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Hachette Children’s lands Shukla’s ‘funny and poignant’ YA novel
Hachette Children’s has landed Nikesh Shukla’s “funny, touching” coming-of-age story Stand Up.
Naomi Greenwood, senior commissioning editor, acquired world rights from Julia Kingsford at Julia Kingsford Literary. The novel will be published in paperback, e-book and audio March 2023.
Stand Up follows 17-year-old Madhu who, competing against school and familial pressures, longs to become a stand-up comedian. It is a “funny and poignant story about following your dreams and finding your voice, for anyone who has ever dreamed big”.
The synopsis reads: “Just as she’s about to turn her back on this dream, a YouTube clip of Madhu goes viral and she is suddenly catapulted into the bright lights of stardom. It’s not long before she catches the attention of a fellow Asian comedy legend who offers her the chance of a lifetime. But the road to comedy glory is not a barrel of laughs – and Madhu’s own struggles with her family and identity soon catch up with her. Can she follow her dreams and stay true to herself and those she loves in the process?”
Greenwood commented: “We are so excited to continue to publish Nikesh in the YA space. Nikesh is a widely respected and talented storyteller whose wise, observational humour shines in Stand Up. I know that YA readers will be right there laughing with and rooting for Madhu in this funny, touching and relatable story about speaking up when it matters.”
Shukla said: “I love writing for teenagers. It’s the favourite part of what I do as a writer. Having been a youth worker in Bristol, mentored hundreds of writers and done school events all over the country, I love connecting with younger readers, getting them excited about books and stories, and reading contemporary stories that resonate with how they live now. I’m so excited for everyone to meet Madhu. She is many things: complicated, courageous and really, really funny. Stand Up is, for me, a return to my comedy roots, and I look forward to taking this book out to schools and beyond.”
