Ink Road signs 'astonishing' YA debut Starfish

Ink Road, Black & White Publishing’s Young Adult imprint, will publish an “astonishing" debut novel from Akemi Dawn Bowman.

Starfish tells the story of a half-Japanese girl who embarks on an unwitting journey of self-discovery around America in the wake of a crushing rejection from art school. Grappling with social anxiety and a toxic relationship with her mother, the novel is "a luminous, touching story of identity, family and self-worth”.

The book was acquired by Megan Duff, assistant commissioning editor at Black & White Publishing, who bought UK and Commonwealth rights from Stephanie Voros at Simon Pulse.

Duff said: “We’re thrilled to be adding Starfish to our 2018 Ink Road list. The book is an absolute powerhouse of emotion, and I was so drawn to Akemi's message of self-belief and self-worth. It’s about finding a home within yourself, and is written with such openness and devastating clarity – we think British readers are going to love it."

Originally from Las Vegas, Bowman now lives in the UK, and worked in the US Navy for five years. Bowman said: "I’m thrilled that Starfish has found such a wonderful home with Ink Road. I couldn’t imagine a more enthusiastic publisher in the UK, and I’m so excited for readers to meet Kiko."

Starfish will be published in the UK in April 2018.