Kids & YA Newsletter: September 2022

YOUNG ADULT

The Angel Island Immigration Station in California opened in the early 20th century as a detention center and interrogation facility for immigrants to the United States; it functioned primarily to monitor and exclude Chinese immigrants to America under the Chinese Exclusion Act. In Freeman Ng’s ANGELS, a novel in verse, teenager Soo Tai Go arrives on the island in 1926 with his father and grandfather. Held indefinitely, Tai and his family members work to memorize and perfect their “paper stories,” intensely detailed personal histories connecting them to relatives already residing in the States. Under prison-like conditions, Tai is subjected to humiliating medical exams, intentionally misleading interrogations, and a bone-deep despair that leads a fellow detainee to suicide. He also discovers the poems written by detainees on the walls of the barracks expressing their sorrow, anger, and hope. Throughout his detention, he is pulled between various forces that exist within the detainee community, such as the Association, a self-governing body he initially sees as an extension of their oppressors, and a group of militant detainees who are ready to take more forceful actions for their rights. Ultimately, Tai will have to learn his own limits and that we are not always the heroes of our own stories. This novel gives thrilling voice to the past in ways that help us understand our present. (Please note, Jim McCarthy is the agent on this project.)

When Ashley Hope Perez was a high school teacher in the mid-aughts, nothing gave her a greater sense of satisfaction than matching kids with great books. If she were still teaching high school, she’d be even more excited about being able to offer students today’s YA literature, which has grown up, diversified, and expanded. But, as we know, books are suddenly missing from the shelves of libraries, sometimes in the hundreds, as politically driven book banning has spread like wildfire across the country. This new breed of book challenges, removals, and bans exceeds anything ever documented by library groups. Most concerning of all, the targeted books are overwhelmingly by and about Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized people. BANNED TOGETHER: AUTHORS AND ALLIES ON THE FIGHT FOR READERS’ RIGHTS responds to this horrific moment by centering the very perspectives and writers that right-wing politicians and their followers have tried to erase from school libraries. This young adult anthology of fiction, poetry, graphic narratives, non-fiction, letters, and other genres explores book banning, and its costs, from many angles. It highlights the subversive power of reading and ensures that—even in schools where libraries have been gutted by the efforts of misguided adults—young people can still discover the books that speak to them. (Please note, Michael Bourret is the agent on this project.)

There’s no one Frankie Wells hates more than Iris Murphy, who she blames for her brother Jack’s death last year. Now in their senior year of high school, both girls will do whatever it takes just to get through. Frankie has her eyes set on a scholarship to Pratt, one of the most prestigious art schools in the country, but a difficult year is making her doubt her decisions and wonder where she really belongs. Iris is in line to be the school valedictorian with sights set on Northwestern, and is working hard to bring her favorite author to visit their school, but behind the scenes she’s struggling emotionally. When a mysterious turn of events sets them on parallel paths – and an eventual, life-altering journey together – Frankie and Iris begin to discover things about themselves and that fateful, terrible night that will change them forever. In a post-pandemic world fraught with young adults struggling with mental health issues, TINY POCKETS OF LIGHT, written by acclaimed author Cecilia Galante and told from both girls’ perspectives, is a deeply emotional and meaningful story about the ultimate redemption of hope, and how even the hardest truths can sometimes set you free. (Please note, Stacey Glick is the agent on this project.)

In rural Tennessee, two towns have maintained a fierce rivalry over an underground Capture the Flag game for over fifty years. Generations of the same families have taken part, and the rush of victory and burn of defeat stay with its players for years to come. This year, for the first time, one of the teams has elected a female captain, Shelby, to bring back the win and lead their town to glory. It’s a thrill, but it comes with complications. First, Shelby needs to keep secret from her mother that she’s even playing. Things got out of control the previous year, and Shelby’s cousin is currently in prison on arson charges because of what happened. Second, there is a new player on the rival team who just might be able to make Shelby forget they’re supposed to be enemies. But also? Her swoon-worthy rival? It was his mother’s business that burned down, and he’s out for blood. A TRADITION OF LOVE AND VIOLENCE tracks the five matches that make up these small towns’ insanely competitive season. Tempers flare, passion ignites, and Shelby desperately tries to control her team and her feelings until they’re on the other side. Miranda Kenneally’s latest brims with intense competition and high stakes, and the chemistry between the characters is epic. It will be a deeply satisfying read for fans of Lauren Oliver’s Panic and Kiersten White’s Hide. (Please note, Jim McCarthy is the agent on this project.)

