Walker Books seizes award-winning McCaughrain’s poignant YA romance

Walker Books has acquired a YA romance set in Northern Ireland exploring teen pregnancy from Children’s Books Ireland Award winner Kelly McCaughrain.

UK and Commonwealth rights to Little Bang were acquired by senior editor Lucy Earley from Kirsty McLachlan (now at Morgan Green Creatives) at David Godwin Associates. It follows McCaughrain’s award-winning début, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, which Walker published in 2018.

Publishing in January 2024, Little Bang follows shy science nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid, who get pregnant unexpectedly on their first date. Its synopsis explains: “This is Northern Ireland in 2018, where abortion is still illegal, and suddenly they are facing an impossible decision. Caught between families with conflicting views, Mel and Sid’s relationship starts to fall apart, and Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her. This is an authentic and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy.”

McCaughrain, who works at Belfast Met College as educational support for young adults with special needs, said: "Little Bang is the book that wasn’t there for me and my friends in Northern Ireland when we were young, and still isn’t there for many teens around the world today, so I am emotional to see it being published. I’m especially grateful for the love, care, and sensitivity shown by the entire Walker team for this story."

Lucy Earley added: “Little Bang tells a little-discussed story that affects many teens, with Kelly’s trademark blend of open-hearted humour and humanity.”