Based on true events, the story follows a girl and her classmates who plan a protest at their school when they find out the district has banned diverse books, prompting the protagonist's teita to share her experience from the 2011 Egyptian revolution. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Christy T. Ewers at CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Jenne Abramowitz at Scholastic Press has acquired Cattywampus author Ash Van Otterloo's next middle grade, Sparrow Shining Bright. When Sparrow is sent to live at their estranged aunt's home after their mother is sent to rehab for opioid addiction, Sparrow encounters a mysterious shadow that encourages them to take exciting new risks, including embracing their true gender identity. Publication is set for 2023; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Celia Lee at Simon & Schuster has bought world rights to THE WISHING MACHINE by Jonathan Hillman, illustrated by Nadia Alam, a picture book about a child who makes wishes on the machines at their favorite laundromat, before moving away from the neighborhood and all their friends there. Publication is set for fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author and Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties represented the illustrator.
Jennifer Ung at Quill Tree has bought Elisa Stone Leahy's debut middle grade novel, TETHERED TO OTHER STARS. The story follows a girl navigating both seventh grade and the devastating impact of ICE's looming presence on her family and community. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US handled the two-book deal for world English rights.
Erin Clarke at Knopf has bought world rights to DEAR ROSIE, a debut middle grade graphic novel by Meghan Boehman and Rachael Briner. Starring a diverse cast of anthropomorphic Maryland wildlife, this semi-autobiographical graphic novel follows four middle-school girls as they confront the loss of their friend, banding together to heal their wounds and honor her memory. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Uwe Stender and Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal.
Nicole Fiorica at S&S/McElderry has bought THE VOICE UPSTAIRS, a YA historical fantasy by Laura Weymouth (The Light Between Worlds, A Rush of Wings). Pitched as “Downton Abbey with ghosts,” in which a young housemaid's supernatural gifts warn her an opulent local manor house is connected to a string of murders, jeopardizing her secretive romance with the wealthy family's youngest son. Publication is set for 2023; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Author of ROMAN AND JEWEL Dana Davis's SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW, in which a teen's childhood best friend—who she hasn't seen since he became the biggest teen musical artist in the world and practically ghosted her—comes to stay with her, turning her life upside down and ultimately leading to something more than friendship, to Tiffany Shelton at Skyscape, with Carmen Johnson editing, at auction, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2022, by Viana Siniscalchi at Alloy Entertainment and Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
NYT bestselling YA author Chloe Gong's IMMORTAL LONGINGS, pitched as an epic fantasy inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra and the historical Kowloon Walled City, that follows two lovers in a deadly contest through the crowded streets of San-Er, where people have the ability to take control of one another's bodies, to Amara Hoshijo at Saga Press, in a pre-empt, in a three-book deal, for publication in summer 2023, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Kristin Daly Rens at Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, in a good deal, Lyssa Mia Smith's debut YA Fantasy, REVELLE! REVELLE! Pitched as 'magical Moulin Rouge in the Prohibition era,' in which a young trapeze star must magically seduce a dangerous bootlegger whose time-traveling family is set on destroying hers, but when she mistakenly charms a handsome tourist instead, she must bury the forbidden sparks between them before her family loses everything. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for world English rights.
Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook Press has bought Dan Clay's debut young adult novel, BECOMING A QUEEN. The story follows a teenage boy who turns to drag performance to overcome his grief when tragedy strikes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US handled the deal for world rights.
Author of the forthcoming MY MECHANICAL ROMANCE Alexene Farol Follmuth writing as Olivie Blake's THE ATLAS SIX TRILOGY, pitched as Kingsman/X-Men meets THE SECRET HISTORY with a diverse cast and strong queer representation, following six uniquely talented magicians from around the world who are invited to compete for an elite academic fellowship where elimination holds deadly consequences, the first book of which was previously self-published and popular on TikTok, to Molly McGhee at Tor, in a major deal, in a pre-empt, in a three-book deal, for publication in March 2022, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Author of PLANTS YOU CAN'T KILL Stacy Tornio's ULTIMATE BOOK OF SCAVENGER HUNTS FOR THE NATIONAL PARKS, an activity book and travel guide covering all 63 US national parks where families will be challenged to find both unique and common objects in the
parks, encouraging them to enjoy the great sights while they learn about the great lands they are visiting. This book will turn every trip to a national park into an outdoor adventure, to Stacee Gravelle Lawrence at Timber Press, by Uwe Stender at Triada USLiterary Agency (world).
