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In the Spotlight Biographies Illuminate STEM/STEAM Heroes and Concepts We spoke with some of the editors and creators of books that showcase key figures and essential content from the STEM and STEAM disciplines. more STEM/STEAM Biographies Shine in New and Established Series The biography genre continues to grow, presenting students and educators with more reading choices than ever. more Bringing STEM/STEAM to Life We asked a number of authors and illustrators known for their STEM and STEAM biographies to tell us more about how they work on these books. more SPONSORED Memento Monstrum Memento Monstrum contains Count Dracula's rather true memoirs. And there are tons of hideous creatures in it. Giant yetis, insidious werewolves, slimy fish monsters...beware! On Sale This October from Arctis Books USA. WATCH NOW ► Educational Trends Kids’ Workbooks Level Up Workbook sales remain strong and new programs are launching after a windfall year in 2020, fueled by parents’ search for resources to help their children learn at home. more Class Notes The Not-So-Lazy Hazy Days of Summer: Planning for the New School Year We spoke with five educators about their strategies and goals for the upcoming school year, which is still clouded by the uncertainty of the pandemic. more The Future of School Author Visits As the new school year approaches, a lot of authors are looking forward to resuming their classroom visits. But with Covid-19 conditions changing daily in states across the country, the foreseeable future of in-person author school visits remains uncertain. more Reading Roundup Back to School Books for Fall The return to school is upon us and with it comes excitement and anxiety. We've compiled some back-to-school stories to help ease those first-day jitters. more STEM/STEAM Biographies for Young Readers: A Booklist In a recent feature, editors and creators of STEM/STEAM-centric biographies revealed what goes into developing one of these books. See our extensive list, including more than 75 titles. more New and Noteworthy Kids' and YA Books: August 2021 Summer is winding down, making this the perfect time to discover some cool new reads to beat the heat. Read about a girl who visits her grandfather in Cuba, a celebration of Black boyhood, a teenage medium, and much more in our roundup. more Exit Interview The Byrds of Cinco Puntos Press Say Goodbye For 36 years, Bobby and his wife Lee Byrd, now in their late 70s, ran Cinco Puntos Press in El Paso, Tex. In June, they sold their publishing house, which they founded in 1985, to Lee & Low Books in New York City. "We are very pleased that our books will have a strong future," Lee said. PW asked the Byrds to look back on their career in publishing. more Book News Gibbs Smith's BabyLit Thrives at 10 We take a look at Gibbs Smith's BabyLit series of board-book primers, which introduces children to bits and pieces of classic novels long before they enter a classroom. Ten years after its launch, the popular series has nearly 95 individual titles currently in print, and has sold more than two million copies in North America alone. more Interviews Q & A with Dwayne Reed Dwayne Reed, who calls himself "America's Rapping Teacher," is the author of the debut middle grade novel Simon B. Rhymin'. In the midst of his back-to-school preparations, Reed spoke with us about how he uses rap to reach his students and readers, and his passion for education. more Q & A with Dan Yaccarino Dan Yaccarino is quick to say that his experience of the pandemic was "not nearly as challenging and difficult as it was for others." Nonetheless, isolating at home inspired a picture book that he says is unlike anything he's done before: The Longest Storm, about a family hunkering down together while a storm rages outside. We spoke with Yaccarino about the new book. more Out This Week Hot Off the Presses: Week of August 23 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about an unlikely fairy tale duo, a queer witch's coming of age story, a supernatural YA novel in which a teen harnesses her magical powers in order to survive, and more. more SPONSORED The Countdown Is On. Submissions Close 9.10 PW Star Watch shines a light on creative members from all parts of the industry. Now more than ever, such individuals are critical thought leaders as we navigate change. Join us in honoring a new list of innovators, trailblazers and change makers by nominating yourself or a colleague making a difference. GET STARTED HERE ► In Brief In Brief: August 26, 2021 This week, authors remember 9/11 and the impact that day had on our lives; Fierce Reads celebrates love and Black spaces in the book world; and Kathi Appelt hitches a ride on top of an unexpected friend. more For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Business Development Manager - Choice Media & Communications - Nashville, TN. Publicity and Marketing Manager, Trade Books - Westminster John Knox Press - remote, . National Account Manager, Special Markets - Little Bee Books - , NY. Publicist, North America - Hardie Grant Publishing - San Francisco, CA. Sales Coordinator - Publishers Weekly - New York, NY. Rights Report Andrew Karre at Dutton has acquired Salt the Water by National Book Award finalist and Printz Honoree Candice Iloh (Every Body Looking). In this YA novel-in-verse, a free-spirited genderfluid teen drops out of 12th grade after a confrontation with a teacher. But when a family crisis forces them to take on adult responsibilities, their dreams of living life off the grid with their friends crash into the harsh realities of a world full of roadblocks. Publication is planned for 2023; Patricia Nelson at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights. Brittany Rubiano at Disney Hyperion has signed author William Ritter (Jackaby) to pen the first book in a new line of Buffy the Vampire Slayer YA prequel novels focusing on fan-favorite characters. Bloody Fool for Love features notorious vamp Spike as he plans the ultimate heist to win back his paramour Drusilla during turn-of the-century London. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Lucy Carson at the Friedrich Agency sold world rights. Carolina Ortiz at HarperAlley has bought, at auction, YA graphic novel Strange Bedfellows by two-time Ignatz Award-winning comic artist Ariel Slamet Ries. Oberon is finding his way back after a very public "breakdown," but when he develops the ability to conjure his dreams in real life—including a facsimile of his high school crush—he might have more on his plate than he thought. Publication is set for summer 2024, with an untitled second book to follow in summer 2026; Linda Camacho at Gallt & Zacker Literary Agency did the deal for North American rights. Cassidy Leyendecker at Disney Hyperion has acquired, in a six-figure, two-book deal, Witch's Dice from debut YA author Kaylie Smith. In a world on the brink of war where one more roll from a magical dice may set you down a dangerous path, Calla Rosewood joins a ragtag group of witches who venture into a demonic enchanted forest to find a way to reset their fate, only to discover the forest may be more than any of them bargained for. Publication is slated for winter 2023 and winter 2024; Emily Forney at BookEnds Literary brokered the deal for world English rights. Hannah Smith at Owl Hollow Press has bought Shared Sin, a dark historical mystery by Beverly Patt (Best Friends Forever: A World War II Scrapbook). When 16-year-old Victoria Robbins feels trapped by her high-society life, her only escapes include visits with her neighbor, Miss Lizzie Borden, reading Sherlock Holmes serials and—when the urge overtakes her—stealing. When Mr. and Mrs. Borden are murdered and Lizzie is accused of committing the crime, Victoria goes to great lengths to solve the mystery and ensure she does not become like Lizzie Borden. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Clelia Gore and Adria Goetz at Martin Literary & Media Management handled the deal for world English rights. Cassandra Pelham Fulton at Scholastic/Graphix has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to two standalone middle-grade graphic novels, Luna and Ouch, by Megan Wagner Lloyd (l.) and Michelle Mee Nutter, the creators of Allergic and the forthcoming Squished. In Luna, a 12-year-old girl and her father have moved to the town where her late mother grew up, and Luna attempts to understand her mother through the naturalist notebooks she left behind, all while trying to make a new friend, connect with her very formal grandmother, and reconcile her ideas of family and feeling at home. In Ouch, a car accident puts 11-year-old River, an outdoor adventurer, in the hospital with a broken pelvis, and she has to figure out how to stay occupied as she recovers and consider how she can return to her old life as she faces a new normal. Luna is set for publication in 2025; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented Lloyd, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Nutter. Kiara Valdez at First Second has bought The Odyssey by Rex Ogle writing as Rey Terciero (l.) 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. Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has acquired middle grade novel Learning to Fall by debut author Sally Engelfried. Twelve-year-old Daphne is sent to stay with her estranged father, who helps her rediscover their shared passion for skateboarding, but Daphne can't overcome her fears—and trust her dad again—until she learns what really happened when he didn't show up for her at a skate park years ago. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jennifer Unter at the Unter Agency brokered the deal for world rights. Kathleen Merz at Eerdmans has bought world English rights to The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman, a middle grade graphic novel melding history, science, and adventure, about the Judean Date Palm that culminates with its resurrection in 2020 after 2000 years of extinction. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary represented the author-illustrator. Brittany Rubiano at Disney Hyperion has signed Sam Hay to write Camp Lil’ Vills, a humorous chapter book series narrated by kids who must stop younger versions of the Disney Villains, including Cruella de Vil and Ursula, from devious exploits and nefarious acts at a magical summer camp. Books one and two are slated for winter 2023, with book three following in summer 2023; Gemma Cooper at the Bent Agency sold world rights in a three-book deal. Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has acquired, in a preempt, a trilogy of picture books by debut author-illustrator Ruth Whiting about Lonely Bird, a mysterious little artist who lives in a house with humans, yet has adventures that are uniquely, solitarily her own. The first book, Lonely Bird, is due out in fall 2023; Jessica Saint Jean at Jill Grinberg Literary Management negotiated the three-book deal for world rights. Frances Gilbert at Doubleday Books for Young Readers has bought Catching Flight by Rebekah Lowell, a meditative picture book about hope and possibility, depicted through the metaphor of birds and their flight. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Paige Terlip at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author-illustrator for world rights. Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired The Year Without a Summer by author-illustrator Keith Negley (Mary Wears What She Wants). The story takes place in 1816, when ash from a volcano in Indonesia covered the sky throughout Europe, causing a chain reaction of events that led to the invention of the bicycle. Publication is set for spring 2022; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the two-book deal for world rights. Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has bought world rights to Baller Ina by author-illustrator Liz Casal, a debut rhyming picture book about a ballerina who helps her basketball team leap to victory, celebrating the multifaceted nature of kids. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Elizabeth Bewley at Sterling Lord Literistic brokered the deal. Becky Nesbitt at Convergent has acquired world rights to A Message in the Moon, written by actor, producer, and author Roma Downey (l.), illustrated by Holly Hatam. The picture book delivers a message to help parents talk to their children about the feeling of longing when someone has gone away. Publication is slated for fall 2023; Shannon Marven at Dupree Miller and Associates handled the deal. Margaret Anastas at Flamingo Books has bought world rights to Sleepy Sheepy, a picture book about the antics of a young sheep who won't settle down to sleep, written by Lucy Ruth Cummins (l.) and illustrated by Pete Oswald. Publication is scheduled for January 2023; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator in the two-book deal. Grace Maccarone at Holiday House has acquired world rights, in a two-book deal, to the first two titles in a bilingual picture book series about friends who speak English and Spanish in a dual-language classroom: Let's Be Friends/Seamos amigos and We Play Soccer/Jugamos al fútbol by Premio Actitud Award winner René Colato Laínez (l.), based on his experiences as a teacher at one of Los Angeles Unified School District's most innovative bilingual elementary schools. The books will be illustrated by Nomar Perez; publication will start in winter 2022. Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Lori Nowicki at Painted Words represented the illustrator. Karen Smith at Knopf has bought, in a two-book deal, world rights to There Was a Blue Sky by Jody Jensen Shaffer (l.), illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal, about how our food chain takes shape, from the smallest critters to the biggest creatures. Publication is planned for summer 2023; James McGowan at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the illustrator. Kate Farrell at Henry Holt has acquired, at auction, world rights to Not He or She, I'm Me by A.M. Wild (l.), illustrated by Kah Yangni, and a second untitled picture book. A celebration of gender diversity, the picture book debut follows a joyful day in the life of a nonbinary kid who knows that, no matter from which angle you look, they will always be themself. Publication is set for spring 2022; Melissa Nasson at Rubin Pfeffer Content represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Kathleen Keenan at Kids Can Press has bought world rights to Dark Cloud by Anna Lazowski (l.), illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee, an exploration of how depression can look and feel, using symbolic imagery kids can understand. It features a girl who has a dark cloud that follows her around and, at first, keeps her from doing her favorite things but slowly, she learns how to live with her cloud at her side. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Moe Ferrara at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Jodie Hodges at United Agents represented the illustrator. Alison Deering at Capstone has acquired world rights to Penny, the Engineering Tail of the Fourth Little Pig, a picture book from Cece Loves Science authors Kimberly Derting (l.) and Shelli R. Johannes (c.), illustrated by Hannah Marks (r.). In this reimagining of The Three Little Pigs, Penny isn't just the fourth little pig—she's an engineer. So when big bad Wolfgang destroys her brothers' homes, Penny comes to the rescue, using her engineering know-how to save her family from his huffing and puffing. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Lara Perkins and Laura Rennert, both at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, represented the authors, and Kate Kendrick at Astound US represented the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the Guardian: Children’s author and illustrator Jill Murphy has died at age 72. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: More Than 30 Years On, Suspect Confesses to Murder of Lois Duncan’s Daughter. CLICK HERE From CNN: Afro Latinx children's books are still too rare. These four authors are trying to change that. CLICK HERE From Catapult: “Beverly Cleary Taught Me How to Share My Divorce Story.” CLICK HERE From Book Riot: The Long History of Little Golden Books. CLICK HERE From A Mighty Girl: Books About the Lives of Afghan Girls and Women Under Taliban Oppression and in Times of Hope. CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: This new children’s literature museum in Japan is inspired by Kiki’s Delivery Service. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: Comic Books Don't Count as Reading and Other Lies People Tell You. CLICK HERE From Grist: The Giving Tree: How a children’s book became a parable for the climate crisis. CLICK HERE From Fuse #8: Best Last Books: Which Ones Are Worth Reading? CLICK HERE From Brightly: 21 Middle Grade and Chapter Books for Fall 2021. CLICK HERE From BuzzFeed: 24 Young Adult Mystery and Thriller Books to Consume in One Sitting. CLICK HERE From Romper: 11 Japanese Children’s Books About the Language and Culture. CLICK HERE From Romper: The Best Children’s Books About Fall. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS The Tiny Star Mem Fox, illus. by Freya Blackwood. Knopf, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-593-30401-3 This meditation by Fox and Blackwood starts with a miracle: “Once upon a time, although this happens all the time, a tiny star fell to earth,” Fox begins engagingly, “and turned into a baby!” At the end of its life, the star shrinks, then disappears altogether. Its human companions grieve until they realize that the star, back in the sky, is shining down on them, in a book that shows how love can draw people closer as individuals and as a community. more Wildfire! Ashley Wolff. Beach Lane, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5344-8773-4 “Buck hears the rumble. Squirrel sees the flash.” A lightning strike ignites a fire on Spruce Mountain, spurring animals and people into action in this sweeping picture book by Wolff. This timely, factually rooted book simultaneously focuses on one forest’s ecosystem and depicts the wildfire reactions of myriad species. more Fifty-Four Things Wrong with Gwendolyn Rogers Caela Carter. Quill Tree, $16.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-06-299663-3 Carter draws from her own experience of undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia in this moving, authentically told story. Carter provides searing descriptions of Gwendolyn’s attempts at “appropriate” behavior, as well as of the school’s differing class- and gender-related expectations. A compassionate portrait of what a diagnosis can offer. more The Golden Hour Niki Smith. Little, Brown, $24.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-316-54033-9 After saving his art teacher from an armed attacker at school, Manuel Soto, a Latinx aspiring photographer, copes with PTSD with the help of a therapist and his single mother. With a soft start and a gentle build, Smith’s graphic novel details the realities of Manuel’s trauma response while reveling in subdued, generous scenes that showcase the three friends’ everyday joys. more A Snake Falls to Earth Darcie Little Badger. Levine Querido, $18.99 (352p) ISBN 978-1-64614-092-3 The second novel by Lipan Apache author Little Badger is a smartly intertwined, shifting-perspective story about two characters in worlds that diverged thousands of years ago: Earth-living Nina, and Reflecting World–living Oli. With a basis in Apache stories, this speculative novel details Nina’s lineage. Fun, imaginative, and deeply immersive. more We Light Up the Sky Lilliam Rivera. Bloomsbury, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-1-5476-0376-3 Three Latinx teens must team up to protect Earth and stop an alien invasion converging on a post-Covid-19 Los Angeles in Rivera’s thought-provoking, genre-savvy work of speculative fiction. Sharp social commentary, on-point humor, and a tender exploration of grief add heart and depth to a novel that’s just right for fans of Attack the Block. more	August 26, 2021 To Our Readers Children's Bookshelf is currently on a summer schedule. For the rest of August, we'll be publishing once a week, on Thursdays. We'll resume our regular twice-weekly schedule after Labor Day. People Eerdmans Books for Young Readers has three promotions. Kathleen Merz has been promoted to editorial director, from acquisitions and managing editor. Holly Hoover has been promoted to art director, from design and production manager. Courtney Zonnefeld has been promoted to assistant editor, from editorial assistant. Talia Behrend-Wilcox has been promoted to senior manager, subsidiary rights at Abrams. She was previously subsidiary rights manager. At Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, Catherine Laudone is joining Paula Wiseman Books as editor; most recently she was associate editor with the Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers imprint. Claire Rivkin has joined Random House Children's Books as subsidiary rights coordinator; she was previously a rights and cross-channel assistant at Scholastic. Paktra Lynch has joined Candlewick as educational marketing and consumer outreach assistant. Sneak Previews Take a look ahead at some of the big titles for children and teens due out in spring 2022, from picture books to YA novels, in our exclusive roundup. ICYMI Booksellers Eye the Future at Children’s Institute 2021 more New Children’s Bookstores Opening Their Doors more Social Media Tips from Kids' Booksellers more 2021 Middle Ground Book Fest in Photos more Bestsellers Children's Frontlist Fiction #1 Mothering Heights (Dog Man #10) by Dav Pilkey. Click here Picture Books #1 Our Class Is a Family by Shannon Olsen, illus. by Sandie Sonke. Click here Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page! CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.

