Wild East

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.'