Emily Seife at Scholastic Press has acquired Selah's Guide to Normal by debut middle grade author Meg Eden Kuyatt. In this novel in verse, a girl on the autism spectrum who has always followed strict "rules for being normal" is threatened with expulsion after accidentally lashing out at a classmate, and must re-evaluate what "normal" really means and how to stand up for herself. Publication is slated for 2023; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Kiara Valdez at First Second has bought THE ODYSSEY by Rex Ogle writing as Rey Terciero and illustrator Joe Casanova, a middle grade graphic novel following a mouse on an epic journey back to his home in Ithaca. Publication is slated for fall 2025; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal for world rights.
David Levithan at Scholastic Press has bought GALLOWGATE by Alex R. Kahler writing as K.R. Alexander (The Collector). The middle grade story is set in a school for banishing wayward ghosts, where a haunted boy finds forbidden magic, otherworldly foes, fierce friends, and queer romance. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal for world rights.
Author of THIRTEENS and the forthcoming BRACKENBEAST Kate Alice Marshall's GLASSHEART, the third and final book in the Secrets of Eden Eld series, in which a girl and her friends must traverse many worlds to discover the terrifying secrets of a people and end the curse of Eden Eld forever, to Maggie Rosenthall at Viking Children's, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2022, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Author of QUEENS OF GEEK, THE BRIGHTSIDERS, and GOING OFF SCRIPT Jen Wilde's BURN YOUR KINGDOM DOWN, a thriller and the first project developed by IP company Upswell Media, which takes place over the course of a single night at an elite New York academy, and follows a seventeen-year-old as she's locked in with her fellow students at a masked ball--with a killer on the loose and an apocalypse outside the school doors, to Sylvan Creekmore at Wednesday Books, for publication in 2022, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author and John Cusick at Folio Literary Management on behalf of Upswell Media (world English).
Lauren Knowles at Page Street has acquired The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror, edited by Tori Bovalino, in which famous urban legends and new stories alike are brought to life in 13 dark, atmospheric stories. Contributing authors include Erin A. Craig, Chloe Gong, Erica Waters, Hannah Whitten, Allison Saft, Courtney Gould, Olivia Chadha, Alex Brown, Shakira Moise, and Tori Bovalino. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Amelia Appel, Brent Taylor, and Uwe Stender at Triada US negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Courtney Code at Abrams has bought world rights to Rajani LaRocca's SUMMER IS FOR COUSINS, illustrated by Abhi Alwar (Hamsters Make Terrible Roommates). The picture book is about a boy who wonders if his big cousin still remembers all the things they used to share, in a story about the sweetest summer joys: sun, water, cousins, and ice cream. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Brianne Johnson represented the illustrator while at Writers House. Alwar is now represented by Alexandra Levick at Writers House.
Clarissa Wong at Harper Collins has acquired world rights to debut board book BYE BYE BINARY by Eric Geron. The story follows a baby who explores gender expression and being true to oneself while dismantling gender norms. For all who ask: "Is it a boy or a girl?," this little bundle of joy aptly replies: "What's it to ya?!" Charlene Chua will illustrate; publication is planned for summer 2022. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the illustrator.
Hannah Milton at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has acquired at auction debut YA author K.X. Song's AN ECHO IN THE CITY. The novel follows two teenagers–an aspiring photographer and the son of a police officer trying to find his own path–falling in love and coming of age amidst the Hong Kong protests.The book is scheduled for 2022. Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Multiamory Podcast hosts Dedeker Winston, Emily Matlack, and Jase Lindgren's MULTIAMORY: ESSENTIAL TOOLS FOR MODERN RELATIONSHIPS, a practical and inclusive toolkit for modern love, in which the popular advice podcast hosts draw on their expertise in non-traditional relationships and contemporary communication techniques to help readers navigate fulfilling, healthy and meaningful connections, to Hannah Bennett at Cleis Press, by Michael Bourret at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret and Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Author of LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT and the forthcoming SO WE MEET AGAIN Suzanne Park's THE DO OVER, about a Korean-American woman who applies for a fancy new job and, during the background check process, finds out she's a few credits short and never actually completed her college degree; she re-enrolls and relives her senior year ten years later, and discovers her grad student TA is her old college boyfriend, to Carrie Feron at HarperCollins, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2023, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired TODO SOBRE MI ABUELA, a YA memoir-in-verse by YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Winner Rex Ogle, and a second untitled memoir. The story is centered on the author's relationship with his grandmother. Publication for the first book is slated for summer 2022, with the second to follow in fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal for world English rights.
