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In Conversation
 Varian Johnson and Reggie Brown Varian Johnson is the author of several novels for children and teens, including The Parker Inheritance, which won both Coretta Scott King Author Honor and Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor awards. Johnson’s picture book debut, Little Big Man, is illustrated by Reggie Brown, illustrator of the chapter book series The Magnificent Makers. We invited Johnson and Brown to discuss their collaboration, Black joy, and father-son bonds. more  Book News
 Highly Anticipated Final Volume of Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust Trilogy Slated for October Since Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials series debuted 30 years ago, it has become a cultural juggernaut. Now, after five epic novels in two series that sent heroine Lyra Belacqua traveling between worlds, her story will come to an end with The Rose Field, due from Knopf on October 23. more
First Person
 'Writing the Ding Dang Poem': Tom Angleberger on Getting Kids Excited About Poetry Tom Angleberger is the author of the popular Origami Yoda series, as well as several other books for kids. As National Poetry Month winds down, he reflects on his new book, Dino Poet: A Graphic Novel, kicking off a series about a T. rex who fancies himself as something of a T.S. Eliot. more First Person
 2025 Children’s Book Week Presents Full Roster of Event Ideas The 2025 Children’s Book Week—featuring a poster by artist Julie Flett—will be revealing a host of programming treats for registered libraries, bookstores, and families. The annual nationwide literacy event for young readers, which will take place May 5–11, is introducing an adult book creator-driven initiative; original poems, riddles and story starters; and a curated playlist. more 
On the Scene
 TeenBookCon 2025 in Photos YA authors and fans gathered in Houston on April 12 for the annual TeenBookCon, a day of YA-centric book festivities. More than 800 guests turned out for book signings and panels, plus keynote speeches from celebrated authors Nic Stone and J. Elle. Click through for our roundup of photo highlights. more Reading Roundup
 Noteworthy Picture Book and Novel Sequels: April 2025Spring has finally sprung and young readers can enjoy the season with their favorite series, including an illustrated chapter book following a trio’s chaotic trip to the beach, a graphic novel about a family member’s visit, a middle grade novel about revelations about a war, and more. more  Four Questions
 Jennifer DuganAuthor Jennifer Dugan returns to YA romance with Summer Girls after some time spent in adult romance and graphic novels. In Newport, R.I., local Cassandra Adler fights a slowly losing battle against the gentrifiers, led by the Gordon family. But then the Gordon patriarch comes to her with a job: look after his grounded influencer daughter, Birdie. Despite a blossoming connection, the girls must navigate their different backgrounds to find out if their relationship is more than a summer fling. We spoke with Dugan about finding connection in class differences, and writing across genres. Q: How did writing Summer Girls compare to your previous books? A: As I go into writing a novel, I kind of live as the character. Whether they’re running from masked men with machetes or having this summer romance in Newport, my characters are trying to get to the heart of who they are and who they want to be. more
Rights Report
 Stefanie Chin at Union Square Kids has acquired The Electric Life of Lavender Lewis by Kara Storti. This contemporary YA novel infused with magical realism tells the story of a teenage girl suffering from severe epilepsy who, in the aftermath of her mother's death, embarks on a road trip of magic, epic love, and forgiveness with her estranged aunt to search for the mysterious boy she hallucinates every time she has a seizure. Publication is scheduled for summer 2026; Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management sold world rights.  Shana Corey at Random House has bought, in an exclusive submission, Listen to the Girls by Chrystal D. Giles (Not an Easy Win; Take Back the Block), which follows Calla the summer after seventh grade as she tries to come to terms with the news that her favorite teacher has been accused of inappropriate behavior with female students, and as she learns to use her voice to uplift the other girls and tell her own story. Publication is slated for summer 2026; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic sold world rights.  Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has acquired Between Sun and Shadow, a sapphic science fiction YA by debut author Laura Genn, which reimagines the Persephone myth on a tidally locked planet. After crash-landing in enemy territory and being held for ransom by a fearsome queen of mutants, 16-year-old Kori uncovers a web of lies while striving to awaken sentience in her robot companion. As a dangerous attraction develops between Kori and her winged captor, they must join forces to avert all-out war between their nations. Publication is set for summer 2026; Jennifer Wills at the Seymour Agency sold world rights.  Liesa Abrams at Labyrinth Road has bought Last Day Pool Party, a standalone middle grade graphic novel by Emma Steinkellner, an adventure set over one epic day as six very different kids from Orange Grove Junior High collide at an unforgettable last day of school pool party, in a story of friendship, popularity and the messiness of growing up. Publication is planned for spring 2026; Daniel Lazar at Writers House sold world English rights.  Samiha Hoque at Sorra Books has acquired Love Language by Christine Ko, a middle grade novel in verse about a Korean American girl whose family returns to South Korea, where she explores different languages one can love and be loved in, with themes of immigration, family, and belonging. Publication is scheduled for August 2026; Stephanie Hansen at Metamorphosis Literary Agency sold world English rights.  Elizabeth Blye at The Little Press has bought world rights to Don't Fret, Frida, a contemporary middle grade novel by Laurie Brown. After 12-year-old Frida Lang's parents divorce, her mother moves them from NYC to southern New Hampshire. But when her mom starts drinking, Frida flees back to NYC only to be dismissed by her father, leaving her with two problems—how to help her mother and win back the friends she ghosted. Publication is slated for spring 2027; the author represented herself.  Maria Modugno while at Random House Studio acquired Owl by Myself by Pete Oswald, following a day in the life of a young owl who's ready to do everything owl by himself; Farrin Jacobs will edit. Publication is planned for summer 2026; Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions sold world rights.  Namrata Tripathi at Kokila has bought world English rights to The People's Beach by Stonewall Book Award Honoree A.M. Wild (l.), illustrated by Ash Kwak Lukashevsky. In this picture book, a child spends a magical summer day with their moms and chosen family at their beloved Riis Beach in Queens, N.Y., a safe space for queer people. Publication is set for summer 2027; Marissa Brown at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Wendi Gu at HG Literary represented the illustrator.  Denene Millner at S&S/Denene Millner Books has acquired The Uncles by Tunisia Williams (l.), illustrated by Lance Evans, a picture book about how a boy's relationship to his uncles can be pivotal in his life. Publication is scheduled for spring 2026; Hilary Harwell while at KT Literary represented the author, who is now represented by Chelsea Hensley at Mad Woman Literary Agency, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Books has bought world rights to two picture books by debut author Karen Gebbia (l.), illustrated by Brizida Magro. Making a Blanket for Baby recounts the many steps and helping hands that share in the creation of a baby blanket for a beloved new family member, and is slated for spring 2027. Making a Pie with Baby, slated for fall 2028, shows baby participating with the extended family in the making of a first apple pie. Amy Thrall Flynn at Aevitas Creative Management represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Grace Kendall at FSG has acquired North American rights, at auction, to Girls Fart, a picture book by debut author Jayme Mattler (l.), illustrated by debut artist Lisa Lefringhouse, celebrating girls, moms, and grandmas who embrace their bodily functions. From undiagnosed allergy gluten sufferers to gold medalists and rock stars, farts can be "silent but deadly" or "loud and proud." Publication is planned for fall 2026; Allison Hellegers at Stimola Literary Studio represented both author and illustrator.  Christianne Jones at Capstone has bought world rights to The Very Eager Evergreen, a picture book by Stef Wade (l.), illustrated by Erin Taylor. Doug Fir has the winter blues, but a surprising new pen pal helps him find joy in winter—and himself—again. Publication is set for fall 2026; Christa Heschke at McIntosh and Otis represented the author, and Emily Fernandez at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.  