In the Spotlight Booksellers Eye the Future at Children’s Institute 2021 This year’s Children’s Institute, scheduled to run online August 30 through September 1, aims to deepen dialogue, creativity, and resilience. The ABA's slate of programming will focus on industry unknowns and how booksellers can collaborate to confront them. more Indies Introduce Debut Authors At each Children’s Institute, a panel of booksellers presents its 10 favorite fall debuts, followed by a reading from each of the authors. We asked the editors of this year’s picks to discuss what makes these books special. more New Children’s Bookstores Opening Their Doors Intent on building community, children’s booksellers are opening new stores, in spite of lockdowns and uncertainty. more Social Media Tips from Kids' Booksellers Social media has never been more important for bookselling than it is now, as the pandemic has forced an even greater shift to online shopping and virtual events. We asked some children’s booksellers to share their secrets for successful posting. more Holiday Bookselling Children’s booksellers embrace new strategies and revive old traditions as they head into the holiday season. more SPONSORED Callie Might Look Like a Sweet, Innocent Cat But as soon as you let your guard down, she becomes Ninja Callie! The Adventures of Callie the Crazy Calico Cat is a fun interactive book to teach children about pet adoption, feline leukemia, and the feline mind-set. This is the first book in the story of Callie as a kitten being adopted from the shelter and her new life. MORE ► Second Chances Pandemic Missed Connections In this fifth and final installment of our series, we asked editors to tell us about a book of theirs, published during the pandemic, that they wish had gotten more love—including a shark-themed graphic novel, a picture book comedy filled with animal facts, a middle grade novel about embracing our differences, and more. more On the Scene 2021 Middle Ground Book Fest in Photos This year's virtual Middle Ground Book Fest, which took place August 7 and 8, brought together authors, educators, librarians, and book lovers to learn from one another and find new ways to inspire readers ages 8–14. Click through to see our highlights from the many panels. more Licensing News King Features Rethinks Classic Comics for YA, Middle Grade Readers King Features, owner and licensor of a library of classic comic strips, is expanding its global book publishing activities beyond reprint collections, including into original YA and middle grade titles. The books will feature contemporary characters spun off from the originals. more Licensing Hotline: August 19, 2021 On September 28, Simon and Schuster’s Simon Spotlight imprint will introduce the first four titles based on Chico Bon Bon: Monkey with a Tool Belt, a Netflix TV series with STEM themes. The show is based on the Monkey with a Tool Belt book series written and illustrated by Chris Monroe and published by Lerner. Read on for information about a new Sesame Street publishing and licensing program, Random House's Space Jam movie tie-ins, and more. more Reading Roundup Portraying 9/11 for Young Readers, Two Decades Later For the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, children’s publishers are releasing at least a dozen fiction and nonfiction books that deal with the traumatic event in an age-appropriate manner. more Q & A Tom Gauld In The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess, a childless king and queen go to an inventor and a witch for help, and the two children of the title are the result. A case of mistaken identity strands the two in the frozen North, and only a wonderful jumble of circumstances and the help of kindly strangers can restore them to their parents. The book is seasoned comic artist Tom Gauld's first for children. We spoke with Gauld about his debut, and inhabiting the world of fairy tales. Q: Where did this story come from? A: I have two daughters, and it started as an improvised tale for the girls. The younger daughter was such a heavy sleeper, she slept so thoroughly, that it was like a magical thing, and we called her “The Log.” I made up a bedtime story about it. I worked on the story for a couple of years, pottering around, reading it to the girls and to my wife, and it was their influence that helped me realize what worked best. more Out Next Week Hot Off the Presses: Week of August 23 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about a family and their love for food, a middle grade novel about a softball player, a YA novel about love and vampires in New Orleans, and more. more   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Publicist, North America - Hardie Grant Publishing - San Francisco, CA. Sales Coordinator - Publishers Weekly - New York, NY. Acquisition Director - Radish Media, Inc. - New York, NY. Paid Media Specialist - Target Marketing Digital - New York, NY. Commissioning Editor - Inkubator Books - Remote, Ireland. Rights Report Maggie Lehrman at Abrams has acquired, at auction, Lark & Kasim Start a Revolution, a YA novel by National Book Award winner Kacen Callender (King and the Dragonflies; Felix Ever After). The story centers on 17-year-old nonbinary, neurodivergent, and aspiring writer Lark, who pretends that they are the creator of a viral thread that their ex-best friend, Kasim, accidentally posted onto their Twitter account, declaring his unrequited love. As Lark's lie deepens and they begin a famous relationship with their own crush, Lark searches for the courage to speak the truth and discover how their own self-love can be a revolution. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the six-figure, two-book deal for North American rights. Vicki Lame at Wednesday Books has bought I Kissed Shara Wheeler by adult author Casey McQuiston in her YA debut. It's a queer ensemble rom-com pitched as Booksmart meets Paper Towns with a touch of Saved. Eighteen-year-old Chloe almost has the valedictorian title in her grasp when her rival, small-town princess Shara Wheeler, vanishes after kissing three people: her quarterback sweetheart, the bad boy next door, and Chloe. Now the three must work together to follow Shara's clues—but secrets uncovered along the way could wreak havoc at their conservative Southern high school. Publication is set for summer 2022; Sara Megibow at KT Literary did the deal for world English rights. Jeffrey West and David Levithan at Scholastic have acquired North American rights to Meet Me in Mumbai by Sabina Khan, a YA novel in two acts—told 18 years apart. In the first, a teenage mother grapples with the decision whether to give up her daughter for adoption; in the second, her daughter wonders what she will find after discovering an old letter from her birth mother asking to meet in Mumbai on her 18th birthday. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Hillary Jacobson at ICM Partners brokered the two-book deal. Rachel Diebel at Feiwel and Friends has bought world rights to Out of Our League, a YA anthology of contemporary short stories about girls in sports, co-edited by Dahlia Adler (l.) and Jennifer Iacopelli. Contributors include Carrie Allen, Sara Farizan, Juliana Goodman, Maggie Hall, Leah Henderson, Sarah Henning, Naomi Kanakia, Miranda Kenneally, Yamille Saied Méndez, Cam Montgomery, Marieke Nijkamp, Amparo Ortiz, Aminah Mae Safi, and Kayla Whaley. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Patricia Nelson at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency represented Adler, and Chloe Seager at Madeline Millburn Literary Agency represented Iacopelli; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary now represents Iacopelli. Mark Podesta at Henry Holt has acquired North American rights to Not Light, but Fire: The Story of Mary Bowser (W.T.) by Jamie McGhee (l.) (writing as Jay Leslie), illustrated by Charlot Kristensen. This YA historical fiction graphic novel is inspired by the life and bravery of Mary Bowser, the Civil War spy whose espionage made Union victory possible. Publication is scheduled for winter 2024; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and Thao Le at Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Emily Settle at Feiwel and Friends has bought A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur, a YA historical mystery that follows a girl and a prince who must join forces to save her sister and the kingdom from King Yeonsangun, one of Korea's most hated tyrants. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Amy Elizabeth Bishop at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the deal for North American rights. Mekisha Telfer at Roaring Brook has acquired world rights to First Borns Only, written by debut author Jenin Mohammed. The middle-grade novel follows 13-year-old Hakeem, who is forced to share everything with his three (soon to be four) younger sisters. Hakeem has dreams of buying his own bike and secretly starts selling candy to save up for it, but when his nosy sister wants in on his side hustle, Hakeem's perspective on family, personal boundaries, and what it means to be the eldest begin to change. Publication is set for spring 2023; Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the author. Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has bought world rights to Horse Crazy Tales, a series of middle grade novels written by Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times reporter and author of Horse Crazy: The Story of a Woman and a World in Love with an Animal. The series is based on inspiring stories of real-life horses and the people who love them. The first book, The Flying Horse, will publish in spring 2023, followed by books in fall 2023 and spring 2024; Philippa Brophy of Sterling Lord Literistic represented the author. Julia McCarthy at Atheneum has acquired Oddity Woods by Kay Davault (Star Knights; Home for Horrors), a middle grade supernatural mystery graphic novel series in which Marietta, an aspiring kid detective investigating her father's sudden disappearance, becomes trapped in a woodland realm filled with ghosts, monsters, and other things that go bump in the night. Publication of the first book is planned for summer 2024; Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management brokered the deal for North American rights. Katherine Tegen at HarperCollins/Tegen has bought a new middle grade novel by L.M. Elliott, called Bea and the New Deal Horse. Set in 1932, three years after the stock market crash, the novel follows a 13-year-old girl who wakes up abandoned in a stable with her little sister, and must forge ahead despite the despair all around her, starting with a special bond between her and a seemingly unlucky horse. Publication is set for winter 2023; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management handled the deal for world English rights. Arthur A. Levine at Levine Querido has acquired world rights to Gibberish by Young Vo, a picture book about a boy's first day of school in a new country where he doesn't speak the language, and everything sounds like gibberish. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; the author-illustrator represented himself. Ann Rider at Versify has bought, in a preempt, Moon's Ramadan by debut author-illustrator Natasha Khan Kazi, a picture book that reveals how Ramadan is observed in different parts of the world alongside its corresponding phases of the moon. Publication is slated for winter 2023, and spring 2024 for a second, untitled book; Tanusri Prasanna at DeFiore and Company negotiated the deal for world rights. Sarah Ketchersid at Candlewick/MIT Kids has acquired world rights to AlphaBot by Vicky Fang (Layla and the Bots), a mix-and-match novelty book that allows kids to flip the pages to create their own robots while learning basic definitions of robot technology. Publication is planned for fall 2023; Elizabeth Bennett at the Transatlantic Agency did the deal. Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought world rights to Just One Little Light by Kat Yeh (l.) (The Friend Ship), illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, a picture book about how real change can begin with a small spark of hope. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Sarah Davies at Greenhouse Literary Agency represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Agency represented the illustrator. Sara Sargent at Random House has acquired world rights to Cookie Queen, a picture book biography of young Kathleen King, who created the recipe for her famous chocolate chip cookie when she was just 11 years old working at her family farm stand, written by Kathleen King (l.) and Lowey Sichol (c.), illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki (r.). Publication is set for summer 2023; Carla Glasser at the Betsy Nolan Agency represented King, Elizabeth Bennett at Transatlantic Agency represented Sichol, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented Kaulitzki. Jessica Anderson at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to What Your Ribbon Skirt Means to Me: Deb Haaland's Historic Inauguration, written by Alexis Bunten (l.) (Aleut/Yup'ik) and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt (Diné). Slated for summer 2023, this picture book follows Pia and her community members as they celebrate Secretary Haaland's inauguration through a feast, a smudging ceremony, and ribbon skirt crafting at their local Native American center. Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and the artist represented herself. Adria Haley at Tommy Nelson has acquired world rights to Edward and Annie: A Penguin Adventure by Caryn Rivadeneira (l.), in conjunction with Chicago's Shedd Aquarium, illustrated by Katy Tanis, about two penguins who became viral sensations after waddling through the aquarium while it was shut down due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Adria Goetz at Martin Literary Management represented the author, Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary Agency represented Shedd Aquarium, and Lara Perkins at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Making Happy by actress, author, and producer Sheetal Sheth (l.) (Always Anjali), illustrated by Khoa Le (Sugar in Milk). While Leila's mother battles illness, her family finds joy and laughter together to help pull them through tough times. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jane Startz and Maydé Alpi of Jane Startz Productions represented the author, and Christine Hong at Astound US represented the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the Guardian: The picture book fighting back against Russia’s LGBTQ+ propaganda law. CLICK HERE From Deadline: Kerry Washington to Produce From the Desk of Zoe Washington Movie Adaptation at Disney Branded Television. CLICK HERE From the Hollywood Reporter: Picturestart, Lionsgate TV Tackling YA Horror Graphic Novel Squad. CLICK HERE From Deadline: Joey Clarke Jr. to Adapt Barbara O’Connor’s MG Novel Wish for the Screen. CLICK HERE From Fuse #8: The MG/YA Confusion: Why Do Lists for Young Adults Always Contain Children’s Books? CLICK HERE From USA Today: Ember in the Ashes author Sabaa Tahir on the book that changed her life: 'It was a revelation.' CLICK HERE From People: Chelsea Clinton Will Expand She Persisted Series to Include 10 More Chapter Books in 2022. CLICK HERE From KUT Austin: 'We're All So Many Things': Divya Srinivasan on Her New Book What I Am. CLICK HERE From Charleston City Paper: CNN analyst, former S.C. Rep. Sellers announces new children’s book. CLICK HERE From Kidscreen: Little Bee Books launches its first audio-based game. CLICK HERE From BuzzFeed: 15 New YA Novels That Reimagine Fairytales and Classic Literature. CLICK HERE From Romper: 12 Best Spanish Children's Books, from Classics to New Titles. CLICK HERE From Romper: 15 French Children’s Books for Young Francophiles. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: 11 Thoughtful Divorce Books for Kids. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS Opposites Abstract Mo Willems. Hyperion, $14.99 (24p) ISBN 978-1-368-07097-3 In this high-concept, image-focused picture book, Caldecott Honoree Willems explores the fundamentals of so-called opposites and playfully interrogates nonfigurative images’ associations. This subtle, mind-expanding volume takes a familiar format to new places while showing how creators and readers meet on a page. more Inside Cat Brendan Wenzel. Chronicle, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4521-7319-1 In They All Saw a Cat, Wenzel mulled the riddle of perception through the eyes of various creatures looking at a cat. Here, it’s a cat that does the looking. Wenzel’s multimedia spreads are loose and open-ended, rich and suggestive; they’ll leave readers wondering what’s out there beyond their own windows—and beyond their own experiential selves. more Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People Kekla Magoon. Candlewick, $24.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-5362-1418-5 In this powerful history, Magoon presents an incisive, in-depth study of the Black Panther Party. Detailed, accessible text includes ample context around the BPP’s rise and fall, starting with a history of slavery, emancipation, and segregation before diving into the civil rights and Black Power movements and ending with Black Lives Matter. more Any Sign of Life Rae Carson. Greenwillow, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-06-269193-4 The mechanics of coping bloom into much more in this deeply humanizing near-future survival thriller. Carson tempers a grim, death-laced future with pragmatism, an athlete’s awareness of bodily limits, and an uplifting belief in people’s capacity for good. Fans of Megan Crewe and Susan Beth Pfeffer will relish this timely update to classic postapocalyptic YA. more We Are Not Broken George M. Johnson. Little, Brown, $17.99 (240p) ISBN 978-0-7595-5460-3 In a heartwarming and sapient memoir exploring Black boyhood, womanhood, and joy, Johnson introduces young readers to their maternal grandmother. An intensely emotional, stunning read, Johnson’s memoir memorializes the legacy of their grandmother—and all of the Black grandmothers who have built the foundations necessary to ensure that their families would not only survive but flourish. more	August 19, 2021 To Our Readers Children's Bookshelf is currently on a summer schedule. For the rest of August, we'll be publishing once a week, on Thursdays. We'll resume our regular twice-weekly schedule after Labor Day. People Deena Fleming has joined Abrams Children's Books as associate art director of Amulet Books; previously she was associate art director at Scholastic Book Fairs. Random House Children's Books has one new hire and two promotions. Madison Furr has joined as publicist; she was previously associate publicist at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group. Kristina Forest has been promoted to associate manager in subsidiary rights, from assistant manager. Dakota Reed has been promoted to assistant manager in subsidiary rights, from coordinator. Penguin Young Readers has two promotions. Lindsay Armor has been promoted to subsidiary rights coordinator, from subsidiary rights assistant. Chelsea Villareal has been promoted to brand manager, from associate brand marketing manager. Sasha Henriques has joined Callisto Media as editor; previously she was associate editor at Random House Books for Young Readers. Asia Harden has joined FSG Books for Young Readers as editorial assistant. Sneak Previews Take a look ahead at some of the big titles for children and teens due out in spring 2022, from picture books to YA novels, in our exclusive roundup. ICYMI Nine Editors on Their New Children’s Imprints more PRH and Amanda Gorman Launch Creative Writing Award for Poetry more Samira Ahmed: Telling the Stories of Revolutionary Girls more Children’s Books for Fall: All Our Coverage more Bestsellers Children's Frontlist Fiction #1 Mothering Heights (Dog Man #10) by Dav Pilkey. Click here Picture Books #1 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Click here Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page! CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.