Lisa Williamson Rosenberg’s suspenseful and twisty untitled debut novel, in which an idyllic farmhouse in the Berkshires that was once a stop on the Underground Railroad is haunted by the spirits of African American freedom seekers who yearn to reunite with their family, to Selena James at Little A by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought two picture books by debut author #DopeDad, and CEO/founder of The Dad Gang, Sean Williams. The first book, GIRL DAD, celebrates fathers and their daughters, and the second, Boy Dad, does the same for fathers and their sons. Girl Dad, told in playful rhyme, features diverse dad-daughter pairs, and portrays inclusive parenting styles. Publication for Girl Dad, illustrated by Jay Davis, is planned for winter 2022, and BOY DAD will follow in summer 2023. Williams represented himself and Brent Taylor at Triada US represented Davis.
Abigail McAden at Scholastic has bought, in a preempt, DEBATING DARCY by Sayantani DasGupta in her YA debut. This modern-day, feminist retelling of Pride and Prejudice is set in the high-stakes world of high school speech and debate, and follows Bengali American Leela Bose, whose multicultural group of free-spirited public school teammates stand in stark contrast to the team from Netherfield Academy, and in particular, their captain, the insufferably arrogant and attractive Firoze Darcy. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Author of Plants You Can't Kill Stacy Tornio's BIRDS AND BEES GUIDE TO GARDENING, for gardeners who are ready to take their efforts to the next level by planting for birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife; goes beyond simple advice like "plant berry-producing shrubs for birds" and "plant nectar plants for bees;" lots of plant recommendations—nearly 200 in all, and including specific cultivars to look for, native planting advice, and sustainability facts and tips about how to garden organically, to Stacee Gravelle Lawrence at Timber Press, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Ellen Cormier at Dial has acquired world rights to YOUR ONE AND ONLY HEART by physician Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Lauren Paige Conrad. The nonfiction picture book uses poetry to describe the wonder of how the human heart works. Back matter provides more information about this vital organ. Publication is set for spring 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Kaitlyn Hill's NOT HERE TO STAY FRIENDS, pitched as The Bachelor meets The Rest of the Story, about childhood friends reuniting in L.A. after five years apart, whose lives take a turn for the unreal when they become entangled in a teen reality dating show, to Hannah Hill at Delacorte, for publication in spring 2023, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Foyinsi Adegbonmire at Feiwel & Friends has acquired DONUT FALL IN LOVE and an Untitled YA from Adiba Jaigirdar
(The Henna Wars). DONUT FALL IN LOVE is a sweet and pun-filled YA contemporary romance about Shireen, a Bangladeshi Irish girl still healing from a breakup with her ex-girlfriend, and who can think of nothing batter than to win the Junior Irish Baking Show, a Great British Bake Off-style reality competition. Even if it means competing against her ex and another contestant that she may be falling for. Publication is planned for Spring 2023 and Spring 2024 respectively. Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Jessica Anderson at Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has acquired DEAD END GIRLS by Wendy Heard (She’s Too Pretty to Burn). Pitched as Thelma and Louise meets The Twin, this queer YA psychological thriller stars two desperate teens who fake their own deaths, to murderous consequences. The book is scheduled for Summer 2022. Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for World rights.
Claudia Gabel at Harper Collins has bought world rights to A MILLION TO ONE by Adiba Jaigirdar (The Henna Wars), a high-stakes and romantic heist YA novel set on the Titanic, in which four girls team up to steal a priceless jewel-encrusted book on board the infamous ship. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Uwe Stender at Triada US represented the author.
