By Ashley Hickson-Lovence (author)
"This authentic YA novel-in-verse tackles contemporary issues to tell an uplifting tale of regrowth, resilience and finding your voice."
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June 2024 Debut of the Month
Exploring tragic violence, rebirth, the power of poetry, fresh starts and friendship, Ashley Hickson-Lovence’s Wild East is a wondrous work of YA fiction.
Authentically voiced by an inspiring 14-year-old protagonist, and delivered in an engaging verse form, it packs powerful emotional punch, with themes of compassion, inclusion and coming together in a spirit of understanding radiating through Ronny’s relatable journey. When tragedy strikes, Ronny’s mum moves them from Hackney to start a new life in Norwich.
After experiencing “Where are you really from?” racism, aspiring rapper Ronny starts to feel more at home when he finds a true friend at his new school, and when a local poet recognises his talents.
“Everyone has dreams, and mine is to showcase my way with words to the world”, Ronny declares, and he’s given a great chance to realise those dreams when a supportive teacher signs him up to an esteemed residential writing course. Here, Ronny finds his voice, along with fresh confidence, life-changing bonds, and the possibility of romance.
Poignantly honest on the realities of county lines, Wild East is — ultimately — an insightful work of feel-good fiction. A novel that lays bare the value of making the right decisions, the importance of dreams, and the power of positive peers and mentors.
On that note, I’ll leave the last uplifting words to Ronny: “Whether you live in North London or Norwich, everyone just wants to feel part of a community, a safe place, within a group, where they belong, where they feel appreciated”.
The soaring debut YA verse-novel by Ashley Hickson-Lovence, perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds, Manjeet Mann, and Dean Atta.
Read the full description
Pen in one hand, on my wrist, a ticking clock I'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 East 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?
'A powerful story of resilience, friendship, discovery and growth...Ashley has that rare ability to draw you in quietly and leave you feeling totally invested. I’m certain that if I had this when I was younger it would have changed my life, genuinely.' - Jeffrey Boakye, author of Kofi and the Rap Battle Summer
'A cocktail of prose, poetry and creative writing that welcomes all types of readers...Hickson-Lovence has crafted a superb piece.' - DD Armstrong, author of Ugly Dogs Don't Cry
‘An astonishing and emotional story...an amazing tale of self-reflection,acceptance, and achieving your greatest aspirations’ - screenrant.com
‘This empowering verse novel announces the arrival of an exciting new talent in YA fiction’ - Waterstones
Ashley Hickson-Lovence is a novelist, poet, literary critic, and Lecturer of Creative Writing. Wild East is his first YA verse-novel, and was partly inspired by his time as a secondary school English teacher, his own move from London to Norwich, and tutoring a group of asylum seekers at an Arvon retreat. Wild East also weaves in Ashley’s love of British hip hop. Ashley has also written two adult novels, The 392 , and Your Show, which was longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize and shortlisted for the East Anglian Book Awards.
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Bursting with energy and heart, young readers will adore this empowering novel told in verse. A raw and relevant exploration of creativity, talent and what it means to be human.
Wild East is a soaring tale of empowerment, friendship and self-acceptance told in verse. Engaging, accessible and utterly compelling, it marks Ashley Hickson-Lovence as a vital voice in YA fiction.
When tragedy strikes, fourteen-year-old Ronny’s life is upended and he’s forced to move from East London to a new city. As a black teenager in a predominantly white school, Ronny feels like he doesn’t belong but when a poet visits his class, he discovers poetry isn’t so different from his beloved rap.... Read Full Review
This book is a triumph - a wonderful representation of teenage life in today's society that creates a lasting impact on its readers.
This young adult novel reflects the complexities of today's society for young people, through its beautiful use of language and cleverly crafted rhythm to tell a story of hope in the face of adversity. The carefully considered use of familiar experiences allow the reader to become fully immersed in the story, rooting for Ronny as he moves from London to Norwich. The playlist, reading list and excellent illustrations are the perfect accompaniments for this moving story.... Read Full Review
Ashley Hickson-Lovence writes a captivating story that portrays the difficulties people face and how beauty can be found through adversity.
Wild East is a brilliant book that showcases the difficulties of Ronny’s life and how he deals with them while pursuing his passion. It is not easy being in a new city and I think that feeling of trying to fit in really resonates with the reader. Ronny struggles to fight against stereotypes but succeeds while making a reputation in school. With the pressure to do ‘jobs’ outside of school his new life is getting harder by the second. But the silver lining is the many friends who have supported him along the way. I think the most significant friendship is that of Ronny and Mr Bruce. Even though one friendship was tragically taken away from him, he bravely strives for new opportunities.... Read Full Review
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 clock I've got to make this work, just need a little luck...
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Wild East and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
Wild East features in the following genres: Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Stories in Verse, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Books Reviewed by our Reader Review Panels, School Stories, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Wild East was written by Ashley Hickson-Lovence and published by Penguin Books Ltd an imprint of Penguin Random House Children's UK
Wild East has 267 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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