New Release: MY AUNT IS A MONSTER

MY AUNT IS A MONSTER by Reimena Yee
(RH Graphic, Oct 2022)

Safia thought that being blind meant she would only get to go on adventures through her audiobooks. This all changes when she goes to live with a distant and mysterious aunt, Lady Whimsy, who takes Safia on the journey of a lifetime!

While the reclusive Lady Whimsy stops an old rival from uncovering the truth behind her disappearance, Safia experiences parts of the world she had only dreamed about. But when an unlikely group of chaotic agents comes after Whimsy, Safia is forced to confront the adventure head-on. For the first time in her life, Safia is the hero of her own story, and she must do what she can to save the day…and maybe find some friends along the way.

Select praise for MY AUNT IS A MONSTER:

  • Booklist starred review: “Gorgeous artwork tidily carries the plot through, and the plot is packed."

  • Publishers Weekly starred review: “Heartwarming to the very last page.”

  • Kirkus review: “Adorable and diverting.”

  • School Library Journal review: “A heartfelt, high-energy, richly inked caper with plenty of pauses for legend-building, and a multi-faceted, fun read.”

New Release: WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES? AMELIA EARHART

WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES? AMELIA EARHART
written by Melanie Gillman and illustrated by A.C. Esguerra
(Penguin Workshop, August 2022)

Discover the story behind aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart's mysterious and fatal second trip around the world in this captivating graphic novel -- written by Stonewall Award Honoree Melanie Gillman and illustrated by Eighty Days creator A.C. Esguerra.

Explore the story of Amelia Earhart, as she embarks on her second and final journey around the globe. A story of determination, heart, and courage, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the daring grit of the aviation pioneer -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that fly off the page.

Select praise for WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES?

  • Kirkus review: “A suspenseful, well-researched story that captures the drama of Earhart’s life and last flight.”

  • School Library Journal review: “A must purchase for libraries, this book (and this series) will certainly be a big hit with middle grade readers.”



New Release: WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE? JOAN OF ARC

WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE? JOAN OF ARC
written by Sarah Winifred Searle and illustrated by Maria Capelle Frantz
(Penguin Workshop, Jan 2022)

Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting new addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!

Follow Joan of Arc on her journey to convince the Dauphin to let her lead the French army in the Battle of Orleans and win the Hundred Years' War. A story of faith, courage, and determination, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the teenage French heroine -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Select praise for WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE?

  • Booklist review: "Joan of Arc’s faith and determination shine through in WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE?, which gives readers background on the Hundred Years War and shows Joan of Arc’s challenging journey to help end it. All the [Who HQ Graphic Novels] showcase the passions and urgency or risks behind their headline-making events and humanize the people who made them possible."

New Release: SÉANCE TEA PARTY

SÉANCE TEA PARTY by Reimena Yee (Random House Graphic, September 2020)

SÉANCE TEA PARTY by Reimena Yee (Random House Graphic, September 2020)

Growing up sounds terrible.

No one has time to do anything fun, or play outside, or use their imagination. Everything is suddenly so serious. People are more interested in their looks and what others think about them than having fun adventures. Who wants that? Not Lora.

After watching her circle of friends seemingly fade away, Lora is determined to still have fun on her own. A tea party with a twist leaves Lora to re-discovering Alexa, the ghost that haunts her house — and Lora’s old imaginary friend! Lora and Alexa are thrilled to meet kindred spirits and they become best friends . . . but unfortunately, not everything can last forever.

Select praise for SÉANCE TEA PARTY:

  • Booklist review: “Yee’s art is loose and bright, and the colors are vibrant, bringing a diverse cast to life. An empathetic look at a late bloomer.”

  • Kirkus review: “While this is Yee’s middle-grade debut, she is a veteran of comic books, and it shows. She artfully balances complex character arcs and suspense while bringing a touch of fantasy and wonder… A coming-of-age tale that is both comforting and wonderfully peculiar.”

  • School Library Journal review: “A beautifully illustrated, bittersweet coming-of-age story for anyone grappling with the joy and sorrow of growing up, growing old, and moving on.”

  • The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books starred review: “A perfect choice for young readers… Alexa and Lora show that nothing you love is ever truly gone and growing up can be a blessing.”