Jessica Anderson at Christy Ottaviano Books/Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has acquired, at auction, world rights to THE NIGHT BEFORE EID: A MUSLIM FAMILY STORY written by Aya Khalil and illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh. Scheduled for winter 2023, this picture book features three generations of Egyptian-Americans bonding over holiday traditions and a precious recipe in preparation for Eid al-Fitr. Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for the author; the illustrator represented herself.
Shelly Romero at Scholastic has bought world rights to Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno (Don't Date Rosa Santos), illustrated by Courtney Lovett. The illustrated middle grade novel follows a 12-year-old Cuban American girl who is determined to discover who she is and what her "thing" is, no matter how many activities or clubs it takes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Laura Crockett at Triada US Literary represented the author, and Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary represented the illustrator.
Abigail McAden at Scholastic has acquired five middle grade novels by NYT-bestselling author Sayantani DasGupta. The deal includes a new three-book series following the flying pakkhiraj horses of the Kingdom Beyond, a spin-off to DasGupta's Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series, slated to begin in September 2022; a sequel to DasGupta's forthcoming novel FORCE OF FIRE, slated for May 2022; and THE LOTUS LEGACY, DasGupta's first work of realistic fiction for middle graders, which follows the Desi Posse, a crack team of feminist tweens, on a heist to expose a skin-lightening product, slated for summer 2023. Brent Taylor at Triada US handled the six-figure deal for North American rights.
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired The Gamemaster’s Society by Chelsea Ichaso (Little Creeping Things). In this YA thriller, Maren joins her elite boarding school’s secret society in hopes of finding information about her missing best friend, but when the society’s games take a dark turn, she’ll have to figure out how to win before someone winds up dead. Publication is set for spring 2022; Uwe Stender at TriadaUS negotiated the two-book deal for World English rights.
Sarah McCabe at S&S/McElderry has bought a YA duology by bestselling author Chloe Gong (These Violent Delights). Foul Lady Fortune, the first of the two books, is a speculative historical noir surrounding the events of Imperial Japan's expansion into China in the 1930s. A familiar character is recruited as a national spy, maintaining her false identity by posing as a young married couple with someone who might be the very enemy. Publication is set for fall 2022; Laura Crockett at Triada US Literary did the two-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.
Rajani LaRocca's MY LITTLE GOLDEN BOOK ABOUT KAMALA HARRIS, a biography about Kamala Harris, the first woman, first African American woman, and first Indian American woman to be elected Vice President of the United States, illustrated by Ashley Evans, to Andrea Posner-Sanchez at Golden Books, for publication in August 2021, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by James Burns at The Bright Group for the illustrator (world).
Megan Ilnitzki at HarperCollins has won, at auction, SMALL TOWN PRIDE and a second untitled novel by YA author Phil Stamper. In his middle grade debut, 13-year-old Jake loves his rural town, but doesn't always feel supported by the people there, so he fades into the background. That is, until he comes out and his overly supportive dad puts a comically huge pride flag in their yard, suddenly turning all eyes on him. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the six-figure deal for world English rights.
Alice Jerman at Harper Teen has bought, in a good deal, Erica Waters' next queer supernatural YA, THE RESTLESS DARK. In the story, two girls join forces in a macabre true crime contest to find the missing bones of a killer in the nightmarish fogs of Cloudkiss Canyon, but when their search morphs into a hunt for a monster in their midst, the girls must ask themselves—is the fog to blame for what's happening in the canyon, or are they? Publication is set for Fall 2022. Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two-book deal for North American Rights.
Rex Ogle's THE SUPERNATURAL SOCIETY, following a Latinx, biracial man who is forced to move to a small, coastal town in Massachusetts where monsters and magical creatures live alongside everyone else - but only he has the power to see them, to Rebecca Kuss at Inkyard Press, in an exclusive submission, in a three-book deal, for publication in winter 2022, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English). Rights also to Harper Germany (Germany), by Bastian Schlueck at Thomas Schlueck Agency; to Ediciones B (Spain), in a pre-empt, by Anna Ascolies at IMC Literary Agency; to Il Castoro (Italy), at auction, by Maura Solinas at Piergiorgio Nicolazzini Literary Agency; to Mamania (Poland), in a pre-empt, and Storytel for Polish audio, by Piotr Wawrzenczyk at Book/lab Literary Agency; to Pena (Turkey), by Gaksun Bayraktar at Kalem Agency.
