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Dear Friends,
As Amy and Tim return from the Bologna Book Fair, and Fiona from th
e London Book Fair, back home there's been a flurry of deals and Elizabeth, Andrea, and Sandra have been running some rather exciting auctions! Meanwhile, we're thrilled to see our clients featured on the Bank Street Best Books list and well represented on the Ontario Library Association's Best Bets list. And a very special shout out to Pat Schmatz for winning the Minnesota Book Award for Middle Grade, to Heather Smith for winning the Winterset Award, to the THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by debut author Shaunta Grimes for being selected as an Amazon Best Book of the Month and
to Rosanne Parry's A WOLF CALLED WANDER for making the New York Times Bestseller list!
Wishing you all the very best,
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North American and World Rights
FICTION
Picture Books
 World English rights to Author-illustrator
Charles Beyl's
LITTLE LUNCH TRUCK, about a little lunch truck on a big adventure, to Liz Szabla at Feiwel and Friends, for publication in spring 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett,
[email protected].
 World rights to art educator
Jennifer Sendros-Keshka
writing and illustrating as Jenny Pinkerton's
PLAY WITH CLAY
and
PLAY WITH PAINT
, the first two books in a series exploring creativity, possibility, and change through everyday art materials, to Renee Hooker at Penguin Workshop, in a two-book deal, for publication in March 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett,
[email protected].
 World rights
to HOW TO PROMENADE WITH A PYTHON (AND NOT GET EATEN) by Rachel Poliquin, an instructional manual written by a cockroach (named Celeste) that explains how a child might enjoy a moonlit promenade with a deadly reticulated python named Frank, and a second untitled book in the Polite Predator Series, sold to
Elizabeth Kribs at Penguin Random House Canada in a pre-empt. The books will be illustrated by HEY GRANDUDE illustrator Kathryn Durst. Anne Moore Armstrong of the Bright Agency represented the illustrator. Contact Amy Tompkins [email protected].
 World rights to MY WORDS FLEW AWAY LIKE BIRDS by Debora Pearson, with Shrija Jain illustrating, about the experience of a child who moves to a new country, where she starts to learn English, but finds that all her words fly away when she tries to speak, sold to Kids Can Press senior editor Yasemin Uçar i
n a two-book deal
. Publication is planned for fall 2021. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 World rights to
Judith Henderson's
THE BOY AND THE ALLIGATOR, about a boy who, despite public opinion, uses empathy and imagination to integrate an alligator into the community, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier, to Yasemin Uçar at Kids Can Press, for publication in fall 2020. Nicole Tugeau at Tugeau 2 represented the illustrator. Contact Amy Tompkins,
[email protected].
 World rights to the second
FRANNIE AND PEPPER book about those cute skateboarding and biking bunnies by author/illustrator
Cat Odell, sold to Kristen Nobles at Page Street. Contact Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
 World Rights to
Rosanne Parry's stunning picture book about the way reintroducing wolves changes the environment for the better,
THE WOLF EFFECT, sold to Virginia Duncan at Greenwillow. Contact Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
 Carey Sookocheff will illustrate Andrew Larsen's delightfully quirky picture book
I DO NOT LIKE STORIES for Karen Boersma at Owlkids (World Rights). Contact Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
 World rights to IF ANIMALS GAVE THANKS and IF ANIMALS TRIED TO BE KIND, books five and six in
Ann Whitford Paul's 100,000 copy-selling picture book series sold to
Janine O'Malley at Macmillan
. Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected].
 Renee Treml will illustrate two picture books:
LOOK BABY for Fiona Bowden at Little Book Press, Australia (World) and
NOW COWS by Kathryn Apel for Kristine Schulz at University of Queensland Press, Australia (World). Contact Elizabeth Bennett,
[email protected].
 World rights to Google product designer and author,
Vicky Fang's
I CAN CODE board book series, introducing toddlers to the basic concepts of coding through every day experiences, to Kelly Barrales-Sayler at Sourcebooks in a two book deal. Contact Elizabeth Bennett,
[email protected].
 Matthew Rivera (www.matthewdidit.com) will illustrate Stacy McAnulty's nonfiction picture book,
BRAINS, NOT JUST A ZOMBIE SNACK for Julia Sooy at Holt/Godwin (Macmillan Kids). Contact Andrea Cascardi,
[email protected].
