By Dan Gemeinhart

“Sometimes a story comes along that just plain makes you want to hug the world. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise is Dan Gemeinhart’s finest book yet—and that’s saying something. Your heart needs this joyful miracle of a book.”

—Katherine Applegate, acclaimed author of The One and Only Ivan and Wishtree

★ “Narrator Coyote is legendary: wise, thoughtful, and perceptive…The narrative is beautifully paced and ranges easily from comic to bittersweet.” ―Booklist, starred review

“The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise will add to [Gemeinhart's] canon and could possibly garner a few awards. This is not just a story about Coyote’s remarkable journey—this novel solidifies Gemeinhart as a remarkable children’s author.”―BookPage

“Sincere friendships, inventive obstacles, and emotional depth propel the cross-country trip as the winning protagonist stakes a claim for her future by reclaiming the past.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Every mile of the road trip inexorably brings Coyote closer to confronting her past, and its inevitable sadness, but Gemeinhart avoids any sense of mawkishness. He tempers Coyote’s grief with her triumphant growth from a girl whose sole purpose is keeping her father on an even keel to one who realizes that she alone must find, and even fight for, her own happiness.” ―Horn Book

A Junior Library Guild Selection

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus

My very first novel for adults is by two of my all-time favorite storytellers and is now a New York Times bestseller.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

Edited by Melissa de la Cruz

Just after the presidential election in 2016, I was feeling a bit hopeless and powerless. The candidate I supported--one who fought for women's rights, LGBTQ rights, HUMAN rights--had lost to a reality TV star with a history of abusing his power.

After a few days of wallowing, I remembered that I work in publishing, and not just publishing, children's publishing. So I called my good friend Melissa de la Cruz to see what kind of book we could create that would inspire and empower young readers. I'm very proud of the book we ended up with. 

★ "This anthology represents a culturally diverse group of women who disclose how they found the inner strength and courage to excel, oftentimes breaking new ground in fields where women are not welcome...An inspiring collection and an encouragement to young girls from all walks of life."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Laurie Berkner

Art by Ben Clanton

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Jessie Sima

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

Visit the official NQN website here and watch the official trailer here. 

A Top Ten Kids' Indie Next List selection.

By Heather W. Petty

For more information and to buy this book, click here.

By Beryl Evans

With illustrations based on original artwork by Ned Dameron

"If I were ever to write a children's book, it would be just like this!"--Stephen King, author of The Dark Tower

I'm beyond excited to be working on this picture book. All you need to know about it is here.

A New York Times bestseller

By Daniel Kraus

I just can't with this book. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when it comes out. I've loved pretty much every moment of the process, from the high-stakes acquisition, to the editing process, to the development of the cover, even the hunt for publicity. 

Daniel has outdone himself with Book Two, expertly pairing a young (undead) man's hunt for meaning and direction with the history of our already great country through the years 1942 to the present and beyond. I found it fascinating--and harrowing--to see the roots and/or parallels of our present-day concerns in Daniel's brilliant narrative. Xenophobia, #blacklivesmatter, women's rights--it's all in Empire Decayed.

I implore you to read both volumes. We're even doing a boxed set to make things easier on you.

Prepare to make history.

The talented and exquisite Lizzy Bromley once again handled the design, with art this time by Neal Williams.

For more information and to buy this book, click here.

By Stacey Kade

I've long been fascinated by the roles faith and religion play in many lives. So I was very excited when Stacey pitched me a story about Jacob, a young man who has a crisis of identity after his twin brother dies. 

I love this novel because it tackles that challenging time in a teen's life when he or she is starting to question the way the world is organized and to recognize the shades of gray amid the black-and-white rules of childhood. For me, the deaths of two siblings before I was sixteen paired with my growing certainty that I was gay led me to question some ideas and ideals fed to me by my parents, my community, and my church. For Jacob, it's his brother's death in a car crash. Jacob was raised in the Church--his dad is a pastor--and a big chunk of his identity is tied to his religion. And with the loss of his brother, Jacob begins to doubt a lot of what he learned in Church. For the first time in his life, he must more deeply examine his place in the world.

Very often, it is tragedy that sparks a young person's journey of self-discovery. And Stacey, drawing from her own experiences as a pastor's kid, elegantly and respectfully tracks Jacob's pursuit of self, peace, and God. 