To Our Readers With today's issue, Children's Bookshelf moves to a summer schedule. For the rest of August, we'll be publishing once a week, on Thursdays. We'll resume our regular twice-weekly schedule after Labor Day. In Conversation Adam Jay Epstein and Ruth Chan Adam Jay Epstein is the author of the Wily Snare series and the Starbounders books for middle graders, and co-author of the bestselling middle grade fantasy series The Familiars. Ruth Chan is the author-illustrator of the Georgie and Friends series and The Alpactory, among other titles. We asked Epstein and Chan to interview each other about their new picture book, Have You Seen Gordon?, a playful take on the classic seek-and-find book. more SPONSORED She Fought with Honor on the Battlefield From New York Times bestselling author Livia Blackburne, in the second novel in the historical fantasy series The Queen's Council, Mulan takes center stage: named empress of a people who do not want her, forbidden from following her heart, and facing treachery even within her own ranks, she must return to the battlefield to fight for her right to rule. MORE ► In the News PRH and Amanda Gorman Launch Creative Writing Award for Poetry Penguin Random House is partnering with Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, on the Amanda Gorman Award for Poetry, a new creative writing award focused on poetry for public high school students. more Second Chances Pandemic Missed Connections: August 12, 2021 In this fourth installment of our series, we asked editors to tell us about a book of theirs, published during the pandemic, that they wish had gotten more love—including a zany middle-grade graphic novel, a picture book about coping with the blues, a debut novel about gentrification, and more. more On the Scene 2021 Virtual BookTalk Conference in Photos BookTalk, a virtual book conference launched by 30 creators on TikTok, held its inaugural event on August 6–8. With a focus on uplifting marginalized voices, more than 2,500 attendees watched more than 60 authors speak on all things bookish. Click through to see our highlights from the YA panels. more Reading Roundup New and Noteworthy Picture Book and Novel Sequels: August 2021 Just because summer is ending doesn't mean your favorite stories have to. August brings a number of sequels for popular children's and YA series. more Out Next Week Hot Off the Presses: Week of August 16 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about an Aztec woman who figured prominently in Mexican art, a middle grade graphic memoir set in N.Y.C., a YA novel following teens on a road trip discovering their roots, and more. more In Brief In Brief: August 12, 2021 This week, Batman isn't the only one with a Batmobile in town; debut YA authors gather for a celebration; author-illustrator Briony May Smith shares her artistic talents; and authors discuss writing about culture. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Publicist, North America - Hardie Grant Publishing - San Francisco, CA. Sales Coordinator - Publishers Weekly - New York, NY. Acquisition Director - Radish Media, Inc. - New York, NY. Paid Media Specialist - Target Marketing Digital - New York, NY. Commissioning Editor - Inkubator Books - Remote, Ireland. Rights Report Mallory Kass at Scholastic has acquired North American rights to The Whispering Dark by Deaf author Kelly Andrew, a debut YA novel about a Deaf college student with a peculiar link to the afterlife. First-year student Delaney Meyers-Petrov has always talked to the dark, but she never expected it to talk back. When she's assigned to her university's controversial new-age program, she must learn to channel her uncanny abilities to cross between worlds—and, along with her capricious TA Colton Price, who seems determined to despise her, must venture down a rabbit-hole of buried secrets. It’s slated for fall 2022; Josh Adams at Adams Literary negotiated the deal. Jenny Bak at Viking has bought world English rights to the YA debut Chasing Pacquiao by Rod Pulido. Bobby Agbayani is trying to navigate his way out of the closet when his personal idol, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, makes a statement denigrating all gay people, forcing Bobby on a journey to self-acceptance as he learns what happens when your heroes let you down. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal. Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired, at auction, YA graphic novel debut Graduation Day by Schulz Studio staff artist Mary Shyne. Pitched as Palm Springs crossed with a John Hughes film, this coming-of-age rom-com set in the Chicago suburbs tells the story of Chris O’Brien, who finds himself stuck in a time loop with his former friend Alicia Ochoa on their high school graduation day. Publication is planned for winter 2025; Anjali Singh at Ayesha Pande Literary brokered the deal for world rights. Michelle Frey and Christopher Myers at Make Me a World have bought world rights, in a two-book deal, to Planet Brooklyn by screenwriter Tony Patrick (l.), illustrated by Goñi Montes. In this middle grade graphic novel, a teenager discovers that he's trapped in a planetary-sized replica of Brooklyn created by inter-dimensional aliens smitten with his Bed-Stuy neighborhood, in a look at gentrification through a sci-fi lens. Publication is set for spring 2024; Cecile Barendsma at Cecile B Literary Agency represented the author in an exclusive submission, and the illustrator represented himself. Kendra Levin of Simon & Schuster has acquired Once I Was You: Young Readers Edition by Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor of Latino USA Maria Hinojosa. The book blends stories of Hinojosa's childhood and teen years not included in her adult memoir with her newly penned perspectives about how the next generation can shape today's America. It will be published simultaneously in English- and Spanish-language editions in fall 2022; Adriana Dominguez at Full Circle Literary negotiated the deal for English and Spanish North American rights. Lisa Yoskowitz at Little, Brown has bought Dust by Dusti Bowling (The Canyon’s Edge; Across the Desert). The middle grade novel follows an asthmatic girl who must find her voice, and her superpower, when a new boy with a terrible secret and a trail of bullies stirs up strange, life-threatening dust storms around town. Publication is scheduled for 2023; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights. Alyson Heller and Jessica Smith at Aladdin has acquired world rights to Magnolia Hall, an equestrian-themed series by Jessica Burkhart, author of the Canterwood Crest series. In book one, a 12-year-old girl must learn to share the spotlight with her new stepsister at an equestrian boarding school, while an anonymous source spreads rumors to break them apart. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Josh Getzler at Hannigan Getzler Literary brokered the four-book deal. Liz Kossnar at Little, Brown has bought middle grade theater camp mystery Twelfth by Janet Key, in which 12-year-old Maren is drawn into the hunt for a legendary diamond ring linked to the camp's namesake, Charlotte "Charlie" Goodman, a promising director navigating blacklist-era Hollywood. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Heather Rizzo at Rizzo Literary negotiated the deal for world rights. Katherine Harrison at Knopf has acquired, at auction, Turtles of the Midnight Moon, by Honduran American debut author Maria Jose Fitzgerald, a middle-grade eco-mystery with magical elements, set in Honduras. The story follows Barana and Abby, who reluctantly come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana's coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage, and community. Publication is set for spring 2023; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties did the two-book deal for North American rights. Catriella Freedman at PJ Publishing has bought rights for Detour Ahead by Pamela Ehrenberg (l.) and Tracy López. In alternating chapters of prose and verse, this dual-POV contemporary middle grade novel depicts the friendship between Gilah, a neurodiverse Jewish girl preparing for her bat mitzvah, and Guillermo, a Salvadoran American boy who is new to Washington, D.C. Riding the bus together every day, Gilah and Guillermo learn to navigate life’s detours. Publication is slated for winter 2022; the authors represented themselves. Michele McAvoy at Little Press/Blue Bronco Books has acquired world rights to Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt, a middle grade historical fiction debut by Kathleen Wilford. Desperate to save her family's struggling homestead—and to escape being a housemaid—12-year-old Cabby plays matchmaker between her older sister and a British aristocrat. When her scheme backfires, she must use her voice to stand up for her family, a new friend, and her Kansas community. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; the author represented herself. Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought, in an exclusive submission, chapter book graphic novel series Tig and Lily by Dan Thompson, about a tiger named Lily who finds her home invaded by a housecat named Tig, who believes he is a tiger. Can these two very different cats find a way to share their space? Publication is planned for 2023; Judy Hansen at Hansen Literary negotiated the three-book deal for world rights. Bridget O'Brien at ABDO has acquired world rights to the chapter book series Back of the Net by Gary Fabbri (l.), illustrated by Alan Brown. The Mt. Pleasant High soccer team members have very different home lives and face challenging situations such as dyslexia, ADHD, Lupus, and run-ins with the police; will their love of soccer be enough to help them overcome their personal obstacles and develop into a championship team? Publication for the set of six books is set for September 2022; Essie White at Storm Literary Agency represented the author, and Erin Tisdel at Advocate Art represented the illustrator. Katie Carella at Scholastic has bought world rights to the Adventure Friends series written by Brandon Todd (l.) (Tou-Can't) and illustrated by Gloria Félix, for the Acorn early reader line. Beginning readers can follow Miguel and Clarke as they explore their neighborhood and draw maps along the way. The first book, The Adventure Friends: Treasure Map, is due out in spring 2023. John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Christine Hong at Astound US represented the illustrator. Tara Walker at Tundra Books has acquired the tentatively titled Eon's Matchboxes by author and Governor General's Award-winning illustrator Cybèle Young, a picture book about an aspiring scientist who delights in crafting habitats in matchboxes for her friend, a tardigrade. Publication is slated for summer 2023; Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management negotiated the deal for world rights. Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought world rights to picture book The Storytellers by author-illustrator Christy Mandin, in which a girl with writer's block receives a little help from her writing utensils. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Adria Goetz at Martin Literary Management brokered the deal. Neal Porter at Holiday House/Neal Porter Books has acquired world rights to picture book Nainai’s Mountain by Livia Blackburne (l.) (I Dream of Popo), illustrated by Joey Chou. A girl visiting Taiwan has the chance to experience her grandmother's former home through her eyes, and in the process gains a deeper understanding of their shared heritage and connection. Publication is set for spring 2024; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the author, and Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the illustrator. Anuoluwapo Ohioma at Penguin Workshop has preempted world rights to My Fade Is Fresh by Shauntay Grant (l.), the tale of a child who heads to the barbershop and is determined to get the cut and style she wants—no matter how anyone else tries to persuade her otherwise. Kitt Thomas will illustrate; publication is planned for fall 2022. Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and Chad W. Beckerman at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator. Christy Cox at Little Bigfoot has bought world rights to Nobody Likes Frogs by Barbara Davis-Pyles (l.), illustrated by Liz Wong, a humorous picture book about frogs. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; the author represented herself, and Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow Literary represented the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the New York Times: Kwame Mbalia’s anthology Black Boy Joy is number one on the NYT children’s middle grade hardcover bestseller list. CLICK HERE From NPR: The Lorax Warned Us 50 Years Ago, But We Didn't Listen. CLICK HERE From Time: The 100 Best YA Books of All Time: chosen by Time Magazine with Elizabeth Acevedo, Kacen Callender, Jenny Han, Jason Reynolds, Adam Silvera, Angie Thomas, and Nicola Yoon. CLICK HERE From Time: Jason Reynolds: “YA Books Make Us Feel Safe to Be Who We Really Are.” CLICK HERE From the Daily Hampshire Gazette: Virtual exhibit at Eric Carle Museum curated by Grace Lin responds to anti-Asian attitudes. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: The Most Popular Children’s Books from Every Country in the World. CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: Walter Dean Myers’s Writing Process and Routines. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: Tirzah Price on Why Adults Should Read Middle Grade Books. CLICK HERE From Gawker: Opinion: “No More Children’s Books by Celebrities.” CLICK HERE From Alma: The Jewish Characters in The Baby-Sitters Club Meant the World to Me. CLICK HERE From People: Fourteen-year-old author and orator Brayden Harrington on his new children's book and the time he met President Joe Biden. CLICK HERE From Wales Online: Thousands of children's books have been hidden around Wales and are waiting to be found. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: “Where Are the Fat Children in Picture Books?” CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: Read Tove Jansson’s short story composed of bizarre fan letters. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: Nostalgia Party: The '90s Teen Book Series You Loved and Probably Forgot. CLICK HERE From Electric Lit: Shadow and Bone Helped Me Combat My Imposter Syndrome. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: 12 Terrifying YA Graphic Novels. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: New YA Books Starring Female Athletes. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS Everybody in the Red Brick Building Anne Wynter, illus. by Oge Mora. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-06-286576-2 Lush collages in jewel tones by Caldecott Honoree Mora illuminate the story of a restless night in a city apartment building whose inhabitants represent many ethnicities, skin tones, and family structures. In this lulling story by debut author Wynter, readers watch a group of people confront the same common communal experience—and overcome it. more Bear Wants to Sing Cary Fagan, illus. by Dena Seiferling. Tundra, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-0-7352-6803-6 When a young tricyclist loses their cargo, musical instruments bounce into the grass unnoticed. Seiferling’s dreamy graphite, digitally colored illustrations feature expressive anthropomorphic critters against intricately detailed landscapes. This tender tale of creativity, manners, and nurturing friendship by the creators of King Mouse has all the makings of a contemporary classic. more Blueberry Cake Sarah Dillard. Aladdin, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-5344-5134-6 A bipedal brown bear cub’s desire for blueberry cake leads to a blueberry-picking journey in this humorous picture book by Dillard, relayed solely through speech bubbles featuring concise, repeating prose. Fine-lined digital art, showcased in a blend of full spreads and comic-style panels, and rendered in a bright, summery color palette, offers a striking level of detail. A warm, Blueberries for Sal–leaning slice of summer for any reader. more Battle of the Bands Edited by Lauren Gibaldi and Eric Smith. Candlewick, $18.99 (320p) ISBN 978-1-5362-1433-8 Edited by Smith and Gibaldi, this entertaining collection of 16 tales centers a high school battle of the bands. Chronicling the breakups and breakout performances of myriad intersectionally diverse teens, this anthology’s deliberate pacing allows each entry to stand on its own while harmonizing pleasantly with the larger melody of the night’s overlapping characters and events. more Oksi Mari Ahokoivu, trans. from the Finnish by Silja-Maaria Aronpuro. Levine Querido, $24.99 (400p) ISBN 978-1-64614-112-8 Elements of ancient Finnish myth and song undergird dark worldbuilding as a wordless prologue opens on a snow-covered world studded with black firs. Vignettes and spreads by Finnish newcomer Ahokoivu are fluidly rendered in inky b&w washes; accents of color leap off the page as the translation by Aronpuro flows smoothly. more	August 12, 2021 People Erinn Pascal is joining Andrews McMeel as senior editor, children's books; she was most recently licensing and brands editor at Scholastic. Henry Holt Books for Young Readers has two new hires. Dana Chidiac has joined as senior editor; previously she was an editor at Dial. Jess Harold has joined as editor; previously she was associate editor at Scholastic. Sneak Previews Take a look ahead at some of the big titles for children and teens due out in spring 2022, from picture books to YA novels, in our exclusive roundup. ICYMI Children’s Books for Fall: All Our Coverage more 2021 SCBWI Conference: Significant Market Transformation Due to Covid-19 more Reaching Readers at the Dollar Store more Obituary: Ted Lewin more Q & A with Jerry Spinelli more Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page! CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.

