New acquisitions in children's and young adult literature introduce diverse narratives, with significant works scheduled for release through 2029.
This week’s rights report highlights a series of significant acquisitions in the realm of children's and young adult literature, showcasing an array of poignant narratives and compelling premises.
High-Profile YA Novels
In an exciting auction, Ruta Rimas at Putnam secured From the Clear Blue Sky, a thought-provoking young adult novel by screenwriter Jackie Akiko Cloud. Set a decade after the September 11 attacks, the story follows a teenage girl who lost her father in the towers. When she discovers evidence suggesting he might still be alive, her journey to find him unfolds. This novel is set to be published in spring 2028, with Catherine Cho at Paper Literary brokering the North American rights.
Meanwhile, Andrew Karre at Dutton has made a double acquisition from Joy McCullough. The first novel, A Gloss, a Glass, a Flower, spans three periods—1945, 1991, and 2028—connecting three young women through a miniature couture exhibit post-WWII. The second, currently untitled, features a laundress involved in a traveling medicine show, grappling with the corruption imposed by an oppressive charlatan. These novels are slated for publication in spring 2028 and spring 2029, respectively, with Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret handling the deal.
Dystopian Ventures and Lighthearted Horror
HarperCollins/Storytide has also made a notable acquisition by securing Ali Brown’s debut, The Bidding Season, alongside an untitled sequel. This dystopian tale, pitched intriguingly as The Bachelor meets The Handmaid’s Tale, follows a rebellious girl forced to masquerade as a high-value bride amidst an intense ritual marriage auction. The publication is expected in fall 2027, with Susanna Einstein from Dunow, Carlson & Lerner facilitating the North American rights.
In a different vein, Gabbi Calabrese at Sourcebooks Fire has grabbed North American rights to Stay Inside Tonight by Carlyn Greenwald. Set against a backdrop of a small town notorious for “killer clown” murders, the story features 17-year-old Marjorie and her audacious chihuahua, Chalupa, as they navigate a night fraught with danger while trapped in a local store. This engaging tale is set to hit shelves in fall 2027, and was represented by Janine Kamouh at William Morris Endeavor.
Immersive Fantasies and Anthologies
Clare Vaughn at HarperCollins has acquired To Kneel Before Saints by Ciannon Smart, previously known for Witches Steeped in Gold. This fantasy novel centers on an acolyte who enters an uneasy alliance with her faith's most formidable adversary, the Crimson Wolf. The book is slated for a summer 2027 release, facilitated by Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media.
In a broader literary initiative, Crown has acquired Monster Moon Rising, a middle-grade horror anthology edited by Ellen Oh. This collection, part of the We Need Diverse Books movement, features twelve stories about children confronting their worst nightmares on the night of a Super Blood Moon. The anthology, including contributions from prominent authors like Samira Ahmed and Tracey Baptiste, is set for publication in summer 2027, with Joanna Volpe at New Leaf Literary & Media handling the world rights.
Graphic Novels and Picture Books
On a noteworthy note, Viking has procured Laurence Honderick's debut middle-grade noir graphic novel series, Mr. Cool Burger, in a preemptive deal. The series kicks off with a tale of a former police officer turned private eye, embroiled in a mystery within the shadows of Fast Food City. The first volume is scheduled for fall 2027, with world rights sold by Lindsay Auld at Writers House.
This week also marked an acquisition of a whimsical picture book, Meow Meow Magic by debut author Yu Kito Lee. The story explores a magic-swirling day in which a boy's cat switches places with him, leading to all sorts of surprises. It’s slated to be published in spring 2029, with Kait Feldmann at KT Literary brokering the world rights.
Inspirational Narratives and Diverse Stories
In the realm of educational tales, Katie Venit’s nonfiction picture book, Steering into Danger: Carpathia's Race to Save Titanic, has been acquired by Carol Hinz at Lerner/Millbrook. This book recounts the heroism of the RMS Carpathia in sailing through ice to rescue Titanic survivors. Publication is set for spring 2028, with Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency representing the author.
Lastly, Salam Zahr presents a picture book biography, Brick by Brick: A Dream for Gaza, illustrated by Atieh Sohrabi. This poignant narrative narrates the remarkable story of a young Palestinian woman’s eco-friendly invention aimed at rebuilding her city. Scheduled for release in autumn 2027, the rights were secured by Autumn Allen at Barefoot Books.
Such acquisitions represent a vibrant blend of creativity and cultural storytelling that will undoubtedly resonate with audiences across the spectrum, from young readers to seasoned literary enthusiasts.
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