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, on exclusive submission, Summer Heacock and Eric Smith's Origin Story, an #OwnVoices YA contemporary about two adoptees from very different backgrounds grappling with the question of what it really means to be family. Publication is scheduled for summer 2021; Brent Taylor and Uwe Stender at Triada US represented Heacock, and Dawn Frederick at Red Sofa Literary represented Smith in the deal for World English rights.
Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has bought, in a six-figure preempt, Tori Sharp's middle-grade graphic memoir JUST PRETEND, and a second book. Tori has never lived in just one world. She's got her mom's house, her dad's house, school, and, best of all, books. And it's books—and the stories she makes up in her head—that Tori will turn to when everything else around her seems to be crumbling. Publication is slated for spring 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal for world rights.
Jilly Gagnon and Mike MacDonald's CHOOSE YOUR OWN MISERY: THE WEDDING, a choose-your-path satire in which the reader navigates events before, during, and after a friend's wedding, to Rick Chillot at Quirk Books, for publication in spring 2021, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Lauren Knowles at Page Street acquired Lisa DeSelm's YA fantasy, The Puppetmaster's Apprentice, a gender-swapped retelling of Pinocchio meets Frankenstein. Pirouette is tasked to build an assassin for the tyrant of Tavia, but when she realizes his schemes dabble in dark magic, she aims to take control of the strings before the next blue moon. Publication is set for fall 2020; Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.
Charlie Ilgunas at Yellow Jacket has acquired MIDSUMMER'S MAYHEM author Rajani LaRocca's middle grade novel MUCH ADO ABOUT BATTING. The story follows a 12-year-old girl and boy, math competition rivals who are on the same summer baseball team, and who try to help their team win by eating unusual snacks and solving mysterious math puzzles, which cause confusion and calamity in their town. Publication is scheduled for summer 2021; Brent Taylor at Triada US did the deal for world English rights.
Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has won at auction world rights to Eric Geron's debut picture book, POULTRYGEIST. The story follows a chicken that crosses the road and ends up on the other side: in the spirit world. Other ghost animals encourage the poultrygeist to embrace its dark side to scare the reader, but it may be too chicken. Pete Oswald will illustrate; publication is scheduled for fall 2021. Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator.
Author of DON'T DATE ROSA SANTOS Nina Moreno's OUR WAY BACK TO ALWAYS, pitched as WHEN HARRY MET SALLY by way of Sarah Dessen, about next-door neighbors and ex-best friends whose paths collide when they rediscover their childhood bucket list, to Hannah Allaman at Disney-Hyperion, in a very nice deal, for publication in spring 2021, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Suzanne Park's LOATHE AT FIRST SIGHT, an #OwnVoices hate-to-love rom-com set in the video game industry about a Korean-American producer who is tasked with launching a feminist video game while being antagonized by everyone around her, especially the company's new MBA intern, to Carrie Feron at William Morrow, at auction, in a two-book deal, for publication in summer 2020, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Heather Walter's MALICE, pitched as a queer reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, in which a sorceress whose dark gifts earn her the hatred of a realm finds an unexpected bond with the last surviving heir whose curse can only be lifted by true love's kiss—or perhaps by the sorceress herself, to Tricia Narwani at Del Rey, in a good deal, in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2021, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Mara Rutherford's KINGDOM OF SEA AND STONE, the sequel to her forthcoming YA debut CROWN OF CORAL AND PEARL, following twin sisters on a quest to save their people and restore the rightful Queen of Ilara to her long-lost throne, to Lauren Smulski at Inkyard Press, in a nice deal, for publication in fall 2020, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Fire has bought Jesse Sutanto’s debut The Obsession and a second novel. Pitched as a YA version of You meets Enough, it follows the classic story of boy meets girl, boy stalks girl, girl gets her revenge. Publication is scheduled for spring 2021; Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.
Holly West at Swoon Reads has bought Shana Silver's The Con Code, about a teen forgery artist who must team up with a rival con artist, a master of disguise, and a talented hacker to perform a series of heists in order to find her fugitive mother before the FBI does. Publication is scheduled for summer 2020; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the deal for world rights.
Michael Konik's THE UNEXPECTED GUEST, detailing the transformative period of time in which the author welcomed a homeless man into his home, exploring the limits of human kindness (if they exist), morality, and what it means to be human, to Mark Weinstein at Diversion Books, for publication in April 2020, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Star of the #1 daytime drama The Young and The Restless Melody Thomas Scott's ALWAYS YOUNG AND RESTLESS, a memoir covering her career (and life struggles) from a child actress (i.e. Hitchcock's Marnie) to becoming the longest-serving and beloved daytime actress on television in the same role, written with Dana L. Davis, to Mark Weinstein at Diversion Books, for publication in summer 2020, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Author of THE VOICE IN MY HEAD Dana L. Davis's ROMAN AND JEWEL, which tells the story of teen actors Jerzie, an understudy, and Zeppelin, the leading man who headlines with Cinny, an international R&B superstar, in a hip-hopera Broadway musical, Roman and Jewel: a fantastical re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet starring a diverse cast of characters, to Natashya Wilson at Inkyard Press by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired world rights to Rajani LaRocca's WHERE THREE OCEANS MEET, illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan. The picture book follows a girl who travels with her mother and grandmother to the tip of India and learns about the strength and love that women pass down to their daughters across borders and oceans. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the illustrator.
