Book Birds: Undated 2022 New Releases

Untitled by Daska Slater (Viking)
Joy Peskin has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The 57 Bus author Dashka Slater's new work of YA nonfiction. In the as-yet-untitled book, Slater will explore hate crimes and free speech through events that unfolded at one high school (and the community surrounding it) when a group of students created a racist social media account, with lasting repercussions for both the account's followers and its targets. Publication is planned for winter 2022; Erin Murphy at Erin Murphy Literary Agency brokered the deal for world rights.

Visitations by Corey Egbert (FSG)
Joy Peskin at FSG has bought, in a preempt, world rights to Corey Egbert's debut YA graphic novel Visitations. The story features teenage Corey and his younger sister, Sarah, as they struggle with visits to see their father, their mother's extreme religious interpretations, and their own faith. Their mother's visions lead them on a journey into the Nevada desert where nights become surreal adventures for Corey. It’s based on true events from the author's life, combined with an element of magical realism. Publication is set for winter 2022; Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 brokered the deal.

Untitled by Paula Chase (Wednesday Books)
Sara Goodman at Wednesday Books has bought three books in the Charm City Heights series by Paula Chase. The YA contemporary books, a Gen Z Parent Trap story, follow twin sisters from different backgrounds who face the pressures of achieving at their radically ambitious high school while learning to live within their newly blended family. Publication of the first book is slated for winter 2022; Jennifer Carlson at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner Literary handled the deal for North American rights.

Escaping Mr Rochester by L. L. McKinney (HarperCollins) - some retail sites list a January 1st release date, but this does not appear to be accurate.
Carolina Ortiz at HarperCollins has acquired L.L. McKinney's Escaping Mr. Rochester, a YA reimagining of Charlotte Bronte's classic novel that asks: what if the real villain of Jane Eyre was actually Mr. Rochester? In this queer romance, Jane Eyre and Bertha Mason—Mr. Rochester's wife, whom he's imprisoned within the house for years—must save each other from the horrifying machinations of Mr. Rochester. Publication is planned for winter 2022; Victoria Marini at Irene Goodman Literary Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Untitled by Anna Marie McLemore (Feiwel and Friends)
"...With a second untitled novel to follow in winter 2022; Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary negotiated the deal for North American rights."

Eavesdropper by Jennifer Jenkins (Owl Hollow Press)
Hannah Smith at Owl Hollow Press has acquired world rights to Eavesdropper, a YA fantasy by Jennifer Jenkins. When voices inside Ebony's head pull her into one bad situation after another, she is sent away with a group of craftsmen to act as the governor's ambassador to the country over the mountain. As she discovers that the strange whispers may be the key to uncovering a plot to destroy her homeland, she realizes they could prove her loyalty to her people, or lead to her undoing. Publication is planned for spring 2022; the author represented herself.

Untitled by Melissa de la Cruz (Putnam) - think this may be A Secret Princess, dated May 2022, but is still listed as a seperate book on Goodreads. See book below in Summer 2022 section.
Arianne Lewin at Putnam has bought world rights for two untitled books by bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz (The Descendants). The YA novels will be romantic, historical retellings of classic fairytales. Publication of the first, set in the court of Louis XIV at Versailles, is slated for spring 2022.

Wild Jasmine by Chris Clarkson (Tu Books) - suspect that this is a old version of
Stacy Whitman at Tu Books has bought Wild Jasmine by Chris Clarkson, pitched as The Perks of Being a Wallflower meets All Boys Aren't Blue. The contemporary YA novel explores economic disparity, gender, and mental health through the lens of a diverse ensemble cast in the complicated, magical city of New Orleans. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Rachel Brooks at BookEnds Literary did the deal for North American rights.

Whites Only: The Civil Rights Movement In Poems by Erica Martin (Philomel) - YA non-fiction, suspect that this in an old verion of And We Rise and will be deleted from Goodreads in time.
Liza Kaplan at Philomel has acquired, in a four-house auction, world rights to Erica Martin's debut YA nonfiction poetry collection, Whites Only: The Civil Rights Movement in poems, exploring this pivotal time in our nation's history through both the commonly taught and lesser-known stories and figures of the Civil Rights Movement. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Rena Rossner at the Deborah Harris Agency brokered the two-book deal.

Ghettostan by Humayun Khan (Penguin Teen Canada) - think this is likely an old title for The Other Side of the Court and will be deleted in time.
Lynne Missen at Penguin Teen Canada has acquired North American rights to the tentatively titled Ghettostan by debut author Humayun Khan, in which the main character, Fawad, a teen boy living in Toronto, comes of age with one eye on basketball and the other on the affluent neighborhood across the street. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Stacey Kondla at the Rights Factory negotiated the deal.