When Dolores Evelyn, eccentric author of the bestselling Origins series, passes away, she leaves behind hidden treasure: ten million dollars and the final, never-released manuscript of her blockbuster series. A letter to her readers is released to the public on the day of her death along with the first clue to where these treasures are hidden. While some people believe the hunt is simply a fabricated fantasy of an isolated woman, enough people believe the letter’s veracity to take off on a desperate search for the prize. Ruth Eidelman is intent on finding the money. Emancipated from her family when she was 16, Ruth has been scraping by on waitressing money and side gigs. Finding the money would give her the financial security she’s never had. Whereas Henry Mills doesn’t need the money. Financially, he’s never wanted for anything. But Henry has always deeply identified with Alex Barlow, the main character in the Origins series, who was born without magic into a powerful, magical family. Henry grew up with chronic pain and fatigue, and in his success-driven, high-achieving family, he too has always felt like the outcast. This treasure hunt means one thing for super-fan Henry: finding out how Alex Barlow’s hero’s journey ends. In Laura Silverman’s thrilling novel THE HUNT, Ruth and Henry find themselves on the same team of treasure seekers, traversing the country, cracking clues, fending off threats of violence from other hunters, and giving every ounce of themselves over to the belief that they really might win a prize that will change their lives forever…as long as they survive the search itself. THE HUNT is a high-stakes YA novel perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and Knives Out. (Please note, Jim McCarthy is the agent on this project.)

Seventeen-year-old Mackenzie Rowe the best debater at Steinbeck High, and she’s determined to be the best debater in the entire country. As she and her teammate/best friend Sejal gear up for nationals, they’re ready to finally get that first-place trophy and crush their arrogant and aloof academic rival Jamie Gallagher along the way. Not only have Mack and Jamie spent three years jockeying for that number one spot in the school's rankings, but Jamie is the only person who has ever challenged Mack’s reign as best debater. Plus, to make matters more infuriating, it feels like Jamie isn’t even working for it. When Sejal’s parents force her to quit debate because the stress is literally making her sick, Mack finds herself completely off balance. But nothing prepares her for the debate coach’s solution—Mack and Jamie should team up. They’ve always been the stronger halves of their own teams, and pairing the best with the best is an unbeatable plan…as long as they don’t kill each other before (or during!) the big event. UP FOR DEBATE is a delightful YA comedy with a fresh and charming twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope. With eyes on the prize, Mack and Jamie are spectacularly single-minded and so deeply in conflict that they can’t help but make a mess of things. Emma K. Ohland’s thoroughly winning next novel is perfect for fans of Rachel Lynn Solomon’s Today Tonight Tomorrow. (Please note, Jim McCarthy is the agent on this project.) 

MIDDLE GRADE

Everyone loves fairy tales. They’re full of adventure and magic, noble heroes and memorable villains. They explore good vs. evil and human nature while reflecting the dangers and wonders of our own world. Many fairy tales are stories of personal transformation and the revelation of one’s true self, which gives them particular appeal to kids who are navigating questions about sexuality, gender, and other facets of identity. But fairy tales have limitations, too. They have traditionally centered characters that exist within a narrow range of identity: White, cis, straight. They uphold harmful gender norms and spotlight heteronormative love, with many stories ending with the marriage between a princess and a prince. It's no wonder that fractured fairy tales have become such a popular modern genre. The short stories in editor Evan Griffiths’ ONCE UPON A RAINBOW will "fracture" fairy tales from a unique angle: A reimagining of fairy tales as a celebration of queer identity and joy for middle-grade readers. Stories like The Little Mermaid, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty will be given new life by an all-star roster of LGBTQ+ authors, including New York Times bestselling authors Jason June and Emily X.R. Pan, ALA Stonewall Award-winner e.E. Charlton-Trujillo, and many more. A diverse author lineup will bring a variety of cultural backgrounds and perspectives to the retellings, with the potential for diversity in story form, as well, from prose to verse to graphic/illustrated pieces. (Please note, Michael Bourret is the agent on this project.)

