Andersen Press has swooped for Maria de Jong’s middle-grade début, Ride North.
Senior commissioning editor Chloe Sackur acquired world rights, including audio, from Catherine Pellegrino at Marjacq Scripts. The book will be published as a lead title for spring 2025 with a "multi-faceted" marketing and PR campaign.
Ride North follows 12-year-old Folly, angry and grieving for her mum. Not ready for her Dad’s plans to start a new life in Auckland with his new girlfriend, Folly runs away with her pony, Tooth, to the fabled Cape Rēinga. On the journey, a quick decision results in danger and Folly and Tooth must fight to survive.
"This unique début novel combines honest, emotional drama with a sweeping adventure, set against the evocative backdrop of the New Zealand wilderness," said Sackur. "We love 12-year-old Folly’s convincing, frank voice and her relationship with the wise, sarcastic pony Tooth—if you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to middle-grade animal stories, this one will startle and grip you to the very end. Maria’s a fabulous new talent, and we’re delighted to have her on the Andersen list."
De Jong added: "A girl once told me that during a time of family turmoil her truest confidant had been her horse. She spoke as if they were on equal footing, which I liked a lot, but it wasn’t until years later that a wry-witted pony called Tooth ambled into my mind, very much his own boss [...] Road, forest, sea and sky form a vivid backdrop, but really this is a journey into the heartland of friendship. Stories are fitted with amazing homing devices to find the very best people to nurture them. Ride North found Chloe Sackur and the team at Andersen Press—perfect home!"