All the Way by Kelly Oxford (Delacorte)
Krista Marino at Delacorte has acquired, at auction, screenwriter-director Kelly Oxford's (Pink Skies Ahead) YA debut All the Way, pitched as Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Booksmart, plus a second, standalone novel. After learning that their classmate, who recently passed away in a parasailing accident, died a virgin, Riley and her friends vow to lose their virginities before the same fate can befall them. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Erin Malone at William Morris Endeavor negotiated the deal for North American rights.

Untitled by Abdi Nazemian (Balzer + Bray) - moved from Spring 2021, suspect that this is Only This Beautiful Moment, published in 2023.
Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has bought The Legacies and another YA novel by Stonewall Honor author Abdi Nazemian. The Legacies follows five wildly different teens who confront their boarding school's culture of abuse while facing their own demons in an exclusive writing class. Publication is planned for spring 2021; John Cusick at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management did the deal for North American rights.

Untitled by Jasjyot Singh Hans (Levine Querido)
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired world rights to a YA graphic novel memoir from Jasjyot Singh Hans, as yet untitled. This debut follows the artist's life from New Delhi to Baltimore, including growing up Sikh, learning how to catch a cricket ball and not die, learning to love his body, becoming an artist, family traditions while watching TV soaps, coming out, his loving and only the tiniest bit suffocating parents, immigrating to the U.S., navigating dating apps, and more. Publication is planned for spring 2022; the author represented himself.

Untitled by Desmond Hall (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)
"The story of two teens in difficult circumstances who are connected by a mysterious death and a race against time with $500K on the line."

The Runaway Diary by James Paterson and Emily Raymond (Jimmy Paterson Books) - released in UK but not US.
"The story of two sisters—one who runs away from home and the other who follows her to save them both—depicted in a YA graphic novel."

The Champions of Breakfast by Reed Black (Penguin Teen)
Penguin Teen on Twitter: "Yes please!!! Pitched as Nimona meets Candyland in this YA graphic novel from Reed Black, The Champions of Breakfast is perfect for foodie pun lovers!"

Untitled by Nnendi Okorafor (PenguinTeen)

No releases currently scheduled.

Cabin Redemption by Shelly X. Leonn (Owl Hollow Press)
When Laena wakes in the hospital after her third suicide attempt, her family is desperate and out of solutions. Then, Dr. Neeler knocks on their door and tells them about a treatment center, Cabin Redemption, offering teens immersive, holistic therapy, complete with horses.

A week later, Laena travels to Cabin Redemption in the rustic, untamed mountains of North Carolina. She meets her eleven cabinmates, who have issues ranging from obsessive-compulsive disorders and sociopathic personalities. She bonds with the horses, four Friesian geldings as damaged and fragile as the teens caring for them.

In the night, disaster strikes. The bridge leading off the mountain is swept away by sudden flooding, and, due to miscommunication, none of the adults remain on site.

The twelve teens are left alone and tragedy ensues, putting them in a race against time to solve the mystery and save themselves.

Todo Sobre Mi Abuela by Rex Ogle (Norton Young Readers) - YA memoir-in-verse, previously titled Todo Sobre, suspect that this is a repeat Goodreads entry for Abuela, Don't Forget Me.
Simon Boughton at Norton Young Readers has acquired Todo Sobre Mi Abuela, a YA memoir-in-verse by YALSA Excellence in Nonfiction Award Winner Rex Ogle, and a second untitled memoir. The story is centered on the author's relationship with his grandmother. Publication for the first book is slated for summer 2022, with the second to follow in fall 2023; Brent Taylor at Triada US brokered the deal for world English rights.

ADHD Alien by Pina Varnel (Dial)
Lauri Hornik at Dial has acquired, at auction, world English rights to ADHD Alien by author-illustrator Pina Varnel. The debut YA graphic novel, based on Varnel's successful webcomic of the same name, follows a girl with ADHD during the pivotal summer when she gets diagnosed and finally makes sense of her challenges. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Jennifer Azantian at Azantian Literary negotiated the deal.

Untitled by Jennifer Moffett (Atheneum)
Alex Borbolla at Atheneum has bought an untitled YA thriller by Jennifer Moffett (Those Who Prey). Pitched as I Killed Zoe Spanos meets Bone Gap, the novel follows a reluctant teen psychic and an aspiring journalist as they search for the connection between a missing girl and the supernatural events upending their small Ozark town. Publication is planned for summer 2022; Shannon Hassan at Marsal Lyon Literary Agency handled the deal for world rights.

