Scholastic picks up three middle-grade titles from Hardy

Scholastic UK has acquired three middle-grade titles from Vashti Hardy, including Firesong, the final instalment in the author's Brightstorm trilogy. 

The irst title in the trilogy, Brightstorm was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2019 and was followed by Darkwhispers in 2020. The third "promises more action-packed adventures with the eponymous Brightstorm twins in a fantasy volcanic north" and will be published in May 2022. 

Linas Alsenas, executive editor, bought world rights to three titles from Kate Shaw at The Shaw Agency. He commented: "It’s bittersweet to see the story arc of the Brightstorm twins finally coming to an end. Brightstorm was Vashti’s debut novel, and it’s been such a joy to see the number of fans build steadily over the years, thanks in part to the enthusiastic embrace of teachers, librarians and reviewers all over the country. Vashti’s wild imagination is limitless, and Firesong has all the elements her fans have come to expect from the first two books: a rollicking adventure, vivid characters, and a tantalizing mystery that reveals itself slowly as the Aurora skyship sails further into the unknown, this time in the islands of the volcanic north. This novel is a thrilling, incendiary read; it’s only fitting that the twins’ epic trilogy should go out with a bang."

Hardy said: "My vision for the series was always that there was something bigger on the horizon for the twins and the world of the Wide, so I’m thrilled to conclude Arthur and Maudie’s journey in Firesong. Seeing the Brightstorm twins grow up on the page alongside the readers is a special experience and I love meeting children who identify with their ups and downs, and ultimately realise that they can be a strong force for change in the world. I’ve adored working with Linas Alsenas and Kate Shaw on the Brightstorm adventures and have a fiercely loyal crew of readers, educators and booksellers so I wanted to do them justice and put the twins to the greatest challenge, as fitting for a trilogy finale, so expect some explosive and emotional surprises!"

Shaw added: "When Vashti first pitched the Brightstorm adventures to me I knew she was on to something wonderful. Linas Alsenas shared our vision and we were thrilled to see the first book set sail with Scholastic. Now the books have travelled across the globe and captivated teachers, librarians, booksellers and young readers. We can’t wait to share this conclusion to the trilogy with everyone."