Krista Vossen worked with the absolutely brilliant Eiko Ojala on the cover art.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"Kade’s contemplation of life and the afterlife is unflinching, and Jace’s journey through his grief is messy, raw, and, above all, real. Spot-on dialogue and an authentic voice keep this story fresh." - Kirkus Reviews

“Kade’s writing effectively conveys loss; readers can feel the trauma of losing not only a family member but also a sense of belonging.” - School Library Journal

"In a striking meditation on grief, blame, fate, and losing one's faith, Kade exposes the layers of Jacob's loss...At the heart of Kade's reflective story is a philosophical tug of war between right and wrong, knowing the difference, and the relief that can be found in making a choice even when there are no clear answers." - Publishers Weekly

By Vikki Wakefield

When I first started at Simon & Schuster, Vikki's first novel in America, Friday Never Leaving, was just about to go to print. (It was originally published by the wonderful Text Publishing in Australia.) We had a second book under contract, and I was eager to see what Vikki came up with, having fallen in love with her writing.

Like Friday Never Leaving, In-between Days is filled with gorgeous writing and unforgettable characters, particularly Jacklin, the novel's protagonist. Vikki is most interested in giving voice to teens who rarely get to be the hero, and Jack--a directionless high-school dropout--fits that bill perfectly. 

Krista Vossen worked with Guy Shield to capture the lazy days of summer on the cover. 

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Mike Boldt

I think I've repressed a lot of my first-day-of-school memories. I moved A LOT when I was kid--I attended eight different schools before reaching high school--and showing up as the new kid was never easy. So though I didn't have something as extreme as a tiger tail, I could definitely relate to Anya's (the star of Mike's wonderful A Tiger Tail) tale of first-day-of-school jitters. 

What an ABSOLUTE JOY it was editing this book. The dummy that I received on submission was in really good shape, though the pagination was off (for some reason, Mike and I struggled to get the page count right--we kept ending up with too many or too few pages). We had to lose some really sweet moments, but the finished product is just genius. Mike is both brilliant and kind, and I can't wait to do many more books with him. Happily, I already have another signed up.

Krista Vossen expertly handled the design of the book.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Non Pratt

I was very fortunate to inherit two books by the brilliant Non upon my arrival at Simon & Schuster: Trouble and this novel (which had yet to be written). If you haven't read Trouble, what's wrong with you? Seriously, it's a wonderful book, about a young pregnant woman who finds her first true best friend in the most unlikely of places.

Remix is a great companion to Non's debut, as it also explores the inner workings of friendship. Ruby and Kaz have been best friends for years, but their lives are about to diverge. At the end of the summer, they go on a weekend getaway where their relationship will be tested to its limits. The girls' friendship reminded me so much of the one I had with my best friend in college (she's still my best friend)--wanting so desperately to impress her, keeping my shortcomings and bad decisions from her, yet loving and trusting her more than anyone. 

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"Themes germane to teens—sex, drugs, relationships,future aspirations—are presented without sugarcoating the difficulty of navigating the adult world for the first time. A fun, fast-paced, and ultimately moving read that explores the nuances of friendship between young women." - Booklist

By Ben Clanton

I cannot take full credit for this one as the smart Julia Maguire had already signed it up before she left for Random House. But I got in early, and Ben, Lucy Cummins, and I had a grand time making it. 

The story follows young Liam who loves getting mail (see what Ben did there?)...but he never gets any. He comes up with the brilliant idea to write a letter to his mailbox to ask for some. The mailbox (which I'm guessing doesn't get much mail either) is very generous in its response, sending Liam the sweet dragon featured on the cover and then plenty more.

Now, Lucy and I agreed what we thought the ending of the book should be, but Ben had a different idea. We kept trying to convince him to do our ending, but he resisted, making minor adjustments round by round to his vision...until it became the perfect ending. 

I am going to take credit for signing Ben up for an additional five books. It's time for you to get on the Clanton Train. If you and your kids like Mo or Bob Shea, you are going to love Ben's work.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Christian McKay Heidicker

I've learned that when I get a submission from John Cusick from Folio, I need to drop everything I'm doing and read it. I hadn't yet learned that lesson when he sent me Christian's book, which I've written about here and here. It wasn't until John told me he had an offer that I deigned to open the manuscript.

THANK GOD I DID.