Untitled by Unknown YA Author (Penguin Teen)
Penguin Teen on twitter: "We can't say the title or author yet but WE CAN'T WAIT FOR this enemies to lovers rom-com, that explores identity, race, religion, beauty and wellness set in the world of competitive debates!"

No releases currently scheduled.

Property of No State by George M. Johnson (Little, Brown) - YA non-fiction.
Alexandra Hightower at Little, Brown has bought, in a preempt, Property of No State, a YA narrative nonfiction project by George M. Johnson (All Boys Aren’t Blue) written as a series of letters from Johnson to Black historical figures who were enslaved. It will relate America's history of enslavement with the present, the strides made since, and the power of Black creativity and imagination in the journey towards equity and freedom. Publication is tentatively set for fall 2022; Patrice Caldwell at New Leaf Literary & Media did the two-book, six-figure deal for North American rights.

Finding Life's Story: Volume One by Joy Hakim (MITeen/Candlewick Press) - YA Non-fiction.
Hilary Van Dusen at MITeen/Candlewick Press has bought Finding Life's Story, a four-volume YA nonfiction account of the history and evolution of the life sciences, by Joy Hakim, bestselling author of A History of US. The book recounts and offers insights on hundreds of years of scientific innovation and discovery, beginning in the late 1400s, as Leonardo da Vinci dissected cadavers to learn human anatomy firsthand, and ending with present-day experiments with gene editing and viruses. Publication of the first volume is expected in fall 2022; Patricia Frisch did the deal for world rights.

Bone Quake by C.M. Surrisi (Chicago Review Press) - YA Non-fiction
Jerome Pohlen at Chicago Review Press has bought Bone Quake by C.M. Surrisi, a YA nonfiction book that details the events leading to the discovery that the bones entombed in Viking warrior grave Bj581 were in fact female, and examines the fallout from that discovery and its impact on archaeologists' and historians' study of gender roles in ancient societies. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Kelly Dyksterhouse at Raven Quill Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.

You're Breaking My Heart by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Levine Querido)
Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has bought You're Breaking My Heart by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich. The YA debut follows a teenager grieving her brother's death and her last words to him before he died—who then discovers a portal to another dimension underneath New York City, one that just might offer an opportunity for a do-over as a better version of herself. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Marietta Zacker of Gallt & Zacker brokered the deal for North American and world Dutch rights.

Untitled by Lamar Giles (Scholastic) - suspect that this a duplicate Goodreads entry for The Getaway, published September 2022, and will be deleted in time.
Jody Corbett at Scholastic has bought, in an exclusive submission, a YA speculative-fiction horror novel by Lamar Giles. In the wake of a global catastrophe, a teen discovers that the world-famous vacation resort where he lives and works doubles as a luxury doomsday refuge for the cruel billionaires he's now trapped with. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Jamie Weiss Chilton at Andrea Brown Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.

Where Was Goodbye? by Janice Lynn Mather (Simon and Schuster)
Catherine Laudone at Simon & Schuster has bought Governor General's Award finalist Janice Lynn Mather's new #OwnVoices YA novel, Where Was Goodbye? With the closing date set on the police investigation into her brother's suicide, Karmen frantically searches for answers—only to discover that her Afro-Caribbean heritage may hold the key to uncovering the mystery behind his death, and to providing the closure her family needs. Publication is set for fall 2022; Rachel Letofsky at CookeMcDermid brokered the deal for North American rights.

Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School by Tiffany Jewell (Versify) - YA Non-fiction.
Margaret Raymo at Versify has acquired world rights, in a three-book preempt, to two books from anti-racist educator Tiffany Jewell, plus audio rights to her bestselling nonfiction title, This Book Is Anti-Racist. The first is an untitled, illustrated book tailored to younger children about how to be anti-racist, which breaks down identity, racism, and provides a history of anti-racism and an anti-racist toolbox; the second, Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School, is a YA nonfiction title that highlights the experience and inequities Black and Brown students face in schools, told through a variety of personal narratives. Publication is tentatively set for spring and fall 2022, respectively; Weslie Turner will edit. Ayesha Pande at Ayesha Pande Literary did the deal.

Eat Your Heart Out by Terry Blas, Matty Newton and Lydia Anslow (Oni Press)
Robin Herrera, formerly at Oni Press, bought world rights to Eat Your Heart Out, written by Terry Blas (l.) and Matty Newton, illustrated by Lydia Anslow. A Latinx girl from Idaho graduates from high school and is pressured by her mother to live the life she's planned out for her. Impulsively, she runs away and finds herself in New York, where she shares adventures with new friends and learns to live a life she loves. Shawna Gore will edit; publication is slated for fall 2022. Kate McKean at Morhaim Literary represented Blas, and Newton and Anslow represented themselves.

