The Penguin Press to Publish Second Novel From Sapphire

Ann Godoff, President and Publisher of The Penguin Press, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), announced the acquisition of Sapphire's The Kid, the second novel by the bestselling author of Push. The Kid tells the electrifying story of Abdul Jones, the son of Push's unforgettable heroine, Precious. The deal, for North American rights, was made between Godoff, who serves as editor, and Melanie Jackson of the Melanie Jackson Agency. Publication is slated for Summer 2011.

"Sapphire never fails to render the hardest material comprehensible by coming from a place of love," Ann Godoff said of the acquisition. "In her second novel, she fearlessly explores the young life of an African American boy as he approaches manhood; alone, brutalized and with the soul of an artist. It is an honor for The Penguin Press to have the opportunity to publish this extraordinary book."

Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Berkeley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Plume, Puffin, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.