Middle Grade
 North American English rights to Allison Mackey's THE EDGE OF EVERYWHEN, about a 13-year-old and her autistic brother who are befriended by an omniscient book when they go to live with their estranged aunt after the death of their mother, to, Michelle Prater Burke at B&H Publishing for publication in spring 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett, [email protected].
World rights to Google product designer Vicky Fang's LAYLA AND THE BOTS, a full color early chapter book series, in which a rock star and her band of robots solve problems in their town through deductive reasoning, illustrated by Christine Nishiyama, to Rachel Matson at Branches, in an exclusive submission, in a four-book deal, for publication starting in 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett, [email protected].
 World rights to Kayla Miller's third graphic novel in the Olive series, in which the protagonist decides to run for student council and learns a lot about fighting for a cause along the way, to Mary Wilcox at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children's, in a two-book deal, for publication in fall 2020 and spring 2021. Contact Elizabeth Bennett, [email protected].
 World English rights to Anna Humphrey's QUACK, a novel about Shady, a boy with selective mutism, and his best friend, Pouya, who accidentally bring home a duckling that becomes Shady's emotional support animal. Acquired by Jonathan Westmark at Albert Whitman for publication in spring 2020. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 World rights to Sigmund Brouwer's TERROR BAY, about forensic science and the Franklin Expedition, and SUMMIT SEVENTY-TWO, about the 1972 Canada/Russia Summit Series, to senior editor Yasemin Uçar at Kids Can Press. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 World rights to BROKEN CRAYONS STILL COLOR by Eric Walters to Andrew Wooldridge at Orca Book Publishers. Thirteen-year-old Robbie is growing up in poverty, all but ignored by his single father. His world is cracked open by Harmony, the new kid in school who has been placed in a local foster home. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 World rights to the fifth and sixth in the MAX AND MO
early chapter books
series by Patricia Lakin sold to Siobhan Ciminera at Simon and Schuster. Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected].
 World rights to
ADVENTURES OF WEENIE AND FRIENDS
by Maureen Fergus
, two chapter books starring o
ne very greedy wiener dog stars, sold in a two book deal to Samantha Swenson at Penguin Random House Canada. Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected].
World rights to author-illustrator
Renee Treml's second book in the
SHERLOCK BONES graphic novel series to Allen and Unwin, Australia for publication in fall 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett,
[email protected].
World rights to author-illustrator
Cyndi Marko
's
JURASSIC PECK
, the fifth book in the Kung Pow Chicken series, to Katie Carella at Scholastic Branches, for publication in September 2020. Contact Elizabeth Bennett, [email protected].
 Audio rights to
STONE RIVER CROSSING by
Tim Tingle have been sold to Melanie Donovan at Recorded Books. Contact Andrea Cascardi,
[email protected].
Young Adult
 English rights in North America to Heather Smith's next YA novel, pitched as Derry Girls meets Roddy Doyle, and titled BARRY SQUIRES, FULL TILT, in a two-book deal, to Lynne Missen at Penguin Teen/Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, for publication in fall 2020. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 World rights to
DREAMING IN COLOR by
Melanie Florence to Tanya Trafford at Orca Book Publishers for the Orca Soundings line, a follow-up to her Hackmatack-nominated book, HE WHO DREAMS. Contact Amy Tompkins,
[email protected].
 North American Rights for
Amber J. Keyser's
TECHNICOLOR VORTEX OF AWESOME, a joyful and hilarious road trip which will do for Jeff Goldblum what Dumplin' did for Dolly Parton! Sold to Beverly Horowitz at PRH/Delacorte by Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
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 English rights in Australia and New Zealand to YouTuber James Rallison's New York Times best-seller THE ODD 1s OUT to Andrew Berkhut at Scholastic Australia. Contact Tim Travaglini, [email protected].
 German rights at auction to Amy Parks' YA romance THE QUANTUM WEIRDNESS OF THE ALMOST KISS to Marie-Ann Helle at Rowohlt for the new WJB imprint, by Barbara Küper Literarische Agentur+Medienservice in association with Amy Tompkins, on behalf of Elizabeth Bennett. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected].
 Korean rights to
Tanya Lloyd Kyi's security and surveillance-themed middle grade novel,
ME AND BANKSY, to
Byeolsoop by Jully Lee at EYA on behalf of Amy Tompkins. Contact Amy Tompkins,
[email protected].
