Alexandra Levick is a senior literary agent at Writers House, LLC. developing her picture book, middle grade, young adult, and adult lists.
Books
This is a selection of some of the books I have sold on behalf of my clients. I will share more as announcements are made public!
Small-girl toni and the quest for gold, written by giselle anatol, illustrated by raissa figueroa
A tall tale inspired by the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.
Young Toni knows that her stories are going to change the world. She’s good at spinning yarn, and in fact, she thinks she might be able to spin her stories into gold if she tries hard enough. Maybe her stories can even lead her to buried treasure?
And so Toni sets out on a quest for gold with her siblings, telling tales and looking for a little magic at every turn. But when her quest doesn’t go quite as planned, Toni realizes that it’s all about how you tell a story in order to find the perfect ending.
Literary scholar Giselle Anatol and Coretta Scott King honoree Raissa Figueroa have crafted a wholly original tale inspired by the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold honors one of America’s most important writers and is a testament to the power of storytelling.
Don’t blow your top! illustrated by abhi alwar, written by ame dyckman
Everybody gets angry sometimes, even a little volcano. But with some rock-steady advice, Little Volcano finds a way to process their steamy emotions.
Spend a day in paradise with Little Volcano and Big Volcano. Everything is beautiful and calm until an out-of-control bird drops a coconut on Little Volcano's crater. Will Little Volcano blow their top? Can Big Volcano help?
Don't Blow Your Top! is a hysterical and explosive read-aloud story that will have kids of all ages erupting with laughter as Little Volcano and Big Volcano try to deal with their anger and go with the flow. The book features some tips for kids and volcanoes of all ages to help them navigate their fiery emotions and learn to be cool when things get a little out of control.
Pig and Skunk 1 & 2 illustrated by Abhi Alwar, written by Daniele Arndt
Daniele Arndt's PIG & SKUNK: BATTLE OF THE STINK, about best friends competing for the title of who is smelliest, illustrated by Abhi Alwar, to Sylvie Frank at Disney-Hyperion, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2027 and spring 2028, by Jennifer Newens at Martin Literary Management for the author, and by Alexandra Levick at Writers House for the illustrator (world).
Super Pancake 3 & 4 illustrated by Abhi Alwar, written by Megan Wagner Lloyd
The Super Pancake graphic novel series continues in a third and fourth installment, which follow Peggy Pancake and her friends as they save Breakfast Town from the mind control machine of Terrible Toast and rescue Professor Egg when she mysteriously goes missing.
Are You a cheeseburger? by Monica Arnaldo
Grub is a lonely raccoon. Rumbling in the trash. Looking for food
Seed is, well, a seed! Patiently waiting in the trash. Hoping someone will plant him.
When the two finally meet, they realize they might be able to help each other! Grub has just one big question first: What will Seed grow? Could Seed grow Grub’s favorite food, mouthwatering cheeseburgers? Seed isn’t sure what a cheeseburger is exactly, but . . . maybe!
And so begins a hilarious friendship following two unlikely strangers learning more about the other and discovering the pressure that comes with fulfilling expectations. Author-illustrator Monica Arnaldo will leave readers giggling and clamoring for more in this charming story that celebrates the unexpected—and how the most special friendships bloom only when we are unapologetically ourselves.
Mr. s. by Monica Arnaldo
Prepare for plenty of giggles as a kindergarten class arrives for their first day of school, but can't find their teacher—only a delicious-looking sandwich and the words "Mr. S" scribbled on the chalkboard. Chaos ensues as the kids argue whether or not the sandwich must be their teacher. A comical book of mayhem and chaos by Monica Arnaldo, perfect for back-to-school and fans of Miss Nelson Is Missing.
“This might be the funniest first-day-of-school book I’ve ever read." —Adam Rex, New York Times bestselling author of School’s First Day of School
It was the first day of school.
But even the kindergarteners of room 2B could tell something was seriously wrong . . . Where was the teacher? Who left this sandwich on the desk?
The only clue, written on the chalkboard, were three simple letters:
Mr. S
The Interpreter illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, written by Olivia Abtahi
A sharp and heartfelt picture book about a young soccer-loving girl who’s an interpreter for her Spanish-speaking parents.
Some kids have one job: to be a kid! Cecilia has two. When she isn’t on the soccer field scoring goals, she’s accompanying her parents to all kinds of grown-up places, like the DMV, the accountant’s office, and the auto shop. She helps them translate from Spanish to English and from English to Spanish. It’s an important job, and it can even be fun. It’s also hard work.
Sometimes Cecilia’s second job is so much responsibility, it feels like she’ll split in two! Is it time for Cecilia to blow her whistle and call for a time-out?
Olivia Abtahi’s clever text and Monica Arnaldo’s charming illustrations capture a common aspect of life for immigrant and bilingual families while offering a model for teamwork that helps everyone feel understood.