It’s 1970, and aspiring detective Zeyna lives in London with her brother and parents. Her monotonous daily life is suddenly interrupted by a suspicious man lurking around her and her family. Through some investigation, she comes to believe the man may be connected to a gang of thieves called the Fifteen that’s trying to steal an invaluable historical Persian ruby. But why is he following Zeyna and her boring parents? Before she has time to find out, her parents abruptly decide to visit their native Pakistan. Shortly after arriving Zeyna’s parents disappear, leaving behind a string of clues that will answer why they left in the first place. Zeyna, her brother and cousin must travel on the famous Hippie Trail through Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey to reunite their family and stop the Fifteen before it’s too late. Drawing on her childhood, debut author Shafaq Kahn’s ZEYNA AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING JEWEL will appeal to fans of Kelly Yang’s Front Desk and Stuart Gibbs’ Spy School. Fast-paced and full of Zeyna’s saucy observations, the story will have middle-grade readers rooting for Zeyna as she discovers new cultures and societies, solves a mystery, and finds herself, too. (Please note, John Rudolph is the agent on this project.)

Twelve-year old Clint Cordon is a budding filmmaker who prefers his perch behind the camera instead of center stage, given his rare skin disease that leaves him fragile, inside and out. But when his mom disappears, he and his quirky friends are left searching for clues that draw them deeper into a mystery. Did she run away? Is she in trouble? What don’t they know about her shadowy past? Clint’s friends are committed to helping him find his mom, or at least some family, so he can dodge foster care. When he discovers an address for an older biological brother, Clint and his wonder dog Cinnamon set off on a quest that leads them into action-hero territory amidst some terrifying, bloodthirsty villains. Oh no! His adventure needs a leading man. Can Clint step up to fill the role? SKIN DEEP, by award-winning author Carol Cujec, is a gripping and heartfelt middle-grade adventure that will keep readers hooked through twists and turns right up to the thrilling finale. Come for the funny characters and page-turning action; stay for the poignant themes of what makes for a true family and who’s allowed to call themselves a hero (spoiler alert: anyone!). (Please note, Stacey Glick is the agent on this project.)

Nancy Furstinger is not only the author of dozens of books including Unstoppable: True Tales of Amazing Bionic Animals, Paws of Courage: True Stories of Heroic Dogs that Protect and Serve, and The Duchess and Guy: A Rescue-to-Royalty Puppy Love Story, but she is a passionate advocate for animal rescue. She volunteers with three NY animal shelters, a farm animal sanctuary, and the House Rabbit Society, and she shares her own home with six rescued animals. Now, with RESCUE TAILS, she shares 18 heartwarming stories of animals who got a second chance. From an “unadoptable” cantankerous cat to a throwaway bald bunny, from an abandoned potbelly piglet to a motley crew of disabled senior dogs championed by a former foster kid, middle-grade readers will discover how these pets defy the odds to share remarkable bonds with humans. Narrative chapters are sprinkled with color photos, informational supplements, and “did you know?” sidebars. For anyone who loves inspirational animal videos, this heartfelt selection will uplift and entertain kids and their families, and maybe even encourage them to rescue an animal of their own. (Please note, John Rudolph is the agent on this project.)

PICTURE BOOK

One day, when Paloma was very little, she arrived in a new place all alone. She went to live in a big building with many other children, and since she didn’t speak their language, she just sat silently and observed. In one room of the building, there was a huge red carpet with art supplies, and when she started to draw, Paloma felt a tickle in her tummy, like the fluttering of birds inside. She discovered she could communicate through her artwork, and once she learned to read and write, she knew how to help her friends in the building—by making books! Acclaimed author/illustrator Carme Lemniscates (Seeds, Birds, and Grandma’s Gardens by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton) was inspired by visiting schools and working with immigrant children, and seeing how literacy and the creative process gave them a sense of empowerment. In PALOMA AND THE RED CARPET, these tools become a great vehicle for Paloma to find her own voice—a voice that can speak to and understand many other voices. (Please note, John Rudolph is the agent on this project.)

Based on a true story from first-time author and industry recognized podcast host, mental health advocate and on-air correspondent, Sammy Jaye, THE GIRL WITH THE RED GLASSES is a universal story for any child who has struggled in school or felt like they don’t belong. THE GIRL WITH THE RED GLASSES is a coming-of-age picture book text about a shy, sensitive, creative girl growing up with learning differences who is trying to make sense of the world around her. Through talking with her family and finding a school that teaches her how she learns, Sam unlocks her potential so that she is able to not only thrive in school, but also make new friends and find her passions. Sam turns her struggles into her superpower. This story of empowerment focuses on her journey from feeling incapable of learning to realizing she is smart and can achieve her hopes and dreams. (Please note, Stacey Glick is the agent on this project.)