Daphne Kalmar’s new middle grade novel, Stealing Mt Rushmore:
"Daphne Kalmar has created a wonderfully imperfect cast of characters and gathered them into a story that will break your heart. . . and heal it again. Stealing Mt. Rushmore has it all." —Marion Dane Bauer, author of the Newbery Honor novel On My Honor
Daphne Kalmar brings to life the social and political upheaval of the 1970s, revealing the heart of a family on the verge of falling apart and the courage of a young girl who does all she can to bring them together.It's the summer of 1974. Nellie's turned thirteen. Her best friend, Maya, has a crush on a boy. President Nixon might get impeached. And her mom's run off. The money for their family road trip to see Mt. Rushmore is missing and her dad's crawled into bed and won't get up.Nellie's sure the trip out West will fix her family, and she'll do almost anything to come up with the cash. But she begins to wonder why it's always her, the girl, who's stuck with the dishes and everything else. And how can a mom just up and leave with no note, no forwarding address, no nothing?To purchase copies of Stealing Mt Rushmore, please click here.
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Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan’s three new Baby Loves books, Baby Loves the Five Senses: Taste, Smell, and Touch:
“Higher concept board books are available in many shapes and sizes, and this series is particularly successful as it keeps the science as simple as possible. Babies and toddlers will be attracted to the joyful, inviting illustrations depicting familiar activities, and parents will love the practical explanation of the different senses.”—School Library JournalAccurate enough for an expert, yet simple enough for baby, these brainy books explore the science behind your sense of touch, taste and smell. Irene Chan's bright, kid-friendly illustrations and Ruth Spiro's age-appropriate, scientifically-vetted text reveal the mysteries of the senses!To purchase copies of the Baby Loves books, please click here.BIG congrats to Daphne and Ruth!
Hello! I’m thrilled to join the Upstart Crow Literary family. For my inaugural post, I’d like to introduce myself and discuss a little about what kinds of projects I’m looking for.I hail from Austin, Texas, and even though I’ve been based on the West Coast for a decade, I stay connected to my southern roots through cooking and wearing cowboy boots. I started my career in children’s books working for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), where I had the privilege of working with numerous award-winning writers and illustrators, before moving on to work with Jennifer Rofé at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency.I’m currently representing books for children: picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and young adult, along with some nonfiction. I’m also representing illustrators, and am drawn to painterly style with a distinctive voice. I’m searching for stories that I cannot get out of my head; books that demand every spare moment of my time. I love stories that make me think “how is this going to end?” I gravitate toward flawed, multifaceted, lively characters who make me laugh out loud or hold my breath in anticipation at what they might do next.If there’s a murder or a mystery to solve, I am in. I devoured Nancy Drew mysteries as a kid, and now can’t get enough of thrillers like Girl on the Train or The Guest List. If there is a prep school involved, even better. (Think The Swallows.) Give me a plot that draws me in and makes me turn the page.Speaking of plot... twists and turns are fantastic, but plots don’t have to be complicated to be compelling. Give me a satisfying resolution that makes sense with the rest of the story. Whether the plot is character-driven or high concept, I’m looking for smart, imaginative storytelling that feels authentic.In YA I’m searching for:
For MG I’m interested in:
For Picture books:
I’m an editorial agent, and relish in helping a client fine-tune their work. I love to be surprised, so if you’re unsure whether your project fits any of the above descriptions, please still feel free to submit to me. Sometimes I don’t know I love something until I see it.