I had an enormously good time working on Cure because 1) the author is a gentleman and a genius, 2) the story is wildly original  and instantly relatable, and 3) it features an unforgettable cast of characters. Both Christians worked very hard on this one, Christian moreso than Christian, obviously. The author took some bold risks, and I'm very proud of him. Think of the novel as It's Kind of a Funny Story set in video game rehab.

Greg Stadnyk had the brilliant idea to reach out to eBoy to get that ridiculously awesome cover art. 

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"A plugged-in young adult comedy about the pain of unplugging...perfect for teen gamers and readers who are fans of Jesse Andrews and John Green." - SLJ

"[R]eaders will flock to this novel and fall in love with its insider jokes, game-allusions, and snarky attitude. They’re also likely to identify with Jaxon’s frustrations, root for him to win, and appreciate seeing him learn a (very) little something in the end." - BCCB

"[W]here the novel really shines is in Jaxon's interactions—as a white, upper-middle-class boy—with campmates who are diverse in terms of both ethnicity and sexuality, and who challenge some of his preexisting assumptions. In confronting Jaxon's privilege and complicated family history, the book eschews easy answers for a more authentic ending that promises that the work of self-improvement is ongoing and difficult." - Publishers Weekly

By Robert Venditti

Art by Dusty Higgins

Book Two of Rob's fantastic middle grade series, which expertly marries traditional and graphic-novel storytelling, picks up just as Miles is about to start eighth grade. He and Henry have had a great summer, hanging out and fighting crime (Miles as Gilded, Henry as the boy behind the scenes). Miles has gotten used to being unstoppable, to being the hero, and it's a very rude awakening to return to school, where he's just another kid who must wake up early, do his homework, and avoid the school bully.

Rob explores that dichotomy--loser by day, hero by night--and what it does to young Miles's ego (it's not good). He also introduces some very cool new characters, including Lenore, whom Henry and Miles meet in a military prison (!) and who may be hiding some secret powers of her own (!!), and the titular robots, created for the sole purpose of destroying Gilded (!!!). Dusty brings all of the action to life with his killer line work.

Greg Stadnyk oversaw the eye-catching new series look.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

By Susan Hood

Art by Sally Wern Comport

I love a good human-interest story. I recently bawled watching an Ellen clip of a teenager with autism who landed his dream job as a Starbucks barista. The story of 11-year-old Marley Dias, who made--and shattered--a goal of collecting 1,000 books with black girl protagonists, has been showing up in many a feed. And then there's the story of the Recycled Orchestra of Cateura, Paraguay, which first caught my attention in a 60 Minutes segment.

Many things about the story resonated with me: the spirit of innovation, the dedication of the community to find a way to inspire their children, the hope and pride that the children found in the practice of playing music. We know how profound music education can be to a child's life--thank you, Save the Music!--and all of those benefits, and then some, were captured in Michael Gavshon and Bob Simon's beautiful segment.

You can find out how the story became a book here.  The finished product is truly stunning--vibrant, textured, sumptuous. You'll marvel at all the little details Sally worked into each piece of art. Susan wrote an informative author's note and listed a number of resources for you to enjoy with your kids and/or students.

Laurent Linn oversaw the design of this 10 x 10, 40-page masterpiece.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

★ "A virtuoso piece of nonfiction, gloriously told and illustrated." - School Library Journal (starred review)

★ "An uplifting, constructive story." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Junior Library Guild Selections

A Best Book of 2016 by the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children's Literature

A 2016 New York Public Library’s 100 Best Books for Kids

NCTE Orbis Pictus Recommended Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children

Eureka Excellence in Nonfiction Gold Award

Selected for the 2017 – 2018 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

By Matt Roeser

Art by Brad Woodard

Usually, when I get a picture book manuscript submission, the file is attached as a Word document. But that was not the case with this project, which arrived as a fully-formed sketch dummy even though the writer is not an illustrator. No, Mr. Roeser is a brilliant book designer, and he had a vision for the story of Astro, an ornery asteroid who is knocked out of his orbit and sent on a thrilling ride through space, a vision that involved this space poster, created by Mr. Woodard, an artist and graphic designer. Matt took elements from the poster, slapped faces on some of them, and paired the images with his hilarious text. The result was brilliant, and I very happily acquired Matt's text, and shortly thereafter, hired Brad to do the artwork.