New Release: THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING by Natalie Andrewson (First Second Books, September 2020)

THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING by Natalie Andrewson (First Second Books, September 2020)

Natalie Andrewson brings E.T.A. Hoffmann’s surreal and fantastical story to life like never before in this vibrant graphic novel adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic.

Of all the gifts under the tree on Christmas Eve, only one captures Marie Stahlbaum’s heart: a humble nutcracker. He’s a curious little man, with kind eyes, sweet red cheeks, and a friendly appearance. And as midnight nears, he comes to life, revealing a fairy-tale world of magic and wonder, wicked princesses and fierce battles . . . and an ancient curse that can only be broken with the help of a true friend.

With the evil Mouse King looming and her dream world threatened, Marie will have to find the strength to stand up for her nutcracker―no matter what it takes.

Select praise for THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING:

  • Kirkus review: Andrewson makes smart choices with her adaptation, refocusing the story on passionate and empathetic Marie... Her distinctive illustration style is well matched to Hoffmann’s story, with vivid colors, wavy linework, and exaggerated facial expressions that all reinforce the trippy, unsettling plot.

  • Publishers Weekly review: A captivating, otherworldly adaptation for old fans and new.

New Release: THE MIDWINTER WITCH

THE MIDWINTER WITCH by Molly Knox Ostertag (Scholastic, November 2019)

THE MIDWINTER WITCH by Molly Knox Ostertag
(Scholastic, November 2019)

Magic has a dark side…

Aster always looks forward to the Midwinter Festival, a reunion of the entire Vanissen family that includes competitions in witchery and shapeshifting. This year, he's especially excited to compete in the annual Jolrun tournament - as a witch. He's determined to show everyone that he's proud of who he is and what he's learned, but he knows it won't be easy to defy tradition.

Ariel has darker things on her mind than the Festival - like the mysterious witch who's been visiting her dreams, claiming to know the truth about Ariel's past. She appreciates everything the Vanissens have done for her. But Ariel still craves a place where she truly belongs.

The Festival is a whirlwind of excitement and activity, but for Aster and Ariel, nothing goes according to plan. When a powerful and sinister force invades the reunion, threatening to destroy everything the young witches have fought for, can they find the courage to fight it together? Or will dark magic tear them apart?

Select praise for THE MIDWINTER WITCH:

  • Booklist starred review: "The craftwork is on- point...with smooth pacing, endearing characters, gripping plots, and clean, colorful, expressive artwork."

  • Kirkus review: "This solid addition to the series should please fans and newcomers alike."

  • School Library Journal review: "A heartwarming, wintry adventure."

New Release: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - THE CURSED COVEN

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: THE CURSED COVEN by Casey Nowak (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2019)

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: THE CURSED COVEN by Casey Nowak (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2019)

The second installment in the original and action-packed Buffy the Vampire series that features Buffy Summers as a middle schooler! Told through comics, journal entries, class notes, doodles, text messages, and other in-world artifacts, this series is perfect for fans of Star Wars: Jedi Academy and DC Comics’s Secret Hero Society.

It’s finally summer vacation, but Buffy Summers isn’t getting a break from vampire slaying…or from school. While Cleveland teens are going missing and Serafina is growing closer with her older sister’s witchy coven, Buffy is stuck splitting her time between classes during the day and patrolling for all kinds of demons and dark creatures at night. Buffy feels crushed! Not only is she missing all the summer fun she dreamed of, but her friendships are a hot mess. Little does Buffy know, things are going to get worse. A new, dangerous foe who threatens to ruin her summer and all of Cleveland is on the horizon.

With tempers flaring and the heat rising, Buffy needs to figure out how to balance homework, monsters, witches, and frenemies before it’s too late.

New Release: THIS WAS OUR PACT

THIS WAS OUR PACT by Ryan Andrews (First Second, June 2019)

THIS WAS OUR PACT by Ryan Andrews (First Second, June 2019)

It's the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, when the town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river.

Legend has it that after drifting out of sight, they'll soar off to the Milky Way and turn into brilliant stars, but could that actually be true? This year, Ben and his classmates are determined to find out where those lanterns really go, and to ensure success in their mission, they've made a pact with two simple rules: No one turns for home. No one looks back.

