Mark Siegel at First Second has acquired world rights to Jennifer Lee and LeUyen Pham’s YA graphic novel As I Dream of You, a supernatural romance that involves lucid dreaming; Tess Banta will also edit. Publication is scheduled for 2026; Liz Parker at Verve Publishing represented Lee, and Holly M. McGhee at Pippin Properties represented Pham. Hoda Agharazi at Entangled Teen has bought The Ground That Devours Us by Kalla Harris, a post-apocalyptic YA paranormal romance pitched as The Coldest Girl in Coldtown meets The Last of Us, in which a sharp-tongued teenage vampire hunter desperate to save her newly turned sister makes a deal with a deadly (and, unfortunately, hot) vampire to get the cure for vampirism in exchange for freeing vamp hostages from a human compound. Publication is set for summer 2025; Jenna Satterthwaite at Storm Literary Agency did the two-book deal for world rights.
Random House Graphic has also acquired the rights to the graphic novel series “The Last Kids on Earth” by Max Brallier and Douglas Holgate.
Article Title: Graphic Novels Take Flight: Acquisitions and Trends in the Industry
A Thriving Market: The Rise of Graphic Novels
The world of graphic novels has experienced a significant surge in popularity over the past decade, with sales increasing by over 50% in the United States alone. This growth can be attributed to the genre’s unique blend of visual storytelling, engaging characters, and diverse themes.
The book, which explores the intersection of science, culture, and identity, delves into the life of Deepa, a young Indian-American girl who finds herself struggling with her cultural heritage. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance as Deepa navigates her dual identity as an Indian-American girl and a medical student. Through the story, Swaminathan sheds light on the experiences of Indian-American women in medicine, challenging common stereotypes and biases. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Swaminathan, who will be the first Indian-American woman to publish a novel for middle-grade readers. This achievement is a testament to the growing diversity and representation in children’s literature. The acquisition is also a testament to the increasing demand for stories that celebrate diverse voices and experiences. Knopf’s Katherine Harrison stated that “Wilderness Hacks is a unique and captivating story that will resonate with readers of all ages. I am thrilled to welcome Joslin Brorsen to the Knopf family.” Harrison also praised the story’s ability to tackle tough topics such as identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. In a similar vein, Simon & Schuster’s Dainese Santos stated that “Deepa, MD is a groundbreaking story that sheds light on the experiences of Indian-American women in medicine. I am excited to welcome Priya Swaminathan to the Simon & Schuster family and look forward to working with her to bring this important story to readers.” Santos also highlighted the book’s potential to spark important conversations about identity, culture, and belonging.
The deals were announced at the 2022 BookExpo in New York City.
Book Acquisitions
Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day
Rebecca Barone’s non-fiction book, Double Crossed: The WWII Spies Who Saved D-Day, has been acquired by Brian Geffen at Henry Holt. The book delves into the lesser-known story of the spies who played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II. The book focuses on the bravery and cunning of the spies who worked behind enemy lines, using their skills to gather crucial information and disrupt the enemy’s plans. Barone’s research reveals the intricate web of espionage and deception that existed during the war, highlighting the key players and their contributions to the Allied effort.
The New York Times has acquired world rights to the graphic novel “The Last of Us” by Craig Thompson.
Acquisitions
Scholastic Acquires Max a Little Axolotl
Scholastic has made a significant acquisition in the world of children’s literature. The publishing giant has acquired the rights to Joey Spiotto’s graphic novel, Max a Little Axolotl. This acquisition is a testament to the growing demand for diverse and inclusive content in the market. The graphic novel follows the story of Max, a young boy who befriends an axolotl and learns valuable lessons about friendship and responsibility. Spiotto’s unique art style and storytelling have captivated readers of all ages, making Max a Little Axolotl a standout title in the world of children’s literature. With Scholastic’s acquisition, Max a Little Axolotl is poised to reach a wider audience and inspire young readers to explore the wonders of the natural world.
Chronicle Acquires World Rights to There’s a Dragon in the Well
Ariel Richardson at Chronicle has made a notable acquisition in the world of children’s literature.
The deals were announced on the 2023 World Book Fair in Paris.
A Thrilling World of Fantasy
The world of fantasy has always been a realm of endless possibility, where imagination knows no bounds. From the magical realms of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth to the enchanted forests of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia, fantasy has captivated readers of all ages. In recent years, the genre has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with new authors and series captivating audiences worldwide.
The Rise of Middle Grade Fantasy
One of the most exciting developments in the world of fantasy is the rise of middle grade fantasy.
The Wheel of the Year: An Overview
The Wheel of the Year is a cycle of eight seasonal festivals that mark the passage of time and the changing of the seasons. This ancient tradition has been practiced by various cultures and spiritual communities for centuries, and its significance extends beyond the realm of paganism and witchcraft. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of the Wheel of the Year, exploring its history, significance, and the festivities that take place during each season.
The Eight Seasons of the Wheel of Year
The Wheel of the Year is typically divided into eight seasons, each representing a specific time of year and a unique set of energies and themes.
The Story Behind A Quilt of Stars
A Quilt of Stars is a heartwarming and inspiring story about astronaut Karen Nyberg’s journey to bring people together through a simple yet powerful act of kindness. The story begins with Karen’s experience as an astronaut on the International Space Station, where she had the opportunity to participate in a sewing project. This project was designed to bring people together and create a sense of community, and Karen was thrilled to be a part of it.
The Sewing Project
The sewing project was a collaborative effort between astronauts and cosmonauts from around the world. The goal was to create a quilt that would be completed in space and then returned to Earth as a symbol of unity and friendship. Karen was one of the lead participants in the project, and she worked closely with her colleagues to design and sew the quilt. Key features of the project: + Collaborative effort between astronauts and cosmonauts + Designed to bring people together and create a sense of community + Completed in space and returned to Earth as a symbol of unity and friendship
The Quilt of Stars
The finished quilt was a stunning work of art, featuring a patchwork design with stars and other celestial bodies. The quilt was completed in space and then returned to Earth, where it was displayed at a special exhibition. The quilt became a symbol of the power of kindness and community, and it inspired people around the world to come together and make a difference.
