Riveted Press acquires Roe’s middle-grade novel

Riveted Press has acquired world rights to The Stolen Bairn, a middle-grade historical fantasy by children’s author and media professional Katrina Macdonald Roe.

Set 200 years ago in Scotland and based on 3 Scottish tales, The Stolen Bairn is an adventurous coming-of-age story following Katie Skea who was stolen by the faeries as a baby, but won back by her mother through a solemn oath. Katie reveals signs of her faery heritage 12 years later, before her mother’s remarriage to a man who already has his own daughter. When Katie’s new sister is mysteriously injured, Katie decides to find the faeries who took her long ago and ask for their help.

Based on Wiradjuri Country in Wagga Wagga, Roe is the author of several children’s books, including Marty’s Nut-Free Party, shortlisted for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year, and Emily Eases Her Wheezes (both illus by Leigh Hedstrom, Wombat Books), a CBCA Notable book. She has worked in media for more than 25 years, hosted a morning radio show in Sydney, and is the creator of the podcasts The Hope Book Club and Australia’s Invisible History.

Riveted Press managing editor Rowena Beresford said, “Katrina Macdonald Roe has written a beautifully layered story that blends myth, history and emotional truth. She has created a world that feels timeless and immersive, while exploring questions of identity and self-acceptance that are deeply relevant to young readers today.”

The Stolen Bairn is set to be published in June 2026.

Category: Local news Rights and acquisitions