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RHCB buys teen gang debut

30.09.11 | Charlotte Williams

Random House Children's Books has acquired a YA novel about the world of gangs called Turf in a two-book deal.

Editor Parul Bavishi bought world rights through Ajda Vucicevic at LBA to Turf and one other novel by debut author John Lucas. Turf will be published in summer 2012.

The story follows Jaylon, who joined the Blake Street Boyz gang when he was 11 years old. Now, at almost 16, he must complete a task to graduate to being an "Older".

Bavishi said: "Turf is a raw and passionate story about a boy on the cusp of manhood, fighting hard to make the right decisions. John takes an uncompromising look at the circumstances that draw vulnerable children into gangs - we are thrilled to be launching his career."

• ajda vucicevic
• Charlotte Williams
• parul bavishi
• Random House Children's Books