The plan is to follow the river on their bikes for as long as it takes to learn the truth, but it isn't long before the pact is broken by all except for Ben and (much to Ben's disappointment) Nathaniel, the one kid who just doesn't seem to fit in.

Together, Nathaniel and Ben will travel farther than anyone has ever gone, down a winding road full of magic, wonder, and unexpected friendship*.

*And a talking bear.

Select praise for THIS WAS OUR PACT:

  • Booklist starred review: "Richly imagined and complexly emotional... [This was Our Pact] may owe some of its eerie melancholy and occasionally menacing absurdity to the likes of Lewis Carroll and Shaun Tan, but its message is distinctly its own: what you imagine to be the end of the journey may be satisfying, but the adventure actually goes on as long as you keep riding down the road."

  • Kirkus starred review: "Marvelously melancholic, earnest... Brilliantly enchanting."

  • New York Times review: "An original and much-needed view of the complex world of middle-school friendships."

  • Publishers Weekly starred review: "Andrews crafts a phantasmagoria of events that recall animation from Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon...picaresque episodes and a dreamlike resolution conjure a giddy sensation, like staying up all night. "

  • School Library Journal starred review: "For readers who want an escapist fantasy with a light touch. Hand this title to fans of whimsical or unpredictable adventures such as Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately, the Milk or Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time."

New Release: RIVERBOUND

RIVERBOUND by Melinda Beatty (Putnam Children’s, June 2019)

RIVERBOUND by Melinda Beatty (Putnam Children’s, June 2019)

Only Fallow can see lies - a cunning so powerful that the King insists on keeping her in the palace, tasked with helping him flush out traitors.

When the King’s counselor, Lamia, tells Only of her plan to oust the King and put his daughter on the throne, Only is eager to help. Though Only’s cunning would be useful to any ruler, the Princess had promised to send Only home when she becomes Queen. But Only soon learns the truth is a complicated matter - especially when the fate of a country hangs in the balance. Now wound tight in a twisted plot, Only must set the record straight to stop the destruction of everything - and everyone - she holds dear.

The stunning finale of Melinda Beatty’s middle-grade duet is just as rich, imaginative, and full of adventure as the first installment.

Select praise for RIVERBOUND:

  • Kirkus review: “A cozy yet surprisingly thought-provoking magical ordeal.”

  • School Library Journal review: “Day-to-day details are fully imagined, and the young characters feel authentic as children thrust into an unexpected adventure. This is a story about othering; the mistreated Ordish people, of whom Lark is a member, are instantly recognizable due to their physical characteristics. Throughout the text, Only insists that Lark be seen and treated as a person. It is notable that a story in which children are mistreated, taken from their families, and considered a means to an end is written in a way that is appropriate for middle grade readers.”

New Release: HOUSE OF THE BLACK SPOT

The Double+ gang discover that sometimes greed can extend beyond the grave, as they are thrust into a battle between revolting real estate developers and their ghoulish goon bent on destroying the idyllic Gear Town with ghastly gentrification and the most frightful sight of all… condos!

Select praise for HOUSE OF THE BLACK SPOT:

  • The Comics Journal review: “Sears’ strength is absolutely as a visual storyteller, but there’s enough happening in his engaging characters, involving storylines, and light-fingered explorations of contemporary issues that [his] books are always something to look forward to, and the latest, House of the Black Spot, is a perfect example.”

  • “Imagine Indiana Jones as told by Hayao Miyazaki.”
    - Zainab Akhtar, The Guardian

  • “Sears creates comics that are easy for kids to enjoy with their crisp cartooning, bright colors, and clever sense of humor, but he also includes rich thematic content that makes his books a more substantial read for adults.”
    - Oliver Sava, The A.V. Club

HOUSE OF THE BLACK SPOT by Ben Sears (Koyama Press, May 2019)

HOUSE OF THE BLACK SPOT by Ben Sears (Koyama Press, May 2019)

New Release: SINCERELY, HARRIET

Harriet Flores struggles with boredom and an unrequited crush while learning to manage her chronic illness through a long, hot, 1990s summer in Chicago. She uses her imagination to cope, which sometimes gets her into trouble, as she makes up fantastical fibs and wonders if there are ghosts upstairs. One neighbor, Pearl, encourages Harriet to read and write, leading Harriet to have a breakthrough and discover the power of storytelling.