Sheep and Goat Climb the World illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, written by A.C. Paolini
A.C. Paolini's SHEEP AND GOAT CLIMB THE WORLD, about a sheep and a goat whose rivalry and competitive spirit take them all over the world, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, to Esther Cajahuaringa at Knopf Children's, in a two-book deal, for publication in spring 2026, by Andrea Morrison at Writers House for the author, and by Alexandra Levick at Writers House for the illustrator (world).
The last slice: a Three Kings day treat illustrated by Monica Arnaldo, written by melissa seron richardson
A hilarious holiday tale about the highs and lows of eating one very special Three Kings Day dessert: the Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a figurine of the baby Jesus hidden inside!
Marta is finally old enough for her own slice of the special, sneaky dessert she loves so much—la Rosca de Reyes.
The colorful crown of sweet bread is so tempting, but Marta knows the truth—there’s a baby hiding in the dessert: el Niño Dios. Marta can’t help but wonder what will happen if she accidentally eats the little figurine of baby Jesus.
Suddenly, Marta will do whatever it takes to avoid picking the last slice of la rosca—no matter how badly she wants a bite!
This humorous story of one girl’s journey to overcome her fears explores the traditions of Three Kings Day and the importance of family and faith.
The Museum of Very Bad Smells by Monica Arnaldo
Calling upon only the BRAVEST detectives with the STRONGEST noses—do you dare to scratch 'n' sniff and help solve this foul mystery?!
There’s been a robbery at the Museum of Very Bad Smells! Somebody stole the world-famous rotten egg . . . and everybody is a suspect. It’s up to YOU to help sniff out the culprit and bring the prized exhibit back before the museum’s grand opening.
From award-winning creator Monica Arnaldo comes a hilarious and interactive mystery about a robbery at the Museum of Very Bad Smells, with five stinky scratch elements in this hilarious picture book that encourages kids to scratch, smell, and—of course—pass it along to a friend.
Every bone a prayer by ashley blooms
Ten-year-old Misty has always had a special connection with the world—an empathic ability that allows her to speak to the crawdads in her creek, to the barn, and to almost everything around her. Except her family. Misty hopes to find a way to speak to them, too, and this need grows even stronger when her parents separate and strange things begin to happen. A statue grows in her landlord’s yard and secrets from his past are brought back into the present; her mother becomes obsessed with a green light that appears suddenly in their home but seemingly has no source; and when her neighbor, William, takes their friendship too far, Misty’s need to connect with the people around her becomes greater than ever.
A Gaiman-esque cross between The Lovely Bones and Where the Crawdads Sing, written by a survivor of sexual abuse, this is a beautifully honest exploration of healing and of hope. Trigger Warnings available here.
‘If Southern Gothic masters Carson McCullers (The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, The Member of The Wedding) and William Faulkner were to sit down with standard bearers of fantastic literature like Rachel Hartman (Seraphina, Tess of the Road), Jeff Vandermeer (the Southern Reach trilogy), and Frances Hardinge (Cuckoo Song, A Face Like Glass), and co-write a book, they might come close to this, but only just.
Blooms has taken the voice and names of Appalachia, tended, and evolved them, and created a book that is at once haunting and hopeful.’ — Fran Wilde for NPR Books
where i can’t follow by ashley blooms
Walk through the door and leave all your problems behind...but you don't know what's on the other side. And once you leave, you'll never come back. Will you go through?
Maren Walker told herself she wouldn't need to sell pills for long, that it was only means to an end. But that end seems to be stretching as far away as the other side of Blackdamp County, Kentucky. There's always another bill for Granny's doctor, another problem with the car, another reason she's getting nowhere.
She dreams of walking through her little door to leave it all behind. The doors have appeared to the people in her mountain town for as long as anyone can remember, though no one knows where they lead. All anyone knows is that if you go, you'll never come back.
Maren's mother left through her door when Maren was nine, and her shadow has followed Maren ever since. When she faces the possibility of escaping her struggles for good, Maren must choose just what kind of future she wants to build.
From critically acclaimed author Ashley Blooms, Where I Can't Follow explores the forces that hold people in place, and how they adapt, survive, and struggle to love a place that doesn't always love them back.
"Where I Can't Follow is haunting and hopeful, a hard story full of shocking warmth and unexpected beauty. The little doors of Blackdamp are the kind of make-believe that feels true, a magic so vivid it feels more like a memory than a work of fiction." — Alix E. Harrow, New York Times bestselling author of The Once and Future Witches
"Ashley Blooms novels have this in common with the tallest of trees: they are deftly rooted in the land of their origin, and yet their crowns, dappled with starlight, define a much broader world. In Where I Can't Follow, the twined themes of magical escape and what it means to be left behind build a brilliant stage on which Blooms' luminous cast of characters is transformed. A captivating novel that is at once personal and universal." —Fran Wilde, double-Nebula award winning author of Riverland and Updraft.