Besides being an incredibly fun read-aloud featuring a truly memorable protagonist--Astro is part Comics Book Guy from The Simpsons, part Lady Grantham from Downton Abbey--the picture book is a great learning tool as it includes a number of fun space facts.

The wonderful Lizzy Bromley oversaw the design of the book with Matt's thoughtful input. 

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"The illustrations here steal the show: a gray-blue Astro pops against a black background, and his deadpan, nonplussed facial expressions pair wonderfully with the dryly funny text."--Booklist

By Tommy Wallach

I plan to do a blog post about writers' second books in the near future, as that second book often proves the most challenging, frustrating, and/or terrifying experience for the writer. 

Tommy will not be asked to contribute to that post as his second book, the delicious Thanks for the Trouble, didn't seem particularly problematic for him. Yes, he did a major overhaul between the first and second draft, but he pretty much nailed it with that revision, and he had no issues with the deadlines I set. If memory serves, he beat them. 

I'll admit, I was a little nervous after he pitched the story idea to me: a young man, who hasn't spoken since watching his father die, meets a young woman who claims to be immortal. Over the course of a weekend, they'll both learn to see the world a bit differently. So, I have a character study in which one of the characters doesn't talk and the other has some paranormal qualities. Uh...

I shouldn't have worried. Parker, our young man, and Zelda, our heroine, have some of the most delightful and compelling conversations I've ever read. Their weekend stomping around San Francisco is packed with laughs, light, and beauty. I'm in love with this book.

Think of Thanks for the Trouble as Before Sunrise with a bit of Nick & Norah's and a dash of Let the Right One In. Even though the book feels and reads so differently from We All Looked Up, it's wonderfully apparent that it's a Tommy Wallach novel.

Lizzy Bromley designed the beautiful package.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. 

★ "The author of We All Looked Up manages to bypass the sophomore slump with this fascinating and romantic tales that's...about the power of sharing stories. An absorbing coming-of-age narrative about the power of connection."- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Wallach delivers well-rounded, witty characters...all contemplating whether living a full life is better than living a long one. Bittersweet moments intersect with the intricate fairy tales Parker writes, compelling readers to judge what is real and what is make-believe." - Publishers Weekly  (starred review)

★ "A unique and compelling tale. The narrator’s hilariously crass but poignant voice is sure to intrigue even the most reluctant of readers." - School Library Journal (starred review)

A Junior Library Guild Selection

By Terry Fan and Eric Fan

This picture book made it onto my list in a unique way. There was no manuscript, no sketch dummy, no storyline--just the image of a gentleman on a ladder trimming a tree and a title. Debut picture book author-illustrators (and brothers) Terry and Eric knew that they wanted to tell this gentleman's story, but they weren't quite sure where or how to begin. So designer extraordinaire Lizzy Bromley and I, who both loved the image, got on the phone with the brothers to talk about who this guy was, what he wanted from life and what he had to offer, and what kind of town would benefit from his presence.

The story follows young William, an orphan, who lives in a drab little town where very little happens and where the people aren't very kind to each other. One morning, William awakes to find that the tree outside his window has been transformed into an owl topiary. Each new morning brings a new topiary. Suddenly, the town is full of energy, abuzz with delight and eager to find out who the mysterious Night Gardener is. The text is sweet and lyrical, and the images are capital-B Beautiful.

I had an incredible time working with Terry and Eric and Lizzy on The Night Gardener. The package--from the jacket, to the case, to the paper--is stunning. I'm very proud of this book.

See more of Lizzy's work here.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. 

A Spring 2016 Kids' Indie Next List Top Ten Selection

★ "An elegant picture book that celebrates creativity and community."--School Library Journal (starred review) 

★ "A treat, with artwork worth lingering over."--Publishers Weekly (starred review)

★ "An uplifting testament to the effect that a caring adult can have on a lonely child."--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Visual storytelling at its best."--Shelf Awareness (starred review)

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Winner of the Society of Illustrator's 2016 Founder's Award

An NPR Best Book of 2016

By Ashlyn Anstee

I (smartly) signed up Ashlyn for two books, Are We There, Yeti? and a to-be-determined second book. For that untitled project, Ashlyn presented a number of sweet, funny ideas. But I really liked how No, No, Gnome! related to Yeti--both starred mythical creatures and both had refrains that were a play on words. 

