HarperCollins acquires Henry-Jones’ YA novel

HarperCollins has acquired Eliza Henry-Jones’ YA novel From the Sea in a two-book deal via Sally Bird at Calidiris Literary Agency.

From the Sea is Henry-Jones’ first YA novel after her adult fiction titles In the Quiet and Ache.

Set in an isolated town in the Tasmanian wilderness, the novel follows 16-year-old Gwen who is still grieving for her mother and younger brother while she tries to navigate the pitfalls of high school and the arrival of two new kids in town—handsome Ben and his ‘classic mean girl’ sister.

The first draft was written when Henry-Jones was herself a teenager. ‘From the Sea is an extremely special story to me,’ said Henry-Jones. ‘I wrote it when I was going through a bit of a rough time at sixteen and then tucked it away in a drawer for ten years. I’m very passionate about young adult literature, and so thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Lisa Berryman, who I have long admired, and the rest of the children’s team on these two titles.’

HarperCollins Children’s Books publisher Lisa Berryman told Books+Publishing she feels ‘fortunate and privileged to be working with such an exceptional talent’. ‘I will never forget the impact reading In the Quiet had on me, and I was completely dazzled and so impressed by Eliza’s assured telling of this heartbreaking story. All of us at HarperCollins are so excited to have the opportunity to broaden Eliza’s publishing and feel sure that her insights and sensitivity will strike a chord with young-adult readers.’

From the Sea will be published in March 2018.

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions