Neem Tree Press snaps up Antonia Maxwell’s middle-grade 'climate fiction' adventure series

Neem Tree Press has acquired Antonia Maxwell’s Terra Electrica, a middle-grade "climate fiction" adventure series set in a melted Arctic.

Archna Sharma, c.e.o. and publisher of Neem Tree Press, acquired world rights in all languages directly from the author. The first book in the series will be published in paperback and e-book in July 2024 in the UK, and in October 2024 in the US and the rest of the world.

The first book in the series, Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North, follows 12-year-old Mani’s journey to survival after she has lost her family and community to a deadly disease that was unleashed when the last ice cap melted. "Aided by spiritual animals that she can connect with through a ’Mask World’, Mani suddenly finds herself responsible for the fate of the world."

The series marks Maxwell’s publishing debut after a 30-year career as a book editor. She said: “I am excited to be stepping out of the editorial backroom this year with my debut children’s story—I have had an adventure writing it and can’t wait to share it with young readers. I am thrilled that Mani has found a perfect home on the vibrant Neem Tree Press children’s list."

Sharma added: “Antonia’s immersive adventure story draws you into young Mani’s world from the start. Young readers will be captivated by its dystopian setting, spiritual elements and eye-opening portrayal of climate change.”