Initially, like Yeti?, Gnome! had very spare text--it was set-up, refrain, set-up, refrain. But as Ashlyn, Chloe (the designer), and I worked on the book, we realized that Gnome needed more words to tell his story. No, No, Gnome! is the tale of a very energetic garden gnome who really wants to help out in the school garden. But sometimes, his eagerness gets the better of him.

When Ashlyn was young, she had a hard time sitting still at school, and her mind would often wander. This book is for all those kids who feel the same way. 

Chloe Foglia oversaw the design of the book. While Yeti? was tall and thin (7.5 x 11), Gnome! is short and adorable (8 x 10). Like Ashlyn's first book, this one is printed on uncoated stock. 

Check out the music video!

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

by A. J. Grainger

Captive is a fast-paced, emotional, tense thriller by debut author A. J. Grainger. My colleagues at S & S UK pre-empted the novel, along with a second book, and I'm very excited to be publishing the US edition.

Think of Captive as the YA version of the awesome Liam Neeson movie Taken. Actually, a better comparison would be the Liam Neeson movie Taken 2, since the story is told from the POV of the person who has been kidnapped. That person in Captive is Robyn-Knollys Green, sixteen, slightly jaded, artistic…and the Prime Minister’s daughter.

Give this book to fans of Black Ice, Dead Girls Don’t Lie, and The Rules for Disappearing.

Krista Vossen came up with the creepy cool cover.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

by Daniel Kraus

"Fiction, like any art, can be divided between the living and the dead. The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch is unequivocally and furiously among the former. A splendidly rendered, macabre picaresque, muscular and tender, imaginative and grotesque, cynical yet deeply moving. I was appalled one moment and laughing the next. Don't be fooled by the premise. This tale may be told by a dead man, but what's rendered here is life itself in all of life's absurd glory." - Rick Yancey, New York Times bestselling author of The 5th Wave

I remember being at lunch with the incomparable Jennifer Besser, agent-to-the-stars Richard Abate, and bestselling (and best-dressing) author Melissa de la Cruz. We were there to celebrate Mel, the Blue Bloods work I was doing with her and the new series she had sold to Jen at Putnam. At one point, the ladies headed to the ladies', and Richard and I began to talk about projects we were excited about. He mentioned that one of his clients, Daniel Kraus, was working on a novel about a teenager who had been murdered yet had come back from the dead for reasons unknown. This cursed young man would spend the next decades traversing a growing America, searching for his murderer, looking for answers, hungering for connection. Now, Richard is not known for his eloquent emails, most of which are comprised of, at most, three words. But man, live and in color, can he make a pitch! I was blown away and made him promise to send the submission to me when it was ready.

True to his word, Richard emailed the proposal and sample chapters to me a few months into my tenure at Simon & Schuster. I spent that Saturday morning poring over the pages, passing them to my boyfriend as I completed them, who likewise devoured them. Once done, I recall experiencing a feeling of dread--a fear that I would not get to edit this astonishing work. But if I learned one thing from The Secret, it's that you have to think positively. Seven editors made an offer on Zebulon's story, which will be told in two unforgettable volumes. Simon & Schuster BFYR came out on top.

If you're a fan of Daniel's work, you know that he can be quite dark and very gory. But you'll be surprised by the heart and humor that live on the pages of The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch. 

Prepare to make history!

Lizzy Bromley came up with the mind-blowingly awesome design with cover art by Ken Taylor. Learn more about how the cover came together here.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"Kraus's globe-trotting dead kid is by turns cavalier, playful, and thoughtful, and his singular voice--debonair turn-of-the-century murder-turned-victim--is utterly riveting." Grade: A - Entertainment Weekly

“An absolutely sweeping tale of brilliance that drowns its reader in an intoxicating tale of death and degradation, with an absolutely masterful ending. Kraus has a beautifully twisted mind. More, please!”—Zac Brewer, New York Times bestselling author of The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod

“Kraus’s work betrays prodigies of imagination and I absolutely love the voice he has created for Zebulon. His ‘flamboyant elocution’ is the greatest exercise in sustained voice since M. T. Anderson’s Octavian Nothing. Hands-down, my favorite novel of the year. I can’t wait to read Volume Two.”—Michael Cart, author of My Father’s Scar, former director of the Beverly Hills Public Library, and past president of YALSA