 Polish rights to
HONOR CODE,
Kiersi Burkhart's searing YA about campus rape and its consequences, sold to Zielona Sowa by Agata Zabowska on behalf of Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
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EBB & FLOW by
Heather Smith has won the 2018 BMO Winterset Award! The Winterset Award honours the memory of Sandra Fraser Gwyn, St. John's-born social historian, prize-winning author, and passionate promoter of Newfoundland and Labrador arts. Her husband, journalist and author Richard Gwyn established the award in 2000, which is managed by ArtsNL. It's named after the historic house on Winter Avenue in St. John's where Sandra grew up.
EBB & FLOW by
Heather Smith has been nominated to the Troybery Reading program. In its 19th year, the Troybery Reading program, modeled after the Newbery award, encourages middle school students to nominate and read the best books of the year. A March Madness-style tournament is held to narrow down the nominees to a final 10, and the final Troybery winner is then announced.
 THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by
Shaunta Grimes was selected as an Amazon Best Book of the Month!
BE MY LOVE by
Kit Pearson,
CHICKEN GIRL by
Heather Smith, and
MYA'S STRATEGY TO SAVE THE WORLD by
Tanya Lloyd Kyi were all included in the CBC's Spring Preview List
 IN THE KEY OF NIRA GHANI by
Natasha Deen was chosen as a Junior Library Guild Selection and was included on Barnes & Noble's list of 25 of Our Most Anticipated #OwnVoices YA Books of 2019.
 Vicki Grant's YA novel
SHORT FOR CHAMELEON (HarperCollins) is shortlisted for the Atlantic Book Awards.
The Ontario Library Association's Best Bets List included several Transatlantic authors: in Picture Books the list features
Maureen Fergus's
THE REPTILE CLUB (Kids Can Press) and
Heather Smith's
ANGUS ALL AGLOW (Orca Book Publishers), and in Junior Fiction there's
Rachelle Delaney's
CLARA VOYANT (Puffin Canada).
Sarah Hampson and Kass Reich's DR. COO AND THE PIGEON PROTEST (Kid's Can Press) was recognized as an honorable mention in Picture Books.
THE REPTILE CLUB by Maureen Fergus is shortlisted for the Saskatchewan Willow Award, and was featured at a Globe 100 Books and a best book on CBC TV.
 VERY RICH by Polly Horvath (Holiday House US and Puffin Canada) has been shortlisted for the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award middle grade-YA category.
 The CBC has included
SPEND IT! on its March 2019 Hot Off the Press reading list! You can see the full list here: https://www.cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lists/march-2019/
 Andrew Larsen gave the prestigious annual Lahmer lecture for the Friends of the Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books, inspired by his picture book on the famous library builder
THE MAN WHO LOVED LIBRARIES (Owlkids).
A WOLF CALLED WANDER by
Rosanne Parry is a
New York Times Bestseller! It debuted at #10 on the MG list. The book also hit the May Indie Bestseller list, and is featured in the Kids Indie Next Top Ten list, chosen by all the independent booksellers across North America. It has sold to seven countries in translation, thanks to Andersen Press in the UK. Cheers to to our publishing partners, Greenwillow (US), Guten Tag Coppenrath (Germany) , Ahoj Albatross (Czech Republic), Privet Mann Ivanov Feber (Russia), Bonjour L'Ecole des Loisier (France), Nĭ hăo Bejing Arcadia Culture (China) and Kon'nichiwa Akane Shobo (Japan).
 WHAT THE WIND CAN TELL YOU by
Sarah Marie A. Jette (Islandport Press) has won a Silver Medal for Best First Book (Chapter Book) at the 2018 Moonbeam Children's Book Awards! It was also honored on the 2018 Windows and Mirrors List (an annual list of diverse titles that demonstrate strong representation of marginalized identities as well as great literary merit), by the New England Children's Booksellers Advisory Committee.
 THE BAGEL KING by Andrew Larsen (Kids Can Press) is shortlisted for the Sunshine State Young Reader's Award of Florida.
 Kathleen Ernst
, writer of so many beloved American Girl books, most especially
CAROLINE
, was honored by her state when she was awarded the 2019 Major Achievement Award from the Council for Wisconsin Writers. The award honors the work of a Wisconsin writer who deserves special recognition for their literary merit.
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IF YOU HAD YOUR BIRTHDAY PARTY ON THE MOON, illustrated by Simona
Ceccarelli (Sterling) blasted into bookstores on April 23rd.
