Piccadilly Press has proudly announced a two-book deal with critically acclaimed, Branford Boase and Jhalak Book Prize award-winning author Maisie Chan. The first acquired title, Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past is a moving story of understanding your heritage and loving who you are, ideal for readers aged 9–12.
Georgia Murray, commissioning editor at Piccadilly Press, acquired English language rights in the UK and Commonwealth from Chloe Seager at Madeleine Milburn Literary Agency.
Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past is the riveting story of how an unlikely friendship with the ghost of a Chinese soldier from the First World War helps a young boy to embrace his own Chinese roots; a moving, funny and heartwarming intergenerational tale with a most unusual twist.
Maisie Chan said: ‘Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past is a story close to my heart. It’s about a transracial adopted boy who loves his parents very much but feels like they sometimes don’t understand the complexity of not looking like your parents. It’s a story about finding your place in the world. I also have been wanting to tell the story of the Chinese Labour Corp who helped the Allies in the First World War: an often-overlooked history, especially in children’s books. I’ve had so much fun writing this book and have had massive support from my editor Georgia Murray whose patience and keen eye have once again proved invaluable. Look out for lots of Liverpool references, karaoke, tasty chicken and more.’
Georgia Murray, Commissioning Editor at Piccadilly Press, said: ‘I’m so excited to be bringing more books from Maisie Chan to the Piccadilly list. I love Maisie’s writing, which speaks so warmly and directly to her readers, shedding light on unsung stories and voices in the most accessible of ways. Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past is an unforgettable story, full of humour and compassion, friendship and family, both an enigmatic mystery and one boy’s journey of self-discovery: a vibrant new story from an award-winning author who continues to surprise and delight with each new novel.’
Chloe Seager said: ‘Maisie has a gift for writing fun, child-centred stories, as well as sensitive, nuanced explorations of complicated family dynamics. She has outdone herself with her latest book, that also brings an often-overlooked part of history to life. I cannot wait for this story to find its way into children’s hands.’
Maisie Chan is a British-born Chinese author. Her debut novel Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths won the Branford Boase Award and the Jhalak Book Prize, and was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards and the Diverse Book Awards. Maisie also writes the young fiction series Tiger Warrior and is one of the authors in the bestselling The Very Merry Murder Club anthology. She runs the Bubble Tea Writers Network that supports and encourages writers of East and Southeast Asian heritage in the UK. Originally from Birmingham, Maisie now lives with her family in Glasgow. Instagram and Threads: @maisiechanwrites Blue Sky: @maisiechanwrites X @maisiewrites
Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past will be publishing in paperback on 12th June 2025.
