Scholastic UK to publish Aoife Dooley's 'love letter to being different'

Scholastic UK has acquired Frankie's World by Aoife Dooley, a graphic novel based on the author's real-life experiences of autism.

Dooley is an Irish writer, illustrator, comedian and graphic designer. She openly shares her experiences of being diagnosed as autistic at the age of 27 and how a diagnosis helped her to truly understand herself. 

Frankie's World will explore how you fit in and stand out when you feel different to everyone around you. The synopsis reads: "Twelve-year-old Frankie knows she's not like anyone else in her class but she can't quite figure out why. Is it the new freckle on her nose, or the fact she's small for her age? Or that she has to go to the hospital sometimes? Everyone else seems to think she's weird too, and they make fun of her at school. Frankie's dad left when she was a baby — maybe he was different too? It would explain why she always feels like an alien. So she and her best-friend Sam, embark on a mission to track him down."

Yasmin Morrissey, commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Faith O’Grady at The Lisa Richards Agency. Publication is slated for January 2022.

Morrissey said: “Aoife is a uniquely sharp, funny and thoughtful writer, which makes her an absolute delight to work with. But Frankie's World is also Aoife’s love letter to being different, and that is what makes this graphic novel so timely and special. With Aoife’s award-winning illustrations, her quick wit, and her deeply personal connection to Frankie’s experience with autism, she is undoubtedly one of the most exciting graphic novel talents out there. Underneath the comedy and inimitable illustration style, this a story of heart and survival, and one that will resonate with readers young and old. I am thrilled that Aoife has picked Scholastic as her publishing home.”

Dooley commented: “I'm delighted to be working on my first graphic novel, Frankie's World. I’ve put my heart and soul into it and with the support and encouragement of my agent Faith and the team at Scholastic, including my amazing editor Yasmin, it’s been an incredible start to the journey. I feel like Frankie's World has found the perfect home, and I’m excited to see the series come to life."

Dooley is the author of How to Be Massive (Gill Books, 2016) and How to Deal With Poxes (Gill Books, 2017). She also illustrated Little Island Books' 123 Ireland! (2019).