In the Spotlight Editors on Their New Children's Imprints Nine editors launching imprints during the pandemic reflect on what drove them, what they hope to accomplish, and how the books they intend to publish will stand out in an already crowded marketplace. more Obituary Eloise Greenfield Award-winning children's book author and poet Eloise Greenfield, known for her positive depictions of Black family life, her biographies spotlighting notable Black figures in U.S. history, and her efforts to fight racism, died on August 5. She was 92. Nancy Inteli, publishing director at HarperCollins Children’s Books, said, "Her words will live on for all generations to come.” more SPONSORED Explore Opposites with Mo Willems! Using colors, shapes, lines and textures, award-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author Mo Willems invites readers to explore abstract concepts through eye-popping, emotive, and highly-accessible artwork. This all-ages concept book is perfect for readers young or old, big or small, or any other set of opposites. MORE ► In the News Censorship on the Rise Worldwide The International Publishers Association and PEN have documented hundreds of attacks on press freedom, many of them targeting LGBTQ and dissident groups. more Book News Merriam-Webster Launches Imprint for Loquacious Kids More than two centuries after Noah Webster published the first American dictionary, the publishing house that bears his name is developing a line of books for children. On August 3, the Springfield Mass.-based publisher announced the forthcoming release of two titles that will launch Merriam-Webster Kids. more On the Scene Lisa McMann on Her Cross-Country Bookstore Tour Lisa McMann is the bestselling author of dozens of books such as The Unwanteds series and the Wake trilogy. Her forthcoming book, Clarice the Brave, follows the adventures of a young ship mouse named Clarice. Click through to see McMann's photo highlights from her recent driving tour from Michigan to Arizona, in honor of her forthcoming book. more Interview Samira Ahmed: Telling the Stories of Revolutionary Girls Since the publication of her debut novel, Love, Hate & Other Filters, in 2018, Samira Ahmed has become known for her realistic YA fiction featuring strong, smart Muslim American teenage girls. Her newest book, Amira & Hamza: The War to Save the Worlds, though, is a middle grade fantasy. We spoke with Ahmed about her pivot. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Publicist, MCPG - Macmillan Publishers - , . Commissioning Editor - Inkubator Books - Remote, Ireland. Publisher - Little Bee Books - , NY. President - Dreamscape Media, LLC - Holland, OH. Assistant Editor - Rizzoli International Publications Inc. - New York, NY. Rights Report Rebecca Kuss at Disney-Hyperion has acquired There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia in a six-figure, seven-house auction. This comedic YA debut follows three best friends in South L.A. who use social media to form a fake gang in hopes of scaring off developers when the destructive powers of gentrification threaten the stability of their community. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret negotiated the two-book deal for world English rights. Kate Prosswimmer at McElderry Books has bought, in an exclusive submission, a YA contemporary fantasy called Spell Bound, plus another book, by F.T. Lukens (In Deeper Waters; So This Is Ever After). In the novel, a non-magical sorceress's apprentice must team up with his grouchy rival apprentice when a device he invented that would allow non-magical individuals to access magic results in his boss's kidnapping and threatens his dreams of wielding the magic that enchants him in the first place. Publication of the first book is planned for spring 2023; Eva Scalzo at Speilburg Literary Agency did the deal for world rights. Ruqayyah Daud at Little, Brown has acquired YA debut novel The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairy. Pitched as Furia meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, the book is about the unlikely friendship between a Syrian American boxer and Syrian refugee, the pressures and expectations of being the perfect Syrian daughter, and the repercussions of the Syrian Revolution both at home and abroad. Publication is set for winter 2023; Serene Hakim at Ayesha Pande Literary brokered the deal for world rights. Allison Moore at Bloomsbury Children’s Books has bought tentatively titled A Supercut of Us by Pride Book Fest co-founder Steven Salvatore (Can't Take That Away). The YA novel, pitched as Jandy Nelson's I’ll Give You the Sun meets Dawson's Creek, follows twins who have different ways of dealing with their father's incarceration—and then his untimely death—and the complications that arise when one discovers a secret third sibling and keeps them from his sister. It’s set for publication in 2023; Jessica Regel at Helm Literary sold North American rights. Marisa DiNovis at Knopf has acquired, in an exclusive submission, My January Heart by Noor Rasoul. Pitched as Giant Days meets Hey, Kiddo, the semi-autobiographical YA graphic novel follows 17-year-old Noor's attempt to leave her anxiety behind in the Middle East as she pursues her dream of going to art school in California—only to find that running away won't solve all of her problems. Publication is scheduled for fall 2024; Jessica Errera at the Jane Rotrosen Agency negotiated the deal for world rights. Stephanie Guerdan at HarperCollins has bought world rights to the queer YA fantasy duology Hex and Havoc, written by Nilah Magruder (Reel Love; M.F.K.), illustrated by Sonia Liao (Thief in the Trees; The Marie Curie Society). The books follow two girls in a caste-based magical society as they fall in love and spark a revolution. Publication is planned for summer 2023 and 2024; Tricia Lawrence at Erin Murphy Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Magruder is now represented by Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary. Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/ Balzer + Bray has acquired Nikhil Out Loud by actor and Stonewall Honor winning author of The Best at It Maulik Pancholy, a middle grade story about a gay Indian American boy, the star of a hit animated series, who learns the power of using his own voice after his family relocates to a small town in Ohio. Publication is set for fall 2022; Jessica Regel at Helm Literary sold North American rights. Ardi Alspach at Sterling Children’s Books has bought world English rights to The Paper Museum, a debut middle grade novel by Kate S. Simpson about a girl who must solve the disappearance of her parents, save her family home and legacy at the Paper Museum, and repair the broken relationship with her best friend. Set in a world where paper is obsolete and magic is all but forgotten, the book is a story of family and friendship, with a touch of Black Mirror. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary did the deal. Maria Modugno at Random House Studio has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Animal Song by Jonty Howley, a seasons-spanning picture book told in the tradition of bedtime onomatopoeia classics about three musicians—a crocodile, a bear, and a weasel—and their search for an audience come winter. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Hannah Mann at Writers House brokered the deal for world rights. Kate O’Sullivan at Clarion has bought I Am Stuck by debut author-illustrator Julia Mills. Turtle is stuck upside-down, and none of the animals asserting the best way to get right-side-up seem to be offering turtle-specific advice; when Possum arrives, she doesn't offer advice, but rather offers to keep Turtle company. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House handled the two-book deal for world rights. Frances Gilbert at Doubleday has acquired world rights to A Wish for Twins by Dorothia Rohner. In this ode to twins, two babies float and play in the cosmos—at first alone and then together—dreaming of cuddles, kisses, and family until they are tenderly called to Earth, where their loving home awaits them. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Allison Remcheck at Stimola Literary Studio negotiated the deal. Kate Harrison at Dial has bought world English rights to Just Try One Bite written by Camila Alves McConaughey (l.) and Adam Mansbach (c.), illustrated by Mike Boldt (r.). This debut picture book is a role-reversal tale of three kids who try to convince their picky eater parents to put down the ice cream and cake to just try one bite of healthy foods. Publication is set for March 2022; Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment represented the authors, and Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the artist. Clarissa Wong at HarperCollins has acquired, in an exclusive submission, Say My Name, a picture book by Joanna Ho (l.) (Eyes That Kiss in the Corners), illustrated by Khoa Le. Say My Name is about the beauty, meaning, and history behind the names of six different characters—and the importance of saying names correctly. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Caryn Wiseman at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author in the two-book deal for world rights, and Aurora Barlam at Astound US represented the illustrator. Alice Jonaitis at Random House has bought world rights, in a two-book deal, to How to Love a Pony by Michelle Meadows (l.), a rhymed addition to the Beginner Book line about a young Black equestrian and her pony throughout the changing seasons of a year on a family horse farm. The first book will be illustrated by Nneka Myers. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Studio represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator. Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to The Birthday of the World by Rachel Naomi Remen (l.), illustrated by Rachell Sumpter (Down Under the Pier), a picture book retelling by the author of the bestselling Kitchen Table Wisdom of a beloved story about finding light in a dark world. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Esther Newberg at ICM Partners represented the author, and Stephen Barr at Writers House represented the illustrator. Tamar Brazis at Viking has bought world rights at auction to Hello, Beautiful by Traci N. Todd (l.) (Nina), illustrated by. A love letter from caregiver to child, the picture book invites the reader to assert the power of their own potential by recognizing the humanity of others. Publication is set for spring 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Anne Moore-Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Trisha de Guzman at FSG has acquired world rights to We Are American, Too by Kristen Mei Chase (l.), illustrated by Jieting Chen, a picture book about a fourth-generation Chinese American girl who revisits her family's history and shares it at an antiracism rally supporting Asian Americans, leading a chant of "We are American, too." Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Annie Bomke at Annie Bomke Literary Agency represented the author, and Alex Gehringer at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Tracy Mack at Scholastic Press has bought world rights to My Ancestors' Wildest Dreams, and a second untitled picture book, both written by Tanisia (“Tee”) Moore; Robert Paul Jr. will illustrate the first book. An anthem to Black Boy Joy, this debut picture book calls on the youngest readers to celebrate their place in a venerated legacy while inspiring them to see themselves as the next generation's leaders: their ancestors' wildest dreams. Publication is slated for 2023; Jacqui Lipton at Raven Quill Literary represented the author, and Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency represented the illustrator. Brian Sockin at Persnickety Press has acquired world rights to The Artist Behind the Wall by Jeffrey Turner, a picture book about a mouse with enough ambition and talent to motivate her hesitant muse, a cat named Ruben, to follow his heart. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Anna Olswanger at Olswanger Literary represented the author-illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the New Yorker: “I write to Black children. But I write for all children”: Who Jason Reynolds Writes His Bestsellers For. CLICK HERE From the New York Times: Opinion: What We Are Not Teaching Boys About Being Human. CLICK HERE From Down East: How a Maine Fisherman Became Margaret Wise Brown’s Alter Ego. CLICK HERE From Press-Republican: Dr. Fauci is a bestseller for author Kate Messner. CLICK HERE From People: Hunger Games Prequel Movie Set to Start Production in 2022. CLICK HERE From 100 Scope Notes: Down the Picture Book Parody Rabbit Hole. CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: See Tove Jansson’s illustrations for a Swedish edition of The Hobbit. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: 20 of the Best Read-Aloud Books for Kids. CLICK HERE From Romper: 20 Children’s Books About Twins That Are Twice the Fun. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS Mr. Watson’s Chickens Jarrett Dapier, illus. by Andrea Tsurumi. Chronicle, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-4521-7714-4 Animals creating mayhem deliver rousing readalouds, and Dapier and Tsurumi here drive this story element to its riotous extreme. Subtle background portraits of Tove Jansson as well as Frog and Toad gently hint at the history of queer creators in children’s literature, while the carousing chickens draw most of the attention—and all of the laughs. more All Eyes on Ozzy! K-Fai Steele. HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-06-274858-4 Tan-skinned Ozzy adores getting attention, so she’s elated when she ends up with the drum part for a school recital. Steele makes Ozzy’s need to be the center of everything funny rather than off-putting, and the story is free from any whiff of moralizing—watching the protagonist learn how to become part of a team is a pleasure straight through. more Borders Thomas King, illus. by Natasha Donovan. Little, Brown, $24.99 (192p) ISBN 978-0-316-59306-9 In this sparsely worded, moving graphic novel adaptation of King’s 1993 short story of the same name, the team adeptly captures the dilemma of Native Nations whose homelands were split by political borders. The sobering yet inspiring tale effectively spotlights a Native woman who quietly demands that her voice be heard and her identity recognized. more The City Beautiful Aden Polydoros. Inkyard, $19.99 (480p) ISBN 978-1-335-40250-9 Polydoros seamlessly blends a murder mystery with Jewish folklore in this haunting historical fantasy. The author offers an unflinching depiction of anti-Semitism abroad and in Chicago while capturing Jewish intra-communal tensions with nuance. Readers looking for finely wrought historical fiction with fully realized characters and a thrilling pursuit of justice are sure to be satisfied by Alter’s story. more How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe Raquel Vasquez Gilliland. Simon & Schuster, $19.99 (432p) ISBN 978-1-5344-4866-7 Mexican American Moon Fuentez, 17, is dark-skinned and round; her twin, Star, is light-skinned as well as “willowy and still curvy.” In Vasquez Gilliland’s poetic hands, Moon’s strong voice shines amid magic and indigenous knowledge, even as she struggles with her mother, colorism, and fatphobia. Readers will cheer for Moon as she learns to embrace her own beauty and power. more	August 10, 2021 People Scholastic Trade has two new hires. Anika Ventura has joined Klutz as assistant editor; she was previously a freelance editor. Laura Demoreuille has joined as editorial director, 0-8 series and brands, and Scholastic Early Learners; she was previously editorial director of Early Childhood, Scholastic Book Clubs. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has two new hires. Jean Li Spencer has joined as editorial assistant; she previously interned at Random House Children's Books, Ayesha Pande Literary Management, and Metamorphosis Literary Agency. Milena Blue Spruce has joined as editorial assistant; she previously interned at Bloomsbury Children's Books, Fiction magazine and the Theatre Times. Lee & Low Books has two new hires. Jennifer Khawam has joined as marketing and publicity assistant. Stephanie Frescas Macías has joined as editorial assistant; she was previously editorial and marketing assistant at Cinco Puntos Press. Bestsellers Children's Frontlist Fiction #1 Mothering Heights (Dog Man #10) by Dav Pilkey. Click here Picture Books #1 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Click here Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Please follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page. CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. 