Deidra Purvis at Free Spirit has acquired world rights to Arlo All Over Again by Sayuri Stabrowski (l.), illustrated by Dave Szalay, a picture book celebrating the magic of unexpected friendship on a snowy day in the city. When Oliver, a reserved and cautious boy, meets the bold and spirited Arlo, the two form a bond that helps Oliver step out of his comfort zone and try new things. But when the snowstorm that brought them together melts away, Oliver is left wondering if he will ever see Arlo again. Publication is slated for winter 2026; Cassie Labriola-Sitzman will edit. Sarah Stephens at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator.  Alexandra McKenzie at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to the board book Chloe's Community Garden by Valerie Bolling (l.), and Kristen Nobles has acquired world rights for illustration by Felicia Whaley. Chloe likes to help Daddy in the community garden, and with the help of other community members, Chloe learns that plants need sunlight, food, water, time, and more to grow—just like her. Publication is planned for spring 2027 as part of Steamworks; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator. IN THE MEDIA
FEATURED REVIEWS
  On Our Way with Mr. JayChelsea Lin Wallace, illus. by Thyra Heder. Holiday House/Porter, $18.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-8234-5704-5 Mr. Jay commands School Bus 3—and the 18 kids on the route adore him. Starring a beloved adult who brings everyone together, this jubilant picture book hails its school-commute VIP accordingly: “When problems happen on the road,/ when little things make heavy loads,/ there’s nothing like a trusted guide/ to keep you safe inside the ride.” more  Sarang Saves the SchoolKorena Di Roma Howley, illus. by Joowon Oh. Candlewick, $18.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-5362-3231-8 In an uplifting authorial picture book debut, Di Roma Howley introduces a spirited protagonist whose innovative idea helps forestall the closing of the school in her seaside South Korean village. Oh’s carefully lit digital illustrations emphasize Sarang’s sunny optimism, and fond intergenerational interactions depict shared learning and wisdom at every age. more  No More ChairsDan Gill, illus. by Susan Gal. Little, Brown, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-316-55269-1 The central account’s setting is mid-century New York City, where pale-skinned Daniel and his best friend Archie, who reads as Black, head to a classmate’s birthday party. After the pair arrive at the fancy building, the pale-skinned hostess observes the duo and declares there is only space for Daniel, citing a lack of chairs in the amply furnished apartment. more  The Metamorphosis of Bunny BaxterBarbara Carroll Roberts. Holiday House/Ferguson, $18.99 (240p) ISBN 978-0-823458-56-1 While relaying woes about mean peers to her father, his offhanded comment—“kids with discipline problems can be sent to an alternative school”—inspires Bunny to concoct a plan: she’ll get herself expelled, mistakenly believing that she’ll be transferred to her friend Alex’s school. Bunny soon dedicates herself to troublemaking, even as she starts making new friends, in this heartfelt tale. more  Pretty Girl CountyLakita Wilson. Viking, $19.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-593-52564-7 Former friends, Reya Samuels and Sommer Watkins, must navigate class dynamics and economic divides to help each other accomplish their goals in this knockout novel by Wilson. Using Reya’s and Sommer’s lively alternating POVs, Wilson highlights topics of financial inequity, privilege, and community and their effects on the girls and their relationships in a powerful tale of first love and second-chance friendship. more  The Yomigaeri TunnelKelly Murashige. Soho, $19.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-641-29703-5 Eighteen-year-old Monika feels adrift following classmate Shun’s recent death. Monika learns about the legend of the Yomigaeri Tunnel and its ability to resurrect the dead. She sets out to enter the tunnel, and when she arrives, plummets into a memory of the first time she saw Shun, setting into motion a series of events in which Monika encounters past recollections and new confrontations in ethereal visions—conjured by the tunnel—that challenge her self-perceptions and reveal uncomfortable truths. more |
April 29, 2025
  
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People Jaleesa Davis has been promoted to associate publicist at Penguin Young Readers, from publicity assistant. In the Winners' Circle  The Los Angeles Times announced the winners of the 45th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes last weekend. The winner in the Young Adult Literature category is Kim Johnson’s The Color of a Lie (Random House). The prize celebrates works of outstanding literary achievement. For more about the award and the complete list of winners, click here. Bestsellers  Children’s Frontlist Fiction#1 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. Click here | ||||||
