Walker Books acquires Barnard's 'fearless' YA novel

Walker Books has landed Where the Light Goes, a "powerful and intelligent" novel by YA Book Prize-winner Sara Barnard.

Publisher Denise Johnstone-Burt and senior editor Non Pratt acquired UK, EU and Commonwealth rights from Claire Wilson at RCW. It is slated for publication in May 2023.

Described as a "beautifully poignant exploration of sisterly love and grief" the story follows the sisterly love between Lizzie Beck, a famous rockstar, and her sister Emmy. The synopsis continues: "Beck is beloved by fans, hounded by the media and adored by her younger sister Emmy, who has been preparing to follow in Lizzie’s dazzling footsteps for as long as she can remember. But then Lizzie takes her own life, and all the light in the world disappears in an instant. Where the Light Goes is a heart-wrenching novel, set in a landscape corrupted by fame and the scrutiny that comes from living in the shadow of a star."

Barnard has written six novels for young adults. Her debut, Beautiful Broken Things (MacMillan Children’s Books), was a Zoella Book Club pick and she went on to win the 2019 YA Book Prize with her third novel Goodbye, Perfect (Macmillan Children’s Books).

“I could not be more thrilled to be joining the Walker Books list with Where the Light Goes," she said. "It felt like I poured my entire heart into this book, and it means so much that it has found its home with such a dedicated, talented and inspiring team and alongside so many gorgeous books for young people.”

Pratt added: “Where the Light Goes is powerful and intelligent, and it feels incredibly special to work with Sara, an author who has always faced the most difficult, messy subjects with the kind of fearless, sensitive honesty that teen readers deserve.”