Author of EARTH ALMANAC Ken Keffer's KNOWING THE TREES: 101 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE FOREST, an accessible guide to practical forest knowledge, comprised of one-hundred-and-one (101) facts or anecdotes about trees and organized by the lifecycle of a tree, to Kate Rogers at Mountaineers Books, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks Fire has bought, in an exclusive submission, YULE BE SORRY by Suzanne Park. The holiday-themed YA rom-com follows Chloe Kang, Santa's Village photographer, whose rivalry with her nemesis Peter Li escalates when he opens a North Pole virtual reality experience next door. But when they learn their mall is in danger of being demolished, they must work together to save it—and save Christmas. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Author of the forthcoming THE DEVIL MAKES THREE Tori Bovalino's NOT GOOD FOR MAIDENS, a horror-fantasy retelling of Christina Rossetti's "Goblin Market" pitched as SALEM'S LOT meets THE DARKEST PART OF THE FOREST, to Lauren Knowles at Page Street, in an exclusive submission, for publication in spring 2022, by Uwe Stender and Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
David Levithan at Scholastic has bought THE LANGUAGE OF SEABIRDS by Will Taylor, a contemporary middle grade first-love summer romance. Confined to a beach house for two weeks with his newly divorced, resentful father, 12-year-old Jeremy is just trying to make it through. But when he meets local boy Evan, his whole world is flipped again, and Jeremy scrambles to find some way to share the truths flooding his heart—things he's never spoken to anyone, not even himself. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US handled the deal for world rights.
Nicole Fiorica at S&S/McElderry has bought A CONSUMING FIRE, a YA historical fantasy by Laura Weymouth (The Light Between Worlds, A Rush of Wings), pitched as UPROOTED meets THE GRACE YEAR. Set in an isolated England plagued by a cruel, godlike figure, a girl born for sacrifice sets out to visit vengeance upon the divine being who claimed the life of her sister. Publication is set for fall 2022; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Alexene Farol Follmuth's MY MECHANICAL ROMANCE, a STEM #OwnVoices rom-com about two biracial teens in which the artsy new girl with an aptitude for engineering butts heads with the know-it-all captain of the high school combat robotics team she's forced to join, until they realize they've built more than just a robot along the way to nationals; pitched as written for smart young women who don't see themselves in science, to Della Farrell at Holiday House, in a pre-empt, for publication in summer 2022, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Kristin Daly Rens at Balzer + Bray has acquired, at auction, in a six-figure deal, Brian D. Kennedy's debut m/m YA contemporary, A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY. In the story, two boys--one who wants to be the biggest openly gay country music superstar, and one who, as the grandson of a faded Nashville star, hates country music more than anything--fall for each other while working at a Dollywood-esque theme park. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency handled the deal for world English rights.
Maggie Rosenthal at Viking has bought Kate Alice Marshall’s queer supernatural YA, These Fleeting Shadows. In the story, a girl inherits her ancestral home, only to discover that a dark presence lurks within it—and within herself. With the help of the young woman called the Witch of Harrow, she must unlock the house’s secrets and her own if she wants to survive. Publication is slated for 2022; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency brokered the six-figure, two-book deal for North American rights.
Professor of political science and Teen Vogue journalist Jenn M Jackson's BLACK WOMEN TAUGHT US, an intellectual and political history of Black women's activism, movement organizing, and philosophical work that explores how women from Harriet Jacobs to Audre Lorde to the members of the Combahee River Collective, among others, have for centuries taught us how to fight injustice and radically reimagine a more just world for all, to Marie Pantojan at Random House, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Nancy Paulsen at Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin has acquired world rights to Molly Horan's debut picture book I Have Seven Dogs about an inventive girl who can’t have a dog in her apartment and figures out a way to connect with the many beloved dogs in her community. Dana Wulfekotte will illustrate, publication is slated for 2023. Uwe Stender at Triada US represented the author, and Sean McCarthy at McCarthy Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
David Saylor and Megan Peace at Scholastic/Graphix have bought, at auction, world rights to Rex Ogle's contemporary middle grade graphic trilogy, based on the author's own experience. Dealing with the bullies at school, his family being broke, and an embarrassing lack of friends, Rex has way too much on his plate already. So when he finds out he needs glasses, he's ready to give up. Dave Valeza will illustrate. Publication for book one, FOUR EYES, is set for fall 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Hannah Mann at Writers House represented the illustrator.
