PRIZES to win! PROMOTIONS
Becca Rogers grew up in rural Devon, an avid reader in a house full of folk music and books. After an English literature degree, she spent many years in London - a fundraising manager by day, writer by night. Now back in Devon, Becca lives by a tidal estuary, where she likes to mudlark, with her husband, two children and her dog, Luna. The Girl with Gills is her debut novel.
'A beautifully written story, brimming with river magic, where ancient lore flows through every page. Thrilling, heartfelt, and luminous, Effra’s journey carries the reader on a tide of friendship, courage, and wonder.’ * Vashti Hardy, author of The Brightstorm Chronicles * ‘A stunning debut vividly imagined and beautifully written with deliciously unexpected twists along the way’ * Jasbinder Bilan, winner of the Costa Children's Book Award * 'Suspenseful storytelling and an engaging writing style make this delightfully imaginative fun for 8+' * New Statesman, Best Children’s Books Summer 2025 * '[An] original and exciting novel... The world-building here is so seamless it’s almost unnoticeable' * School Reading List, Best Children's Books Summer 2025 * ‘The Girl with Gills enchanted me from the first page. Rogers has woven a rich and mysterious world with a loveable protagonist in Effra and some truly terrifying villains!’ * Phillipa Leathley, author of Inkbound * 'A delight! Rogers has created a rich underwater world that bubbles over with layers of myth and magic.’ * Siobhan McDermott, author of Paper Dragons * ‘The characters are drawn with depth and urgency, and the world truly immersive. It feels like a classic... A brilliant, imaginative debut.’ * Nazima Pathan, author * 'A glittering treasure of a book... With a plot as swift as a river, this story grabs us by the hand and pulls us down into an intriguing, underwater world. The Girl with Gills has a classic, folkloric feel that I’m sure will have children wanting to dive into the pages again and again. A marvellous achievement.' * Ash Bond, author * 'Fast-paced, filled with magic, jeopardy and joy, The Girl with Gills is guaranteed to dive into every reader’s heart' * Lancaster Guardian * 'Exciting and full of jeopardy...a terrific tale, with hold-your-breath chases and escapes. An excellent read and a very effective page-turner' * Armadillo Magazine * 'A hugely original debut set amongst the lore and legends of the water... a chilling adventure' * SLA Magazine *
