Dutton Children’s Books
Overview
One of the oldest continually operating children’s book publishers in the United States, Dutton Children’s Books has existed for over 160 years with a mission of creating high-quality books that engage and transport young readers.
Edward Payson Dutton opened the doors of his Boston bookshop in 1852 and shortly thereafter began to release “fresh and entertaining” books for young readers. Ingenuity has always marked Dutton’s publishing, and in January 2011, Dutton transitioned into a boutique middle grade and YA imprint, which now publishes 10–15 hardcover titles per year.
Exceptional literary works with distinctive narrative voices and strong commercial appeal are the heart of the current Dutton list. Rich with history, Dutton is committed to the next generation of excellence with a small and highly curated list that never loses sight of audience. Our goals are to build authors for their careers and create lasting relationships with readers.
Our list is home to classic pillars of children’s literature, like A.A. Milne and Ernest H. Shepard’s Winnie-the-Pooh books, Newbery medal–winning The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin and My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George, and works by Paul O. Zelinsky. Continuing the tradition of literary excellence and distinctive voice, Dutton’s current list includes authors such as John Green, Adam Gidwitz, E.K. Johnston, Stephanie Perkins, Ally Condie, Tahereh Mafi, Nina LaCour, and Ransom Riggs, to name a few.
Bestsellers
New Releases
Meet the Team
Julie Strauss-Gabel President and Publisher
Julie Strauss-Gabel is the President and Publisher of Dutton Children’s Books. Before joining Dutton in 2002, Julie held positions at Hyperion Books for Children and Clarion Books. Specializing in middle grade and young adult fiction, Julie’s wish list is eclectic but unified in striving for quality writing, exceptional voice, surprising craft, and true ambition.
She values strong, distinct voices and career-long partnerships. Honors for her books include the Printz Medal, Printz Honor, Newbery Honor, Edgar Award, Boston Globe-Horn Book, Award, and the Sydney Taylor Book Award. She works with authors including Ally Condie, Adam Gidwitz, John Green, John Grisham, Nina LaCour, Tahereh Mafi, Stephanie Perkins, Ransom Riggs, Carrie Ryan, Andrew Smith, Aaron Starmer, Lauren Wolk, and Meg Wolitzer.
Julie's Featured Titles
Andrew Karre, Senior Executive Editor
Andrew Karre is Senior Executive Editor at Dutton Books for Young Readers. Over the course of his twenty years in children’s publishing, he’s had the privilege of editing works by award-winning and bestselling authors, including Candice Iloh, A.S. King, Malinda Lo, Ashley Hope Pérez, Joy McCullough, and Ibi Zoboi. Titles he has published have won the National Book Award, the Michael L. Printz Medal, the William C. Morris Award, the Stonewall Book Award, the Coretta Scott King Honor, the APALA Award, and the Schneider Family Book Award, among others. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Andrew's Featured Titles
Ilana Jacobs, Editorial Assistant
Ilana Jacobs (they/them) is the Editorial Assistant at Dutton Books for Young Readers, assisting Julie Strauss-Gabel and Andrew Karre. Before joining Dutton in 2024, they interned at Norton Young Readers and were the youth coordinator at an arts nonprofit. Ilana loves reading middle grade and young adult books, especially those with witty voices, weird world-building, and unrepresented perspectives.