“Strange, and marvelous, and funny, and dark, and strikes the perfect balance of all those things. I didn’t want it to end, and I can’t wait for the next volume. Zebulon Finch is one-of-a-kind.”—Victoria Schwab, author of The Near Witch, The Archived, and The Unbound

★ "Carefully plotted and elaborately drawn."—VOYA (starred review)

“Morbidly fascinating.”—Publishers Weekly

"It's a splendid, poetic, ambitious undertaking, and the significant page count is put to good use, with Kraus fearlessly weaving gore, love, philosophy, and social justice issues into one sharp whole."—BCCB 

“The best book I’ve read this decade. Each sentence is a meticulously constructed marvel. I'm almost reminded of Clive Barker, but unfortunately Mr. Barker has not published anything this good in ages.”—Mark Sieber, Horror Drive-in

By Heather W. Petty

"[An] outstanding young adult novel...True to canon, this sleuthing tale is rife with intrigues, puzzles, and vivid danger. Read at your own peril – nothing is more electrifying than the hunt for truth." --Christian Science Monitor

There are some manuscripts you receive on submission that you must read as soon and as quickly as possible. One, the premise is just too good. Two, you suspect that other editors are dropping their weekend plans to read it because that's what you're doing. Such was the case with Heather's LOCK & MORI. A modern-day young adult novel starring Sherlock Holmes and James Moriarty...who happens to be a girl?! Yes, please!

As many of you know, the acquisitions process can take a bit of time. First, I have to read the manuscript, and despite my years of practice, I'm not a particularly fast reader. Plus, there's always a steady stream of first, second, and third drafts of the books I'm editing to be read. Next, I need to get the project on the agenda for my weekly staff meeting (where I gather with my publisher and fellow editors to talk shop). If all goes well, I take the manuscript to the following week's acquisitions meeting. And if the folks in that room like the book, only then can I extend an offer. From start to finish, we're looking at, on average, eight to ten weeks. I've acquired manuscripts that sat in my submissions folder for months (sorry 'bout that!).

I preempted Heather's trilogy in just under three weeks. 

There are so many things I love about Lock & Mori, but the thing that stands out in my mind is how expertly Heather makes the reader empathize for Moriarty, a character most of us have long detested. As Gregory Maguire did with Elphaba in Wicked, Heather creates a compelling back story for this future "villain," allowing us access to Mori's thoughts, pain, and struggle.

Krista Vossen oversaw the design, which I detailed here.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. 

by Jennifer McGowan

When I first started at Simon & Schuster, Maid of Secrets, Book One in the Maids of Honor series, was a month from its on-sale date. Its path to publication had not been smooth (I won't bore you with the details). My job was to make the publication of Book Two, Maid of Deception, much smoother. 

Thankfully, everything came together. And I fell in love with the Maids of Honor. It probably comes as no surprise that I'm not the first editor that agents think of when they're submitting Elizabethan era historical fiction. Before Maid of Secrets, I don't think I'd ever read anything set in that period. But Jenn is a fantastic writer, and we had a blast working together on Book Two. I had been interested in editing more books that examined the complicated relationships among teenage girls, and this series does just that (albeit in the late sixteenth century). So, shortly after turning Maid of Deception over to copy editing, I acquired the third book in the series--Maid of Wonder.

Maid of Wonder is a slight departure from the first two books in the series. Yes, we have intrigue and gowns and stolen kisses and death threats to the young Queen. But we also have a paranormal element, as our heroine, Sophia Dee, has the gift of Sight. She must use this gift (or is it a curse?) if she's to save the Queen's life.

Lucy Ruth Cummins oversaw the elegant design of the book.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Ashlyn Anstee

An image of Yeti showed up in my inbox one day...and the bidding war began! Ashlyn has nailed it with her first picture book, pairing an unforgettable refrain with an adorable hero. You're going to have a blast reading Are We There, Yeti? out loud.

Chloe Foglia was in charge of the design. You'll notice that we went tall and thin with the trim size to accentuate Yeti's proportions. The book is printed on uncoated stock to capture the nostalgic feeling of the author/illustrator's art. 

Check out the ridiculously cute trailer here. 

Keep track of Yeti and download fun activities here. 

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

By Robert Venditti

Art by Dusty Higgins

Rob Venditti is a great guy. When I was at Disney Hyperion, I worked with him on a number of graphic novels (the adaptations of The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and Blue Bloods). I loved working with him so much that I told him that I would very happily review any children's book ideas he had. Shortly thereafter, he sent me the outline and sample chapters for this awesome book.

