Penny Thomas, Publisher at award-winning children’s and YA publisher Firefly Press, has acquired World rights in middle-grade novel A History of My Weird by Chloë Heuch.
Autistic Mo is struggling to fit into high school but then she meets Onyx. Onyx doesn’t care that she is an outsider and encourages Mo’s new obsession with the abandoned asylum in town. Will Mo’s quest to understand the history of her weird lead her and new friend into a calamity they can’t escape from?
As the overall winner of the Firefly Press Fiction Competition Wales 2022, judge and author Catherine Fisher called A History of My Weird ‘a stand-out winner, with its memorable and vibrant main character, and exciting narrative.’
‘This is a beautifully imagined and executed novel, with a terrific central character and a dynamic storyline,’ said Thomas. ‘We’re so delighted that Chloë has chosen to publish her second title with Firefly, following on from her absorbing YA novel Too Dark to See in 2020.’
Chloë Heuch said: ‘I’m overjoyed to sign with Firefly for A History of My Weird. I love Mo and can’t wait for others to be able to read all about the shenanigans she gets up to.
There have been times in my life when I’ve felt voiceless and invisible, but I’ve been able to find my way home to myself through writing. Working with teenagers for the last few years has inspired me to connect with that age group through stories about things I believe are important.’
The novel is slated for publication in 2024.