The sequel to the award-winning post-apocalypic novel The Wordsmith. There's a new new leader of Ark and the battle to save language, art and music is far from over.

After global warming came the Melting. Then came Ark.

The new dictator of Ark wants to silence speech for ever. But Letta is the wordsmith, tasked with keeping words alive. Out in the woods, she and the rebels secretly teach children language, music and art.

Now there are rumours that babies are going missing. When Letta makes a horrifying discovery, she has to find a way to save the children of Ark – even if it is at the cost of her own life.

Praise for Mother Tongue:

"[Her] books always take my breath away." — Mary, Fallen Star Stories

“For Letta is one of the best heroines… Steadfast, strong and unwaveringly resilient, she is the driving force behind why this series is becoming so revered.” — Scott Evans, The Reader Teacher

“Mother Tongue, and predecessor The Wordsmith, are both brilliantly devised stories.” — Caroline Fielding, The Teen Librarian

“Totally enthralling … a world where the horror of climate change has been realised but despite the despair, the hope of humanity lives on.” — Victoria Dilly, The Book Activist

“This vivid world and courageous heroine will enthral readers and is ideal for book clubs.” — Zoe James-Williams, Drawing On Books

“Letta is a fantastic protagonist … contemplative, doubting of herself but firm in her resolve. Her strength comes from a rounded mix of qualities.” — Louise Nettleton, Book Murmuration

Praise for The Wordsmith:

‘The fantasy book of the year’ — Eoin Colfer, author of Artemis Fowl

‘Important’ — The Guardian

‘Stands out for its imaginative approach and its beautiful and careful use of language’ — The Literary Review

‘This gripping story has the dark atmosphere of books such as the Hunger Games series’ — Inis magazine

‘Full of jeopardy and nail-biting tension and asks fundamental questions about the nature of humanity and the future of our planet’ — BookTrust UK

‘Pair with Patrick Ness’ The Knife of Never Letting Go’ — Booklist

‘Fantasy lovers will lap it up!’ — Sarah Webb, Irish Independent

‘A tremendous pageturner; I hope this won’t be the last we hear of Letta, a brave and spirited heroine’ — School Library Association