Select praise for SINCERELY, HARRIET:

  • Booklist review: “Middle-grade readers will relate to Harriet’s anxiety about fitting in and making friends, while also exploring subjects like ableism and intersectionality, which Searle depicts with grace and empathy.”

  • Kirkus starred review: "The pacing is masterful as the truth behind Harry’s many fears is slowly and poignantly revealed, maintaining the tension and mystery of each story thread until the tapestry is complete. Searle tackles Harry’s anxiety about her illness as well as common adolescent concerns about friendships, school, and family with an honesty and tenderness that will resonate with readers... Heartfelt and heartwarming."

  • Publishers Weekly review: "Comics creator Searle slowly unspools the story of a middle schooler living with multiple sclerosis... In jewel-toned art, Searle successfully creates a claustrophobic, lonesome ambience."

  • School Library Journal review: "The wide-eyed, expressive characters and reassuring art are well suited to this introspective narrative."

SINCERELY, HARRIET by Sarah Searle (Lerner Graphic Universe, May 2019)

SINCERELY, HARRIET by Sarah Searle (Lerner Graphic Universe, May 2019)

New Release: THISBY THESTOOP AND THE WRETCHED SCRATTLE

Thisby Thestoop, gamekeeper and unlikely hero, would do anything to save her home - even enter the Wretched Scrattle, a death-defying race through the Black Mountain.

In the wake of their harrowing victory against the forces of the Darkwell, Thisby Thestoop, gamekeeper and sometime friend for all creatures gruesome, grotesque, and uncommon, has found herself in the usual position of running the Black Mountain dungeon. Under her watch, the resident monsters, from the hordes of merpeople to drooling trolls, are all well-fed, content, and far from the reach of other kingdoms - or so Thisby thinks.

With unrest growing between the Kingdom of Nth and Umberfall, rumors of a conspiracy have caught the ears of the king. And control of the dungeon has been wrenched from the hands of those who have cared for it best.

Wasting no time in ruining all of Thisby’s hard work, the royally appointed overseer throws the dungeon into chaos - the fire bats are out of their cave, the trolls are wide awake, and, most telling of all, the dire rats are acting strange. What’s worse is that every day more and more monsters - everything from tiny imps, to banshees, to a full-grown wyvern - are turning up dead and Thisby can’t discern any pattern to the fatal attacks. But there may be a way to put things back like they were - the Wretched Scrattle.

Beginning in the very deepest tunnels of the dungeon, the Wretched Scrattle’s tournament victor will claim the ultimate prize of becoming the new Master of the Black Mountain. No one knows the dungeons quite like Thisby, and if she wins she’ll have it back to running like dünkeldwarven automata—that is, if she can make it out alive.

Don’t miss the second installment in this rollicking fantasy-adventure series by Zac Gorman, contributor to the hilarious Rick and Morty comic series, with illustrations from award-winning artist Sam Bosma.

THISBY THESTOOP AND THE WRETCHED SCRATTLE by Zac Gorman, with art by Sam Bosma (Harper Children’s, April 2019)

THISBY THESTOOP AND THE WRETCHED SCRATTLE by Zac Gorman, with art by Sam Bosma (Harper Children’s, April 2019)

New Release: THE HIDDEN WITCH

Every witch needs a family…

Aster's parents have finally agreed that he can learn witchery with the girls, but he has a lot of catching up to do. So when Grandmother offers her tutoring in exchange for a favor, Aster jumps at the chance, until she asks him to help his great-uncle, Mikasi. Family or no, Aster isn't ready to face the beast who nearly destroyed him and his cousins.

Across town, dark magic has attached itself to Aster's friend Charlie. Witches are taught never to create a "Fetch," a cruel shadow form that does only harm. But the thing following Charlie is a clear sign that someone is breaking the rules.

With the help of his family, Aster does everything he can to protect Charlie. But to discover who's making the Fetch, and to put a stop to it, he'll need darker, more powerful magic, from the most dangerous witch he knows...

Select praise for THE HIDDEN WITCH:

  • Kirkus starred review: "Ostertag’s sophomore effort is every bit as wonderful as its predecessor, with continued strong worldbuilding, lovely large and bright illustrations, and its approachable and diverse cast that runs a true-to-life spectrum encompassing white-, tan-, and dark-skinned characters as well as same-sex relationships... An absolutely bewitching sequel."

