The Walker Books Group, with Candlewick Press US, Walker Books UK, and Walker Books Australia, has acquired The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, the debut YA novel from American author Leslye Walton.

A six-figure deal was made with Bernadette Baker-Baughman at Victoria Sanders & Associates and the title will be published globally in 2014.

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is a magical story about a 16-year-old-girl who goes on a journey to discover why she has bird’s wings that are rendered useless.

The latest acquisition comes on the heels of Walker Books Other inking deals with other notable children’s and young adult authors including Alison Croggon, Blythe Woolston and Rob Lloyd Jones.

The news also comes shortly after the appointment of Helen McAleer to the newly created position of chief global development officer for The Walker Books Group and MD of Walker Productions.