Spotlight on Upcoming Titles
Recently, Alessandra Balzer at Macmillan/Balzer + Bray secured the world rights to Swaplife, an engaging contemporary YA novel co-authored by Stonewall Award recipient Abdi Nazemian and Brazilian writer Pedro Rhuas. The story focuses on two teen boys—one from Los Angeles and the other from Rio de Janeiro—who, through a new app, exchange lives, immersing themselves in each other's worlds. As they navigate this unique experience, romance blossoms between them. The novel is set to be published in spring 2027, with John Cusick at Folio Literary Management representing Nazemian and Alfredo Felix at FelixAg represented Rhuas.
Horror and Mystery Themes Emerge
In a chilling turn, Tyiana Cobs at Penguin Workshop acquired J.I. Locatelli's debut YA horror novel, Big Sisters, Little Lies. This gripping tale revolves around a freshman sorority pledge who becomes entangled in the mysterious disappearance of a fellow pledge while grappling with her own initiation challenges and forming an unexpected bond with a rebellious sorority member. Scheduled for fall 2028, the deal was negotiated by Rebecca Matte at Bradford Literary Agency.
Thematic Depth in Diverse Narratives
Meanwhile, Kade Dishmon at Peachtree landed the rights to Knowledge's Crown by Tonya Duncan Ellis, a novel-in-verse that tackles themes of identity and discrimination within a predominantly affluent, white private school. The narrative follows a sixth-grade chess player as he grapples with his school's oppressive dress codes and the legacy of his late father's locs hairstyle, aiming to provoke a change. This poignant tale is set for publication in summer 2028, with Adria Goetz at KT Literary managing the rights.
Middle Grade and Picture Books Flourish
Suzy Capozzi at Union Square & Co. has acquired Across the River by Leah Cypess, a middle-grade novel inspired by legends of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel. The narrative features a girl who guards a mystical jar of water from a river that transcends time and space. This title is on track for release in summer 2027, with Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger handling world English rights.
In the realm of picture books, Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has obtained Katie Schaefer's Truck, Truck, Duck, a reimagined take on the classic Duck Duck Goose game, where an adventurous duck teams up with a charismatic truck. The release is planned for summer 2028, and Natalie Lakosil at Looking Glass Literary & Media represented the author.
Imaginative Adventures and Overcoming Fears
Kristie Choi at Atheneum has acquired Jessica Goecke's The Other Gardener, a humorous picture book capturing the vivid imagination of a little gardener who yearns to discover the mystery garden next door. This charming narrative is set for publication in summer 2027, with Christie Megill at the CAT Agency negotiating the deal.
Sarah Howden at Orca also picked up Amberlea Williams's Going on a Night Hike, which tells the story of a girl overcoming her fear of the dark during a class camping trip, revealing unexpected surprises as she confronts her fears. The title is scheduled for winter 2027, with Tracy Marchini handling rights negotiations.
Biographies and Cultural Narratives
Celia Lee, formerly of Scholastic, acquired Little Big Man and the Very Special Day, a picture book sequel by Varian Johnson and Reggie Brown. The tale follows a father-son duo as they plan a perfect day for Mama amidst numerous obstacles, set to release in spring 2028. Sara Crowe represented the author, while Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.
Anne Hoppe at Clarion Books has obtained rights to Cat Constellations by Anne Ursu, illustrated by Julie Benbassat. This story follows a lost kitten guided by the stars and reflects on the meanings of the night sky. The anticipated publication is scheduled for 2027, with Elise Howard at DeFiore & Company overseeing the project.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
In another notable acquisition, Taylor Norman at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has secured world rights to Rippling Out: A Musician, The Neighborhood, And You by award-winning author Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Griffin. The nonfiction picture book showcases a cellist's music reverberating throughout a community, celebrating sound's both scientific and magical aspects. Summer 2028 is set for publication, with representation by Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency for the author and Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary & Media for the illustrator.
Milena Blue Spruce at Little, Brown acquired A Name Sign for Seraphina, a picture book by Kerry O'Malley Cerra, illustrated by Lucy Rogers. The narrative depicts a girl’s first experiences at a Deaf school, eager to earn her ASL name sign. Targeted for winter 2028, the authors represented themselves, while Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary represented the artist.
Further Notable Projects
Other significant titles secured include Big Moon by Choctaw-Apache author Sebastian Ebarb, which details the journey of a boy embracing his cultural heritage, as well as Fair Play: Ludwig Guttmann and the Birth of the Paralympic Games by Tziporah Cohen, highlighting the impact of the Paralympic movement.
With an array of narratives that resonate on multiple levels, from personal growth to cultural identity, these acquisitions reflect a dynamic industry poised to engage young readers with meaningful and diverse stories in the coming years.