In this episode we talk with Abiola Bello - author, publisher and co-founder of the Diverse Book Awards. The third book in her Wild Magic series for younger readers is out and we talk about the success of the series - the first book just won the Sparks School Book Award prize and how kids love facts mixed in with their fiction.

Abiola is as ever very busy and we talk about her third book in the Marcus Rashford series and also a 'new adult' book coming out next year that she is on a deadline to finish.

The independent publisher Hashtag Press which Abiola co-founded with Helen Lewis is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. As one of the first independent publishers focussing on diverse authors and books they have been on quite a journey. They are currently Crowdfunding to safeguard their next ten years and you can find details of that here.

Abiola's books can be found here:

Younger Readers

Wild Magic - Legend of the Black Lion (illustrated by Emma McCann)

Wild Magic - Journey of the Lost Elephant (illustrated by Emma McCann)

Wild Magic - Escape of the Sea Turtles (illustrated by Emma McCann)

Middle Grade

Emily Knight - I am

Emily Knight - I am... Power

Emily Knight - I am... Becoming

Emily Knight - I am... Awakened

Marcus Rashford The Breakfast Club Adventures - The Movie Monster

Marcus Rashford The Breakfast Club Adventures - The Sleepover Sabotage

Marcus Rashford The Breakfast Club Adventures - The Haunted Disco (Oct 2026)

YA

Love in Winter Wonderland

Only for the Holidays

The Love Dare

New Adult

Pretty Little Pledges (Aug 2027)

Send us a message