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In the Spotlight Reaching Readers at the Dollar Store The value channel has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in retail over the past decade in general, if not for books. But opportunities for sales exist, especially for children's titles, if publishers can make the economics work. more Second Chances Pandemic Missed Connections In this third installment of our series, we asked editors to tell us about a book of theirs, published during the pandemic, that they wish had gotten more love—from an underwater picture book to a YA historical fantasy and more. more SPONSORED Celebrate the Spirit of Curiosity From the author and illustrator of the bestselling picture book The Boy with Big, Big Feelings comes the delightful story of a curious girl and her relentless quest for answers to questions big and small. MORE ► On the Scene 2021 SCBWI Conference: Significant Market Transformation Due to Covid-19 From July 29–August 2, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators hosted The Big Five-Oh Conference as its 2021 summer gathering, a virtual celebration of the organization's 50th anniversary featuring numerous intensives and events with agents, editors, and book creators. One particularly salient panel provided industry context on the dramatic marketplace shift that has developed over the course of the pandemic. more 2021 SCBWI Conference: Craft, Perseverance, and Connection The final panel on SCBWI's recent conference was a keynote entitled "From There to Here—Three Stories," featuring lauded children's book creators Laurie Halse Anderson, Vashti Harrison, and Dan Santat. Each of the authors shared lessons from their journeys in publishing. more Licensing News Marvel Heads to Preschool with 'Spidey' On August 3, Marvel Comics, Disney Publishing Worldwide imprint Marvel Press, and several licensees launched a publishing program tied to Marvel's first-ever TV series for preschoolers, Spidey and His Amazing Friends. more Licensing Hotline: August 5, 2021 Scholastic has acquired publishing rights to murder-mystery game Hunt A Killer. The brand began with an adult audience in mind but has turned out to be an activity that families play together. Hunt A Killer has sold more than two million games since debuting in 2016. Read on for news about Insight Kids' Ninja Life Hacks publishing deal, BuzzPop's new license for Miraculous activity books, and more. more Q & A Raquel Vazquez Gilliland Raquel Vazquez Gilliland's second YA novel, How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe, tells the story of Moon, who is darker and bigger than her twin sister, and how she learns to value herself. The author spoke with us from her home in Appalachia about colorism, the dangers and roots of purity culture, and why it's so important that sex positivity prioritize female pleasure. Q: This novel has an interesting origin story: can you tell us about it? A: I’d written a draft of a historical novel about a traveling robot circus in Mexico. But it wasn’t working, and I’d put it in the trunk. Then on a walk I saw two young women taking pictures of each other, and I had this random thought of how different it would have been if my sister and I had come of age with social media. That was the key. more Out Next Week Hot Off the Presses: Week of August 9 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about Indigenous kinship, a middle grade novel about two motherless friends, a YA novel set in a video game-esque world, and more. more In Brief In Brief: August 5, 2021 This week Alex Richards's book launch is all smiles; Scott Magoon reads a bedtime story; and Jacqueline Firkins shares a stunning dress inspired by the cover of Pride and Premeditation. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Publisher - Little Bee Books - , NY. President - Dreamscape Media, LLC - Holland, OH. Assistant Editor - Rizzoli International Publications Inc. - New York, NY. eCommerce Marketing Manager - Fox Chapel Publishing Co. - Mount Joy, PA. Associate Production Manager - Little Bee Books - , NY. Rights Report Bria Ragin with co-founders and editors David and Nicola Yoon of Joy Revolution have acquired You Bet Your Heart by debut author and Pitch Wars alum Danielle Parker, a contemporary YA rom-com, bought at auction in a two-book deal, in which a star student finds herself academically tied for high school valedictorian with her childhood best friend-turned-rival and agrees to settle the score through a series of bets, even if it means putting her heart and happiness on the line. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Pete Knapp at Park & Fine Literary and Media negotiated the deal for U.S., Canada, and non-exclusive OPM rights. Sylvan Creekmore at Wednesday Books has bought, in a preempt, the YA medieval romance Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher (Reputation). The quick-witted Princess of England and a future duke/general gadabout have been betrothed since birth, but the only thing they can agree on is that they hate each other, until they learn a mutual secret: that they're both queer, and they realize they might make better allies than enemies. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023; Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn did the two-book deal for North American rights. Stephanie Guerdan at HarperTeen has acquired world rights to Transmogrify!, edited by g. haron-davis, an anthology of trans and non-binary authors reclaiming a seat at the table of children's fantasy. It has love spells gone wrong, magical road trips, a truth-reflecting mirror, baby dragon care, and more. Contributors include Nik Traxler, Renee Reynolds, JL Kastin, Francesca Tacchi, Sonora Reyes, Mason Deaver, Cam Montgomery, Saundra Mitchell, Ash Nouveau, and A.R. Capetta and Cory McCarthy. In addition, an open call will be extended to trans and/or non-binary writers for a slot in the collection. Publication is set for summer 2023; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret brokered the deal. Melissa Manlove at Chronicle has bought world rights to Black Girl Rising, by Brynne Barnes (Colors of Me), illustrated by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, a no-holds-barred anthem to Blackness, femininity, and excellence, which confronts societal perspectives, referencing historic Black pillars who told their truths to the world, and aims to inspire young women to forge their own identities in the fire of a nation. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Deborah Warren at East West Literary Agency represented the author, and Steven Malk at Writers House represented the artist. Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired world rights to The Moon Conch by novelists David Bowles (l.) and Guadalupe García McCall, in a two-book deal. In the YA fantasy romance, a young Aztec warrior and a contemporary immigrant Mexican girl, connected across the centuries by a sacred conch, flee oppression and fight to survive. Against all odds, they struggle to find their way to each other, for even 500 years isn't enough to keep them apart. Publication is slated for 2023; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary represented Bowles, and Andrea Cascardi at Transatlantic Agency represented McCall. Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has bought contemporary YA fantasy A Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe by Sidekick Squad series author C.B. Lee. When two polar opposite girls hit it off at a coffeeshop, little do they know that what should be a meet cute is actually the symptom of an impending catastrophic collision of multiverses, and their romance plunges them into a race against time to prevent the collapse of their worlds. The book is set for spring/summer 2023; Thao Le brokered the deal for North American rights. Maggie Rosenthal at Viking has acquired Together We Rot by debut author Skyla Arndt, a YA horror novel pitched as Hereditary meets Winterwood about two former best friends—tough-as-nails Wil and shy, sheltered Elwood—who must confront an ancient evil living in the forest before it's too late. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023; Claire Friedman at InkWell Management negotiated the deal for U.S. and Canadian rights. Wendy Loggia at Underlined has bought Fireworks by Alice Lin; Alison Romig will edit. In this YA debut, Lulu Li is ready for a fun summer before heading off to college—but when her next-door neighbor Kite Xu returns home from South Korea for the first time after making it big as a K-pop star, their old friendship picks up and turns into something more. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Lynnette Novak at the Seymour Agency handled the deal for world rights. Cindy Loh while at Bloomsbury Children’s Books acquired, and Sarah Shumway will edit, Remind Me to Hate You Later, a contemporary YA novel by Lizzy Mason (The Art of Losing). In the story, told in alternating chapters and timelines, Natalie is reeling from the loss of her best friend, Jules, who died by suicide after her mother (a popular lifestyle influencer and blogger) wrote an article about her that went viral. But as Natalie finds comfort in Jules's boyfriend, she struggles with the guilt and anger that accompany her grief. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Stephen Barbara at Inkwell Management brokered the deal for world rights. Andrea Davis Pinkney at Scholastic has bought, in an exclusive submission, middle grade novel Moonflower by National Book Award winner Kacen Callender (King and the Dragonflies). The story is about 12-year-old Moon who struggles with depression and travels to the spirit realms every night, hoping never to return to the world of the living again. But when the realm is threatened, it's up to Moon to save the spirit world, sparking their own healing journey. Publication is set for 2022; Beth Phelan at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency negotiated the deal for North American rights. Liz Bicknell at Candlewick has acquired world rights to Elf Dog and Owl Head by M.T. Anderson (l.). While the world is in lockdown during a plague, a boy named Clay and his magical dog explore the hidden worlds in the woods behind his house. Junyi Wu will illustrate; publication is scheduled for spring 2023. The David McCormick Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer and Bray has bought, at auction, The Real Riley Mayes by debut graphic novelist Rachel Elliott. When rumors fly about a queer crush, Riley, with the help of new friends and an old celebrity, wins over the mean girls in this middle grade story about first inklings of identity and belonging in a small town. Publication is planned for May 2022; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow Literary did the deal for world English rights. Andrea Colvin at Little, Brown has acquired, in an exclusive submission, debut middle grade graphic novel Upstaged by Robin Easter, in which Ashton, a nonbinary stagehand, struggles to confess their feelings to their best friend Ivy during their last summer at theater camp. Publication is slated for summer 2025; Britt Siess at Britt Siess Creative Management brokered the deal for world rights. Sophia Jimenez at Atheneum has bought world rights to author-illustrator debut As the Seas Rise by Angela Quezada Padron. The picture book is about environmental scientist and activist Nicole Hernandez Hammer, who was recognized by former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2015 State of the Union address for her efforts to educate people about climate change and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. Publication is set for September 2023; Saritza Hernandez at Andrea Brown Literary Agency negotiated the deal. Taylor Norman at Chronicle has acquired world rights to Oh No, the Aunts Are Here! by Adam Rex (l.), illustrated by Lian Cho, a picture book that celebrates the loud, chaotic, and loving presence of a girl's aunts who come to visit. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Steven Malk at Writers House represented the author, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the illustrator. Hilary Van Dusen at Candlewick/MIT Kids Press has bought world rights to Great Gusts: Poems About the Wind by Melanie Crowder (l.) and Megan Benedict (c.), illustrated by Khoa Le (r.). The nonfiction picture book is a global sweep of poems celebrating the different types of wind that shape our world. Publication is planned for spring 2024; Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the authors, and Astound US represented the illustrator. Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to Love Birds by Jane Yolen (l.), illustrated by Anna Wilson, a picture book about a bird-loving boy who finds a bird-loving girl. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Elizabeth Harding at Curtis Brown represented the author, and Jodie Hodges at United Agents represented the illustrator. Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought, and Kate DePalma will edit, Rooftop Garden by Danna Smith (l.) (The Hawk of the Castle; Swallow the Leader), illustrated by Pati Aguilera. This picture book about a modern urban community working together to grow a garden on the roof of their apartment building joins Barefoot's collection of singalong picture books. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself in the deal for world rights. Barb McNally at Sleeping Bear has acquired world rights to Luna's Green Pet by Kirsten Pendreigh (l.), pitched as a city kid spin on Sophie's Squash meets When Grandma Gives You a Lemon Tree, about a girl who circumvents her landlord's strict "no pets" policy by "rescuing" a discarded houseplant from the trash. Carmen Mok will illustrate; publication is set for fall 2022. Natalie Lakosil at Irene Goodman Literary Agency represented the author while at Bradford Literary Agency, and Emily van Beek at Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From Literary Hub: What the Data Says About How Kids Learn to Read (and Learn to Like It). CLICK HERE From CBS This Morning: Five of the bestselling authors behind the new book Black Boy Joy talk about the importance of seeing joyful representations of Black boyhood. CLICK HERE From the MV Times: ‘From Caldecott to Coretta Scott King’: Black children’s book illustrators’ show comes to Featherstone Center for the Arts. CLICK HERE From Fuse #8: Unexpected Jolts of Children’s Literature. CLICK HERE From Entertainment Weekly: The Everything-You-Didn’t-Know Oral History of The Princess Diaries. CLICK HERE From Refinery29: Book Fairs Were a Staple of Our Childhood. Their Impact Never Really Went Away. CLICK HERE From BuzzFeed: 21 YA Novels with Disabled and Chronically Ill Characters. CLICK HERE From Brightly: Epic Dragon Books for Tweens and Teens. CLICK HERE From Book Riot: 9 Read-Aloud Books About Starting School. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS Circle Under Berry Carter Higgins. Chronicle, $15.99 (52p) ISBN 978-1-79720-508-3 Using hand-painted paper to create brilliantly hued, shape-based forms that appear against a clean white backdrop, Higgins economically examines ways to observe color, shape, pattern, and position. Soon, the elements begin to vary between shapes, colors, and animals (a frog, a guppy, a pig), drawing readers’ attention while achieving real grace as the items resolve into origami-like forms. more Forty Winks: A Bedtime Adventure Kelly DiPucchio, illus. by Lita Judge. Abrams, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-4197-4552-2 For the Winks, a family of 40 mice—two parents and 38 kids, each one named by DiPucchio—bedtime is adorably unwieldy. In one of Judge’s more inviting pencil and watercolor scenes, mice cover every inch of the floor and furniture, hanging on Mama’s every word. The book’s plentiful pleasure comes from being in the presence of a wonderfully rendered family that lives and loves large. more The Welcome Chair Rosemary Wells, illus. by Jerry Pinkney. S&S/Wiseman, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-5344-2977-2 An inscribed cherrywood rocking chair becomes a symbol of refuge, comfort, and connection for generations of immigrants in this volume by two children’s book luminaries. Pinkney’s elegantly textured watercolor, pencil, and pastel pictures occasionally pull back into historical sweeps. more Paradise on Fire Jewell Parker Rhodes. Little, Brown, $16.99 (256p) ISBN 978-0-316-49383-3 Inspired by real events, Parker Rhodes makes her entrée into climate fiction with the story of narrator Adaugo (Addy), a Black 15-year-old from the Bronx. Addy’s character-driven narrative offers a broad picture of her motivations—including a post-traumatic mindset that’s focused on survival. Parker Rhodes believably explores one Black city girl’s discovery of the wilderness around her. more What About Will Ellen Hopkins. Putnam, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-593-10864-2 In effective verse, Hopkins tells an honest and moving portrait of a family in flux as they navigate newfound emotional and physical distance. Hopkins tenderly portrays a younger brother learning to advocate for himself and those he loves by speaking up and asking for help. more Maybe We’re Electric Val Emmich. Poppy, $17.99 (288p) ISBN 978-0-316-53570-0 New Jersey’s Thomas Edison Center might not seem like the best place to wait out a snowstorm, but two teens bond there after hours in Emmich’s quirky book about the power of honesty and forgiveness—and the temptations of internet anonymity. Emmich uses second-person interludes and Tegan’s emails to her father to show how much Tegan has on her mind; it makes for an effective slow reveal. more	August 5, 2021 People At Candlewick, Dana Eger has been promoted to school and library marketing associate, from school and library marketing coordinator. At Emerald City Literary Agency, D. Ann Williams has been promoted to associate agent, from intern. Jenny Lopez has joined Sourcebooks Jabberwocky and Fire as editorial assistant. Sneak Previews Take a look ahead at some of the big titles for children and teens due out in spring 2022, from picture books to YA novels, in our exclusive roundup. ICYMI The New Children’s Bookselling more A Hybrid Future for Children’s Sales Reps more Kwame Mbalia and Lamar Giles on ‘Black Boy Joy’ more TV Alert: 'Ada Twist, Scientist' more Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? 