British author and journalist, Juno Dawson is known for her young adult fiction and non-fiction books, including; This Book is Gay, The Gender Games, Margot & Me, Clean and Meat Market, most of which are about the LGBT+ community and experience.
The author has now signed a multi-book deal with the publisher, Hachette Children’s Group, to release two new works of fiction and one new non-fiction title. Sarah Lambert, publishing director for Hachette Children’s Group acquired the UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights for the two young adult fiction titles. While Lisa Miller, managing editor for Hachette Children’s Group, acquired the world English rights for Dawson’s latest non-fiction title, from Sallyanee Sweeney at MMB Creative.
Dawson’s first 2020 YA fiction novel, Wonderland is the follow up to Clean and Meat Market. On Twitter, Juno Dawson announced that this book will show you the classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in a way you’ve never seen it before, “and yes, Alice is transgender,” adds the author.
“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 book’s 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.”
Publishing director, Sarah Lambert, stated, “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!”
Wonderland will be published in May 2020 by Quercus Children’s Books. “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,” said Juno Dawson.
The next book in Dawson’s multi-book deal is a non-fiction book titled What’s the T? which is a companion title to Dawson’s This Book is Gay. This new book tackles the complexities of identifying as transgender or non-binary in the 21st century. As a transgender author, Dawson brings her own experiences to the book with a light touch of humour. Dawson has also invited other notable trans and non-binary people to contribute to the book and ensure it reflects a collection of different experiences. What’s the T? will feature contributions from the likes of Travis Alabanza, Jay Hulme, Charlie Craggs, Juno Roche, and many others. The book will also feature illustrations from gender non-conforming artist, Soofiya.
Lisa Miller explained, “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.”
While author Juno Dawson added, “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.”
What’s the T? will be published by Wren & Rook, Hachette Children’s Group’s non-fiction imprint, in August 2020.
Sadly, there is little information about the third book in Juno Dawson’s multi-book deal, apart from the news that it will be another fiction title, however, we will stay close to the news and let you know if any further details are announced.