SPEND IT! by Cinders McLeod, Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House (3-5)
MUD, SAND, AND SNOW by Charlotte Agell, Islandport Press (2-6)
ALWAYS WITH YOU by Eric Walters & illustrated by Carloe Liu, Nimbus Publishing (4-8)
ME, TOMA AND THE CONCRETE GARDEN
by
Andrew Larsen
, Kids Can Press (4-8)
THE MAGIC BOAT
by
Kit Pearson
and Katherine Ferris & illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard
(4-8)
A PLAN FOR POPS
by
Heather Smith
& illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan, Orca Book Publishers (4-8)
LARK AND THE DESSERT DISASTER
by
Natasha Deen
& Illustrated by Marcus Cutler, Orca Book Publishers (6-8)
MEGABAT AND FANCY CAT
by Anna Humphrey & illustrated by Kass Reich, Tundra Books/Penguin Random House Canada (7-10)
MYA'S STRATEGY TO SAVE THE WORLD
by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Puffin/Penguin Random House Canada (9-12)
STINKY SCIENCE: WHY THE STINKIEST SMELLS SMELL SO SMELLY
by
Edward Kay
& illustrated by Mike Sheill, Kids Can Press (non-fiction 9-12)
THE LAST OF THE NAME
by
Rosanne Parry
, Lerner (fiction 9-12)
A WOLF CALLED WANDER
by
Rosanne Parry
, Andersen Press UK and Greenwillow US (fiction 9-12)
CAMP
by
Kayla Miller
, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (Graphic Novel, 10-12)
THE ASTONISHING MAYBE by
Shaunta Grimes, Feiwel and Friends (10-14)
BE MY LOVE by
Kit Pearson, HarperCollins Canada (10-14)
THICKER THAN WATER
by
Natasha Deen
, Orca Book Publishers (hi-lo 12+)
CASTLE OF LIES
by
Kiersi Burkhart
, Carolrhoda (fiction 14-18)
THE CHANGELING OF FELEN FOREST
by
Katherine Magyarody
, Yellow Dog/Great Plains Publications (YA)
NO MORE EXCUSES: Dismantling Rape Culture
by
Amber J. Keyser
, Twenty First Century Books/Lerner, (Nonfiction 14-18)
CHICKEN GIRL by
Heather Smith, Penguin Teen/Penguin Random House Canada (YA)
DARKNESS RISING by
Mary Jennifer Payne (Book 3 of the Daughters of Light Trilogy), Dundurn Press, (YA)
IN THE KEY OF NIRA GHANI by
Natasha Deen, Running Press (YA)
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 Praise for BEASTLY PUZZLES (Kids Can Press) by Rachel Poliquin, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"Excellent context for a fun, engaging school project, and children and adults alike will have a blast guessing each animal. Highly recommended."
-School Library Journal
, starred review
 Praise for A LITTLE HOUSE IN A BIG PLACE (Kids Can Press) by Alison Acheson, illustrated by Valeriane LeBlond. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"Acheson chooses rhythmic language that carries the story forward with a nearly audible clickety-clack. Soft folk-style art done in gouache, oil pastels, and colored pencils lends a homey country atmosphere to the changing seasons of a very quiet rural life. ...Although the book's plot is, perhaps, as predictable as the evening train, it's entirely pleasurable."
-Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Cinders McLeod's SPEND IT! (Nancy Paulsen Books). Contact Samantha Haywood, [email protected]:
"McLeod's Moneybunny series aims to teach young readers 'a few simple facts about money.' In this volume, the focus is on making choices about what to buy. . . . Sonny gets to thinking how to spend his carrots, and a supercritical lesson is learned: consider how and what you spend your money on. The lesson goes down smoothly because it presents options for ways to satisfy the urge to spend-it also helps that Sonny is cute as a you-know-what. Financial planning never looked so good."
-Kirkus Reviews
 Praise for Andrew Larsen's ME, TOMA AND THE CONCRETE GARDEN (Kids Can Press).
Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
One of just three books featured the Arts & Books section of the Globe and Mail in the spring book preview.
"A sweet story that celebrates community coming together to create something wonderful." -Kirkus Reviews
 Praise for Mary Casanova's HUSH, HUSH FOREST (University of Minnesota Press).
Contact
Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
Appeared on the Midwest Independent Bookseller's bestseller list.
Mary's gorgeous picture book was shortlisted for the Minnesota Book Award.
 Praise for MUD, SAND, AND SNOW (Islandport Press) by Charlotte Agell. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"There is a lovely economy to the watercolor illustrations, with bold black outlines partially filled in and punctuated with warm sweeps and dabs of color. The images capture the warmth of family life and the richness of seasons shared in outdoor play with friends."