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In the Spotlight Children's Books for Fall: All Our Coverage Check out our comprehensive A-to-Z listings of publishers’ fall offerings for kids and teens, and more, in our Fall Announcements issue—featuring a cover by Rafael López. Happy reading! more Obituary Ted Lewin Award-winning author-illustrator Ted Lewin, known for his realistic and richly detailed watercolors, died on July 28. He was 86. In all, he illustrated more than 200 books. Anelle Miller, executive director of the Society of Illustrators, said, "Aside from his extraordinary talent, Ted was one of the kindest, gentlest human beings I have ever met.” more SPONSORED If the Shoe Doesn’t Fit, Design Your Own From #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy comes the first in a brand-new adult series inspired by the classic fairy-tale stories we all know and love, perfect for adult readers who crave contemporary, escapist rom-coms. Cindy meets Prince Charming behind the scenes of a reality-TV dating show, in this meant to be novel. MORE ► In the News Dick Robinson's Will Delivers a Surprise to Scholastic A smooth transition for Scholastic following the death of Dick Robinson was called into question last weekend, when it was revealed that Robinson's will left his stake in the company to Iole Lucchese, a company executive. more Every Child a Reader Renames, Revamps Book Awards Every Child a Reader is reimagining its Children's and Teen Choice Book Awards. Now known as the Kids' Book Choice Awards, the initiative aims to build on the flagship program by inviting readers of all ages to vote for their favorite titles. more Book News 'Twenty-One Steps' Celebrates the Centennial of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sits on a hill in the center of Arlington National Cemetery, with a stunning view of Washington, D.C. The Tomb, which honors all unidentified fallen soldiers, marks its 100th anniversary this November. We spoke with author Jeff Gottesfeld and illustrator Matt Tavares about their picture book Twenty-One Steps, which conveys their reverence for the Tomb and for the soldiers who guard it. more On the Scene Authors Guild Diversity Webinar Asks: Can Book Publishing Change? The Authors Guild's virtual panel "Centering Black Voices: Short-Term Progress or Sustainable Change?," held on July 27, offered a wide-ranging examination of the history and potential of the book industry’s continuing struggle to address diversity. more Q & A Jerry Spinelli The author of more than two dozen books, including Newbery winner Maniac McGee and the bestselling Stargirl novels, Jerry Spinelli is back with a new novel for young readers. In Dead Wednesday, the lives of a shy boy and a deceased, charismatic girl collide during an annual middle-school ritual. Spinelli spoke with us about his latest book and digging up story ideas. Q: What do you hope that readers take away from the interaction between Worm and Becca in Dead Wednesday? A: I like to think that whatever message I deliver I am not aware of. My goal is to write a good story so that readers want to keep turning the pages. Sooner or later the messages will come—I just let it happen. In the case of Dead Wednesday, I started out with a quote by Emily Dickinson that I include at the beginning of the book: “That it will never come again/ Is what makes life so sweet.” I could not say it any better. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Publisher - Little Bee Books - , NY. President - Dreamscape Media, LLC - Holland, OH. Assistant Editor - Rizzoli International Publications Inc. - New York, NY. eCommerce Marketing Manager - Fox Chapel Publishing Co. - Mount Joy, PA. Associate Production Manager - Little Bee Books - , NY. Rights Report Mary Kate Castellani at Bloomsbury has acquired, at auction, She Is a Haunting by Trang Thanh Tran. This YA coming-of-age ghost story sets a girl's navigation of her Vietnamese American bisexual identity against both the dark legacy of colonialism and a blossoming summer romance, when she visits her estranged father in Vietnam and learns that the house they share is haunted. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023, and an untitled YA novel is scheduled for winter 2024; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management negotiated the six-figure deal for world English rights. Wendy Loggia at Delacorte Press has bought world English rights to The Queen's Cup by Jordyn Taylor (Don't Breathe a Word), pitched as John Tucker Must Die meets Promising Young Woman in a darkly comic YA feminist mystery. A top-secret competition at a private school to see who on campus has the most sexual prowess ends with a popular LAX captain's disappearance, told from the POV of a girl who only wanted to find a boy who liked her but discovered her classmates' dark side. Publication is set for spring 2023; Danielle Burby at Mad Woman Literary Agency represented the author, in the agency’s first deal. Sarah Barley at Flatiron has acquired world rights, in a preempt, to Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min, a best friends to enemies to lovers story with AAPI leads, celebrating first love and second chances, anime and indie rock, and transitions of all kinds, set against the background of a competitive high school marching band and the Los Angeles music scene. Publication is tentatively planned for summer 2022; Dana Murphy at the Book Group brokered the deal. Sasha Henriques at Random House has bought world rights to Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen, first in a new trilogy within the DC Icons universe detailing Harley Quinn's origin story from vigilante teenager to supervillainess. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Susan Hawk at Upstart Crow represented the author. Jonah Heller at Peachtree Teen has acquired world rights to contemporary YA debut The Art of Insanity by Christine Webb. Following a car accident, high school senior Natalie Cordova has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. As she navigates new friendships, romance, and an upcoming art competition, Natalie must overcome her mother's shame, handle her family's hidden past, and acknowledge her mental health needs to fully embrace her life. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Emily Keyes at Fuse Literary represented the author. Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in an exclusive submission, two middle grade novels by Chris Baron (All of Me; The Magical Imperfect). The first, The Gray World, tells the story of city kid Sasha who goes to stay with his aunt in the country while battling fierce anxiety which sends him to a place he calls the "Gray World"; and Forest Heart, in which 12-year-old Oliver and his friend Eve try to save their community, the heart of the forest nearby, and the animals that inhabit it, from both the wildfires that threaten to devour it and the developers that are trying to change the landscape forever. The books are set for spring 2023 and spring 2024, respectively; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency did the two-book deal for North American rights. Carolina Ortiz at HarperCollins has acquired debut middle grade novel Sincerely Sicily by founder of Es Mi Cultura Tamika Burgess, in a two-book deal. The book features 11-year-old Sicily, who learns to use her voice and take pride in her Black Panamanian heritage while confronting a new school, friendship drama, and prejudice both in the classroom and at home. Publication is planned for winter 2023, with an untitled second book to follow in winter 2024; Regina Brooks at Serendipity Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights. Annie Berger at Sourcebooks Young Readers has bought North American rights to Come Out, Come Out by Lindsay Currie (Scritch Scratch, What Lives in the Woods). This spooky middle-grade novel features an aspiring girl detective who must decode a series of ominous clues, which may be tied to a century-old tragedy, to find a missing teenager before it's too late. Publication is slated for fall 2023, with an untitled second novel to follow in 2024; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency did the two-book deal. Britny Brooks at Running Press Kids has acquired Roll for Initiative by Jaime Formato. This middle grade debut follows Riley Henderson as she steps out of her brother’s protective shadow and behind the Dungeon Master's screen, discovering friendship, resourcefulness, and the ability to take initiative on her geeky journey of independence and self-reliance. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Lauren Keller Galit at LKG Agency brokered the deal for North American rights. Dena Neusner at Apples & Honey Press has bought The Unexpected Adventures of C.A.T., a chapter book by Johanna Hurwitz, in a two-book deal. Chaia Ann Tober takes a tiny taste of cat food and dreams that she has turned into a cat. It felt so real; was it a dream, or did it actually happen? The books are tentatively planned for publication in spring 2023 and fall 2023; Liz Nealon at Great Dog Literary negotiated the deal for world rights. Christy Ottaviano at Little, Brown/Christy Ottaviano Books has acquired, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Little Red by Will Hillenbrand (Santa's Story). This winter-themed picture book for fans of Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton features a little vehicle determined to help its community during a snowstorm. It’s set for fall 2023; Brenda Bowen at the Book Group handled the deal. Arthur Levine at Levine Querido has bought, in a preempt, Something Great, a picture book by Jeanette Bradley (Love, Mama) about Quinn, a nonbinary maker kid who uses their creativity and some recyclable materials to craft a versatile invention that can do all sorts of things—including make a friend. Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt did the deal for world rights, with publication expected in spring 2023. Rachel Matson at Cartwheel has acquired, in a three-book deal, world rights to Not an Egg, Not a Pumpkin, and Not a Heart by Susie Lee Jin, novelty books about shapes that are not what they seem. Publication is scheduled to begin in spring 2023; Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the author-illustrator. Hilary Van Dusen at MIT Kids/Candlewick has bought world rights to Isabel and the Invisible World by Alan Lightman (l.) (Ada and the Galaxies). When Isabel receives a prism for her birthday, she can suddenly see a whole world of light that was previously invisible. Ramona Kaulitzki will illustrate; publication is set for spring 2023. Deborah Schneider at Gelfman Schneider Literary Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Sydnee Monday at Kokila has acquired Joy Takes Root, a picture book about a girl who learns about the sacred connective practices of plant work and herbal medicine in her Grammy's abundant garden, by Gwendolyn Wallace (l.), illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats Award winner Ashleigh Corrin. The book is slated to publish in summer 2023; Wendi Gu at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates represented the author, and Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator. Kendra Levin at S&S has bought world rights to Rick the Rock of Room 214, a new picture book from The Great Indoors pair author Julie Falatko (l.) and illustrator Ruth Chan, about a classroom rock specimen who is full of ennui, in a two-book deal. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Falatko, and Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented Chan. Russ Busse at Abrams acquired, and Sara Sproull will edit, Skeleton Stomp: A Haunted Tour of the White House by Jarrett Dapier (l.), illustrated by Lee Gatlin, a picture book about a band of skeleton drummers that take a haunted tour of the White House during a Halloween celebration, discovering the many ghosts that roam its halls. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties sold world rights for the author and illustrator. Karen Boss at Charlesbridge has bought world rights to Forever Cousins, written by Laurel Goodluck (l.) (Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation & Tsimshian), illustrated by Jonathan Nelson (Diné) (First Laugh—Welcome Baby). In this Native American picture book, Kara and Amanda are best-friend cousins, but when Amanda leaves the city to move back to the Rez, will their friendship stay the same? Publication is set for fall 2022; Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself. Kate Farrell at Holt has acquired world rights, in an exclusive submission, to Invaders from Mars: The Truth About Babies, written by Peggy Robbins Janousky (l.), illustrated by Karen Obuhanych. In this picture book, a sonogram misunderstanding leads a boy to believe his baby sister is part of a Martian invasion. And he's right! Publication is slated for spring 2023; Joyce Sweeney at the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the artist. Charlie Ilgunas at Little Bee Books has bought world rights to I'm Not Missing by Kashelle Gourley (l.), illustrated by Skylar Hogan. Sick of the stresses of pet life, one dog escapes to fulfill his true Lone Wolf destiny, but then sees his owner with a new dog and feels unexpectedly jealous. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Christa Heschke at McIntosh & Otis represented the author and the illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the Detroit Free Press: Jason Reynolds credits Queen Latifah's music for starting his path to bestselling author. CLICK HERE From the Hollywood Reporter: Clifford the Big Red Dog Pulled From September Release Amid Delta Variant Concerns. CLICK HERE From CBS Sunday Morning: Bob McKinnon authored a companion to The Little Engine That Could, in which empathy and assisting others helps his characters overcome trouble. CLICK HERE From People: LeVar Burton Immortalized with Figurine Designed to Encourage Kids to Read. CLICK HERE From NPR: YA Lit: A Guide for the Perplexed—And the Just Plain Curious. CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: Blackness on the Margins: What Ann M. Martin Asked of Jessi in The Baby-Sitters Club. CLICK HERE From Greater Good Science Center: Nine Picture Books That Illuminate Black Joy. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS What I Am Divya Srinivasan. Viking, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-593-20401-6 Based on a scenario that Srinivasan’s sister once faced, the author-illustrator offers an empowering, accessible response to the often racially motivated question, “What are you?” This volume succeeds in restoring the dignity and nuance to identity that an all-too-common microaggression often condenses. more Dream Street Tricia Elam Walker, illus. by Ekua Holmes. Random/Schwartz, $17.99 (32p) ISBN 978-0-525-58110-9 Each spread in this powerful evocation of a warm, closely knit Black neighborhood offers a short sketch-in-language of one of its inhabitants by Elam Walker and a vivid, brilliant collage portrait by Holmes. A buoyant celebration of community nourishment, extolling the virtues of supporting children in dreaming freely and fully. more Lotería Karla Arenas Valenti, illus. by Dana Sanmar. Knopf, $16.99 (320p) ISBN 978-0-593-17696-2 From the first line of this philosophical debut, Arenas Valenti demonstrates a gift for interweaving immersive, sensory-rich storytelling with a thoughtful discussion of fate vs. determinism. Fans of Coco will savor this tale and Sanmar’s occasional illustrations, which visualize Clara and Esteban’s journeys and the Lotería cards as the game progresses. more Rainbow in the Dark Sean McGinty. Clarion, $17.99 (336p) ISBN 978-0-358-38037-5 McGinty plays with storytelling and the subconscious as gender- and ethnically-unspecified Rainbow struggles to reconcile memories of teenage life with their current existence in the Wilds. Relayed chiefly through an enthralling second-person perspective, this dark yet hopeful tale, ideal for fans of A.S. King or the Shustermans’ Challenger Deep, balances humor and existentialism with great aplomb. more Dark and Shallow Lies Ginny Myers Sain. Razorbill, $17.99 (432p) ISBN 978-0-5934-0396-9 Grey returns every summer to La Cachette, La., to help run her grandmother’s spiritualist bookstore. Infused with Creole and Cajun legends and language, Myers Sain’s dreamy prose conjures a mythical Southern Gothic atmosphere, mixing violence with a Byronic characterization of Elora’s stepbrother Hart. Taut pacing builds sustained terror on the page with each successive suspect in this formidable debut. more	August 3, 2021 People BookEnds Jr. has two promotions. Tracy Marchini has been promoted to senior literary agent, from literary agent. Emily Forney has been promoted to literary agent, from associate agent. Random House Children's Books has a promotion and a new hire. Kristopher Kam has been promoted to publicity manager, from senior publicist. Brennam Bond has joined as a production assistant. For a look at July's job moves, including new hires and promotions, click here. On-Sale Calendar It’s back to school for publishers as August stuffs backpacks with plenty of new titles for young readers, including Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia, How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Rachel Vasquez Gilliland, and How We Fall Apart by Katie Zhao, among many others. Animal lovers can add to their Cat Problems by Jory John, illustrated by Lane Smith, and Alyssa Satin Capucilli’s Hello, Biscuit! Hello, Friends!, illustrated by Pat Schories. Comic fans can look forward to a new team in Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic by Stephen Shaskan. And picture book readers can find their inner strength in Be Strong by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Jen Hill, and Chez Bob by Bob Shea. For more titles releasing this month, check out PW's On Sale Calendar. Bestsellers Children's Frontlist Fiction #1 Wave of the Sea Dragon (Dragon Masters #19) by Tracey West, illus. by Matt Loveridge. Click here Picture Books #1 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Click here Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Please follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page. CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.

