The Rundown
- Melanin in YA News
- Book Deals
- Foreign Rights
- Cover Reveals
- Bestseller Lists
- Appearances
- Awards/Honors
- Buzz – Starred Reviews
- General Updates
- Podcasts
- May 2024 Releases
This issue is dedicated to the memory of award-winning YA author, Echo Brown, who would have turned 40 years old on April 10, 2024.
Melanin in YA News
- Shop Melanin in YA and our Info email are currently down. You can still reach us at melanininya@gmail.com. Our P.O. Box is discontinued for the time being, as the price of the P.O. Box ultimately was not worth it at this time. If you would like to support Melanin in YA, a financial donation would be greatly appreciated and no donation is too small. You can donate at Ko-fi or through Paypal, using the melanininya@gmail.com email address. Thank you so much for your support!
Book Deals
- Maya Ameyaw sold SPIRALING OUT to Annick Press with a scheduled publication of winter 2026.
- Nick Brooks sold their YA mystery, UP IN SMOKE to Henry Holt with a scheduled publication of spring 2025.
- In a six-figure deal, Jamison Shea sold ROAR OF THE LAMS to Henry Holt with a scheduled publication of fall 2025.
- Charlene Thomas sold SHOULD TOMORROW COME to Scholastic with a scheduled publication of summer 2025.
Foreign Rights
- Faridah Abike-Iyimide sold WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE to Germany.
Cover Reveals
- Annick Press and LGBTQ Reads unveiled the cover for UNDER ALL THE LIGHTS by Maya Ameyaw.
- Ravynn K. Stringfield unveiled the cover for LOVE IN 280 CHARACTERS OR LESS, out April 15, 2025.
- Cover Art: Kgabo Mametja
- Cover Design: Abby Granata
- Charlene Thomas unveiled the cover of STREETLIGHT PEOPLE, out November 5, 2024.
- Cover Artist: Colin Verdi
Bestseller Lists
NYT: FATE BE CHANGED by Farrah Rochon brought the Twisted Tales series back on the series list, coming in at #9 on April 21, 2024.
Indie: THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES IN THIS ONE edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell debuted at #14 on April 10, 2024
Appearances
Note: To see the latest virtual and in person events coming up, be sure to visit the Events page!
- Mahogany L. Browne appears in an episode of All Arts Artists in Residence. Watch the full 26 minute episode here.
Awards/Honors
- THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES IN THIS ONE edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell was chosen as a an April 2024 Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA)/The Southern Bookseller Review “Read This Next!” Kids Pick.
- The May/June 2024 Indie Next Picks includes THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES IN THIS ONE edited by Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell and BLOOD AT THE ROOT by LaDarrion Williams.
- FINDING JUPITER by Kelis Rowe was chosen by students as the winner of the PA Keystone to Reading 2023-24 High School Book Award.
- The LA Times announced the 2024 Book Prize recipients. For Young Adult Literature, the finalists were FORGIVE ME NOT by Jennifer Baker, INVISIBLE SON by Kim Johnson, and GONE WOLF by Amber McBride with GONE WOLF taking home the honor.
- Mahogany L. Browne is the recipient of an Honorary Degree from Marymount Manhattan College.
- The Children’s Book Council revealed the 2024 Young Adult Favorites Awards winners: Vincent Tirado, Kim Johnson, J. Elle, Kalynn Bayron, Alaya Dawn Johnson and more.
- DON’T LOOK BACK by Achut Deng and Keely Hutton was selected as the winner of the 2023 – 2024 South Dakota Teen Choice Awards.
Buzz – Starred Reviews
- BookPage: ICARUS by Kayla Ancrum
- Booklist: WHERE WAS GOODBYE? by Janice Lynn Mather
- Kirkus: WITH LOVE, MISS AMERICANAH by Jane Igharo, NOT ABOUT A BOY by Myah Hollis
General Updates
- We Need Diverse Books announced that as Founding Member, Ellen Oh takes a step back from her duties and turns to Honorary Trustee, Dhonielle Clayton (COO) will move into the role of Board Chair, beginning July 1st.
- NPR interviewed Desiree Evans and Saraciea Fennell to discuss THE BLACK GIRL SURVIVES THIS ONE.
- DRAGONFRUIT by Makiia Lucier went into its second printing during release month! Congratulations, Makiia!
- NYT Bestselling Author & Activist, Kimberly Latrice Jones announced that she is now an Associate Literary Agent at LCS Literary Services. (Please note, she is not currently seeking YA.)
- ALA revealed the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2023. Coming in at #2 is ALL BOYS AREN’T BLUE by George M. Johnson with 82 challenges.
- WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé made it to the final eight as Jimmy Fallon chose his latest book for his book club.
- Arriel Vinson is the recipient of the Highlights Foundation Renée Watson Scholarship which is dedicated to giving Black women authors a week-long writing retreat experience.
- Kosoko Jackson has been accepted into Lambda Literary’s 2024 Writers Retreat for Emerging LGBTQ Voices for Screenwriting.
- In celebration of National Poetry Month, Epic Reads published 38 Poetry Books & Novels in Verse Guaranteed to Take Your Breath Away which features many familiar names.
- Crowdfunding: Author, Lily Meade is crowdfunding to avoid homelessness. Author, Camryn Garrett is crowdfunding for her romcom short film. Author, Nia Davenport is crowdfunding for her daughter’s ballet summer intensive.
Podcasts
- Talking Scared Podcast
- Desiree S. Evans & Saraciea J. Fennell – April 16, 2024
- The Happy Writer Podcast
- Makiia Lucier – April 15, 2024
May 2024 Releases
May 7, 2024
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
May 9, 2024
If My Words Had Wings by Danielle Jawando (UK Release)
May 14, 2024
The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood
It Waits in the Forest by Sarah Dass
The Night Is Ours by Ronni Davis
Thirsty by Jas Hammonds
Blood & Fury by Tessa Gratton & Justina Ireland
Happy reading!
Got a News Tip?
Email Melanin in YA at melanininya@gmail.com with your news tip!