Valdari by Siri Pettersen (Arctis) - already published in Norway, this is the English translation.
Jan Weitendorf von Hacht at Arctis has acquired Norwegian author Siri Pettersen's new YA trilogy, beginning with Valdari, a fantasy mystery created on a Norse foundation, about blood, desire, and addiction. Born to a family of blood readers, Juva knows only too well that they are swindlers and frauds, and she has vowed never to become one of them. But when her family is threatened, Juva gets entangled in a hunt for the blood reader's legacy: a dark secret that once changed the world, and may do so again. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Lena Stjernström at the Grand Agency negotiated the deal for world English rights.

Thief of the Heights by Son M. and Robin Yao (HarperAlley)
Carolina Ortiz at HarperAlley has bought Son M. (l.) and Robin Yao's debut YA graphic novel Thief of the Heights, which explores the bond between two boys, Mustafa and Basem. When their dream to climb to the top of their stratified capitalist society pulls them further apart, Basem and Mustafa struggle to do what is best for them and what is best for their community. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Hannah Fergesen at KT Literary represented the author, and Peter Ryan at Stimola Literary Studio represented the illustrator.

Maya by Jennifer De Leon (Caitlyn Dlouhy Books) - moved from Spring 2022, suspect that this is a duplicate entry for Borderless, published in February 2023.
"...In which Maya and her mother decide that risking the perilous journey to the Mexico/U.S. border is less terrible than staying in their homeland of Guatemala where they face deadly gang violence."

Queen's Council: Jasmine by Alexandra Monir (Disney Hyperion)
"Author of THE FINAL SIX, BLACK CANARY, and BREAKING SILENCE Alexandra Monir's QUEEN'S COUNCIL: JASMINE, the third in the series, a twist to the story of the Disney Princess, whose coronation is threatened when a dangerous figure from the past returns to interrupt her father's funeral—and challenge her place on the throne, to Jocelyn Davies at Disney-Hyperion, for publication in fall 2022, by Joseph Veltre at Gersh Agency."

Untitled by Unknown YA Author (Penguin Teen) -YA Graphic Novel.
Penguin Teen: "A YA fantasy graphic novel about a girl and her dog who are trying to save the world? YES PLEASE! Can't wait to share more about this one."

Like Lightning by Katharyn Blair (Penguin)
Harper Madison is a Good Girl. A Church Girl. It’s all she’s ever known. Well, almost. There was a blip.

Two years before, she made a mistake: skinny-dipping with Nathaniel Bennett at Church Camp and getting caught by a camp counselor. It threw her already heartsick family into a tailspin, and left a mark on her. Despite the meetings, and the prayers, and the fact that Nathaniel Bennett moved away weeks after they got back – she felt like it was a mistake that would never wash off.

It took a long time for Harper to get her footing, but it’s under control, now. She’s playing by the rules and flying under the radar. When her Aunt Penelope announces that their church was selected to host their state-wide Purity Ball, Harper knows there are more eyes on her than ever, and she’ll be safe as long as she leans into the identity she’s carefully constructed.

But that carefully constructed identity is put to the test when Nathaniel Bennett comes back to town, drudging up the memories of the incident in Harper – and in everyone else. When they’re paired together for a project at the theater they both love, Harper knows that avoiding Nathaniel is about as futile as stopping the resurrected gossip about that night.

A reluctant partnership quickly becomes a rekindled friendship, and Harper simply resolves to prove to herself that she’s different, now. Better. Not prone to “falling”, like she was, before. Harper is going to do this performance with Nathaniel, and she’s going to prove to herself (and everyone whispering about her behind her back) that whatever was broken in her before is fixed, now. Then, she’s going to take the Purity Pledge at the Ball in front of the whole church. Finally, her dad and her aunt might not look at her and see that mistake. Finally, she might feel okay, again.

But the best laid plans of hormonal teenagers often go astray.

It’s not long before Harper’s life splits: in one reality, she’s a good girl, helping plan the purity ball with her aunt. In the other, she’s falling in love with the one boy she shouldn’t want while pushing, redefining, and erasing all her old boundaries. As her carefully-constructed identity falls away, Harper is left to find out who she really is, and she discovers that love is always more powerful than shame.

It turns out she might not be the Good Girl, after all, and that might be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.