Molly Horan's EPICALLY EARNEST, pitched as a queer contemporary retelling of Oscar Wilde's THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, in which a high school senior must decide who she wants to be on the eve of high school graduation against the backdrop of birth, adopted, and found families, all the while finding the time to fall in love with the girl of her dreams, to Lily Kessinger at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's, in a nice deal, for publication in spring 2022, by Elle Thompson and Uwe Stender at Triada US (world English).
Connolly Bottum at Inkyard Press has acquired The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford (Crown of Coral and Pearl), an atmospheric fantasy in which a girl unintentionally draws a stranger to her island with her magic, leaving her with a choice—rescue him from the lake, or risk betraying her insulated community’s safety and customs. Is everything the elders taught her of outsiders true, or is there something more sinister surrounding their island than its poisonous waters? Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for World rights.
Rebecca Kuss at Inkyard has bought, in a six-figure preempt, A TALE OF TWO PRINCES by Eric Geron. Pitched as The Princess Diaries meets The Parent Trap, the contemporary YA debut follows the closeted crown prince, newly established in Canada, and an out-and-proud Montana cowboy, who meet by chance and turn out to be long-lost twin brothers. But will these two be able to take on coming out, coronations, and high school together—or will this royal reunion become a royal mess? Publication is set for summer 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the two-book deal for world English rights.
Bestselling and award-winning poetess amanda lovelace's FLOWER CROWNS & FEARSOME THINGS, an illustrated poetry collection in which the author explores the complexity of femininity through the lens of the Persephone myth, to Patty Rice at Andrews McMeel, in a very nice deal, in an exclusive submission, for publication in 2021, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Andrea Tompa and Melanie Cordova at Candlewick have bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Rajani LaRocca's MASALA CHAI, FAST AND SLOW, illustrated by Neha Rawat Battish. Although Aarav is always in a hurry and his grandfather likes to take things slow, they find a way to make masala chai together every day. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Amanda Hendon at Advocate Art USA represented the illustrator.
Liesa Abrams at Aladdin has bought, in a six-figure preempt, world rights to SORT OF SUPER, plus an untitled sequel by Eric Gapstur. The middle grade graphic novel is about a boy whose accidental superpowers become the first clue in solving his mother's disappearance. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Uwe Stender and Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal.
Melissa Colasanti's CALL ME ELIZABETH LARK, pitched for fans of Lucy Foley and Andrea Bartz, about a woman on the run with her son who finds refuge at a coastal Pacific Northwest bed and breakfast run by a family who believe that she's their long lost daughter, and plays along to keep herself and her son safe, only to realize that they aren't what they seem, and the culprit behind the daughter's disappearance may be back to finish the job, to Jenny Chen at Crooked Lane, in an exclusive submission, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Abigail McAden at Scholastic has acquired FORCE OF FIRE, a middle grade standalone novel by New York Times-bestselling author Sayantani DasGupta. The origin story follows Pinki, a fire-clan rakkhoshi, who wants nothing to do with revolutions or do-goodery, but only wants to finally learn how to control her magical flames. When she makes a secret deal with Sesha, Prince of Snakes, to try to do just that, she finds herself becoming the reluctant leader of her country's fight for freedom from the serpent empire. Publication is set for summer 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the deal for North American rights.
Hannah Allaman at Delacorte has acquired Love from Scratch by debut author Kaitlyn Hill. The feminist YA rom-com follows rival interns Reese and Benny, whose chemistry sizzles when they fill in for a video shoot on a popular online cooking channel. But will exploding internet fame and a heated competition for the fall internship keep romance on the back burner? Publication is slated for spring 2022; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
Natashya Wilson at Inkyard Press has acquired The Right Side of Reckless, a YA rom-com by Whitney D. Grandison (A Love Hate Thing). A troubled boy in need of a fresh start meets a girl who is off limits, sparking forbidden friendship and maybe more when their paths cross at the local community center. Publication is slated for summer 2021; Uwe Stender at Triada US brokered the deal for world English rights.
