Scottish indie Floris Books acquires Fidan Meikle's 'heartbreaking yet hopeful' middle-grade novel

The Scottish indie Floris Books has acquired Azerbaijani-British author Fidan Meikle’s debut middle-grade novel, My Name is Samim.

Editorial director Sally Polson bought world rights in a two-book deal with the author. The book will be published in the UK in spring 2025, with the second book to follow in 2026. The book will sit within Floris Books’ Kelpies imprint.

The book was inspired by the true stories of young refugees and the author pitched the opening chapters at the Scottish BPOC Writers Network conference where Floris Books "recognised the story’s potential".

The synopsis says: "Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player – and a refugee. After his family is killed in a bombing, he makes a dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK. But even then his safety isn’t guaranteed: Samim must tell his story to convince the authorities to let him stay for good, all while starting school, facing bigoted bullies and trying to make new friends. Will Samim be granted asylum and allowed to stay in his new home?"

Polson said: "My Name is Samim is the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of a child refugee striving for a safe home and a better future. Young readers will be moved and inspired by Samim’s courage and resilience."