The novel is a very cool hybrid of prose and comic paneling (provided by the brilliant Dusty Higgins). Twelve-year-old Miles Taylor has a cape that turns him into the superhero Gilded. When we're following Miles's escapades as a seventh grader, the story is in prose. But when Miles must spring into action and become Gilded, it switches to comics. The result is a high-octane, adventure-packed story with loads of heart.

Laurent Linn handled the design.  

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

"Clever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure / comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader. Somebody get me a golden cape, stat!" - Rick Riordan

A Junior Library Guild Selection

By Ben Clanton

If you're a published writer or illustrator or aspiring to be one of those things, you've likely heard horror stories about orphaned books (ones in which the editor leaves before the book is complete).

This is not one of those stories. 

After Julia Maguire moved over to Random House, I took over on Something Extraordinary. The picture book is a sweet rumination on the extraordinary things that exist in our everyday lives. Ben is a dedicated, passionate, talented author/illustrator, and I feel very lucky to be working with him.

See? Sometimes it works out.

Lucy Ruth Cummins oversaw the very sweet design.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

★ "In less capable hands, the idea that the real is extraordinary (and by extrapolation, that enjoyment requires close observation) could have come across as cliche and didactic. Instead, scenes full of gentle humor and inventive play convey respect and affection for the audience." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

By Jen Brooks

In a World Just Right is some of the best speculative fiction I've ever read. Jonathan Aubrey awoke from a coma ten years ago with a very special gift--he could create worlds. Alternate realms in which he was a hero, a player (read: playa), the beloved of the most interesting and smart and beautiful girl. As a high school senior, Jonathan spends most of his time in Kylie-Simms-is-my-girlfriend, so much time, in fact, that it's likely he won't graduate in the real world. But when you have a girlfriend like Kylie (even if she's not real), who cares? 

On one fateful day, Jonathan makes a colossal mistake--he tries to kiss the real Kylie Simms. Almost instantly, his worlds begin to unravel, and Jonathan must come to terms with his power and decide in which world he belongs...before he loses both Kylies forever.

I was blown away by Jen's ambition and vision in this novel. In a World Just Right is both wildly romantic and incredibly smart. 

Lizzy Bromley conceived the beautiful design.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

★ "Jonathan is the best kind of main character any story could want; he is sympathetic, flawed, and is as surprised as the reader by how events unfold...Every piece of the puzzle that is this book slides into the exact right spot, forming a picture-perfect work of fiction." - VOYA (starred review) 

By Tommy Wallach

"We All Looked Up is a triumphant debut--this generation's The Stand. It is at once troubling, uplifting, scary, and heart-wrenching, and written with so much compassion for our fragile hold on the fleeting here and now. A glorious, wonderful, completely unforgettable novel." - Andrew Smith, author of Winger and 100 Sideways Miles

I'm mostly level-headed, particularly when it comes to my job. But after I extended an offer for this novel, I endured a pretty constant state of panic as I waited to hear back from the agent. I cannot put into words the sense of relief and joy that washed over me when the agent informed me that the project was mine. 

Lucy Ruth Cummins designed the gorgeous cover and compelling interiors, and she shot and designed the cover for We All Looked Up: The Album.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. And make sure to visit Apocalypse Already.

A New York Times best seller

★ "Debut novelist Wallach increases the tension among characters throughout, ending in a shocking climax that resonates with religious symbolism." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)   

★ "This compelling, well-written narrative, which offers sometimes raw insight into human motivation and behavior, will have readers racing to the final pages and pondering its ideas long after." - VOYA (starred review)  

★ "[Just] like the asteroid that dots the sky, Wallach pierces his darkness with tenderness and humor. A thought-provoking story that will bring out readers' inner philosophers." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)  

A Junior Library Guild Selection

An Indies New Voices Selection

By A. L. Sonnichsen

Art by Amy June Bates

I'm not going to lie. I was not looking for a novel in verse set in China about adoption starring a little girl with a congenital hand deformity. But after I read this submission, all I could think was that it was the manuscript I'd wanted my entire life.

Laurent Linn handled the design.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. 