Co-author of The Kids' Outdoor Adventure Book Stacy Tornio's THE ULTIMATE BOOK OF SCAVENGER HUNTS, a book which will help turn every outdoor outing (whether in the city or the countryside, the beach or the mountains) into a scavenger hunt, giving your family plenty of things to look for, discover, and learn about in nature, to Katie Benoit at Falcon Guides, by Uwe Stender at Triada US (NA).
Eliza Swift at Sourcebooks Fire has acquired Suzanne Park's #OwnVoices debut YA rom-com, The Perfect Escape. The story follows a Korean-American teen who meets his dream girl at the zombie-themed escape room where they both work. When they realize they each have a critical need for money, they team up for a survivalist competition with a huge cash prize, finding love along the way. Publication is planned for spring 2020; Brent Taylor at Triada US negotiated the two-book deal for North American rights. ?
Alex R. Kahler's PLAYING WICKED, in which a young boy loves playing make-believe, but doesn't always want to be the dashing prince—sometimes he likes being the fabulous Wicked Queen, illustrated by Ben Whitehouse, to Annie Nybo at Albert Whitman, with Christina Pulles editing, for publication in spring 2020, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by Frederica Dawson at The Bright Agency for the illustrator (world).
Lauren Knowles at Page Street has acquired world rights to Adiba Jaigirdar's THE HENNA WARS. When Dimple Met Rishi meets Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in this rom com about two teen girls with rival henna businesses who fall in love. Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency negotiated the deal.
Tricia Lin at Simon Pulse has acquired, at auction, Chloe Gong's debut YA fantasy THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS pitched as a Romeo And Juliet retelling by way of The Godfather. A monster has awakened in 1920s Shanghai, killing off citizens and stirring trouble between two feuding gangs. The rival heirs, Roma Montagov and Juliet Cai, must work together before the monster destroys all they hold dear, even while the Chinese Civil War breaks out around them. Publication is planned for Fall 2020. Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights.
Andrea Tompa at Candlewick has won at auction world rights to I'LL GO AND COME BACK by Rajani LaRocca, illustrated by Sara Palacios. A tribute to long-distance family relationships and cross-cultural connections, the story follows a girl on a trip to India. When she finds herself homesick, her grandmother knows the cure, and the girl knows just how to welcome her grandmother when she visits the U.S. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Brent Taylor at Triada US represented the author, and Kendra Marcus and Minju Chang at Bookstop Literary represented the illustrator.
SKULLS! author Blair Thornburgh's SECOND BANANA, illustrated by MAE'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL author/illustrator Kate Berube, about navigating the disappointment of being cast as second banana in the class play...figuratively...or literally, to Emma Ledbetter at Abrams, for publication in fall 2020, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by Lori Kilkelly at LK Literary Agency for the illustrator (world).
Author of Gettysburg Rebels: Five Native Sons Who Came Home To Fight As Confederate Soldiers Tom McMillan's OUR FLAG WAS STILL THERE, which reveals how generations of the enduring military family, the Armisteads, defended, fought, hid, but ultimately preserved the original Star Spangled Banner from the War of 1812 through the end of the Civil War--ultimately donating it to the Smithsonian Institution where it is displayed today, to Alex Novak at Regnery History, in a nice deal, in an exclusive submission, for publication in June 2020, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world).
Gender studies professor and author of SHE/HE/THEY/ME: FOR THE SISTERS, MISTERS, AND BINARY RESISTERS Robyn Ryle's WHEN ALL CHEERLEADERS WERE BOYS, an original investigation into the intersection of sports history and identities, using sports as a way to learn about the complicated history of gender, sexuality, race, and social justice while connecting those stories to the world of today's athletes, to Christen Karniski at Rowman & Littlefield, for publication in summer 2020, by Amelia Appel at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Jessica Anderson at Macmillan/Ottaviano has bought Hunting Annabelle author Wendy Heard's debut YA thriller, She's Too Pretty to Burn. In this gender-swapped Dorian Gray reimagining, a teen photographer's picture of her introverted girlfriend goes viral, sending them into a spiral of fame and danger as they navigate the waters of an underground San Diego art scene. Publication is scheduled for winter 2021; Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.
