Memoir of teen disability campaigner Lewis Hine to Kings Road

Kings Road Publishing has signed the memoir of 16-year-old disability campaigner and social media star Lewis Hine, set to be released next spring. The book will be about "surviving and thriving" against the odds, after Hine was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was a toddler.

Natalie Jerome, licensing and brand director for Kings Road Publishing, acquired exclusive worldwide rights from Sophie Hicks and Sarah Williams at the Sophie Hicks agency.

Hine posted a video on his 16th birthday inviting people to see how he faces the challenges in his life resulting from his ongoing illnesses. It racked up over 30m views and earned him fans including Sir Elton John. He is now spearheading a campaign, Friend Finder, to help others facing childhood illnesses to feel less alone.

In his memoir, he will share how he is able to lead a fun and fulfilling life despite 13 brain surgeries and ongoing health issues.

According to Kings Road, only a fraction of his story has been told so far. "His inspirational message will move, lift and astonish children and adults around the world, and he hopes to change everyone’s view about the lives disabled and ill people can lead," the publisher said.

Hine added: “I am so excited about my book and working with the amazing people at Blink. I cannot wait for everyone to read my story, learn about my difficult journey and see how I got over 31 million people around the world to watch me show that it's okay to be different.”

Jerome said Kings Road "couldn’t be prouder" to be publishing Lewis. "His message is such an important one and his bravery and courage has moved us all. We’re looking forward to creating a book with him that he can be proud of and helps children around the world,” she said.

The spring launch will be supported by a full sales, PR and marketing campaign across traditional and social media.