Knights Of swoops for Reynolds' first illustrated middle-grade novel

Indie publisher Knights Of has swooped for Stuntboy, in the Meantime, the first illustrated middle-grade fiction title by author and US National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds.

Eishar Brar, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Charlotte Bodman at Rights People. The title will be published on 4th November 2021 and will feature illustrations by Raúl the Third.

Stuntboy, in the Meantime is Reynolds' first illustrated fiction for middle-grade readers and is inspired by his parents’ separation. It will follow a new superhero, Portico Reeves, and explore issues that children find difficult to talk about, including bullying and anxiety. 

Reynolds said: "I couldn't be more excited about Knights Of publishing Stuntboy, in the Meantime. I think this story—about the slipperiness of imagination, the shelter of true friendship and the complexity of family, is a universal one. We all want to be superheroes. We all want to save the people we love. And most times we often need the people we love to save us. I'm just so grateful, that once again, Knights Of, the most super of superheroes, are up to the task."

Knights Of has published six titles by Reynolds, most recently Look Both Ways, which won the CILIP Carnegie Medal earlier this year.

Brar commented: "We’re so proud to be publishing our seventh book with Jason. As soon as we read Stuntboy, in Tthe Meantime our whole team knew that he had once again broken the mould of a truly great children’s book. While bringing a new, very talented illustrator on board, Jason writes so relatably with the heart and humour we know him for. Raúl the Third’s artwork brings a whole new dimension to the story; we can’t wait for kids to step into Portico Reeves’ world."