You Had Me At Hello World by Rona Wang (Simon Pulse) - dated February 2022, but did not publish at this time. This title may not release due to a plagerism controversy.
Jennifer Ung at Simon Pulse has acquired, in a six-figure auction, MIT student and Her Campus 22 Under 22 honoree Rona Wang's debut novel, You Had Me at Hello World. The YA rom-com follows a Chinese-American teen who is invited to a coding competition at MIT, where she teams up with a cute tech industry prodigy to work on an app to help immigrants connect and put down roots. Publication is slated for spring 2022; Penny Moore at Aevitas Creative Management brokered the two-book deal for world rights.

In Silent Seas We Drown by Liz Lawson (Delacorte) - delayed from 2021.
Krista Marino at Delacorte has acquired world rights to Liz Lawson's (The Lucky Ones) second YA novel. In Silent Seas We Drown is the story of three teens whose lives are sent into a tailspin when one overdoses at another's home and her parents decide to press charges. Told in dual POVs, the novel is about addiction, the ripple effects it causes, and the secrets we all have. Publication is scheduled for 2021; Andrea Morrison at Writers House brokered the deal.

The Girl Who Knew Too Much by Luanne Rice (Scholastic)
Aimee Friedman at Scholastic has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, a YA suspense novel by bestselling author Luanne Rice (Last Day; Pretend She's Here). When Annabelle's best friend is murdered, she must unravel the mystery her friend was in the midst of solving, one that may involve a popular true-crime podcast. Publication is scheduled for 2022; Andrea Cirillo and Jessica Errera at Jane Rotrosen Agency negotiated the deal for world rights.

Greater Secrets by Ananth Hirsh and Tess Stone (Random House)
Random House/Graphic has bought Ananth Hirsh and Tess Stone's YA graphic novel Greater Secrets. Three strangers take a surreal road trip to a drowned ghost town in search of a missing pop idol, but end up finding themselves instead. Publication is scheduled for 2022.

Lovely Recipe by Myra Rose (Random House Graphic)
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Myra Rose's debut YA graphic novel, Lovely Recipe. Sofia is determined to learn how to cook her late grandmother's recipes so that she can bring her family together for a giant dinner like they used to have. But the only person with the skill to show her how is Anna Marie, an unapproachable classmate. Sofia's feelings are... complicated. Publication is set for 2022; the author was unagented.

Game Changers by Mary Kenney (Running Press)
Britny Brooks at Running Press has acquired Game Changers by video game writer Mary Kenney (Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales). The debut YA nonfiction book shines a light on more than two dozen women and genderqueer people who built the video game industry, and their often overlooked contributions to the world of gaming. Publication is slated for 2022; Eric Smith at P.S. Literary did the deal for world rights.

Volta by Dorian Christo and Andy Roblez-Valdez (First Second)
Kiara Valdez at First Second has bought world rights to Volta by Dorian Christo (l.) and Andy Robles-Valdez. The YA graphic novel features the intertwined fates of Luciano Vega, a small-town musician who moves to the city to make it big; and Orpheus Apolonio, a once-renowned violinist who, after a tragic accident, became a recluse and is plagued with mysterious premonitions. Publication is planned for 2022; the authors represented themselves.

Not Everyone Is Going to Like You: The Art of Self-Validation by Renny Perkins (Kokila) - YA non-fiction.
Sydnee Monday at Kokila has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to artist and comedian Rinny Perkins's nonfiction debut Not Everyone Is Going to Like You: The Art of Self-Validation, a guide to adulthood for black girls with a focus on radical self-care. Featuring graphic collage that pays homage to 1970s black woman-centered ephemera, the book will cover topics including identity, sex and dating, mental health, and navigating the workplace. Publication is slated for 2022; Monica Odom at Odom Media Management negotiated the deal.

Check Your Texts by Aatamaja Pandya (Random House Graphic)
Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has bought Aatmaja Pandya's YA graphic novel Check Your Texts. The suspenseful story follows Yooni as she searches for her missing best friend after they've disappeared in the woods. When a mysterious doll appears, things take a turn for the paranormal, and Yooni finds herself getting messages from the beyond. Publication is scheduled for 2022; Jennifer Linnan at Linnan Literary Management sold world rights.

Dearest Daughter by Emily Erdos (First Second)
Robyn Chapman at First Second has acquired world rights to Emily Erdos's YA graphic memoir titled Dearest Daughter, a story about a 14-year-old girl who has grown up without a father and grapples with the fact that he took his own life. Publication is slated for 2022; the author was unagented.

Untitled by Mahogany L. Brown (Crown)