PRH scoops two-book deal with Hickson-Lovence

Penguin, an imprint of Penguin Random House (PRH) Children’s UK, will publish Wild East, a young adult novel-in-verse by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, as part of a two-book deal. 

World English rights were acquired by Katie Sinfield, editor, from Philippa Sitters of David Godwin Associates. Wild East will publish in 2024. 

The book is described as a coming-of-age story, which explores themes of race, gender and finding confidence through poetry and performance. Inspired by Hickson-Lovence’s own experiences, it aims to inspire reluctant readers to engage with poetry and prose. 

The synopsis reads: “When 14-year-old Ronny’s mum moves them from East London to East Anglia for safety, he feels like a complete outsider. And as a Black boy in a predominantly white school, Ronny’s mistakenly put in lower sets and targeted by a bully involved in some amateur county lines nonsense. 

“But Ronny loves music, and when he’s invited to go on a week-long writing retreat he faces an opportunity that could change his life, forever.” 

Sinfield described Hickson-Lovence as a “talented and bold new voice in YA”, while Sitters said she hopes the book will inspire readers and teachers alike. 

Hickson-Lovence added: “Wild East has found the ideal home at Penguin and I’m both delighted and excited to be working alongside my editor, Katie. From east London to East Anglia, the book has a bit of everything; it’s a joyful, tragic, powerful story rooted in personal experience with a finger-clicking musical richness that will hopefully resonate with all kinds of readers. I hope Ronny is loved as much as I have loved writing him because he’s readier than ever to take on the world and have his story heard.”