MCB picks up mental health campaigner Devon's exam guide

Macmillan Children’s Books has picked up an “accessible, friendly, informative and fun” exam guide backed with expert research from mental health campaigner Natasha Devon.

Gaby Morgan, editorial director at Macmillan Children’s Books, acquired world rights from Anna Pallai at AMP Literary. Yes You Can: Ace Your Exams Without Losing Your Mind will be published in paperback original on 2ndApril 2020.

Devon, a columnist, TV and radio regular, has dedicated her life to researching and educating others on mental health, body image and social equality. For the past decade she has toured schools, universities and events throughout the UK, advised politicians, staged protests and created the Mental Health Media Charter.

She said: “My research in schools shows young people often see their mental health as being something completely separate from, or even at odds with their academic attainment. I wanted to show that nurturing your mind improves your ability to retain information, problem solve and think creatively - that you need to look after your brain if you want it to function at its peak potential. 

“I hope this book will change the way teenagers think about their exams and even that it might spark a revolution amongst education policy makers - one can dream!”

Morgan added: “Natasha is warm and funny and an expert on issues surrounding mental health. She visits schools every week of the year and talks to teens about the things that worry them most. Exam stress and academic anxiety are always top of the list. We knew she was the right expert to produce the best book to support young people at this time in their lives.

“We wanted to create a book for all teens to help with the demands of secondary school and beyond - an accessible, entertaining guide that looks at what kind of learner you are, the best ways to revise - and relax - how to get in the right headspace for exams, and then move on with your life.”