Ablaze illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, written by Jessica Lawson
Jessica Lawson's ABLAZE, a biography of Deanne Shulman, the nation's first female smokejumper, illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, to Tracy Gates at Viking Children's, with Meriam Metoui editing, for publication in summer 2025, by Tina Dubois at CAA for the author, and by Alexandra Levick at Writers House for the illustrator (world).
Maribel’s Year Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, written by Michelle Sterling
Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines. From acclaimed author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Sarah Gonzales, a poignant story perfect for fans of Joanna Ho, Linda Sue Park, and Matt De La Peña.
New country, new school, new friends.
A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing’s for certain: Maribel won’t forget her Papa, even when he’s 8,000 miles away in the Philippines.
After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth.
He is everywhere except the place he’s wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer?
the only way to make bread Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, written by cristina quintero
A delicious exploration of all kinds of breads, from sourdough to bannock to bao, that will tickle your taste buds and warm your heart.
What's the only way to make bread?
You might use white flour in your bread, or whole wheat flour or corn flour.
You might use water or milk, maybe an egg or two.
You'll use a handful of this, a dash of that, a bit of this and a splash of that.
Some dough will rise, some dough will bubble. Sometimes it will be sticky, sometimes it will be shaggy.
What's the only way to make bread?
Your way!
This tasty celebration of all kinds of bread will tempt bread lovers big and small. No matter what kind of bread YOU like to make, this book is for you!
you’ll always be my chickadee Illustrated by Sarah Gonzales, written by kate hosford
Weaving together the wonders of nature and a parent’s devotion in one glorious day of outdoor exploration, this picture book is a beautiful, unforgettable ode to the bond between caregiver and child.
Busy birdsong, breaking dawn,
melodies above the lawn.
Fly right over here to me.
You'll always be my chickadee.
With lyrical, rhyming text by author Kate Hosford and gorgeous illustrations by artist Sarah Gonzales, this gentle book shows that there are as many ways to say I love you as there are special moments to be shared together. A restful bedtime book, a cherished read-aloud, and a memorable gift for new families, You'll Always Be My Chickadee reassures young children that no matter what, our love for them is as steadfast as the tallest forest tree and as endless as the stars in the sky.
TIMELESS MESSAGE: Parents and caregivers are always looking for ways to reassure children that they are special and loved—and always will be. By playfully incorporating elements of nature, this picture book offers a meaningful new way to share one’s love.
NATURE APPEAL: This book details the beauty and delights of nature in lovely and specific ways. The poetic language and gorgeous illustrations will speak to families who value and encourage outside time over screen time.
EASY BEDTIME READ-ALOUD: Soothing, rhyming text and a comforting nighttime ending make this book a joy to read out loud, especially at bedtime.
Turn to the Sun: Your Guide to Release Stress and Cultivate Better Health Through Nature
by Brittany Gowan
Turn to the Sun guides you down a nourishing path of uplifting affirmations, soul-refreshing meditations, and lush botanical photography that helps you heal in the company of nature. Approach your days with less anxiety, renewed vigor, and a deeper sense of well-being as you become grounded and soak up nature's restorative qualities.
Whether you live in an urban jungle, on a suburban cul-de-sac, or at the edge of a national forest, you might find yourself more connected to technology than to nature. In the midst of the pings and rings of a device-dependent life, is getting close to nature even possible--or worth it?
Wellness coach and the founder of Pause with Plants Brittany Gowan shows you how slowing down, unplugging, and connecting with the natural world is not only possible and absolutely worth it, but also essential. Brittany creates a reflective experience enhanced by plants that helps you find the calm and tranquility you crave.
In these gorgeous, photo-filled pages, you'll find ways to:
Cultivate mindfulness as you let go of daily distractions
Let nature guide you into relishing the present moment
Use a nature-focused mindset to persist through challenges
Connect and ground yourself with nature anywhere, anytime
Nourish your relationship with yourself and the world around you
Turn to the Sun includes:
Affirmations: simple statements that have a positive effect on your thoughts and actions
Meditations: guidance for reflection and contemplation to center your mind and body
How-tos: doable exercises to fully engage with the natural world
Stunning botanical photography: lush images of plants that pair with affirmations, meditations, and how-tos
When in your life have you felt most alive? You can feel that way again. You can flourish, with purpose, whether you are in a waiting season or ready to blossom. It's time to pause. It's time to breathe. It's time to grow.
Calling for a blanket dance by oscar hokeah
Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction Longlist Selection * Aspen Words Literary Prize Longlist Selection * PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel Longlist Selection
A moving and deeply engaging debut novel about a young Native American man struggling to find strength in his familial identity, from a stellar new voice in literary fiction.
