Scholastic picks up trans teen memoir from Hancox

Scholastic has swooped on Welcome to St Hell, a "groundbreaking" YA memoir about being a trans teen, written and illustrated by influencer and filmmaker Lewis Hancox. 

Leah James, executive editor, bought world rights from Jenny Heller at Robertson Murray Literary Agency. It will be published by Scholastic UK in May 2022 and in summer 2022 by Scholastic US.

James said: "When Lewis Hancox’s powerfully written and brilliantly illustrated submission landed in my inbox I knew immediately that his was a story that needed to be shared. Lewis’s honest yet entertaining storytelling is perfect way to educate YA (and adult!) readers about the trans experience."

Heller added: "The enthusiasm and support for Lew from Scholastic has been palpable from both sides of the pond. I can safely say there is the utmost shared belief in Lew’s immense talent, both as a writer and as an illustrator, as well as in the important messages his work delivers. Lew’s ability to tell his story with such remarkable observational humour and personal insight is wholly mirrored in Scholastic’s wild cheerleading, the likes of which is every agent’s dream, and I for one can’t wait to watch this incredible partnership develop!"

Hancox commented: "Growing up in the early noughties I didn’t see trans people like me represented in the media, and this is the book I wish I’d had back then to show me I wasn’t alone. So I’m beyond thrilled to share my life story with humour and heart in the hope that it will inspire people (of all walks of life) to feel proud of who they are. Entertaining while incidentally educating is so important to me – it’s time to use empathy and get beyond politics and shouting. I hope that’s what this book will achieve. This goes out to anyone who’s ever been that awkward misfit teen! Thank you so much to the amazing team at Scholastic. I’ll be forever grateful for their support and belief in my work."