★ "With spare, fluid language, [Sonnichsen] creates the endearing, authentic, nuanced emotions of a girl stuck between two worlds and brings to light a foundling's hope and determination." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

★ "Sonnichsen creates a palpable sense of yearning for home and belonging...in this heartbreaking, heartwarming, and impressive debut." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

An Inspired Recommendation from Indie Booksellers

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2015 selection

By Dr. Angela Farris Watkins, PhD

Art by Sally Wern Comport

One of the items I was first tasked with when I arrived at Simon & Schuster was to make this picture book happen. Years earlier, Dr. Watkins had delivered a thoughtful manuscript that described her uncle's (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.) principles of nonviolence. But artist unavailability and editor departures had resulted in a number of delays.

Enter the brilliant Sally Wern Comport, whose illustrations for this picture book are stunning. Incorporating relics from the era, she totally captures the time period, as well as the tension and the emotion present in Dr. Watkins's manuscript.

Dr. Watkins's hope with this picture book is to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s beliefs and practices accessible to young readers, and she absolutely achieves that goal. I'm so excited to see little kids put the Kingian Principles of Nonviolence into practice. 

Laurent Linn brought great passion and vision to the design of this book.

For more information and to buy the book, click here. 

By Michelle Hodkin

I was incredibly fortunate to inherit The Retribution of Mara Dyer when I started at Simon & Schuster. I devoured The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer and The Evolution of Mara Dyer and was eager to see how Michelle planned to end this deliciously creepy and sexy (Mara and Noah 4EVA) series. 

I quickly learned that the trilogy had a very dedicated and vocal fan base. Book 3 was originally scheduled to publish in Fall 2013, but we held off for an extra year in order to get the manuscript just right. The author's commitment to sticking the landing was incredibly inspiring, and the fans' responses have been overwhelmingly positive (and vocal). 

Lucy Ruth Cummins managed the design of the series.

For more information and to buy the book, click here.

A New York Times best seller

A USA Today best seller

by Katie Rain Hill

I came across this article shortly after it was posted and was immediately taken with Katie and Arin's story: two trans* kids in Oklahoma not only find each other and fall in love but they also bravely step forward as advocates at a time when hate crimes against their community are on the rise. I was eager to learn more about Arin and Katie, but internet searches of "Arin Andrews agent" and "Katie Hill representation" proved fruitless. A friend who works in TV news provided the solution--Facebook. 

Duh.

After some back-and-forth with both teenagers, Katie, Arin, and I (and my publisher and company) agreed that we'd publish the first-ever male-to-female and female-to-male memoirs for the young adult market.

I think you'll find the results eye-opening, heartbreaking, and wholly relatable. 

"Once I began reading Katie's bold, beautiful unflinchingly honest memoir, I could't put it down. I felt as if I could reach out and touch her." - Susan Kuklin, author and photographer of Beyond Magenta 

"In this powerfully honest book, Katie Rain Hill explains it all for you. If her story of growing up transgender in Bible Belt Oklahoma doesn't touch you, you may be made of stone." - Ellen Wittlinger, award-winning author of Parrotfish

"Katie memoir is an extraordinary education tool for anyone who wants to understand more about the transgender experience." - Edge Magazine 

A 2015 Rainbow List selection

by Arin Andrews

I've been a proud member of the LGBT community for more than twenty years. If I'm being honest, I've been an active member of the G community, I've hung out with a few L's, I dated one B, and I know virtually nothing about the T. A combination of events led me to want to know more about the transgender community. Right around the time I was having these thoughts, I stumbled upon Arin Andrews and Katie Rain Hill. 

Almost exclusively, I wait for agents to send me submissions. But there was something about Arin and Katie's story that I couldn't resist, so I made the effort to chase it. And I'm so glad I did. I learned so much from these books--about transgenderism, about transitioning, about myself. 

“How do you begin to understand who you are when you don’t even know the word for it, and no one else in your community does either? Arin Andrews has found the words now, and they’re poignant and startling.” - Ellen Wittlinger, award-winning author of Parrotfish

“Arin’s gutsy and important coming-of-age memoir is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt alone, marginalized, or ‘other.’ Sad, funny, and completely real.” - Susan Kuklin, author and photographer of Beyond Magenta

"Teens will feel for [Arin], root for him, and learn a lot about the costs and complexities of gender transition." - VOYA

A 2015 Rainbow List selection

A 2016 TAYSHAS Top Ten selection