-Kirkus Reviews
 Praise for ALWAYS WITH YOU (Nimbus Publishing) by Eric Walters & illustrated by Carloe Liu. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"The heaviness of loss is lightened by Halifax artist Carole Liu's brightly hued, cheerful water colour illustrations. The scenes are full of life and renewal, capturing fun times on a favourite amusement park ride, Grandpa's perennially blooming flower garden and completing the circle with Emily's newborn son."
-Quill and Quire
Middle Grade
 We're celebrating three pre-publication Starred Reviews for STONE RIVER CROSSING (Lee & Low Books) by Tim Tingle. Contact Andrea Cascardi, [email protected]:
"Tingle, an Oklahoma Choctaw, expands on his 2006 picture book Crossing Bok Chitto in this immersive tale of the friendship between people on opposite sides of the Bok Chitto River in 1808. ...Richly descriptive and leavened with humor, Tingle's complex novel offers valuable insights into rarely told history."
-Publishers Weekly,
s
tarred review
"Tingle (Choctaw) captures a rarely explored bond that formed during colonization between enslaved Africans and Native Americans, an alliance of survival under white colonial tyranny. He evokes a 19th-century Southern landscape, presenting it through the lens of Americans whose perspectives are too rarely shared. This vital story will deepen readers' understanding of the nation's complex history." -Kirkus Review, starred review
"The book soars, almost literally, when Lil Mo's soul is stolen by an Owl
Man, a witch, whose dramatic machinations, along with those of other spirit-filled characters, give this an
indelible glow."
-Booklist,
s
tarred review
Praise for THE ASTONISHING MAYBE (Feiwel & Friends) by Shaunta Grimes. Contact Elizabeth Bennett, [email protected]:
"At first, this is a book about friendship with a touch of magical realism. As it progresses, it becomes a deeper meditation about a parent's clinical depression from a child's point of view. Well crafted and unique. Recommended."
-School Library Journal
 Praise for THE ALMOST EPIC SQUAD: What Blows Up (Scholastic Canada) by Ted Staunton. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"In a plot rife with minions, villains, superheroes (sort of), yaks, and double-crossing and humour, Ted Staunton continues
The Almost Epic Squad as the very funny middle-grade series it is. (Kudos to Scholastic Canada for choosing such exceptionally humourous writers for the series.) ...The plot is complex with its multi-layers, and hilariously entertaining with its voice and unique story elements like a polo game on yaks, a mouse looking to cut a reality TV deal and an assortment of mishaps by poor Gary."
-CanLit for Little Canadians
Praise for BE MY LOVE (HarperCollins Canada) by Kit Pearson. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"As in her previous books, Pearson's talent for building complex, historically accurate settings shines through...Pearson deftly weaves in historical details, adding interest and context but never threatening to overwhelm the story itself. She also has a wonderful gift for depicting the inner lives of her teenage characters in a thoughtful and compassionate manner, while never shying away from the hard questions.
Be My Love is a fantastic addition to the Kit Pearson canon."
-Quill & Quire, starred
"In this lovely companion to The Whole Truth and And Nothing But the Truth, Kit Pearson returns to island life in a quiet and introspective narrative about love, friendship, and confronting uncomfortable truths... Maisie's internal struggles and inability to fully understand what is happening inside her, exacerbated by the unwillingness of adults to provide her with details about the realities of war and her father's condition, make Maisie a very relatable character, flawed and real." -CM Magazine
Praise for A WOLF CALLED WANDER (Greenwillow Books) by Rosanne Parry. Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
"Swift, a yearling wolf, is separated from his family after a rival wolf pack attacks and claims his family's territory as their own. His thousand-mile journey across the Pacific Northwest to find a new home brings danger, hunger, and desperate loneliness. Inspired by the story of OR-7, a real wolf naturalists tracked in the wild, Parry perfectly conveys her character's curious, alert, and social nature. Swift's successes and failures throughout his travels shape a relatable bildungsroman theme. His symbiotic relationship with a raven will delight and intrigue readers, just one example of the abundant information about wolves Parry seamlessly incorporates into this page-turning narrative. Generously illustrated, Armiño's spot and full-page black-and-white drawings capture the landscape's stark beauty from the fragility of a bumblebee in flight to the ferocity of an animal attack. The novel's grim yet blunted depiction of life and death in nature, along with an upbeat ending in which Swift gives himself a new name, make it an ideal middle grade read. The novel would also function well as the fictional component in a classroom lesson about wolves, as the gripping story-and extensive back matter-will inspire students to learn more about the real OR-7. VERDICT A first purchase for all libraries; deserving of a place alongside Sheila Burnford's The Incredible Journey, Jack London's White Fang, and other classic animal adventure novels.
