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Little Tiger pounces on Quirke's 'vibrant' coming-of-age story in two-book deal
Little Tiger has pounced on Anna Zoe Quirke’s YA debut Something to be Proud Of, a "vibrant" coming-of-age story which celebrates queer friendship and community and has a cover illustration by Lucía Gomez Alcaide.
Senior commissioning editor Mattie Whitehead acquired world all-language rights in a two-book deal from Lucy Irvine at Peter Fraser and Dunlop Literary Agents. Designer Sophie Bransby acquired cover illustration rights from Will Drayson at Advocate Art. Something to be Proud Of will be published in June 2024 with the second book following in June 2025.
"The title says it all, really – I could not be prouder of Anna and their incredible story of friendship, community and activism," said Irvine. "Imogen and Ollie stole my heart from their very first chapters, and I hope that all readers will see themselves within this cast."
The novel follows Imogen Quinn, a "chaotic bisexual with dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian crushing stereotypes about autistic people". When she decides to put on a Pride Festival she enlists Ollie Armstrong, the openly gay football captain dealing with his parents’ divorce. Initial hesitation is overcome and Ollie joins the head girl, musicians, an artist and a baker to plan Pride and "tackle injustices in their school and beyond".
Whitehead commented: "Something to be Proud Of truly is something to be proud of. Anna has written an authentic coming-of-age story with a strong voice, great characters and an insightful look into gender and sexual identity and neurodiversity, and how we could and should be more inclusive as a society. With friendship at the heart of the story, laugh-out-loud dialogue and a gorgeous slow-burn romance, readers are in for a treat."
Quirke, winner of the Northern Writer’s Debut Award for YA Fiction 2022, commented: "With all its hope, rage, and an entire cast of queer and disabled characters, Something to be Proud Of is the story I both needed and wanted to write. Imogen and Ollie were excellent company and brought me so much joy while I was writing their story over the Covid-19 lockdowns. I’m grateful to Little Tiger and my agent, Lucy Irvine, for giving me the chance to hopefully pass some of that joy along to readers. Thanks also goes to Lucía for the beautiful cover that perfectly captures the Imogen and Ollie that have existed in my brain for years."