Told in a series of voices, Calling for a Blanket Dance takes us into the life of Ever Geimausaddle through the multigenerational perspectives of his family as they soldier through a myriad of difficulties: his father's sudden kidney failure and subsequent disability, his mother's struggle to hold on to her job and care for her husband, the constant resettlement of the family, and Ever's own bottled-up rage at the instability all around him. Meanwhile, all of Ever's relatives have ideas about who he is and who he should be. His Cherokee grandmother urges the family to move across the state to find security; his dying grandfather hopes to reunite him with his heritage through traditional gourd dances; his Kiowa cousin reminds him that he's connected to an ancestral past. And once an adult, Ever must take the strength given to him by his relatives to save not only himself, but also the next generation of family.
How will this young man visualize a place for himself when the world hasn't given him a place to start with? Honest, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting, Calling for a Blanket Dance is the story of how Ever Geimausaddle found his way to home.
Chloe and the Fireflies illustrated by Julie Jarema, written by Chris Jackson
A gentle look at transitions and new beginnings through the eyes of a child in foster care—Chloe and the Fireflies is a warm picture book that expands the view of what a family can be
It’s always hard to be the new kid—Chloe knows that better than anyone. But for the first time, in her new foster home, Chloe feels like she doesn’t have to hide. Suddenly her life is full of sleepovers with friends, baking cookies, and living room dance parties. With the support of her dads and her community, Chloe is able to thrive like never before. When Chloe catches a firefly, she can only think of one wish: she wishes she’ll be able to stay. But even if her wish doesn’t come true, Chloe knows she will always treasure the time they spent together.
This gentle picture book is an expansive celebration of family love and community care.
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
A love letter to Syria and its people, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a speculative novel set amid the Syrian Revolution, burning with the fires of hope, love, and possibility. Perfect for fans of The Book Thief and Salt to the Sea.
Salama Kassab was a pharmacy student when the cries for freedom broke out in Syria. She still had her parents and her big brother; she still had her home. She had a normal teenager’s life.
Now Salama volunteers at a hospital in Homs, helping the wounded who flood through the doors daily. Secretly, though, she is desperate to find a way out of her beloved country before her sister-in-law, Layla, gives birth. So desperate, that she has manifested a physical embodiment of her fear in the form of her imagined companion, Khawf, who haunts her every move in an effort to keep her safe.
But even with Khawf pressing her to leave, Salama is torn between her loyalty to her country and her conviction to survive. Salama must contend with bullets and bombs, military assaults, and her shifting sense of morality before she might finally breathe free. And when she crosses paths with the boy she was supposed to meet one fateful day, she starts to doubt her resolve in leaving home at all.
Soon, Salama must learn to see the events around her for what they truly are—not a war, but a revolution—and decide how she, too, will cry for Syria’s freedom.
A Little Like Magic by Sarah Kurpiel
Glistening with winter charm, this is an exhilarating, tender story of pushing past your comfort zone and finding inspiration in art and natural beauty.
Our young narrator doesn’t like itchy hats or cold wind, and she especially doesn’t like going places she’s never been before. But she reluctantly agrees to join her mom at an ice festival, where they watch sculptors chisel and drill until it’s too cold to watch anymore. That night the girl discovers that she has lost the horse figurine she’d brought with her, and she wishes she’d never gone . . . until the next night, when they return to the festival and see what the artists have created: sparkling, glorious sculptures that feel a little like magic. One surprise in particular seems even more magical to the girl. The ice art will stay with her long, long after it has melted away.
Elephant’s big solo by sarah kurpiel
Everyone is excited about the chance to perform a solo in the class recital—except Elephant. How will she deal with her anxiety and stage fright? Elephant’s Big Solo is a warm and sensitive celebration of meeting life’s challenges while staying true to who you are. This picture book will be adored by fans of The Rabbit Listened and Little Elliot, Big City.
Elephant’s favorite class is music. She loves playing the French horn and performing with all her friends. But when Ms. Gator suggests that everyone play a solo at the school concert, Elephant hesitates. The thought of performing alone makes her heart race and her stomach twist.
Luckily, Elephant thinks of another way to perform a solo; one that allows her to shine alongside a full orchestra of her friends.
Sarah Kurpiel’s accessible text is pitch-perfect and her expressive artwork is irresistible. Elephant’s Big Solo explores social anxiety in a sensitive and thoughtful way, always assuring young readers that Elephant stays true to herself. Readers will applaud when Elephant gains the confidence to show her true talents. Elephant’s Big Solo is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning, as well as story-time sharing.
Lone wolf by sarah kurpiel
Maple the husky loves being the Parker family’s dog. She’s a valued member of the team, but strangers always seem to think she’s a wolf! It’s true: Maple can hunt, she can howl, and she can dig, just like wolves can. Oh, no! What if she is a wolf and doesn’t belong with her family, after all?