-School Library Journal, starred review
"Rife with details of the myriad scents, sounds, tastes, touches, and sights in Swift/Wander's primal existence, the immediacy of his intimate, first-person, present-tense narration proves deeply moving, especially his longing for companionship. Realistic black-and-white illustrations trace key events in this unique survival story, and extensive backmatter fills in further, factual information about wolves and their habitat. A sympathetic, compelling introduction to wolves from the perspective of one wolf and his memorable journey."
-Kirkus Reviews
 Praise for THE LAST OF THE NAME (Lerner) by Rosanne Parry. Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
"Twelve-year-old Danny O'Carolan and his older sister, Kathleen, escape hunger and oppression in Ireland for the promise of a new life in America. With the threat of starvation, disease, violence, and racism on every corner, life in 1863 New York City is scarcely better for two orphans trying to find their way in the world. Unfortunately, the only work available is that of a lady's maid and a laundress. Danny gamely dons a dress in hopes of passing as a girl, but he lives for the mornings when he can escape into the city and be himself. Familiar historical events are given new life through Danny's wide-eyed optimism and Kathleen's determination. And while the principals are Irish, their neighborhood boasts as diverse a population as modern Manhattan. An author's note further explains the explosive events of 1863 as the population of New York City swelled with a wave of immigrants. An exuberant dash through a pivotal year in American history. (Historical fiction. 10-14)"
-Kirkus Reviews,
starred review
"Parry intrigues with a tale of 12-year-old Danny O'Carolan, who has fled Ireland for a new life in 1860s New York City. With his older sister and the musical traditions of his Irish home, Danny finds a tough new world in America. With very few jobs available for boys, and a burning desire to avoid the orphanage, he agrees to pretend to be a girl in order to be employed as a maid with his older sister. However, the Civil War is raging and the draft looms-with an expanding Irish population making an ideal draft target. Middle grade readers with an interest in historical fiction will enjoy this selection. Parry is successful at detailing the Irish immigrant experience in America. She retains a youthful perspective on the important, relevant topics of immigration and acceptance. VERDICT An excellent addition to any historical fiction collection; recommended for fans of
Little Women or
A Tree Grows In Brooklyn."
-School Library Journal
"Parry's latest historical novel brings to life New York City during the peak of the Civil War, particularly the tensions between the Irish immigrants and freedmen, as well as the looming draft riots. For Danny and Kathleen, there are no easy choices, but for every prejudiced, small-minded person they encounter, there seems to be another willing to sacrifice something of themselves for others. Nuanced and resonant for today's readers." -Booklist
 Praise for MYA'S STRATEGY TO SAVE THE WORLD (Puffin Canada) by Tanya Lloyd Kyi. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"For any girl going through life, body, and school changes, especially those interested in social activism." -Kirkus Reviews
"Mya's passionate -- and often clueless-narration is a thoroughly entertaining rant by an overwrought tween with a big heart. . . . With a slim page count, brisk delivery, and trove of discussable topics, this bodes well for classroom as well as independent reading."
-Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Mya's passion for social justice means that she informs the reader about certain important global issues . . . [she] has a lot of personality and will be enjoyed by middle-school readers.
Highly Recommended." -
CM Magazine
"Mya's witty voice and deep desire for a cell phone will keep tween readers engaged . . . [a] welcome addition to middle grade bookshelves."
-School Library Journal
 Praise for the Lark Ba chapter book series (Orca Book Publishers), by Natasha Deen, illus. by Marcus Cutler. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"Like any good mystery, the book offers a list of suspects, red herrings, organized clues, and a moment of truth. The plot and pacing slowly build through the rehearsals just as the production nears showtime... As a multiethnic detective, Lark's authentic success at sleuthing ensures her a place at the chapter-book table."
-
Kirkus Reviews on
LARK TAKE A BOW
"Will appeal to both young and reluctant readers...This engaging story will not only have readers wanting another Lark Ba mystery, but it might also expand their reading experience to other books in this genre. Highly Recommended."
-CM Magazine on LARK AND THE DESSERT DISASTER
Young Adult
 Praise for BODY SWAP (Dundurn Press) by Sylvia McNicoll. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"Sylvia McNicoll knows how to weave a story around characters who could be our best friends or neighbours or classmates and never have us rolling our eyes at plot lines or voice. She gets it right every single time. Body Swap continues that tradition, giving true voice to a teen as well as an elderly woman, allowing readers to share in their lives as Susan and Hallie share in each other's. It's a compassionate look at walking in another's shoes and at the gains of having relationships with those different than ourselves."
