Hashtag Press scoops ‘spine-tingling’ debut middle-grade from Rasoul  

Hashtag Press has secured The Twig Man, a "spooky” middle-grade debut novel from Sana Rasoul.  

Helen Lewis and Abiola Bello, co-directors, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Chloe Seager at the Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency. The Twig Man will be published in October 2022.  

“Sana’s middle-grade debut is truly spine-tingling and the kind of book kids will want to stay up late reading under the covers with a torch,” Seager commented. “I can’t wait for readers to meet Ari!" 

The synopsis reads: “Beware the Twig Man, the Twig Man’s hex. Beware the Twig Man, or you’ll be next! It’s been a year since nearly-12-year-old Ari’s older sister, Lana, ran away. Except Ari knows what really happened. She was taken by the Twig Man, the creepy monster that has haunted the woods for 100 years. No one else will listen, so it’s down to Ari to save her. But he had better hurry, as Ari finds himself next on the Twig Man’s list...”  

Lewis said: "We believe there is a lot of interest among children for hair-raising stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats but are age-appropriate. The Twig Man combines elements of the classic ghost story with themes such as friendship, family and self-discovery. We think it’s going to be a big hit with young readers."

"I am thrilled to be working with Hashtag Press on my debut novel The Twig Man,” added Rasoul. “I devoured spooky tales as a kid and I cannot wait for readers to follow Ari as he navigates the woods in search of his sister. It’s important that children of all backgrounds see themselves reflected in stories, and I hope this book goes some way in doing that. As always, I am indebted to my amazing agent Chloe Seager for her guidance and passion throughout this journey."