Summer 2020 Kids' Indie Next List
Amazon.com Best Books of the Month / Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books for Ages 3-5
"With lovely cadenced phrasing, and a winning heroine, this delightful debut picture book is strongly recommended for purchase." (Starred review) -- School Library Journal
"Pawsitive vibes all around." —Kirkus Reviews
Original Cat, Copy Cat by Sarah Kurpiel
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice
Junior Library Guild Selection
Pineapple loves being an only cat—and then Kiwi comes along. But despite the chaos and the annoyances, Pineapple soon realizes that a new kitten—a new friend—makes everything twice as fun. Original Cat, Copy Cat is a celebration of friendship and acceptance. It will be adored by fans of Wolfie the Bunny and Max the Brave.
Pineapple the cat loves his comfortable life: that is, until he’s not the only cat in his house anymore. Now Pineapple’s entire routine is turned upside down. Worst of all, new kitten Kiwi copies everything Pineapple does.
One day, Pineapple decides he’s had enough. But being an only cat isn’t the same anymore. With his old routine soured, Pineapple learns that having a friend makes everything better. And eventually, it’s hard to tell who’s the copy cat, after all.
Sarah Kurpiel’s spare text, exuberant artwork, and expressive characters make for an irresistible picture book, one perfect for storytime sharing and animal lovers everywhere.
Snake’s big mistake by Sarah kurpiel
Snake loves art class—until his project is a disaster, and he makes a terrible mistake that hurts a friend. How will Snake fix his mistake? Acclaimed author-artist Sarah Kurpiel’s Snake’s Big Mistake is a picture book about art, friendship, apologizing, and forgiveness, for readers of The Rabbit Listened and The Book of Mistakes.
For weeks, Snake has looked forward to sculpting the most spectacular clay pot in art class. But when his pot breaks and his teacher confuses Snake’s pot with Turtle’s, Snake takes home Turtle’s masterpiece to show his family and pretends that he made it. Now, Snake will have to craft a way to repair a broken pot and a broken friendship.
Combining a sensitive, thoughtful text and irresistible illustrations, acclaimed author-illustrator Sarah Kurpiel centers emotions that young readers can easily identify with, such as anxiety, guilt, regret, and embarrassment. Snake’s Big Mistake—a companion to Elephant’s Big Solo—is an excellent choice for social and emotional learning, as well as story-time sharing.
The Incorruptibles 1 & 2 by Lauren Magaziner
A girl joins the human resistance against sorcerer tyranny in this first book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles that’s Keeper of the Lost Cities meets The Marvellers.
Fiora Barrowling lives in a world where sorcerers rule over humans. After surviving an encounter with The Radiance—the very worst of the sorcerers—she’s whisked away to the incredible Incorruptibles (“Inc”) Academy, a school for resistance fighters in training. But most of the other students think Fiora hasn’t earned her place there, and when things start to go wrong and it seems the sorcerers have a spy in the academy, all eyes are on Fiora. With all odds stacked against her, can Fiora prove that she belongs?
Door by door: how sarah mcbride became america’s first openly transgender senator Illustrated by meridth mckean gimbel, written by Meeg pincus
A nonfiction picture book about Delaware State Senator Sarah McBride, who dreamed of making a difference as a kid and grew up to become the highest-ranking openly transgender political official in America.
As a kid, Sarah McBride dreamed of running for office so she could help people in her community. When her friends asked for bicycles for Christmas, Sarah asked for a podium. Her friends and family encouraged her to follow this path, but there was one problem: they saw Sarah as a boy, and Sarah knew she was a girl. Every night, she’d replay the day in her head, watching how it would have played out if she was able to live as the girl she knew herself to be.
In college, she finally came out as Sarah, and in 2020 she won her election to become a Delaware State Senator, making her the highest-ranking trans political official in the country and a hero to kids everywhere who want to live their dreams and be themselves!
play with me board book series illustrated by lorraine nam, written by kat chen
Play With Me
Take part in a picnic playdate with this collaborative board book of small learnings and tender moments.
This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.
Play Outside with Me
Take part in an outdoor playdate-in-a-book, with small learnings and tender moments.
Play Games with Me
Play a bunch of different games in this playdate-in-a-book with small learnings and tender moments.
Available for preorder NOW!
wei skates on written by nathan Chen, illustrated by Lorraine nam
Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion Nathan Chen delivers an inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome.
Wei has loved ice-skating ever since his first visit to the rink. He loves gliding across the ice, taking flight on jumps, and moving with the music—there’s nothing else like it!
But as Wei’s first big competition draws near, he begins to worry. He’s been training hard, but what if he doesn’t win? With help from Mom, can Wei find a way to handle his nerves? What would it feel like to skate without the pressure of winning?