We are thrilled to share this first look at Adam Smyer's newest book, YOU CAN KEEP THAT TO YOURSELF: A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF WHAT NOT TO SAY TO BLACK PEOPLE.Kirkus calls it: "A bitingly humorous compendium of the absurd subtle racism of the American workplace.”Read. Watch. Laugh. Feel uncomfortable.Out September 1. Preorder now!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dmg7BIxC7zs&app=desktop
Happiest of publication days to Matt Myklusch and the second book in the Order of the Majestic series: LOST KINGDOM, out today from Aladdin/Simon and Schuster.Joey Kopecky and his friends, Shazad and Leanora, have the weight of the world on their shoulders. As the new Order of the Majestic, it is their responsibility to keep magic alive and free for all, and to fight the influence of the Invisible Hand, a sinister group of magicians intent on rounding up the world’s remaining magical items and keeping everything to themselves. But all of that changes when Fate taps them on the shoulder, and puts the Secret Map of the World in their hands. Together, Joey and his friends strike off on a tour of hidden magical realms, trying to find a lost kingdom that could hold the key to a new age of magic. Hunted by the Invisible Hand every step of the way, they must reach their ultimate destination first, or risk delivering the world’s most powerful source of magic energy right into their enemy’s hands.Order your copy here.Praise for LOST KINGDOM"Entertaining and fast-paced." --School Library Journal"Myklusch creates wonderous places and magic fights galore."--BooklistPraise for ORDER OF THE MAJESTIC“Matt Myklusch’s thrilling reinvention of the magical school sub-genre is packed with humor, imaginative world building, and surprises. I loved it!” -- J.A. White, author of The Thickety series“Matt Myklusch weaves a spell that is as much about the magic of storytelling as it is about magic itself. loved it!” -- Peter Lerangis, New York Times-bestselling author of the Seven Wonders and Max Tilt series
HOORAY and happiest of publications days to Rachael Allen on the publication of her newest YA novel, THE SUMMER OF IMPOSSIBILITIES, a book that author Jaye Robin Brown (Georgia Peaches and Other Forbidden Fruit, The Meaning of Birds) calls "a soul-satisfying read that will make you smile long after you’ve turned the final page.”
Four girls. One summer. And a pact to do the impossible.
Skyler, Ellie, Scarlett, and Amelia Grace are forced to spend the summer at the lake house where their moms became best friends.
One can’t wait.
One would rather gnaw off her own arm than hang out with a bunch of strangers just so their moms can drink too much wine and sing Journey at two o'clock in the morning.
Two are sisters.
Three are currently feuding with their mothers.
One is hiding how bad her joint pain has gotten.
All of them are hiding something.
One falls in love with a boy she thought she despised.
One almost sets her crush on fire with a flaming marshmallow.
One has a crush that could change everything.
None of them are the same at the end of the summer.
Praise for The Summer of Impossibilities
“To Allen’s credit, the story covers potentially toxic elements with grace, humor, and maturity, never getting bogged down or growing maudlin. Instead, it stays firmly rooted in the gentle affection among the characters and their sturdy humanity, which never falters.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Allen's well-rounded, realistic teen characters grow throughout, and she interlaces the story with complicated relationships that reveal each character's idea of friendship...An engaging coming-of-age story.” —Kirkus Reviews
"Allen (A Taxonomy of Love) tips her hat to the summer sisterhood tradition she’s working in while updating its inclusivity: Ellie is Muslim, Skyler has arthritis, and Amelia Grace wants a church that accepts her. The characters’ alternating first-person voices are distinctive, the writing is sharp, and messages about honesty and being oneself add ballast to this satisfying multigenerational story of four girls finding the people they need.” —Publishers Weekly
To purchase copies of THE SUMMER OF IMPOSSIBILITIES, please click here.
We are thrilled to announce the sale of Nicole Collier's debut middle grade novel, JUST RIGHT JILLIAN, to Versify.
Congratulations, Nicole!
Consider this: Our future mayors, governors, representatives—even a future President—have already been born! (Maybe she’s napping in your lap or splashing in the tub right now!). Happily, the perfect book for our future leaders is now available to share with everybaby: BABY LOVES DEMOCRACY! It’s an inclusive, nonpartisan look at elections and how everyone can participate - because YOUR voice matters!
