Walker Books snaps up literary middle-grade novel by spoken-word performer Mike Edwards

Walker Books has acquired a middle-grade début novel by the spoken-word writer, poet and performer Mike Edwards.

Senior commissioning editor Emma Lidbury acquired world rights to Riverskin and an as-yet-untitled second novel from Jo Williamson at Antony Harwood Literary Agency. Edwards’ début will launch in hardback in April 2025, featuring jacket and chapter head illustrations by Jason Cockcroft.

The synopsis reads: “Riverskin tells the story of Tess Stillwater, a semi-amphibious girl who lives in a network of tunnels below the River Tees. Along with her aunt Peg, Tess is responsible for keeping her monstrous and evil uncle Darkwater imprisoned in order to protect the river and those who frequent it. When Darkwater escapes, Tess is helped by a ‘dry folk’ boy, Chris, who introduces her to the world above the river – a world to which she has always felt strangely drawn but has never dared believe she could belong.”

The protagonist’s dialect and vocabulary are inspired by the author’s Teesside roots, and the story is “steeped in local history”. The author said: “Walker has been home to many of the authors that have inspired and influenced my writing over the years, which makes it extra special. I have drawn on my love of language, dialect and the stories and myths of the north-east to create Tess’s voice, and I’m hugely excited to share her story with readers.”

Lidbury added: “I knew from the first sentence that Riverskin was something special, and I was captivated by Tess’s unique voice and the originality of her story. Mike is a rare talent and I’m so proud to be publishing his first novel. With Jason Cockcroft on board, this will undoubtedly be a standout book in every way.”