Sylvie Frank at S&S/Wiseman has acquired world rights to Jonathan Hillman's debut picture book, Big Wig. The story follows child drag queen B.B. Bedazzle and her trusty sidekick, Wig. It's the night of the Big Wig Ball, and there's one problem: Wig is not very big. When the big wigs hit the stage, Wig wigs out, embarking on a hair-raising journey to rediscover her confidence. Levi Hastings will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Charlie Olsen at Inkwell Management represented the illustrator.
Alexandra Cooper at HarperCollins/Quill Tree has bought, in a six-figure preempt, Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca. The middle grade novel-in-verse is about the 13-year-old daughter of Indian immigrants torn between the worlds of her parents and her school, her immigrant community and 1980s pop culture—until her mother falls ill, and she’s torn in a different way. Publication is slated for winter 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the two-book deal for world English rights.
Emily Seife at Scholastic has acquired, in a seven-way auction, Barakah Beats by debut author Maleeha Siddiqui. In this middle grade contemporary novel, a Muslim girl joins a boy band in an effort to find her place at a new school, but struggles to reconcile her new friends' interests and her own faith. Publication is slated for 2021; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the two-book, six-figure deal for world English rights.
Nicole Fiorica at S&S/McElderry has bought, in a preempt, A Rush of Wings, a YA historical fantasy by Laura Weymouth (The Light Between Worlds, A Treason of Thorns). Set in the tumultuous 18th century Scottish Highlands and inspired by The Wild Swans fairytale, a girl with the strength of saltwater and the heart of a witch must master her forbidden craft in order to free her cursed brothers and prevent a charismatic tyrant from destroying all she holds dear. Publication is set for fall 2021; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights.
Mary-Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has bought Phil Stamper's The Valedictorians, plus an untitled sequel. The first entry in this YA rom-com duology follows four queer teens during an unforgettable summer. As senior year approaches—with the real world looming just beyond—how can these lifelong friends stay close when their futures seem to be forcing them apart? Publication of the first book is planned for winter 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the deal for world English rights.
Chloe Gong's THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS, pitched as a ROMEO AND JULIET retelling by way of THE GODFATHER, about rival gangs in 1920s Shanghai coming together to face a monster before the outbreak of the Chinese Civil War, to Molly Powell at Hodder & Stoughton, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for publication in November 2020, by Brent Taylor and Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency.
Author of PRINCE & KNIGHT and MAIDEN & PRINCESS Daniel Haack's PRINCE & KNIGHT: TALE OF THE SHADOW KING, in which the brave and dashing prince and the knight are happily married and their kingdom is prospering, but soon, a fog of darkness caused by the mysterious Shadow King blocks the sun, so they go on a quest to restore light to their kingdom, illustrated by Stevie Lewis, to Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee Books, for publication in spring 2021, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by Edward Maxwell at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates for the illustrator (world).
Jenne Abramowitz at Scholastic Press has bought Cattywampus author Ash Van Otterloo's next middle grade fantasy, A Touch of Ruckus. In the story, a peacemaking girl burdened with her prideful family’s secrets finds solace in ghost hunting with her nonbinary crush inside a nearby forest, but when the ghosts reveal that the forest's existence is threatened, she must find the link between how they died and her own family's secrets, even if it means causing a little ruckus in the process. Publication is set for fall 2021; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the deal for world rights.
Nancy Inteli and Megan Ilnitzki at HarperCollins have acquired world rights to Jason June's picture book NEVER FORGET ELEANOR, about the life-changing power of words and the ways in which those we love never truly leave us. The story follows a young elephant named Elijah who loves the stories his grandma Eleanor tells him. But when Eleanor's memory starts to fade, Elijah will need to become the storyteller himself. Bestselling picture book creator Loren Long will illustrate; publication is planned for winter 2023. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the artist.