  • School Library Journal review: "An exciting continuation of Aster's supernatural journey, whose coming-of-age messages will resonate with middle graders."

THE HIDDEN WITCH by Molly Ostertag (Scholastic, October 2018)

THE HIDDEN WITCH by Molly Ostertag (Scholastic, October 2018)

New Release: CAVEBOY DAVE - NOT SO FABOO

CAVEBOY DAVE: NOT SO FABOO by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Phil McAndrew (Viking Children’s, October 2018)

CAVEBOY DAVE: NOT SO FABOO by Aaron Reynolds, illustrated by Phil McAndrew (Viking Children’s, October 2018)

From New York Times bestselling author Aaron Reynolds comes the latest installment of Caveboy Dave, a middle grade graphic novel series perfect for fans of Captain Underpants.

Twelve-year-old Dave Unga-Bunga is having a great year: he survived his deadly Baby-Go-Boom ceremony, he’s earned the respect of the villagers of Bleccchh, and he just invented ice cream and summer vacation. Before the ice cream melts, Dave and his friends spot a plume of smoke on the horizon (could there be others nearby?) and suddenly Shaman Faboo–the glue that holds the community together–goes missing. With no one to tell them what to do or how to think, the village panics and elects Dave as their new leader. If Dave can’t find Shaman Faboo and bring him back, he’ll be doomed to a life of boredom and something much worse: public service!

Not So Faboo, the second book in the Caveboy Dave series, delivers irresistible characters, big thrills, and even bigger laughs.

Select praise for NOT SO FABOO:

  • Kirkus review: "Such easily accessible themes as the importance of teamwork, dealing with loss, and the power of friendship wind through a tale distinguished by fast pacing and an abundance of knee-slapping middle-grade humor."

New Release: BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER - NEW SCHOOL NIGHTMARE

An exciting and hilarious new middle grade story for anyone who likes (or doesn't like) vampires!

Buffy Summers is just like any other student... except for the part where she's also a secret vampire slayer. In every generation, one girl is granted great strength to stand against the forces of darkness. Of course, power doesn't matter when it comes to eating lunch alone, getting picked on by the popular kids, or having way too much homework.

Luckily, Buffy finds her way with a can-do attitude, a weird Watcher, and new besties, Sarafina and Alvaro - who might just have powers of their own. But will any of it be enough to turn the tide when an army of villainous vampires invade town? Can Buffy save herself, let alone the world?

Like Star Wars: Jedi Academy and DC Comics's Secret Hero Society, this action-packed and fun-filled story is told through comics, journal entries, class notes, doodles, text messages, and other in-world artifacts.

Select praise for NEW SCHOOL NIGHTMARE:

  • Kirkus review: “With a light touch and a fast pace, this mix of fizzy journal entries, playful comics panels, and OMG-laden text messages is sure to please fans of both epistolary novels and vampire fare... This breezy re-envisioning will prime the younger set for the real thing.”

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: NEW SCHOOL NIGHTMARE by Carolyn Nowak (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2018)

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: NEW SCHOOL NIGHTMARE by Carolyn Nowak (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2018)

New Release: HEARTSEEKER

HEARTSEEKER by Melinda Beatty (Putnam Children’s, June 2018)

HEARTSEEKER by Melinda Beatty (Putnam Children’s, June 2018)

You’re a Fallow of the Orchard. You’re as tough as a green apple in summer.

Only Fallow was just six harvests old when she realized that not everyone sees lies. For Only, seeing lies is as beautiful as looking through a kaleidoscope, but telling them is as painful as gnawing on cut glass. Only’s family warns her to keep her cunning hidden, but secrets are seldom content to stay secret.

When word of Only’s ability makes its way to the King, she’s plucked from her home at the orchard and brought to the castle at Bellskeep. There she learns that the kingdom is plagued by traitors, and that her task is to help the King distinguish between friend and foe. But being able to see lies doesn’t necessarily mean that others aren’t able to disguise their dishonesty with cunnings of their own.

In the duplicitous, power-hungry court, the truth is Only’s greatest weapon… and her greatest weakness.