From the author of the wildly popular Baby Loves Science and Baby Loves the Five Senses series comes a spinoff perfect for little citizens: Baby Loves Political Science!Choosing a good leader is important, so everyone in America gets a say – even if they're too young to vote (sorry, Baby!). Sending postcards, making signs, and attending rallies is hard work, but with Baby's help, this campaign season is sure to be a success. This warm, inclusive primer demystifies the election process and emphasizes the importance of participation at all levels of government. Ruth Spiro's toddler-friendly, scrupulously accurate text and Greg Paprocki's bright, cheerful illustrations are sure to please and amaze the littlest activists among us.We also have this delightful trailer for the book (trailer by @sarah_spiro):[embed]https://youtu.be/MLTaqwU4Qew[/embed]To purchase copies of BABY LOVES DEMOCRACY!, please click here. HOORAY and CONGRATULATIONS to Ruth Spiro!
HOORAY and happiest of publications days to Marcie Colleen and Alison Oliver on the publication of their newest picture book, THE BEAR’S GARDEN!, which Kirkus Reviews calls “a well-illustrated, beautifully written tale of encouragement,” in a starred review.
Inspired by the true story of a community garden in Brooklyn, New York, The Bear’s Garden is a testament to how imagination and dedication can transform communities and create beauty for everyone in unexpected places.A little girl sees an empty lot in a city and imagines what it can be.She seesa place to grow,a place to play,and a place to love.With the help of her stuffed bear, the girl brings her community together to create a beautiful garden.PRAISE for THE BEAR’S GARDEN:
“A well-illustrated, beautifully written tale of encouragement for budding gardeners.” — STARRED REVIEW, Kirkus Reviews“Seamlessly marrying truth and imagination, this charming story reminds readers of the importance of one person’s care and the power of community.” — BookRoo“A simple, powerful ode to community betterment.” — Booklist Reviews“… a sweet reminder of how powerful communities can be when they come together to create something beautiful.”— Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books“[An] affectionate ode to a community garden.” — Publishers Weekly“A great addition to the growing urban gardens genre, and a good general purchase.” — School Library JournalTo purchase copies of THE BEAR’S GARDEN, please click here.
HOORAY and happiest of publications days to Sue Soltis on the publication of her newest picture books, THE STARS JUST UP THE STREET, with gorgeous illustrations by Christine Davenier!
A grandpa’s memories of brilliant night skies inspire a little girl to take action in a tale for budding community organizers and star lovers alike.Mabel loves stars. She counts five from her window and thirty-seven from her backyard. But her grandfather tells her that, as a child, he could see thousands. Could it be true? Mabel climbs a hill looking for more stars — only to discover that the glow from the nearby town makes them hard to see. What would it take for her neighbors to turn off their lights, just for one night, so that everyone could see the starlit sky? Sue Soltis’s tale of a young activist and Christine Davenier’s luminous illustrations will leave readers curious about the dark-sky movement — and the wonder that is waiting for them just up the street.PRAISE for STARS:"A lovely picture book." — The Wall Street Journal"One voice, one idea, really can make a difference. The idea that anyone, even a young child, with a passion for change can impact an entire community is extremely powerful...A story that inspires all ages to speak up and take action to positively affect the world around them." — School Library Journal"This appealing story shows how one or two people can make a difference by working toward change. The narrative and dialogue flow quite naturally, and Davenier’s artwork...is captivating. An inviting picture book to share with children." — Booklist Reviews"Graceful, readable text underscores the protagonists' loving relationship. The art is a sweet complement...It takes a village to control light pollution…gently inspirational." — Kirkus Reviews"Davenier, whose talents seem tailor-made for this material, matches the text’s plainspoken momentum. Animated ink washes capture both Mabel’s earnest determination and the wonder of what means so much to her: a dark night sky of deep blue and lavender, gloriously dotted with stars." — Publishers WeeklyTo purchase copies of STARS, please click here.
We're delighted to announce the sale of Alison Oliver's next PB illustration project, THE IN-BETWEEN BOOK, to Jennifer Adams at Sounds True!
Congratulations to all!