Author of KENZIE KICKSTARTS A TEAM and the forthcoming SHELLY STRUGGLES TO SHINE Kit Rosewater's TOMOKO TAKES THE LEAD, the third book in The Derby Daredevils series, in which the Daredevils get lost in a strange city during roller derby camp, but shy Tomoko's wilderness know-how might be the team's only chance at skating out of the urban jungle, illustrated by Sophie Escabasse, to Courtney Code at Abrams Children's, for publication in spring 2021, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency for the illustrator (world).
Author of EMPIRE OF SAND, REALM OF ASH, and upcoming THE JASMINE THRONE Tasha Suri's untitled Wuthering Heights retelling, a debut YA historical that draws on the history of lascar sailors and the mixed race children of East India Company officers, to Emily Settle at Feiwel and Friends, in a nice deal, for publication in summer 2022, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
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Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired YALSA Excellence in Young Adult Nonfiction Award winner Rex Ogle's YA memoir, Punching Bag. The story is centered on the author's experience with domestic violence. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Lauren Blackwood's WITHIN THESE WICKED WALLS, a Jane Eyre retelling in which Andromeda--an unlicensed debtera--is hired to rid a castle of its dangerous curses only to fall in love with a boy whose life hangs in the balance, to Tiffany Shelton at Wednesday Books, in a pre-empt, in a major deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2021, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Anna Bloom at Scholastic has bought, in a four-book deal, Jason June's Mermicorn Island series. The chapter books follow the underwater adventures of a mermicorn and his friends as they unlock the power of magic seashells. Publication will begin in spring 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for world rights.
Haley Neil's debut ONCE MORE WITH CHUTZPAH, exploring cultural, religious, and sexual identity as an anxious high school senior and her twin set off on a whirlwind trip through Israel, pitched as Becky Albertalli meets Birthright, to Allison Moore at Bloomsbury Children's, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2021, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee has acquired world rights to Rajani LaRocca's THE SECRET CODE INSIDE YOU, illustrated by Steven Salerno, a rhyming picture book introduction to DNA that explains the idea of genetics, but also touches on the limits of genes and how our choices also determine who we become. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Brent Taylor at TriadaUS represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.
Lauren Knowles at Page Street Publishing has acquired world English rights for Tori Bovalino’s Ink. When Tess and Eliot stumble upon an ancient book hidden beneath their school library, they accidentally release a demon from his book-bound prison, and he’ll stop at nothing to stay free. Publication is slated for Spring 2021; Uwe Stender and Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Author of CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL Mara Rutherford's LUMINOUS, this YA fantasy follows a young witch who must remain hidden to avoid discovery by other witches who would seek to drain her power. But when her sister is taken by the kingdom's chief warlock, she'll have to step out of the shadows to save her family, to Bess Braswell at Inkyard, with Connolly Bottum editing, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Author of EMPIRE OF SAND and REALM OF ASH Tasha Suri's THE JASMINE THRONE, beginning a new trilogy set in a world inspired by the history and epics of India, in which a captive princess and a maidservant in possession of forbidden magic become unlikely allies on a dark journey to save their empire from the princess's traitor brother, to Priyanka Krishnan at Orbit, in a three-book deal, for publication in spring of 2021, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Megan Ilnitzki at HarperTeen has won at auction Jason June's debut YA novel, Jay's Gay Agenda, and a second book. The story follows the titular character after he moves to Seattle from his rural high school, introducing him to other queer teens for the very first time, and allowing him to finally cross items off his gay romance to-do list. Publication is scheduled for summer 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal for world English rights.
Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights to Jeremy Whitley’s three book graphic novel series THE DOG KNIGHT, to be illustrated by Bre Indigo, in which a non-binary kid must balance the real life troubles of middle school with the chance to face down the forces of chaos alongside a council of dog superheroes. Publication of the first book is planned for early 2021. Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary represented the author and Brent Taylor of Triada US represented the illustrator.
Andrew Arnold at HarperAlley has bought NORTHRANGER, a YA graphic novel written by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Bre Indigo. The story follows Cade Muñoz, a 16-year-old who loses himself in horror movies to escape reality until the summer he’s forced to confront the feelings he’s hiding from, both romantic and familial. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author and artist in the deal for world rights.
Lauren Smulski at Inkyard Press has acquired,