UQP acquires Plozza middle-grade novel

UQP has acquired ANZ rights to Meet Me at the Moon Tree, a new middle-grade novel by Shivaun Plozza.

Meet Me at the Moon Tree follows 10-year-old Carina grieving the death of her father who taught her all about moon trees—special trees planted from seeds taken on the 1971 Apollo mission to the moon. Carina’s grief manifests as an all-consuming obsession with moon trees, so when her mother relocates the family to a small town in the Otways national park, she is determined to find a moon tree in the forest behind her new house.

‘Moon trees form a captivating backdrop for this exquisite story about grief, mystery, science and magic,’ said UQP publisher Clair Hume, adding, ‘A pitch-perfect middle-grade novel—accomplished, unique and moving—Meet Me at the Moon Tree will sit comfortably beside the likes of Nova Weetman, Peter Carnavas and Zana Fraillon.’

Said Plozza: ‘Writing Meet Me at the Moon Tree felt like coming home. Inspired by a childhood full of magical romps through the Otways forests, this story of science, grief and family sprung to life like it had been waiting to be written. I’m thrilled to be working with UQP and I hope Meet Me at the Moon Tree finds its way into the hands and hearts of many readers.’

A writer, editor and manuscript assessor from Geelong, Plozza’s YA debut Frankie (Penguin) was a CBCA Notable Book and won several prizes including a Davitt Award and a commendation from the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. She is also the author of Tin Heart, The Boy, the Wolf, and the Stars and most recently A Reluctant Witch’s Guide to Magic (all Penguin).

Meet Me at the Moon Tree is set to be published in the first half of 2023.

Category: Junior Local news Rights and acquisitions