Acquisition Announcement: We Wait for the Stars, a YA novel in verse from Bridget Hamilton

Posted in Acquisition Announcement on Thu, 2 October at 10.15 am

Little Tiger has acquired We Wait for the Stars, a stunning YA novel in verse from debut author Bridget Hamilton – winner of the Northern Writer’s Debut Award for YA Fiction 2023.

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor at Little Tiger, acquired world English languages rights from Lucy Irvine at Peter Fraser and Dunlop Literary Agents for publication in July 2026.

After losing her dad, Celeste’s life feels like it’s splintering. ​Then she makes a new friend in Katie, who shares her love of the beach, and meets Reuben, a fellow photographer. Maybe a new friendship group is just what she needs – as long as she keeps her growing attraction to Reuben out of the equation.​​ But Celeste soon finds that emotions can’t be bottled up…

A powerful and poignant novel in verse, perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Dean Atta and Tia Fisher. ​

Mattie Whitehead, Senior Commissioning Editor said:

I have always loved novels in verse, and when I first read We Wait for the Stars I couldn’t put it down. Bridget’s writing is stunning, with gorgeous and (sometimes painfully!) relatable characters. She has captured the different nuances of grief, while also threading hope, love and laughter through her story. This book means so much to me, and I know will to many others.

Bridget Hamilton said:

 I’m thrilled that We Wait for the Stars has found its home with Little Tiger! Mattie and the team have been fantastic at helping bring the story to life and really championing the poetry element of it, which I’m so glad I found in a publisher (and in my brilliant agent, Lucy). Many of my favourite authors write in verse and I’m very lucky to be joining the ranks. I can’t wait for readers to meet Celeste and follow her journey!

Little Tiger will publish We Wait for the Stars in July 2026.

Bridget Hamilton (she/her) is a writer, podcaster, and creative practitioner. Originally from Kent, she headed to the North East of England for university, fell in love with the region and forgot to leave! She now lives in Newcastle upon Tyne with her husband and baby boy. Bridget believes that everyone should have the opportunity to read and write stories. Her job sees her travel to schools, youth groups, community centres and even inside prisons to teach creative writing. Meanwhile, her own writing centres around home, family, and identity; she has created work for organisations such as the Hexham Book Festival, Kielder Observatory, Poet in the City and BBC Radio Three.

Instagram: @bridgetwriting | Website: www.bridgethamilton.co.uk