Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Nominated for the 2025 Carnegie Medal for Writing and shortlisted for the 2025 Branford Boase Award. Heartfelt and up-to-the-minute... A reminder that even short lines can take you a long way – The Sunday Times. The soaring debut YA verse-novel by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Manjeet Mann, and Dean Atta. Pen in one hand, on my wrist, a ticking clockI've got to make this work, just need a little luck... When fourteen-year-old Ronny’s life is struck by tragedy, his mum decides it’s finally time they move out of London. In his new city, as a Black teenager in a mostly white school, Ronny feels like a complete outsider and struggles to balance keeping his head down with his ambition of becoming a rapper. But when a local poet comes into class, Ronny discovers a world he’s never considered before. Rap is like spoken word, bars equal poetry – and maybe the combination of both could be the key to achieving his dreams? This empowering verse novel announces the arrival of an exciting new talent in YA fiction – Waterstones.comPraise for Wild East:A powerful story of resilience, friendship, discovery and growth - Jeffrey Boakye, author of Kofi and the Rap Battle SummerAn amazing tale of self-reflection, acceptance, and achieving your greatest aspirations - screenrant.comWelcomes all types of readers... Hickson-Lovence has crafted a superb piece - DD Armstrong, author of Ugly Dogs Don't CryReaders say:"Although a YA novel, this is a book I think everyone should read.""Wild East is an outstanding piece of work."

'Poignant and tender.' FERDIA LENNON 'A dynamic voice.' IRENOSEN OKOJIE 'Lushly written and formally audacious.' NICOLAS PADAMSEE This is the story of one man's weekend, a weekend in which everything could change These lines could change everything / He sips more of his tinny / Imagines a new life Aidy's just punched a co-worker, but he hasn't got time to deal with the fallout. With a deadline fast looming he must get home, knuckle down and finish the story he's been working on, a story he hasn't been able to stop thinking about. It's the story of a falling plane and of a grieving mother. Set across one weekend, About to Fall Apart is the exhilarating story of a man of mixed heritage - living on the Irish border - as he tries to stay positive, reconnect with his children and maybe, even, find his own birth mother.

AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW 'Poignant and tender.' FERDIA LENNON 'A dynamic voice.' IRENOSEN OKOJIE 'Lushly written and formally audacious . . . moving.' NICOLAS PADAMSEE This is the story of one man's weekend, a weekend in which everything could change These lines could change everything / He sips more of his tinny / Imagines a new life Aidy's just punched a co-worker, but he hasn't got time to deal with the fallout. With a deadline fast looming he must get home, knuckle down and finish the story he's been working on, a story he hasn't been able to stop thinking about. It's the story of a falling plane and of a grieving mother. Set across one weekend, About to Fall Apart is the exhilarating story of a man of mixed heritage - living on the Irish border - as he tries to stay positive, reconnect with his children and maybe, even, find his own birth mother.

What is it like to grow up Black or Black dual heritage in Britain? Stuart Lawrence, brother of Stephen Lawrence, talks to seven inspirational figures about their childhood experiences, as well as sharing insight into his own. This is a collection of courageous, thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful pieces set to educate and inspire young people. contributors include TV presenter Alison Hammond, Olympic gold medallist Kye Whyte and actress Lolly Adefope empowering real-life stories for children aged 10+ bold page layouts that are stimulating and clear to read National Stephen Lawrence Day takes place on April 22nd each year, with the aim of creating a society in which everyone can flourish. PRAISE FOR STUART'S DEBUT CHILDREN'S BOOK, SILENCE IS NOT AN OPTION: "This book will change lives" - Marianne Levy, the i Paper “Silence is Not an Option: You Can Impact the World for Change is intended to empower all children irrespective of skin colour to demand a better society… Stephen Lawrence's brightness runs throughout the pages, along with Stuart’s love for his brother” – Louise Carpenter, The Times Magazine About the author: Stuart Lawrence is the younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, the young man who, on 22 April 1993, at the age of just 18, was murdered in an unprovoked racist attack. Stuart is an educator and motivational speaker, dedicated to helping to transform the life chances of young people.

LONGLISTED FOR THE GORDON BURN PRIZEAS HEARD ON R4s FRONT ROW'The football novel is back.' The TimesWonderful.' IRENOSEN OKOJIE 'A novel rich in both poetry and detail.' DAVID PEACE'Memorable and moving . . . Your Show is a remarkable book' Observer____________The Uriah Rennie Show? Damn right it is. From Jamaica to Sheffield to the recently formed Premier League, Uri rises through the ranks as a referee, making it to the highest level of our national game. But along the way he is confronted with tensions and prejudices, old and new, which emerge as his every move is watched, analysed and commented on. Your Show is the thrilling story of one man's pioneering efforts to make it, against the odds, to the very top of his profession and beyond.'A gripping, thought-provoking and important read.' Daily Mail 'Incredibly moving . . . Whether a fan of football or not, readers will love this novel, and its ultimate message -- one of hope.' NICK BRADLEY'Fantastic.' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS

A beautiful, celebratory and joyful book of bedtime stories. Written and illustrated by Black creators, with a foreword by Candice Brathwaite, Bedtime Stories showcases a curated collection of tales from Black history, based on important figures and events from around the world. Each story is the ideal length to read at bedtime as well as any moment when young readers are looking for an inspirational read! Features one young reader's winning entry from the Cocoa Boy and Cocoa Girl magazines competition An empowering and celebratory gift Perfect for any child wanting to learn more about history's untold stories A beautiful keepsake book - a gift for a lifetime Written by Ify Adenuga, Ryan Crawford, Alex Falase-Koya, Mahamed Hashi, Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Nansubuga Isdahl, Jade Mutyora, Reggie Nelson and Wendy Shearer. Illustrated by Lucy Farfort, Anastasia Magloire Williams, Jade Orlando, Amanda Quartey, Paul Kellam and Richy Sanchez Alaya.

We have dubbed Hinterland Issue 6 our ‘non-fiction fiction special’, in which we explore the curious space where fiction and non-fiction intersect and interact. To that end Heather Martin (The Reacher Guy) recalls how she came to write the biography of Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series; Nick Bradley (The Cat and The City) shares some of the photographs taken on his commute in Tokyo, an experience later tapped into for his debut novel; Ashley Hickson-Lovence (The 392) tells the true story of how Ruel Fox (nearly) led Norwich City to football greatness; we explore Tash Aw’s literary archive; and share a conversation with Helen Smith (The Uncommon Reader) about renowned editor Edward Garnett, all alongside a stand-out selection of reportage, memoir, essay and flash non-fiction.