As the first Asian American man to win gold in figure skating, Nathan Chen is a celebrated role model for kids who want to shine on and off the ice. His uplifting message of positivity and perseverance makes this story the perfect choice for social emotional learning at home or in the classroom.
your house is not just a house illustrated by Lorraine nam, written by Idris Goodwin
From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.
It seems your home is just
walls, windows, and doors,
but take a closer look—
it's that and so much more!
One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes
In this Latinx adult romance debut from National Book Award Finalist Sonora Reyes, two friends enter into a marriage of convenience so one of them can get citizenship—but everything changes when they unexpectedly fall in love.
Alejandro (Han for short) has never been in love. He purposefully keeps his heart at arm’s length from anyone who might want it, which he lets his family and friends think is due to commitment-phobia paired with a heavy dose of emotional constipation. Now, though, he's coming to learn that it might have more to do with his fear of looking too deeply inward, whether that be his sexuality (he's straight, right?), or the looming anxiety about being undocumented in an increasingly hostile environment.
On the other hand, Han’s roommate and best friend, Kenny, is stuck in a soul-sucking relationship with a woman who wants nothing more than for Kenny to ditch Han and marry her. Kenny can't stand being alone, and has always been afraid of being punished for making the wrong choice, so his girlfriend happily makes most of his decisions for him. But when she forces his hand and makes him choose between their relationship and his best friend, he finally knows without a doubt who the correct choice is.
But things aren’t as easy as they should be with Kenny's ex out of the picture. When Han loses the job that had promised to sponsor his work visa, it leaves the two of them anxious as ever. In order to give his best friend a chance at security (and ok, maybe to make his ex a little jealous), Kenny asks Han to marry him. But neither of them are prepared for the very real feelings pretending to be madly in love stirs up.
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
National Bestseller * National Book Award Finalist * William C. Morris YA Debut Award Finalist * Goodreads Finalist for Best Teen Book of the Year * Walter Honor Award Winner * Lambda Literary Award Winner
A sharply funny and moving debut novel about a queer Mexican American girl navigating Catholic school, while falling in love and learning to celebrate her true self. Perfect for fans of Erika L. Sánchez, Leah Johnson, and Gabby Rivera.
Sixteen-year-old Yamilet Flores prefers to be known for her killer eyeliner, not for being one of the only Mexican kids at her new, mostly white, very rich Catholic school. But at least here no one knows she’s gay, and Yami intends to keep it that way.
After being outed by her crush and ex-best friend before transferring to Slayton Catholic, Yami has new priorities: keep her brother out of trouble, make her mom proud, and, most importantly, don’t fall in love. Granted, she’s never been great at any of those things, but that’s a problem for Future Yami.
The thing is, it’s hard to fake being straight when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is so annoyingly perfect. And smart. And talented. And cute. So cute. Either way, Yami isn’t going to make the same mistake again. If word got back to her mom, she could face a lot worse than rejection. So she’ll have to start asking, WWSGD: What would a straight girl do?
Told in a captivating voice that is by turns hilarious, vulnerable, and searingly honest, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School explores the joys and heartaches of living your full truth out loud.
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
From the bestselling author of the National Book Award Finalist The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School comes a revenge story told with nuance, heart, and the possibility of healing. An ideal next read for fans of Laurie Halse Anderson.
Ariana Ruiz wants to be noticed. But as an autistic girl who never talks, she goes largely ignored by her peers—despite her bold fashion choices. So when cute, popular Luis starts to pay attention to her, Ari finally feels seen.
Luis’s attention soon turns to something more, and they have sex at a party—while Ari didn’t say no, she definitely didn’t say yes. Before she has a chance to process what happened and decide if she even has the right to be mad at Luis, the rumor mill begins churning—thanks, she’s sure, to Luis’s ex-girlfriend, Shawni. Boys at school now see Ari as an easy target, someone who won’t say no.
Then Ari finds a mysterious note in her locker that eventually leads her to a group of students determined to expose Luis for the predator he is. To her surprise, she finds genuine friendship among the group, including her growing feelings for the very last girl she expected to fall for. But in order to take Luis down, she’ll have to come to terms with the truth of what he did to her that night—and risk everything to see justice done.
The Sharp edge of silence by Cameron kelly Rosenblum
WHO WILL YOU BE AT LYCROFT PHELPS?
This is the question all Lycroft applicants want to be asked. It means they’ve been accepted to one of the most elite private high schools in the nation. Over 150 years is plenty of time for traditions to bake into the campus’s bricks and ivy. Ceremonies. Athletic rivalries. Secret societies. Pranks taken too far. But navigating it all will make Charlotte (perfect, straight-A student), Max (scholarship kid and STEM whiz), and Quinn (artist, dreamer, Lycroft legacy) question all they thought they knew about themselves…and the school.
Especially when Quinn’s sexual assault becomes public and implicates one of the top-tier athletes on campus.
