Cassava Republic acquires two book series by award-winning Baitie

Ghanaian writer Elizabeth-Irene Baitie’s two book series Crossing the Stream and an as-yet-untitled sequel has gone to Cassava Republic.

Layla Mohamed acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Julia Churchill at A M Heath Literary Agency on behalf of Accord Literary. Publication is planned for autumn 2023 and spring 2024 respectively.

Crossing the Stream follows 12-year-old Ato as he sets out to achieve his dream of visiting Nnoma, an exclusive bird sanctuary set up by his late father. With help from his friends Leslie and Dzifa, he takes part in an environmental project competition, while an unexpected reconnection with his paternal grandmother sets Ato on a path to uncover the mysteries of his community.

The publisher says Crossing the Stream explores timely themes of the environment and conservation as well as religion and spirituality, while showcasing the power of children’s curiosity.   

Mohamed said: “Thematically rich, skilfully crafted and filled with characters that jump off the page, Crossing the Stream is a compelling and dynamic book, perfect for engaging young readers in timely eco-diversity issues. I am delighted to have acquired this adventure book along with its sequel, enabling readers to quickly return to characters and a world they are sure to fall in love with.” 

Baitie, who has previously won the Burt Award for African Young Adult Literature and the Macmillan’s Writer’s Prize for Africa, said: “I wrote these books for the heroes young enough to know that the Earth still needs them. In Cassava’s capable hands, I know these stories will fly out to find homes in the hearts of young Asafo throughout the UK and across West Africa."

Julia Churchill said: "Young readers are going to love this mystery. Ato is such a great hero — brave, smart, swift, loyal, and his grandmother is unforgettable. We’re very much looking forward to working with Cassava and what’s ahead together.”