-CanLit for Little Canadians
Praise for IN THE KEY OF NIRA GHANI (Running Press) by Natasha Deen. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"In the Key of Nira Ghani is the YA novel today's readers have been waiting for...Nira is sarcastic, hilarious, and takes teenage angst to another level, and readers will love the way the she approaches daily life with humor and curiosity...This work poignantly explores the timeless storyline of defying the dreams of your parents in order to find your own path, making it a great choice for teens striving to develop their own personal identity in the face of adversity."
-Booklist, starred review
"Deen ... infuses her family's Guyanese immigrant history into this novel about the exploration and discovery of self and the world. Mentions of everyday cultural traditions are welcome additions to this tale of a teen finding the courage to stand up for her individuality while honoring the people she comes from...A charming, honest, and heartwarming story that will leave readers satiated and happy." -Kirkus Reviews
"This bittersweet, humorous coming-of-age story represents a common struggle faced by children of immigrants: wanting to be seen and loved for who they really are. There are no easy solutions or redemption narratives; stubborn parents don't change, but Nira is a hopeful character to whom many readers can relate."
-The Horn Book
Non-fiction
 Praise for THE GYMANASTICS BOOK: The Young Performers Guide to Gymnastics (Firefly) by Elfi Schlegal & Claire Ross Dunn. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"The Gymnastics Book is everything that I loved as a young gymnast in elementary school. It's full of colourful photos, step by step guide for basic gymnastics skills (artistic, trampoline & rhythmic too!), interviews & features of gymnastics greats from the past & present... If you have any young aspiring gymnasts in your life that want to devour everything and anything gymnastics, I highly recommend this book. What a fabulous introduction to what our sport is all about."
-Recreational Gymnastics Professionals
 Praise for Amber J. Keyser's NO MORE EXCUSES: Dismantling Rape Culture (Twenty First Century Books/Lerner). Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
"This important text on rape culture explores gender norms, the intersection of race and gender, and how the transgender population is disproportionately affected by rape. Keyser also offers a timely discussion of how restorative justice can address the needs of all affected in cases of sexual harassment or violence... responses to rape and its long-term effects on victims are varied and include interviews with teens and stories about the origins of activist organizations. Also featured is up-to-date information on legislation such as Title IX and age-of-consent laws. The author dismantles myths around rape, such as the prevalence of false reports, which in fact account for less than 10 percent of all reported cases. The back matter includes extensive source notes, a glossary, further reading lists-both fiction and nonfiction-films, and hashtags... VERDICT Highly recommended for every library that serves teens."
-School Library Journal, starred
 Praise for Amber J. Keyser's THE V-WORD: True Stories about First Time Sex (Simon & Schuster US). Contact Fiona Kenshole, [email protected]:
"The frank, sexually explicit narratives cover a wide range of experiences-primarily from women both trans and cis, straight and not-but the one thing they all share is the importance of sexual agency. The main takeaway, here, is the importance of teens speaking up for what they want or don't want and taking an active role in what happens to their bodies."
-Booklist
 Praise for STINKY SCIENCE (Kids Can Press) by Edward Kay, illustrated by Mike Shiell. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"A good introduction to the science of scent certain to hook reluctant scientists (and readers) with its yuck factor."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Kay doesn't skimp on the important business of farts ..."
-Quill & Quire
 Praise for MOLES (HMH) by Rachel Poliquin, illustrated by Nicholas John Frith. Contact Amy Tompkins, [email protected]:
"Following series opener
Beavers (2018), another field guide and another nuanced look at an underappreciated species ... The cheeky tone works well ... combining a bit of snark with a lot of information."
-Kirkus Reviews
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Karen Harrington
Karen Harrington's sixth grade English teacher was novelist G. Clifton Wisler and this had a major role in inspiring her to be a writer. Today, Karen is the author of several acclaimed middle grade novels including Mayday, which was a 2017 NCTE/CLA Notable Children's Book and named to nine state reading lists including the 2017 Texas Library Association's Lone Star Reading list. She also penned award winners Sure Signs of Crazy, (the English teacher in the story is an homage to Mr. Wisler) which earned four starred reviews, was a 2013 Bank Street Best Book and a 2013 Kirkus Best Middle Grade pick among other honors, and, Courage For Beginners, a 2016 William Allen White award winner and Spirit of Texas Reading list pick. For three years, Karen was a mentor editor for Arizona State University's Your-Novel-Year program. She lives in Dallas, Texas with her husband and two children. Connect with her at karenharringtonbooks.com or @KA_Harrington
 Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Lorna Schultz Nicholson grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario and as a child loved to read, write, and participate in sports. Over the years she has had many jobs, from hosting a radio show to co-hosting a fitness television show.