In the Spotlight A Hybrid Future for Children’s Sales Reps Sales reps took on an unprecedented workload during the past 16 months, adapting to the needs of booksellers while working remotely. The question of which of their pandemic-era innovations are effective, and which should go by the wayside, is one that many are considering as they return to in-person appointments. more Second Chances Pandemic Missed Connections In this second installment of our new series, we asked editors to tell us about a book of theirs, published during the pandemic, that they wish had gotten more love. more Soapbox Reading Beyond Neurodivergent Stereotypes Writer Jen Malia says the book business's treatment of neurodivergent authors needs to change. "Popular, award-winning books with neurodivergent characters written by authors who don’t have lived experiences of neurodivergence permeate the publishing landscape. Some of the common and harmful stereotypes that appear in these books show neurodivergent kids as burdens to their families, or depict neurodivergent protagonists who 'overcome' their disabilities," she says. more TV Alert 'Ada Twist, Scientist' A pint-sized scientist with a giant-sized curiosity is making the leap from bestselling books to the TV screen this fall, based on the Questioneers picture book series written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. The new Netflix animated series, Ada Twist, Scientist, launches on September 28. more Q & A Divya Srinivasan Author, illustrator, and animator Divya Srinivasan made her debut with the 2011 picture book Little Owl's Night, which became a bestseller and the start of a popular series. Srinivasan's new book, What I Am, has deeply personal origins. Srinivasan spoke with PW about microaggressions, her family's conversations, and the significance of identity labels. Q: How do you think your book resonates in the present moment? A: I’d love if the book gets people to think about how they see themselves and why, and how much of your self-identity is based on what someone else has said about you. Who is that person? What did they base their judgment on? Is it representative of who you are as a whole? How is it different from what all that you think you are? more Out Next Week Hot Off the Presses: Week of August 2 Among the books hitting shelves next week are a picture book about the music that bridges the distance between a Cuban girl and her grandfather, a middle grade novel about a boy who fancies himself a Viking, and a YA nonfiction title that introduces intersectional feminism. more In Brief In Brief: July 29, 2021 This month, Brianna Bourne and Jennifer Lynn Barnes celebrate their YA novel, Rina Heisel launches a new adventure, and Madison Murphy flips for a great read. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! President - Dreamscape Media, LLC - Holland, OH. Assistant Editor - Rizzoli International Publications Inc. - New York, NY. eCommerce Marketing Manager - Fox Chapel Publishing Co. - Mount Joy, PA. Associate Production Manager - Little Bee Books - , NY. Marketing and Sales Director - Univ. of Washington Press - Seattle, WA. Rights Report Krista Marino at Delacorte Press has acquired, at auction, in a two-book deal, A Hunger of Thorns by Lili Wilkinson (Pink), a standalone YA fantasy set in a world in which magic is patented by corporations and potions are produced in factories and sweatshops. In the story, a teenage girl’s best friend goes missing; to find her she must enter the long-forgotten nuclear power plant on the edge of town, and try not to set free the wild magic that has long been trapped there. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Katelyn Detweiler at Jill Grinberg Literary Management sold North American rights. Sylvan Creekmore at Wednesday Books has bought, at auction, a YA contemporary fantasy duology called Godly Heathens, plus one more book, by H.E. Edgmon (The Witch King), pitched as American Gods meets All Of Us Villains, in which a nonbinary Seminole teen from a southern town discovers they are the reincarnated god of magic and must hunt down and destroy the one weapon capable of permanently killing a god, before the lives—and loves—they've had through the centuries catch up to them. Publication of the first book is set for winter 2024; Lee O'Brien and Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary Agency did the three-book deal for world rights. Alexandra Cooper at Quill Tree has acquired Café Con Lychee by Meet Cute Diary author Emery Lee, a dual POV enemies-to-lovers contemporary rom-com following rival sons of competing family businesses—a Puerto Rican bakery and an Asian American cafe—who form an unlikely alliance running an underground coffee and boba shop at school after a new fusion cafe threatens their parents' stores. Publication is slated for 2022; Claire Draper at the Bent Agency brokered the deal for world English rights. Mark Podesta at Henry Holt has acquired the YA graphic novel Walker by Clive Hawken. A transgender teenager hits the road in search of a monster in this debut that explores the complexities of otherness and connection. Though it doesn't attract the same attention as Mothman or Sasquatch, the "Plains Walker" is a legendary cryptid, feared and beloved in its own right; the question is, does it actually exist? Publication is scheduled for 2024; Alex Slater at Trident Media Group negotiated the deal for world rights. Sarah McCabe at McElderry Books has bought Cruel Illusions by Margie Fuston, a contemporary YA fantasy pitched as Caraval meets Buffy. When Ava joins a troupe of stage magicians who moonlight as vampire hunters, she believes she finally has her chance to find the vampire who killed her mother. But if she wants to keep her newfound family and the power they offer, she must put on the performance of her life in a competition where the magic is real and the stakes are deadly. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Rebecca Podos at Rees Literary Agency sold world rights. Tamara Grasty at Page Street has bought Direwood, a debut by Catherine Yu. In the YA gothic horror novel, 16-year-old Aja, whose sister Fiona disappears when a strange weather event isolates their town, must put her trust in a vicious but alluring vampire if she wants to see her sister again. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Erin Clyburn at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights. Debra Dorfman at Scholastic has acquired world rights to the first two books in a new middle grade series by James Preller, Exit 13, described as Schitt's Creek meets Stranger Things; Conor Lloyd will edit. Two young teens, their dog, and their parents become trapped in a mysterious—and creepy—motel. Publication is set to begin in fall 2022; Elizabeth Bennett at Transatlantic Agency handled the deal in an exclusive submission. Allison Moore at Bloomsbury has acquired middle grade novel The Science of Sisters by Edith Cohn (Birdie's Billions), about a meteor that lands in a small town and causes two sisters to question everything. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Stephanie Fretwell-Hill at Red Fox Literary brokered the deal for world rights. Shana Corey at Random House has bought world rights to Lo and Behold, a middle grade graphic novel by Wendy Mass (l.) (The Candymakers), illustrated by Gabi Mendez. With her life recently turned upside down, 12-year-old Addie is uncomfortable in her own skin until the world of virtual reality sparks her imagination and leads to an exciting new project, a new friend, and to reconnecting with who she's always been. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Ginger Knowlton at Curtis Brown Ltd. represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Melissa Rhodes Zahorsky at Andrews McMeel has bought Wheel of the Year by Fiona Cook (l.), illustrated by Jessica Roux (Floriography). The illustrated encyclopedia explores the eight holidays in the pagan calendar, complete with ideas on how to engage children with the magic of nature as it changes throughout the year. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Alyssa Jennette at Stonesong negotiated the deal for world rights. Megan Abbate, while at Roaring Brook, acquired Nowhere Better Than Here by Sarah Guillory; Kate Meltzer will edit. The middle-grade novel follows 12-year-old Jillian Robichaux as she fights to save her Louisiana hometown and keep its spirit alive after a devastating storm. Publication is set for spring 2022. Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn brokered the deal for world rights; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary represented the author. Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow has bought Hey Otter! Hey Beaver! by Caldecott Honor artist Brian Pinkney. The picture book explores the differences between work-driven Beaver and play-oriented Otter as they discuss what to do with sticks in a river. Publication is planned for 2022; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House did the two-book deal for world rights. Nancy Mercado at Dial has acquired world rights to A Maleta Full of Treasures, a picture book by International Latino Book Award-winning author Natalia Sylvester (l.) (Running; Everyone Knows You Go Home), illustrated by Pura Belpré Award-winning artist Juana Medina (Juana & Lucas). In the book, a girl anticipates a visit from her grandmother and wonders what she will pack in her suitcase. Abuela brings candies and pictures, but she also brings connection to family and a home far away, and a grandmother's wisdom. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Laura Dail at Laura Dail Literary Agency represented the author, and Gillian MacKenzie at Gillian MacKenzie Agency represented the artist. Kate Fletcher at Candlewick has bought world rights to the picture book At the Window by Hope Lim (l.), illustrated by Qin Leng. A special connection forged between a girl and her neighbor shifts the child's perspective, allowing her to see things she had not previously discovered. Publication is set for spring 2025; Tanusri Prasanna at DeFiore and Company represented the author, and Tamara Shannon at Shannon Associates represented the artist. Rotem Moscovich at Knopf has acquired world rights to The More You Give by Marcy Campbell (l.) (Adrian Simcox Does Not Have a Horse), illustrated by Francesca Sanna. A modern-day response to The Giving Tree, this picture book explores the familial love that is passed down from generation to generation. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Steven Malk of Writers House represented the author, and Andrea Morrison of Writers House represented the illustrator. Anna Roberto at Feiwel and Friends has bought at auction world rights to Annie's Cat Is Sad by Heather Smith (l.), illustrated by Karen Obuhanych, about a girl and her cat as they navigate the difficulties of feeling sad after having a bad day. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Amy Tompkins at Transatlantic Agency represented the author, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Emma Ledbetter at Abrams will edit Peaches, acquired by Russ Busse in a preempt for world rights, written by Gabriele Davis (l.) and illustrated by Kim Holt. In this picture book, a Black girl brings solace to her family through a treasured family recipe. Publication is slated for August 2023; Joyce Sweeney of the Seymour Agency represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the artist. Alyza Liu at Atheneum has bought world rights to The Moon from Dehradun by Shirin Shamsi (l.), illustrated by Tarun Lak, a picture book about a girl who leaves her beloved doll behind as her family migrates to Pakistan in the aftermath of the partitioning of British India in 1947. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Saba Sulaiman at Talcott Notch represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself. Andrea Spooner at Little, Brown has acquired, in a preempt, world rights to Wings of an Eagle: The Gold Medal Dreams of Billy Mills, an autobiographical picture book by Billy Mills (l.) and co-authored by Donna Janell Bowman (c.); Lakota artist S.D. Nelson (r.) will illustrate. The book recounts Mills's experience as an Oglala Lakota orphan growing up on the Pine Ridge Reservation who achieved his dream of winning a gold medal in the 1964 Olympics despite racism, poverty, and debilitating health challenges, and who went on to found charitable organizations such as Running Strong that improve the lives of Native people. Publication is set for summer 2024; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency represented the authors, and the artist represented himself. Samantha Gentry at Little, Brown has bought world rights to two picture books by Raakhee Mirchandani (l.). The first, My Diwali Light, follows one girl's family tradition as they celebrate Diwali, to be illustrated by Supriya Kelkar (c.); publication is set for fall 2022. The second, Mama's Roti, focuses on the life-giving force of roti, where it comes from, the farmers who make it happen, and what it symbolizes to a family in America and India, to be illustrated by Shreya Gupta (r.); publication is planned for winter 2023. Liza Fleissig at Liza Royce Agency represented Mirchandani, Kathleen Rushall at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented Kelkar, and Andrea Morrison at Writers House represented Gupta. Amy Novesky at Cameron Books has acquired world rights to Poems About Animals in Pants by debut author Suzy Levinson (l.), illustrated by husband-and-wife team Kristen Howdeshell (c.) and Kevin Howdeshell (r.). This picture book features a plethora of creatures donning britches, from squirrels in tracksuits to flamingos in capris. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Rachel Orr at Prospect Agency represented the author, and Illustration Online represented the illustrators. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From Datebook: Review: Kids’ books take on the upside-down world of the pandemic. CLICK HERE From NPR: Pop Culture Happy Hour: Diving into the World of Young Adult Fiction. CLICK HERE From the New York Times: France Gave Teenagers $350 for Culture. They're Buying Comic Books. CLICK HERE From StarTribune: Target collaborates with children's book author Christian Robinson. CLICK HERE From the New York Times: ‘Arthur’ To End at PBS Kids After 25 Years. CLICK HERE From Literary Hub: What Is the Point of Children’s Books About the Climate Crisis? CLICK HERE From Book Riot: Little Free Diverse Libraries: What They Are and How You Can Help. CLICK HERE From the Guardian: Winnie-the-Pooh goes to Harrods in authorized A.A. Milne prequel. CLICK HERE From Country Life: The Enduring Appeal of Peter Rabbit. CLICK HERE From Bookish Girl Magic: Give Me All the Stories Please: An Ode to Anthologies. CLICK HERE From BuzzFeed: 17 Film and TV Adaptations Based on Young Adult Books That Are Coming to Screens Soon. CLICK HERE From Oprah Daily: 28 Best Book Character-Inspired Costumes That You Can Easily DIY. CLICK HERE From Brightly: 15 Comforting Picture Books for Kids with Separation Anxiety. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS There’s a Ghost in This House Oliver Jeffers. Philomel, $27.99 (80p) ISBN 978-0-593-46618-6 Decidedly unscary ghosts—the kind that look like sheets with holes for eyes—lurk in a house being searched by a green-skinned, pigtailed child in this novelty-leaning picture book. Since readers decide when the ghosts appear, anxiety-inducing suspense isn’t an issue in this conceptually comic treat that puts the reader in control. more Poultrygeist Eric Geron, illus. by Pete Oswald. Candlewick, $16.99 (32p) ISBN 978-1-5362-1050-7 When a chicken gets hit by a truck while crossing the road, it ends up on a very different “other side” than intended. An amusing concept and attendant wordplay by debut author Geron gets a big assist from Oswald’s marvelous digital illustrations: intricate, iridescent textures; fluorescent colors; and lots of comic exaggeration evoke a spectral world that’s also reassuringly silly. more Amira & Hamza Samira Ahmed. Little, Brown, $16.99 (368p) ISBN 978-0-316-54046-9 A budding astronomer and self-proclaimed “nerd,” Amira, this novel’s Muslim, Indian American narrator, can’t wait to witness an upcoming lunar extravaganza. Ahmed centers her fast-paced middle grade debut on a deeply engaging heroine, foil to her more reckless and charming brother. The siblings’ relationship lends authenticity and humor to the folklore-inspired narrative. more Born Behind Bars Padma Venkatraman. Penguin/Paulsen, $17.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-593-11247-2 Nine-year-old Kabir Khan has known nothing but the Chennai prison where he was born. But when a new warden arrives, he’s forced to leave it—and the mother he believes innocent of the crime for which she was imprisoned. Venkatraman renders the gripping circumstances surrounding Kabir and Rani’s journey with a keen attention to character and plot, making for an immersive reading experience. more Pony R.J. Palacio. Knopf, $17.99 (304p) ISBN 978-0-553-50811-6 When he’s struck by lightning in front of an oak tree, Silas Bird, has the tree’s image permanently imprinted on his back. Palacio’s cued-white characters are simultaneously crusty and charming in their altruistic bravado, and the blend of rambling western, scientific, and paranormal elements mixed with lingering questions about Silas’s father’s past will appeal to many. more The Last Legacy Adrienne Young. Wednesday, $18.99 (336p) ISBN 978-1-250-82372-4 In this sumptuously rendered historical novel, Young deftly explores concepts of family, loyalty, and growing into one’s destiny. Minimalist world-building in a quasi-Victorian setting foregrounds the novel’s focus on the way the complicated, cued-white family’s structure subsumes individual needs, while Bryn’s arc of self-discovery unfolds with an appealing yearning. more	July 29, 2021 People At Random House Children's Books, Denise DeGennaro, executive v-p, managing editorial and copyediting, will retire at the end of the year. Janet Foley is being promoted to v-p, executive director, managing editorial and copyediting, effective August 1; she was formerly director, managing editorial. Candlewick has one new hire and one promotion. Rachel Wood will be returning to the company as senior book designer; she previously worked at Candlewick from 2010 to 2017. Jamie Tan has been promoted to publicity manager, from senior publicist. At HarperCollins Children's Books, Erika DiPasquale has been promoted to assistant editor, from editorial assistant. Andie Divelbiss is joining Little, Brown Books for Young Readers as marketing assistant; she previously interned at Pippin Properties and Sterling Publishing. ICYMI Spring 2022 Sneak Previews more SCBWI Director Announces Retirement Amid Controversy more Obituary: Floyd Cooper more Margaret Raymo to Join Little, Brown more Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page! CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.