Select Praise for HEARTSEEKER:

  • Booklist review: "A smart, captivating fantasy-adventure that will leave readers hungry for more."

  • Kirkus review: “This series opener dances compellingly along the border separating its young, naïve heroine from harsh political realities.”

  • Publishers Weekly review: “Beatty creates a cast of memorable characters and entrancingly vivid settings, immersing readers in a magical realm worth revisiting.”

  • School Library Journal review: “"In this stunning debut novel, Beatty crafts a world rich with its own mythology and filled with strong heroes. This well-developed and original fantasy is a must-have for any middle grade collection."

New Release: THISBY THESTOOP AND THE BLACK MOUNTAIN

THISBY THESTOOP AND THE BLACK MOUNTAINby Zac Gorman, art by Sam Bosma (HarperCollins, Apr 2018)

THISBY THESTOOP AND THE BLACK MOUNTAIN
by Zac Gorman, art by Sam Bosma (HarperCollins, Apr 2018)

Surrounded by all creatures gruesome and grotesque, Thisby Thestoop, the gamekeeper for the Black Mountain Dungeon, is getting roped into another job -saving the princess’s skin - in the debut fantasy-adventure series by Zac Gorman, contributor to the hilarious Rick and Morty comic series.

In the absurd land of Nth, Thisby Thestoop can be found within the forlorn walls of Castle Grimstone, down the precarious steps of the Black Mountain dungeon, up to her nose in griffon toenails, gnoll spittle, and troll meat (to give to them, not made of them).

When the prince and princess arrive for a Royal Inspection, the much too good-looking Princess Iphigenia winds up lost in the tunnels of the dungeon - without her guards, her staff, or her younger twin brother - and it’s up to Thisby to guide the princess safely past the hoards of minotaurs, wyverns, ghouls, and who-knows-what-else that would love nothing more than to nosh the royal highness for dinner.

Thisby Thestoop and Princess Iphigenia have a dangerous adventure ahead of them. If they’re going to a rescue the missing prince, stop a mounting war, and keep safe all the creatures who call the mountain dungeon home, they’ll have to learn how to trust each other.

Select Praise for THISBY THESTOOP:

- Kirkus review: “A proper adventure story.”

- School Library Journal review: “Tweens will instantly connect with innovative, hardworking Thisby and cheer her on. ... The story is an intriguing page-turner.”

Publishers Weekly review: “Gorman makes a strong children’s book debut ... delivering a fast-paced, high-stakes adventure. Clever Thisby and forceful Iphigenia make a delightfully odd pairing as they form an unlikely friendship amid the chaos and danger, and Bosma’s ghoulish b&w illustrations further help bring the characters and creatures to life.” 

- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books review: “The strength of this first novel of a planned series is certainly its menagerie of familiar and unfamiliar monsters, which Thisby helms as a young and extraordinary zookeeper.”

New Release: THE WITCH BOY

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Knox Ostertag (Scholastic, Oct 2017)

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Knox Ostertag (Scholastic, Oct 2017)

Even magic has rules...

In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted . . . and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

Select praise for THE WITCH BOY:
-
Kirkus starred review: "With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more."
- School Library Journal starred review: "Ostertag’s bright, gentle, cartoonlike artwork brims with life and adds extra appeal to this fast-moving story."

Deal Announcement: HEARTSEEKER

Arianne Lewin at Putnam has acquired Melinda Beatty's middle grade debut HEARTSEEKER, about Only Fallow, whose ability to see lies means she must leave everything she's known behind to serve her King, while his enemies aim to make sure she never reaches the castle alive. It's scheduled for publication in 2018; Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management did the two-book deal.

PW: Rights Report: Week of December 5, 2016.

Deal Announcement: THIMBLE

Sarah W. Searle's middle grade graphic novel THIMBLE, which follows 12-year-old Harriet Flores across a restless late summer in 1996 as she struggles with a move from rural Indiana to Chicago, a one-sided penpal situation, chronic illness, and the idea that her new landlady has stored a dark secret on the unoccupied top floor of their building, to Greg Hunter at Graphic Universe, for publication in fall 2019, by Jen Linnan at Linnan Literary Management.

A.V. Club: Sarah W. Searle announces her new coming-of-age graphic novel THIMBLE