Debuts to watch for in 2016

Brooke Shearouse  //  Feb 16, 2016

Debuts to watch for in 2016

At Scholastic we have the privilege of publishing books written by critically acclaimed and award-winning authors and illustrators. Additionally, we are excited to introduce new talents in publishing. Check out the stars on the rise making their debut with Scholastic below.

Picture Books

All Year Round by Susan B. Katz; illustrated by Eiko Ojala (Ages 4–6; January 5, 2016): In Ojala’s picture book debut, follow two friends as they explore the changing seasons through the beauty of each month's iconic shapes and celebrations—from January to December—all year round. 

Every Day Birds by Amy Ludwig Vanderwater; illustrated by Dylan Metrano (Ages 3–5; February 23, 2016): Young readers get an introduction to 20 different types of birds, with breathtaking paper-cuttings by newcomer Dylan Metrano.

Super Happy Magic Forest by Matty Long (Ages 4–8; February 23, 2016): Fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Adventure Time will love this story of five unlikely heroes and their epic quest to save the Super Happy Magic Forest by debut picture book author/artist Matty Long.

Hector and Hummingbird by Nicholas John Frith (Ages 4–8; March 29, 2016): From bright new talent Nicholas John Frith, a story of friendship between a very chatty hummingbird and a bear who just wants a little peace and quiet. 

Please Say Please! by Kyle T. Webster (Ages 3–5; July 26, 2016): From debut author/illustrator Kyle T. Webster comes a picture book with energetic rhyming text, dazzling art, and loads of fun, as a little girl learns that good things come to those who say “please”!

Penguins Love Colors by Sarah Aspinall (Ages 4–8; October 25, 2016): With colors as bright as sunshine, six little penguins paint a bold, cheerful surprise for Mama Penguin on a beautiful snowy-white landscape. This is the first picture book from Sarah Aspinall.

Middle Grade

Beetle Boy by M.G. Leonard (Ages 8–12; February 23, 2016): The glorious start to a middle-grade trilogy about a brilliant boy, his loyal friends, and some amazingly intelligent beetles that brings together adventure, humor, and real science! From debut author M.G. Leonard.

Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown (Ages 8–12; February 23, 2016): Video game lover Josh Baxter knows that seventh grade at a new school may be his hardest challenge yet, but he's not afraid to level up and win! From debut author and video game designer Gavin Brown.

Lucky by Chris Hill (Ages 7–10; February 23, 2016): Debut author Chris Hill introduces a classic animal adventure story featuring dueling squirrel clans, peace-keeping dogs, interspecies friendships, and unlikely heroes. 

Saving Wonder by Mary Knight (Ages 8–12; February 23, 2016): In this utterly transporting debut about the power of words, the importance of friendship, and the magic of wonder, Curley Hines must decide whether to fight to save the mountain he calls home.

Mission Mumbai: A Novel of Sacred Cows, Snakes, and Stolen Toiletsby Mahtab Narsimham (Ages 8–12; March 29, 2016): Travel to the colorful and chaotic streets of India from the comfort of your home in this hilarious and heartfelt story about friendship and family by Mahtab Narsimham, making her U.S. publishing debut.

Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan (Ages 8–12; May 10, 2016): From award-winning author of Pie Sarah Weeks and debut author Gita Varadarajan comes a story that shows us the beautiful ways our lives end up being much more similar than we ever imagine. 

Dream Jumper Book One: Nightmare Escape by Greg Grunberg; illustrated by Lucas Turnbloom (Ages 8–12; June 28, 2016): Ben’s dreams are all nightmares . . . And his nightmares are real! Greg Grunberg is best known for his roles in the award-winning series HeroesAlias and FelicityDream Jumper is his first graphic novel.

The Black Lotus by Kieran Fanning (Ages 8–12; September 27, 2016): Ninja and samurai lore come together with action and adventure to create an explosive new series perfect for fans of Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief, by debut novelist Kieran Fanning.

Kyle Finds Her Way by Susie Salom (Ages 10–14; October 11; 2016): In this delightful debut, Kyle Constantini discovers what it takes to navigate middle school: good friends, a crusading spirit, and her lucky blue fedora. 

Riding Chance by Christine Kendall (Ages 8–12; October 11, 2016): Debut novelist Christine Kendall writes a powerful novel about an urban kid’s redemption through the grit and power of polo. This is a story of family, brotherhood, and a hero’s journey amid city streets and an uncertain future. 

The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle by Gabrielle Kent (Ages 8–12; October 26, 2016): Meet Alfie Bloom. He's just inherited a magical castle. And that's only the first of his problems…The Secrets of Hexbridge Castle is Gabrielle Kent’s debut novel.

Young Adult

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky (Ages 14 and up; February 23, 2016): From debut author Goldy Moldavsky, the story of four superfan friends whose devotion to their favorite boy band has darkly comical and murderous results. 

One Silver Summer by Rachel Hickman (Ages 14 and up; April 26, 2016): A gorgeously written story of love and loss with a thrilling royal twist, written by debut novelist Rachel Hickman.

Everland by Wendy Spinale (Ages 12 and up; May 10, 2016): Forget the story of Peter Pan you know. Because in Everland, the only way to grow up is to survive. Wendy Spinale is a former character actor for the Disneyland theme park; Everland is her debut novel.

The Baby by Lisa Drakeford (Ages 12 and up; October 25, 2016): The Baby, from debut novelist Lisa Drakeford, explores one cataclysmic event from five sides to create a brilliant, engaging, bittersweet drama about friendship and family.