Kathleen joined the Andrea Brown Literary Agency in 2016 after agenting for five years with the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She represents writers and illustrators for picture books (both fiction and nonfiction), middle grade, and YA literature. Kathleen is actively looking for themes of environmentalism, social justice, and compassion across all age groups and genres.
When it comes to fiction picture books, Kathleen loves to laugh, have her heartstrings pulled, and enjoys quirky, character-driven stories with heart. For nonfiction picture books, she would be happy to find more biographies (especially with social justice, women in STEAM, or activist themes), and what some call “ficinformational” picture books (books with a fictional story that ties into the Common Core). She loves books that celebrate nature, both fiction and nonfiction.
Kathleen is excited to find middle grade novels across all genres. She has a soft spot for heartfelt stories with depth, as well as humorous stories with a relatable voice. She particularly enjoys middle grade with strong friendship and family themes.
For YA novels, Kathleen loves voice-driven contemporary (and is especially fond of magical realism), compelling fantasy with unforgettable characters, historical fiction, and romance with lots of chemistry. She is on the lookout for something smart and edgy that pushes the envelope. Kathleen is always interested in anything witchy, whimsical, or feminist. She’d like to find diverse viewpoints in all of the above.
Kathleen’s YA list includes Ann Liang’s NYT Bestselling YA rom-com I HOPE THIS DOESN’T FIND YOU and her upcoming historical fantasy A SONG TO DROWN RIVERS, Carole Lindstrom’s Caldecott Award Winning and NYT Bestselling picture book WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS, Lisa Maxwell’s NYT Bestselling, captivating tale of time travel and magic, THE LAST MAGICIAN (Simon Pulse/S&S); and Gloria Chao’s hilarious and heartwarming contemporary, AMERICAN PANDA (Simon Pulse/S&S).
Some of her middle grade titles include Supriya Kelkar’s smart and empowering AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE (Aladdin/ S&S), Aimee Lucido’s stunning novel in verse EMMY IN THE KEY OF CODE (Versify, HMH), Jess Keating’s clever, action-packed ELEMENTS OF GENIUS series (Scholastic, 2019), and Lindsay Currie’s deliciously creepy THE PECULIAR INCIDENT ON SHADY STREET (Aladdin/S&S).
Recent picture book releases include Carole Lindstrom’s Caldecott winning and NYT Bestselling WE ARE WATER PROTECTORS (Roaring Brook/ Macmillan), Josh Funk’s riotous LADY PANCAKE AND SIR FRENCH TOAST (Sterling); Lori Alexander’s delightful FUTURE BABIES original board book series (Scholastic); accessible nonfiction with personality such as Jess Keating’s clever PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH (Knopf/PRH), Josh Funk’s HOW TO CODE A SANDCASTLE series (Viking/ Penguin), Laurel Neme’s true animal rescue story, THE ELEPHANT’S NEW SHOE (Scholastic); and empowering female biographies like Jess Keating’s SHARK LADY (Sourcebooks) and Annette Pimentel’s GIRL RUNNING (Nancy Paulsen Books, Penguin) and ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP: How One Girl’s Fight for Americans with Disabilities Changed Everything (Sourcebooks).
Some topics that are close to her heart (and that she’d love to find incorporated into picture books or novels) include environmentalism; animal welfare; social justice; mindfulness; women in science; literature; technology; and little known events or people in history. And, of course, anything witchy, whimsical, or feminist.
In addition to her children’s list, Kathleen also represents select adult and YA nonfiction and is interested in mind/body/spirit books. Crystal healing, energy work, tarot cards, ritual, and spirit-centered nonfiction are of particular interest.
Kathleen earned an MA in Children’s Literature at San Diego State University. In addition to her passion for children’s literature, she loves animals (especially dogs!), crystals, tarot cards, and would never say no to Mexican food.
You can find Kathleen on Twitter at @KatRushall.