UCLan sets sail with Somper and Skaffa's 'brilliant' Pirate Academy series

UCLan has bagged a three-book deal from Justin Somper for his new middle-grade adventure series, Pirate Academy, with "captivating" illustrations by Teo Skaffa.

Publisher Hazel Holmes acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Stephanie Thwaites and Isobel Gahan at Curtis Brown. A licence to sell Australia and New Zealand rights were also included in the deal. The New Kid on Deck, the first book in the series, will be published in March 2024 with book two, Missing At Sea, following in August 2024 and Sword Echoes, the final book in the deal, scheduled for 2025.

The synopsis for New Kid on Deck reads: "It is the year 2507. The world’s oceans are under the tight control of the Pirate Federation. Jasmine Peacock and Jacoby Blunt are students at the elite Pirate Academy. This is no ordinary school! Lessons range from Knots Class and Sailing to Combat Workshop and Marine Biology. The teachers are all pirate legends and the pressure is always on…

"When a new kid, the mysterious Neo Splice, arrives in Barracuda Class, everything changes fast. Suddenly the dangers are no longer out on the oceans but right here at the Academy. The young pirate apprentices must put everything they have learned to the test against a ruthless new enemy – the shadowy organisation known as the League of True Pirates."

Holmes commented: "We’re excited to open the doors of Pirate Academy and welcome readers into this magical world. These are contemporary stories of adventure, jeopardy and friendship, perfect for young middle grade readers."