But her passion was always writing -- and sports too! Lorna has published picture books, (the Puckster series), middle grade fiction, YA fiction, and non-fiction hockey books. Her books have been nominated for the OLA Forest of Reading Red Maple award, MYRCA award, Alberta Literary Guild award, Willow award(s) and Red Cedar award. A frequent presenter in schools, Lorna also speaks at writing workshops and conferences. Married with three adult children, Lorna lives with her husband, Bob, in Edmonton, Alberta. Visit her website at:
www.lornaschultznicholson.com.
 Elly Swartz
Elly Swartz loves writing for kids, Twizzlers, and anything with her family! Her debut novel, FINDING PERFECT (FSG 2016) is about twleve-year-old Molly, friendship, family, OCD, and a slam poetry competition that will determine everything. In her second book, SMART COOKIE (Scholastic, 2018), your meet the spunky and big-hearted Frankie. Frankie's all about family with a dash of mischief and mystery! And then on October 15, 2019, say hello to Maggie in GIVE AND TAKE (FSG). Maggie has a hard time letting go. When her family takes in a foster baby awaiting adoption, the collection of things Maggie's hoarding under her bed spirals out of control. With the help of a turtle named Berta and a foster baby named Izzie, she learns that love sometimes means letting go. Elly lives in Massachusetts with her family and beagle named Lucy. If you want to connect with Elly, you can find her at ellyswartz.com, on Twitter @ellyswartz, on Instagram @ellyswartzbooks, or on her webseries #BooksintheKitchen with author Victoria J. Coe.
Meg Mahoney is a Pediatric Intensive Care doctor in Calgary, Alberta, where she lives with her husband and three children. An avid reader and writer of stories, Meg's writing was pushed aside as she completed medical school, residency and fellowship. As she began to see her children swept away by the same words, poetry and imagination that had captivated her, she rediscovered her passion for writing. Meg is a member of SCBWI and CANSCAIP and is currently working on her debut middle grade novel.
 Kyra Teis
Kyra Teis began her artistic career while studying Art, Folklore & Religion at University of Delaware and Boston University. She maintains her love of story and art in her career as an author-illustrator of children's books and graphic novels. In addition to illustrating, she is an avid sewer who costumes for a regional ballet company. She lives with her husband and two busy daughters in central NY.
 Josh and Monica Holtsclaw
Josh and Monica Holtsclaw met at Savannah College of Art and Design and have been collaborating ever since. Josh is a graphic designer at Pixar Animation Studios where he was the graphics art director on
Incredibles 2 and
Toy Story 4. Previously he worked at Laika on
The Boxtrolls,
Kubo and the Two Strings and
Missing Link. In addition to his work in animation, Josh has illustrated the two Little Golden Books and the picture book Racing Rivals. He is currently working on an upcoming Pixar film to be released in June 2020. Monica is a book artist and quilter. She has been binding books for over ten years, since her graduation from the bookbinding program at North Bennet Street School. She has worked in library conservation labs, owns her own business and teaches at the San Francisco Center for the Book. They are currently working on a picture book and are represented by Fiona Kenshole,
[email protected].
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Cats of Transatlantic Agency
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 Priscilla is a fancy cat with a big, beautiful swishy tail -- a purebred in fact. She co-stars with Megabat in the latest installment of the MEGABAT chapter book series, MEGABAT AND FANCY CAT. She endured many trials when she first moved in with Megabat and his best friend, Daniel: she was licked by a bat, the Christmas tree fell over when she climbed it, she had to have a bath after Megabat decorated her with paint, Megabat tried to sell her online, Megabat doused her in "stink potion", and she ran away and got lost for a while. But then she helped Megabat and his pigeon girlfriend chase away the puffer rats (aka squirrels) from the backyard and they're all friends now.
MEGABAT by Anna Humphrey and illustrated by Kass Reich is published by Penguin Random House Canada. Ann is represented by Amy Tompkins and Kass by Fiona Kenshole.
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Meg Mahoney