"The Sharp Edge of Silence is a searingly honest story of sexual assault and one girl’s journey to fight for herself in the aftermath. But it’s also about friendship and finding one’s voice. Quinn is heroic and human and she had my heart from the very first page. Please read this beautiful book." —Jennifer Niven, #1 New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places
“The Sharp Edge of Silence is a thrilling story of the courage necessary to effect change at a vividly drawn boarding school. Cameron Kelly Rosenblum writes with a crackling, lyrical voice that takes root in your heart and echoes in your mind long after you’re done turning pages.” —Jeff Zentner, critically acclaimed and award-winning author of The Serpent King and In the Wild Light
“Told in sumptuous, evocative prose, The Sharp Edge of Silence chronicles the interwoven stories of three very different Lycroft Phelps students on their journey to a shared epiphany: that power and privilege hide a multitude of sins, and silence is the natural enemy of justice. The poetic narrative and sparkling New England setting illustrate that beauty can be found in broken things, and anything is survivable if we don’t give up on ourselves.” —Gillian French, Edgar Award Finalist and author of Grit, The Lies They Tell, and Missing Season
“Unnerving, harrowing and suspenseful, The Sharp Edge of Silence is a masterfully woven story that explodes with raw anger at the repercussions of toxic masculinity on an elite boarding school campus. A sensitive, hopeful look at fitting in and taking a stand.” —Alex Richards, author of Accidental and When We Were Strangers
The Stepping off place by Cameron kelly Rosenblum
Reid doesn’t know how to exist without her best friend and social oxygen, Hattie. They’ve been inseparable since middle school. And now, the summer before senior year, Reid finds herself in the thick of Scofield High’s in-crowd, all because of Hattie.
But days before Hattie is due home from her summer vacation in Maine, Reid gets the news that Hattie has drowned. Reid is in utter disbelief, especially when she learns it’s ruled a suicide. Driven by bone-deep loyalty and a desperate need to understand, Reid searches for answers. In doing so, she uncovers painful secrets about the person she thought she knew better than herself. And the truth will force Reid to reexamine everything.
A Kirkus Pick for Best YA Books of 2020 / Best YA Books That Discuss Mental Health
“…explores loss, futility, honesty, and love, with a richness of prose and excellence of characterization rare in a first-time author.” — Kirkus, starred review
“…beautifully written examination not only of the sadness of grief, but of the uncertainty it can bestow upon everything, from your relationship with others to your relationship with yourself.” — Booklist
The other side of perfect by Mariko Turk
For fans of Sarah Dessen and Mary H.K. Choi, this lyrical and emotionally driven YA follows Alina, an aspiring dancer who suffers a devastating injury and must face a world without ballet — as well as the darker side of her former dream.
Alina Keeler was destined to dance, but then a terrifying fall shatters her leg — and her dreams of a professional ballet career along with it.
After a summer healing (translation: eating vast amounts of Cool Ranch Doritos and binging ballet videos on YouTube), she is forced to trade her pre-professional dance classes for normal high school, where she reluctantly joins the school musical. However, rehearsals offer more than she expected — namely Jude, her annoyingly attractive cast-mate she just might be falling for.
But to move forward, Alina must make peace with her past and face the racism she experienced in the dance industry. She wonders what it means to yearn for ballet — something so beautiful, yet so broken. And as broken as she feels, can she ever open her heart to someone else?
Touching, romantic, and peppered with humor, this debut novel explores the tenuousness of perfectionism, the possibilities of change, and the importance of raising your voice.
I’ll Be Waiting for You
by Mariko Turk
Perfect for fans of the tearjerker You've Reached Sam, this emotional will-they-won't-they romance follows Natalie and Leander, two teens who navigate love, loss, and everything in between during a fateful summer internship.
Natalie and Imogen are inseparable, and wildly different—Imogen is infuriatingly humble and incredibly intelligent, while Natalie is brave, jumping into danger and new adventures. Still, one thing ties them together: their love of the supernatural. Every summer, they vacation with their parents at the famously haunted Harlow Hotel. Imogen is a true believer, while Natalie sees ghost stories as nothing but pure fun.
Then, Imogen suddenly passes away from an undiagnosed heart condition that no one saw coming, and Natalie is left to take on the summer before senior year alone.
Without Imogen, Natalie throws herself into her senior project. Her passion is still horror, so she plans to spend her summer back at The Harlow Hotel recording fun fake footage that will get her on the teen ghost hunting show of her dreams. And her plans would be a lot less complicated if Leander, her irritatingly attractive arch rival from school, wasn’t working on his senior project at the very same hotel.
The longer Natalie stays at the Harlow Hotel, the more she realizes that Leander might be helpful for her project. After all, she could use an extra hand to help record her fake footage.
But, when strange things start happening at the Harlow, Natalie wonders, could there really be something to these ghosts after all?
