Little Island swoops for Grehan’s middle-grade novel about non-binary identity

Little Island has swooped for The Lonely Book, a middle-grade verse novel about non-binary identity, by Meg Grehan. 

Publisher Matthew Parkinson-Bennett acquired world rights directly from the author. The book will be published in April 2023.

The Lonely Book is Grehan’s fourth title with Little Island, following on from Baby Teeth and The Deepest Breath, which was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The synopsis for The Lonely Book reads: “Every morning, when Annie’s moms open their bookshop, there’s a pile of books on the counter, waiting for the right reader to come and find them. But one day, there’s a book nobody comes for.

“Nobody ever comes, and each day the book gets lonelier, and the bookshop becomes an unhappy place. Who can the book be for, and why don’t they come? Eventually, the book finds the reader who needs it: Annie’s sibling, Charlie. Charlie asks the family to use ‘they/them’ pronouns now. The bookshop cheers up. Customers start buying books again.” 

Parkinson-Bennett said: “The Deepest Breath is one of Little Island’s favourite books, and it’s with real pleasure that we announce its ‘sibling title’. Meg has a wonderful gift for capturing emotion, and the warmth between characters, in deceptively simple, inviting verse. She has once again written a kind, reassuring story that will be of deep importance for many young readers, their families and schools.” 

Grehan added: “Writing about gender specifically was deeply personal and a little daunting but I found it to be a beautiful experience and Little Island have been so kind and supportive. I hope this little book finds its readers and that they find some warmth between its pages. I put my whole heart into this book, all my love and care, and I hope that readers feel that. I’m excited for them to meet Annie, Charlie and their moms!”