Nigerian writer Akwaeke Emezi has a new YA novel forthcoming in February 2022. Titled Bitter, it is their second YA novel, and a prequel to the debut Pet (2018). It is also Emezi’s fifth work in less than four years, excluding the soon-to-be published poetry collection Content Warning: Everything and novel You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty. 

Bitter will be published by Knopf Teen, an imprint of Penguin Random House on 2 February 2022.

Read the synopsis:

”From National Book Award finalist Akwaeke Emezi comes a companion novel to the critically acclaimed PET that explores both the importance and cost of social revolution–and how youth lead the way.

After a childhood in foster care, Bitter is thrilled to have been chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where she can focus on her painting surrounded by other creative teens. But outside this haven, the streets are filled with protests against the deep injustices that grip the city of Lucille.

Bitter’s instinct is to stay safe within the walls of Eucalyptus . . . but her friends aren’t willing to settle for a world that’s so far away from what they deserve. Pulled between old friendships, her artistic passion, and a new romance, Bitter isn’t sure where she belongs–in the studio or in the streets. And if she does find a way to help the revolution while being true to who she is, she must also ask: at what cost?

This timely and riveting novel–a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet–explores the power of youth, protest, and art.”

Pre-order Bitter: Amazon