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Juno Dawson has signed a new multi-book deal, for two new works of YA fiction and a non-fiction title, with Hachette Children’s Group.
Sarah Lambert, publishing sirector, Hachette Children’s Group acquired UK & Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights for two further YA fiction titles while Liza Miller, managing editor, Hachette Children’s Group acquired world English rights for a non-fiction title, both from Sallyanne Sweeney at MMB Creative.
Known for tackling boundary-pushing issues for a young adult audience, Dawson returns in May 2020 with Wonderland, the "compulsive, must-have" follow-up to Clean and Meat Market and the first book in the new fiction deal. Wonderland will be published by Quercus Children’s Books.
"Wonderland follows Alice, as she navigates a world of glossy privilege and luxury and goes in search for her missing sort-of-friend Bunny," reads the synopsis. "The trail of Bunny’s last movements leads Alice to discover a mysterious invitation to a party to end all parties – three days of high-octane excess to which only the elite are welcome. A searing exploration of mental health, Wonderland also takes an authentic look at gender and sexuality."
Lambert said: "Juno Dawson is back with yet another trailblazing novel which puts her in a league of her own and confirms her as one of the most exciting writers in the UK today. We can’t wait for readers to tumble down the rabbit hole into Wonderland!"
Wren & Rook, Hachette Children’s Group’s non-fiction imprint, will publish What’s The T?, their first non-fiction title with Dawson, in August 2020. A companion title to the groundbreaking This Book is Gay, What’s the T? tackles the complexities of being trans and non-binary in the twenty-first century with "humour and a lightness of touch", said the publisher. Dawson has also invited notable trans and non-binary people to make contributions, ensuring the book will reflect as many experiences as possible, and will feature the likes of Travis Alabanza and Jay Hulme. The book will be illustrated throughout by gender non-conforming illustrator Soofiya.
World English rights for Soofiya's illustrations in What's the T? were acquired by Liza Miller, Wren & Rook from Lydia Silver, Darley Anderson Children's Book Agency.
Miller added: "Juno is already a pillar of the LGBTQ+ community, and What’s the T? will cement her place as the UK’s most trusted voice for young trans and non-binary people."
Dawson said: "Quercus have done an amazing job of publishing Clean and Meat Market and I can’t wait to see what they do with Wonderland. You might *think* you know this story but it just might surprise you. More than any of my other titles, This Book Is Gay is the one I get letters about. I hope that What’s The T? will make as much of a difference."