In the Spotlight The New Children’s Bookselling Despite predictions of a pandemic-induced retail apocalypse, booksellers swiftly incorporated new tools, learned novel skills, deepened their engagement with readers, and survived, and in some cases thrived. Having adapted their businesses to the most extreme retail challenges in generations, many are now taking stock of which pandemic-era changes are here to stay. more In Conversation Kwame Mbalia and Lamar Giles We asked authors Kwame Mbalia and Lamar Giles to interview each other about their work on Mbalia's new middle grade anthology, Black Boy Joy, a collection of 17 stories, comics, and poems that celebrate the wonders of Black boyhood. "There’s something beautiful about seeing the unrestrained joy and smile of children, specifically Black children," Mbalia said. more SPONSORED Surfer Mop Returns with a New Ride! Mop takes what he's learned about riding the good waves and letting the bad waves go by, and throws a concert to clean up the ocean with his new band, The Coconut Heads. Surfer-dad Jaimal Yogis teaches 4-8 year-olds timeless beach wisdom with the continuing story of Mop. With stylish full-color beachy illustrations by So-Cal surfer Matt Allen. WATCH NOW ► On the Scene 'A Radical Decision': David Wiesner on Wordless Picture Books "It's a radical decision not to use words," picture book creator David Wiesner told an online audience last Thursday, July 22, in a lecture for an exhibition that he curated at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. "When the artist removes the text, they invite readers to decode the pictures for themselves." more In the News Scholastic to Host Free Virtual Event for Families For kids and caregivers who have been missing some of the typical opportunities to engage with books and come face-to-face with authors this past year, Scholastic is presenting its first-ever Family Book Fest, on July 31. more Reading Roundup New and Noteworthy Kids' and YA Books: July 2021 New books hitting shelves this month include a picture book from wellness expert Mallika Chopra, a middle grade tale exploring the importance of family legacy, a contemporary YA romance set in Seoul, and more. more Q & A Jeff Zentner Named a PW Flying Start in 2016, Jeff Zentner has since written three more acclaimed novels, the most recent of which is In the Wild Light. Zentner spoke with PW about his mission to combat toxic masculinity, the need for a more nuanced depiction of Appalachian people, and how his own journey to becoming a poet informed Cash's story. Q: Many of the characters in this book challenge expectations and stereotypes, like many of the male-identifying characters actively rejecting toxic masculinity. Can you speak about these characterization choices and their importance? A: The fight against toxic masculinity is something I took on subconsciously when I started writing books, but by the time I started writing In the Wild Light, I had accepted that this is a question I’m actively trying to contend with through my writing. It’s my ministry, if you will, to young men, particularly southern young men, because it is such a destructive force on an interpersonal and societal level. more SPONSORED PW KidsCast: Listen Now Hear our latest podcasts, featuring Jo Watson, Michael G. Long, Tracy Deonn, Hafsah Faizal, Carlos Hernandez, Supriya Kelkar, Brittney Morris, Christopher Myers, and Rebecca Stead – listen to these and other top writers and artists discuss their new books for children and teens in our PW KidsCast podcast. Click here to listen.   For more about these and other great jobs, visit the new PW JobZone, now with resume hosting and more! Associate Production Manager - Little Bee Books - , NY. Marketing Manager - Fiction and Non-Fiction - HarperCollins Publishers - New York, NY. Marketing and Sales Director - Univ. of Washington Press - Seattle, WA. Editorial Assistant - Frank Weil - Anywhere, . Editor, Business - McGraw Hill - , . Rights Report Aneeka Kalia at Viking has acquired, in a six-figure, five-house auction, Punk Rock Karaoke, a YA graphic novel by cartoonist Bianca Xunise. Although going to college may be the most traditional path post-high school, for Ariel and her bandmates Michele and Gael that dream seems as impossible as becoming punk rock stars. But at least in becoming famous, they'll finally be able to escape a cycle of poverty that plagues them all. Publication is set for summer 2023; Linda Camacho at Gallt and Zacker Literary Agency brokered the two-book deal for North American rights. Sophia Jimenez at Atheneum has bought world English rights to debut novel The Vines in the Wall by Lauren Yero, a star-crossed YA love story set in a near-future Chile where walled-in cities protect the world's wealthy few from the outside world's environmental devastation, in which a boy, desperate to save his father, must rely on Paz, a girl working in secret with rebels who want to destroy his whole world. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Andrea Somberg at Harvey Klinger negotiated the deal. Cheryl Klein at Lee & Low/Tu Books has acquired world rights to Boys of The Beast, the debut novel from screenwriter and YA librarian Monica Zepeda. In the book, three cousins who barely know one another—one Jewish and gay, one evangelical Christian and uptight, and one a stoner and dropout—set off for New Mexico in their late Grandma Lupe's 1988 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe, with each boy traveling for his own secret reasons. The manuscript won the publisher's New Visions Award. Publication is slated for February 2022; Tricia Lawrence of Erin Murphy Literary represented the author. Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown/Poppy has bought This Night Is Ours by Ronni Davis, a YA novel that follows a teen girl's uncertainty about the future, familial pressure, and a budding romance with one of her best friends the summer before college. Publication is planned for summer 2023; Caitie Flum at Liza Dawson Associates brokered the deal for world rights. Amy Fitzgerald at Lerner/Carolrhoda Lab has acquired debut YA novel Funeral Girl by Emma K. Ohland. Georgia has complicated feelings about the funeral home her parents run, especially because she has the ability to revive the souls of the dead. When a newly deceased classmate turns up at the funeral home—and asks for Georgia's help with unfinished business—Georgia must confront her anxieties about mortality head on. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Jim McCarthy at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret did the deal for world rights. Hannah Hill at Delacorte has bought North American rights to The 51 Files, a debut middle grade series by YA author Julie Buxbaum (l.) (Tell Me Three Things), illustrated by Lavanya Naidu. What Happens in Area 51…, the first book in this humorous, illustrated series pitched as The Last Kids on Earth meets Men in Black, follows orphan Sky as she goes to live with her enigmatic uncle and discovers that her new hometown of Area 51 is full of aliens. But when several aliens disappear and suspicion falls on Sky and her uncle, Sky must team up with her otherworldly friend Elvis, her pizza-loving pet hedgehog, and Elvis's fluffy pup to solve the case. Publication of book one is set for fall 2022; Jennifer Joel at ICM Partners represented the author, and the illustrator represented herself. Mark Siegel at First Second has acquired Squire & Knight and its sequel, by Scott Chantler, a middle-grade graphic novel about a brainy young squire who solves mysteries involving monsters and magic, but the overbearing knight he serves takes the credit every time. Publication is slated for 2023; Samantha Haywood at Transatlantic Agency negotiated the deal for world rights. Arthur Levine at Levine Querido has bought Aviva vs. the Dybbuk, a debut middle grade novel by Mari Lowe, about an Orthodox Jewish girl, haunted by a ghostly dybbuk and by the aftermath of tragic events that took her father from her and left her mother in a grief-induced depression. In the context of new anti-Semitic threats, Aviva must find a way to reconnect with her best friend and the close community that surrounds them, if she's to get beyond both the dybbuk and her troubles. Publication is planned for spring 2022; Tamar Rydzinski at Context Literary Agency brokered the deal for world English and Dutch rights. Tricia Lin at Random House has acquired middle-grade novel Select by Christie Matheson (Tap the Magic Tree; Shelter), which explores one girl's experience playing competitive soccer on a scholarship, from the challenges she faces traveling to practices and games, to the sometimes negative competitive atmosphere and often insulting behavior of her coach. The novel celebrates girl power, standing up for what's right, and the true spirit of soccer. Publication is set for summer 2023; Stacey Glick at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret handled the deal for world rights. Sally Morgridge at Holiday House has bought The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni (Eleanor, Alice, & the Roosevelt Ghosts), in which 12-year-old Garnet and her mother are summoned against their will to the ancestral estate where a century-old curse decimated three generations of their family, ghosts romp in the attic, doors open to other times, and the dying patriarch seeks to prolong his life by stealing life from others. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023; Sara Crowe of Pippin Properties negotiated the deal for world rights. Dianne Hess at Scholastic has acquired world rights to Because of You, John Lewis by Andrea Davis Pinkney (l.) (Martin Rising), illustrated by Keith Henry Brown. It tells the true story of 10-year-old activist Tybre Faw, a Black boy, who befriends his hero, Congressman John Lewis. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Rebecca Sherman at Writers House represented the author, and Claire Easton at Painted Words represented the illustrator. Jennifer Greene at Clarion Books has bought world rights to Rani, a picture book by Saadia Faruqi (l.), illustrated by Anoosha Syed, about a modern South Asian princess, living in a bustling castle by the sea, who goes out seeking an adventure and finds a friend instead. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Kari Sutherland at Bradford Literary represented the author, and Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator. Esther Cajahuaringa at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to a picture book by Jamie Ofelia (l.) titled Miguel Must Fight!, a bilingual story about challenging social norms, finding common ground with family, and embracing the arts, illustrated by Sara Palacios. Publication is set for summer 2024; Savannah Brooks at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency represented the author, and Kendra Marcus and Minju Chang at Bookstop Literary Agency represented the artist. Lee Wade at Random House Studio has bought The Spot at the End of the Path by Nadine Brun-Cosme (l.), illustrated by Olivier Tallec, a picture book that follows three best friends who do everything together, including coming to the realization that alone time can be equally as important. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Kirsten Hall at Catbird Productions represented the author and the illustrator. Liza Kaplan at Viking has acquired world rights to Not Too Tired for Justice: Black Women and the Civil Rights Movement by NAACP Image Award winner Katheryn Russell-Brown (l.); Kim Holt will illustrate. This biographical-style picture book highlights 12 sheroes of the civil rights movement, and the contributions they made that helped carry the movement forward. Publication is slated for spring 2023; Adriana Dominguez of Full Circle Literary represented the author, and Claire Easton of Painted Words represented the illustrator. Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has bought world rights to Concrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule (l.) (Kafka and the Doll). It's the first title in Material Marvels, a nonfiction series that walks through the history of common materials while touching on some of their social, scientific, and artistic significance. Steve Light (Road Trip) will illustrate; publication is planned for spring 2022. Linda Pratt at Wernick & Pratt Agency represented the author and illustrator. Claudia Zoe Bedrick of Enchanted Lion acquired world rights to The Boy Who Became a Parrot: A Foolish Biography of Edward Lear Who Invented Nonsense by Wolverton Hill (l.), illustrated by Laura Carlin. The book explores Lear's storied life, from his forgotten early work as a natural history artist to how he came to enthrall children as "Lord High Bosh and Nonsense Producer." Publication is set for spring 2024; Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and Helen Osborne of Heart Agency represented the artist. Jonah Heller at Peachtree has bought world rights to Hooked on Books by Margaret Chiu Greanias (l.), illustrated by Kristyna Litten. The picture book follows a grumpy anglerfish who wants to read in peace, but she keeps getting interrupted by noisy neighbors, so she swims deeper in search of the perfect, quiet spot. Publication is scheduled for summer 2023; Sean McCarthy at Sean McCarthy Literary Agency represented the author, and Alan Lynch at Arena Illustration represented the illustrator. Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to a new edition of A Rose, a Bridge and a Wild Black Horse by the late Charlotte Zolotow (l.), a picture book about a girl imagining all the things she'll do for her mother when she grows up, to be illustrated by Governor General's Award finalist Julie Morstad. Publication is slated for spring 2024; Edite Kroll at Edite Kroll Literary Agency represented the author, and Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management represented the illustrator. Courtney Fahy at Little Bee Books has bought world rights to Timid, a picture book written and illustrated by Harry Woodgate (Grandad's Camper) about a child who loves to perform, is confronted by their inner cowardly lion, and has to learn to overcome it, or perhaps work with it, to realize their dream of being a performer. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Alice Sutherland-Hawes at ASH Literary represented the author-illustrator. To see all of this week's deals, click here. IN THE MEDIA From the New York Times: Hong Kong Police Arrest Five Over Children's Books Deemed 'Seditious.' CLICK HERE From the Baltimore Sun: The Children’s Bookstore in Baltimore will close after 43 years. CLICK HERE From ICv2: Eisner Awards 2021: Three Awards for Gene Luen Yang. CLICK HERE From Gizmodo: Netflix's Bone Has a 'Dream Team' Adapting the Classic Comic. CLICK HERE From the New York Times: The Enduring Whimsy and Wonderment of Eric Carle. CLICK HERE From the Star Tribune: Target collaborates with children's book author Christian Robinson. CLICK HERE From BuzzFeed: 17 Young Adult Books That Will Make You Cry. CLICK HERE VIEW ALL FEATURED REVIEWS Vampenguin Lucy Ruth Cummins. Atheneum, $17.99 (48p) ISBN 978-1-5344-6698-2 Though the paper-white Dracula family are vampires, they don’t visit the zoo in the dead of night. Instead, they awaken “extra early so they could beat the weekend crowds”. Cummins’s loose lines and fresh palette emphasize the classic cartoon–esque concept’s hilarity, and young readers will take great joy in noticing the entities hiding in plain sight—as well as the quiet case of mistaken identity. more Ten Spooky Pumpkins Gris Grimly. Orchard, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-338-11244-3 Grimly returns with stylized macabre fun in this Halloween-centric counting book, following a blue-eyed, peach-skinned child in a Pierrot-style clown costume. As a simultaneous counting guide, bedtime book, seasonal read, and source of uncanny year-round fun, this is an absolute treat bolstered by a gently surprising trick. more Maya and the Robot Eve L. Ewing, illus. by Christine Almeda. Kokila, $16.99 (224p) ISBN 978-1-984814-63-0 Maya Robinson is having a tough start to the school year: her best friends, MJ and Jada, are in a different class for the first time since they were five. Interspersed with charming, animation-style b&w illustrations by Almeda, Ewing’s tender-hearted middle grade debut wholly conveys the strength it takes to come out of one’s shell, the thrill of discovery and creation, and the power of pursuing wonder. more Ten Thousand Tries Amy Makechnie. Atheneum, $17.99 (384p) ISBN 978-1-5344-8229-6 Twelve-year-old Golden Maroni, the “smallest boy in the eighth grade. BY FAR,” dreams of emulating his hero, Argentine soccer champion Lionel Messi, and captaining Mudbury Middle School’s team despite his short stature. Makechnie breathes life into both soccer scenes and contemporary struggles in this emotional tour de force centering family, love, grief, and death. more Samira Surfs Rukhsanna Guldroz, illus. by Fahmida Azim. Kokila, $17.99 (416p) ISBN 978-1-984816-19-1 In 2012, Samira, 11, grows up in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, a town ravaged by climate change, with her parents and brother, Khaled, all of whom are unregistered Rohingya refugees after fleeing Burma by boat. With immersive b&w illustrations by Azim, the novel-in-verse stays riveting throughout, as Guldroz deftly employs sensory diction and spare poetic touches to center Samira’s richly told story. more Walls L.M. Elliott, illus. by Megan Behm. Algonquin, $19.95 (352p) ISBN 978-1-64375-024-8 Elliott’s immersive historical fiction novel takes over the course of 12 crucial months of the Cold War, culminating in the sudden erection of the Berlin Wall. Behm’s journalistic photo essay chapter openers smoothly and efficiently render the unfolding of political and cultural events, thrusting readers into the world that Drew and his likable white family and friends inhabit. An expertly crafted, evocative time capsule. more	July 27, 2021 Bestsellers Children's Frontlist Fiction #1 Mothering Heights (Dog Man #10) by Dav Pilkey. Click here Picture Books #1 The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. Click here Follow Us Children's Bookshelf is on Instagram! Please follow us @pwkidsbookshelf. Bookshelf Archives Looking for a previous issue of Children's Bookshelf? Click here for our archives page. CONTACT US Have a comment or suggestion? We'd love to hear from you. Click here to drop us a note.