Jemiscoe Chambers-Black

Michelle Jing Chan's debut graphic novel SOMEWHERE IN THE GRAY, following a girl who is dating the most popular girl at school, and what seems easy for her friends—being intimate in any way with their partners—doesn't feel quite right to her as she learns it's more than okay to live somewhere in the gray of asexuality. Farrar, Straus Children's acquired at auction, for six figures, and will publish in the fall of 2026.

Asia Simone will illustrate Stephanie's Williams's graphic novel MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR: WRECK AND ROLL, based on the TV show, in which a rad-skating band of thieves starts going wild, and it's up to Marvel's Lunella Lafayette (Moon Girl) and Devil Dinosaur to take to the streets and put a stop to their crime spree. Scholastic will publish in spring of 2024.

Amy Buchanan's LET'S CALL A TRUCE, a sexy debut contemporary romance, about a recently widowed single mom reentering the corporate world and her annoying (and attractive) workplace rival, who call a truce on their feud to complete a career-making project, but when that truce turns into something more, the past comes back to threaten their second chance at love. Griffin will publish the first book in 2024 (world English).

USA Today-bestselling author Shannon Messenger and adapter Celina Frenn's graphic novel adaptation of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES, parts one and two, in which a girl discovers she has secrets buried in her memory—secrets others would kill for—and has to figure out why she's the key to a brand new world, illustrated by Gabriella Chianello. Aladdin will publish in fall 2023.

Author BUNNY'S BOOK CLUB and BRAVO, LITTLE BIRD Annie Silvestro's SIGNS OF FRIENDSHIP, following two best friends who communicate using sign language as they grow together, share a clubhouse, plant a garden, and discover that there's always room for more friends—including the new boy next door, illustrated by Ziyue Chen. Paula Wiseman Books will publish in spring 2025.

Etta Easton's THE KISS COUNTDOWN, a rom-com about a down-on-her-luck entrepreneur who finds her feelings are all too real when she agrees to a fake relationship with an astronaut to help him reassure and distract his anxious family as he prepares for an upcoming moon launch. Berkley acquired in a pre-empt, in a two-book deal, for six-figures, and will publish the first book in spring 2024.

Tanisia "Tee" Moore's WASH DAY, showcasing a sacred rite of passage in Black culture—the hair wash day routine—and on Saturday, it goes down in a girl's house, if momma can catch her. Scholastic will publish in spring 2025.

Pitch Wars alum Aurora Palit's SUNSHINE AND SPICE, about a bubbly brand consultant who is estranged from her Bengali heritage, but agrees to take on the rebranding of a failing local desi bazaar and ends up striking a deal with the owner's grumpy yet devastatingly attractive son–he will help her nail the cultural aspects of the rebrand if she agrees to be his fake girlfriend to thwart his matchmaking mother's plans. Berkley acquired at action, in a two-book deal, for six-figures, and will publish the first book in 2024.

Taj McCoy's THE GOOD ONES ARE TAKEN, follows a woman as she helps her two BFFs plan their weddings and tries to find a date worthy of taking to both, but she can't help feeling all the good men are taken; it doesn't help that her college friend puts salt in everyone's game, insisting no one is good enough; when he finally reveals his feelings for her, she'll have to decide if it's worth risking something good for something more. HarperCollins | Harlequin, MIRA will publish in spring 2024 and spring 2025 (world English).

Carol William's THE SUPERNATURAL FILES OF CJ DELANEY, in which a 12-year-old cub reporter investigates the biggest story in her small town's history—a mystery filled with lost pets, a witch, sacrifices, possession, and hellhounds; but when all answers point to someone close, she stands to not only lose her byline but the scariest thing of all—the people and pet she loves. Holiday House will publish in spring 2024.

Amaka Egbe's RUN LIKE A GIRL follows a 17-year-old high school track star who moves in with her estranged father only to find out her new school doesn't have a girls track team, so she joins the boys' team instead. HarperCollins | Harlequin, Inkyard Press will publish in summer 2024.