Readers of Emily X.R. Pan, Nina LaCour, and Dustin Thao will fall for this story that explores what it means to believe—in ghosts, in the people you love, and in yourself.
THat self-same metal (forge & fracture saga book 1)
by Brittany n. Williams
A stunning YA fantasy debut, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Justina Ireland, about a Black girl (and sword expert) fighting a Fae uprising in Shakespearean London
All the world’s a stage—and a new heroine is about to make her grand entrance
Sixteen-year-old Joan Sands creates and upkeeps the stage blades for William Shakespeare’s acting company, the King’s Men, using her magical ability to control metal—a power gifted to her by the Orisha, Ogun.
Joan and her family have always been aware of the Fae’s presence within London society—subtle, peaceful, and marked by the faint glow that only those blessed by the Orisha can see. When England’s new king fails to uphold the pact between his realm and theirs, brutal attacks forewarn the approach of a malevolent presence. After Joan wounds a powerful Fae and saves the son of a cruel lord, she finds herself thrown into the middle of the approaching war between the human and Fae worlds.
Swashbuckling, romantic, and full of the sights and sounds of Shakespeare’s London, That Self-Same Metal delivers an unforgettable story—and a heroine unlike any other.
saint-seducing gold (forge & fracture saga book 2)
by Brittany n. Williams
Saint-Seducing Gold is the second book in Brittany N. Williams’s stunning YA historical fantasy trilogy—the Forge & Fracture Saga—that New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray called “nothing short of spectacular."
There’s danger in the court of James I. Magical metal-worker Joan Sands must reforge the Pact between humanity and the Fae to stop the looming war. As conflict erupts across London and the murderous spymaster Robert Cecil closes in, the Fae queen Titanea coerces Joan into joining the royal court while holding her godfather prisoner in the infamous Tower of London.
Now Joan will have to survive deadly schemes both magical and mortal all while balancing the magnetic pull of her two loves—Rose and Nick—before the world as she knows it is destroyed forever.
Swashbuckling, romantic, and full of the sights and sounds of Shakespeare’s London, this series delivers an unforgettable story—and a heroine unlike any other.
From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back
contribution by Brittany n. Williams
Celebrate the legacy of The Empire Strikes Back with this exciting reimagining of the timeless film featuring new perspectives from forty acclaimed authors.
On May 21, 1980, Star Wars became a true saga with the release of The Empire Strikes Back. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, forty storytellers re-create an iconic scene from The Empire Strikes Back through the eyes of a supporting character, from heroes and villains, to droids and creatures.
All participating authors have generously forgone any compensation for their stories. Instead, their proceeds will be donated to First Book—a leading nonprofit that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to educators and organizations serving children in need. To further celebrate the launch of this book and both companies’ longstanding relationships with First Book, Penguin Random House will donate $100,000 to First Book and Disney/Lucasfilm will donate 100,000 children’s books—valued at $1,000,000—to support First Book and their mission of providing equal access to quality education.
WEST OF THE SEA BY STEPHANIE WILLING
Tae Keller meets Tracey Baptiste in a tale of generational trauma, told with a cryptozoological twist.
When her mom disappears from their small Texas town, paleontology-loving Haven is determined to find her. But as she uncovers truths about her mom’s identity, Haven also uncovers a monstrous family secret. Her mom can take the shape of a human and, in the right environment, also turn into an amphibious creature known as a kitskara. And now that she’s growing up, Haven is discovering she has this ability, too. This newfound identity is her only clue to help her track her mother and bring her back home.
And so she, her older sister Margie, and her new friend Rye set off on a road trip across Texas’s Gulf Coast to her late grandparents’ abandoned home, where they’re sure her mom has disappeared to…along with plenty of family secrets.
Infused with a deep love of fossils and Celtic mythology, West of the Sea is a lyrical, heart-filled coming-of-age story for fans of cryptozoology—and anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world when they feel different.
out of the blue by nic yulo
In this touching story, a girl and an octopus unexpectedly connect over feeling small in a big world.
Coral has big dreams about grand adventures—but it’s hard to go after these big dreams when you’re the smallest in the class and feel completely invisible. During a school trip to the aquarium, Coral finds a kindred spirit in Kraken, a small octopus who knows that being invisible isn’t always a bad thing.
When Coral finds herself in the aquarium after everyone else goes home, she learns that being seen isn’t always about how big you are.
patch of sky by nic yulo
A fiercely determined girl will do anything to help her best pig friend finally see the sky in this unique friendship story
Pia just found out the terrible news that pigs can’t look straight up, which means her best friend and right-hand-pig Patches has never seen the sky. If you ask her, that is absolutely cuckoo bananas. Now Pia is on a mission to share the beauty of the big wide sky with Patches . . . and she will do whatever it takes!
From debut author-illustrator Nic Yulo comes this story of determination, empathy, and learning to look at the world (and the sky!) in a whole new way.