Usborne wins three-way auction for Mohamud’s ‘unforgettably powerful' YA debut

Usborne has won a three-way auction for debut author Ayaan Mohamud’s YA novel You Think You Know Me, inspired by her experiences of Islamophobia and a desire to write about Somali culture.

Senior commissioning editor Sarah Stewart acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for the debut in a two-book deal with Clare Wallace at Darley Anderson. 

Publishing in February 2023, You Think You Know Me tells the story of schoolgirl Hanan who, 10 years after her father’s death helping his family to escape the civil war in Somalia, finds herself the target of vicious Islamophobia when a local man is murdered. 

The publisher says: “Mohamud’s fresh, authentic and unforgettably powerful novel shines a light on the lives behind the ever-present headlines about racist attacks and immigration, and the pressure to be perfect, especially as a minority.”

Stewart said: “I knew You Think You Know Me was something very special when the hours slipped away without me even noticing in my desperation to see how it ended. Ayaan’s writing is heartbreakingly good; you are absorbed straight into the centre of Hanan’s family so that the tension as events unfold is almost unbearable. I feel extremely lucky to be working with Ayaan on this stunningly powerful book, which should be required reading in schools across the country.” 

Mohamud said:  “I’m beyond excited to be publishing this book with Usborne. You Think You Know Me holds a special place in my heart and I knew after meeting Sarah and Rebecca that the story felt special for them too. It’s been an absolute dream to write a book that features the kind of characters I never saw in books growing up and a privilege to write something that I hope challenges people’s perceptions about Muslims. I want to thank the whole team at Usborne for championing this book and also my fabulous agent Clare who believed in me and Hanan’s story right from the start.” 

Wallace added: “Ayaan’s is a voice that needs to be heard and I couldn’t be more thrilled that Sarah and the team at Usborne, who have already shown such passion and vision for launching You Think You Know Me, will be introducing this incredible title and author to YA readers.”