A LOVE HATE THING by Whitney D. Grandison, featuring an It girl from a wealthy coastal community who clashes with a former childhood friend when he moves in with her family after tragedy strikes, wreaking havoc with her summer plans, her friendships and her heart, to Natashya Wilson at Inkyard Press, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (World English).
Tris Coburn at Tilbury House has acquired world rights to THE ARABIC QUILT by Aya Khalil, illustrated by Anait Semirdzhyan. The picture book follows an Egyptian-American girl who learns to appreciate her second language, Arabic, after a class project intended to celebrate everyone's identity. Publication is tentatively slated for winter 2019; Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency represented the author, and Christy Tugueau Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Co-author of The Kids' Outdoor Adventure Book Ken Keffer's EARTH YEAR, a collection structured around phenology of 365 daily facets of natural history, including animals, plants, weather, geology, astronomy, and more that explores the universal patterns of nature across North America from January 1st to December 31st, to Kate Rogers at Mountaineers Books, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Kit Rosewater's THE DERBY DAREDEVILS series, in which a fifth-grader sets out to form an all-girls roller derby crew with her best friend, but things turn complicated when she decides to woo the girl's neighbor (and secret crush) to the team, illustrated by Sophie Escabasse, to Courtney Code at Abrams Children's, at auction, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2020, by Lauren Spieller at TriadaUS Literary Agency for the author, and by Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency for the illustrator (world).
Authors of THINK LIKE A BABY and creators of doctoranddad.com Andy Ankowski and Amber Ankowski's HOW TO RAISE A BOOKMONSTER: THE JOYFUL WAY TO TURN YOUR CHILD INTO A FEARLESS, RAVENOUS READER, a playful guide for parents on how to nurture their distracted, plugged-in child into a voracious bookmonster, to Batya Rosenblum at The Experiment, for publication in fall 2020, by Uwe Stender at TriadaUS Literary Agency(world).
Cheryl Klein at Lee & Low has bought world rights to SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS by Rajani LaRocca, a STEM-focused picture book that uses the story of a boy named Bhagat and his chain of seven golden rings to teach the basics of binary numbers. Archana Sreenivasan will illustrate; publication is planned for 2020. Brent Taylor at TriadaUS represented the author, and Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary represented the artist.
Debut author KayLynn Flanders's SHIELDED, a YA fantasy about a princess hiding a magical secret in a kingdom ravaged by war; the key to saving not only those closest to her, but the kingdom itself, is also the very secret that could destroy her, to Monica Jean at Delacorte, in a pre-empt, for publication in summer 2020, by Laura Crockett at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
Natashya Wilson at Inkyard Press has acquired Alechia Dow’s debut The Sound of Stars, a young adult novel set in the near-future featuring a captive teen human and a young alien leader, bonded by their love of forbidden books and music, who embark on a desperate road trip as they attempt to overturn alien rule and save humankind. Publication is projected for Winter 2020; Uwe Stender at Triada US Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has bought, in an exclusive submission, Rex Ogle's middle grade memoir FREE LUNCH. The story follows the author's experience as a sixth-grader on the free lunch program, and coming-of-age while dealing with poverty, racism, and domestic violence in Texas. Publication is slated for fall 2018; Brent Taylor at Triada US sold North American rights.
Animator and storyboard artist Louie Zong's BOOK SCIENCE, in which two scientists, a bear and a frog, conduct hands-on, fearless experiments answering the age-old question of how books work, to John Morgan at Imprint, for publication in summer 2020, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (world English).
In a four book deal Alyson Heller at Aladdin/Simon & Schuster has bought Dee Romito's FORT BUILDERS series about two best friends, who are determined to earn some spending money, start a fort building company and must navigate the challenges of being pint-size business owners.Publication of Book One is planned for Summer 2020. Uwe Stender at Triada US Literary Agency negotiated the deal for World Rights.
THE SERPENT'S SECRET and GAME OF STARS author Sayantani DasGupta's THE CHAOS CURSE, the third book in the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series, in which a 12-year-old demon slayer and her friends must stop the Serpent King from destroying the multiplicity of the multiverse and reducing the many parallel dimensions to a single story, to Abigail McAden at Scholastic, in a six-figure deal, for publication in February 2020, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
THE HEMINGWAY THIEF author Shaun Harris's THE OLD IRISH EXIT, a new novel following an author who finds himself embroiled in a murder investigation at the University of Notre Dame involving a secret society and old friends who aren't what they seem, to Dan Mayer at Seventh Street, for publication in spring 2020, by Brent Taylor at TriadaUS Literary Agency (NA).
Courtney Code at Abrams has preempted world rights for the picture book WILLOW THE ARMADILLO by Marilou Reeder, illustrated by Dave Mottram, in which the tenacious