Hachette Children's signs 'timely' youth political guide

Hachette Children’s Group has signed a "timely" political guide for young people written by journalist Sue Turton.

Debbie Foy, publishing director for Wren & Rook secured world rights in a deal made with Charlie Brotherstone at of Ed Victor Associates. The illustration rights were secured by Liza Miller, senior editor for Wren & Rook directly with activist-illustrator Alice Skinner.

This Book Will (Help You) Change the World is a "practical and inspiring" guide to politics and activism for young people. By explaining the political system and its flaws, Turton "empowers" readers to change the status quo, the publisher said. From disrupting the system from within, via political parties, to forcing change from the outside using petitions, marches, sit-ins and protest art, Turton equips readers with a practical toolkit to launch their campaigns, including information on how to avoid fake news, harness social media, triumph in debates and more.

The book will also include reflections on the results of the 2017 General Election.

Debbie Foy said: "We’re delighted to be publishing this timely guide to activism and politics for young people. From Momentum to the Women’s March, anti-Trump protests to Grime4Corbyn, it’s clear that many young adults have had enough of their political futures being decided for them. Sue has written an incredibly inspirational book that urges young people to stand up for what they believe, and equips them with the practical tools that every responsible young activist needs. We believe that our readers CAN change the world, and so This Book Will (Help You) Change the World is the perfect addition to Wren & Rook’s empowering teen/YA strand of publishing."

Turton, who has been a TV journalist for 27 years, said: "In 2014, I had to take on the might of the Egyptian regime when I was convicted of terrorism charges along with a number of Al Jazeera colleagues, three of whom languished in prison. I started the #FreeAJStaff campaign, causing one hell of a stink in Cairo and helping to get my fellow journalists released. This is a book for young people who are equally mad about something and want to get their voices heard. Activism is on the rise and young people have huge power at their fingertips – I want to show them how to use it."