RHCB Acquires THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST, A Landmark Middle Grade Debut Novel
Random House Children’s Books will publish THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST, a heartwarming and unforgettable middle grade debut by Elisabeth Kamakawiwoole, it was announced today by Melanie Nolan, Vice President & Publisher, Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers. Senior Executive Editor Nancy Siscoe acquired World English Language rights from Steven Malk of Writers House. Featuring black-and-white interior illustrations by Elise Hurst, the novel is scheduled for publication on March 2, 2027, and has a first print run of 200,000 copies.
A literary adventure filled with humor, wonder, and heart, THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST introduces readers to Seventeen, a little robot with a big dream: to become a knight like the heroes in the tales stored inside his database. When a mysterious voice sends him on a quest to find humanity—long vanished from the world—Seventeen sets off on a life-changing journey. Along the way, he rescues Hazel, a girl with no memory of her past, and together they embark on a quest that becomes a profound exploration of friendship, identity, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be human.
Scheduled for publication on March 2, 2027
Blending classic fairy-tale structure with philosophical and emotional depth, THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST evokes the timeless spirit of beloved middle grade classics while offering an entirely original voice and vision for today’s readers.
“I fell in love with Seventeen on the first page, and by the end of the book I was convinced that Elisabeth Kamakawiwoole was a once-in-a-generation talent,” said Siscoe. “THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST is that rare novel that feels destined to be a classic. It’s a thrilling adventure story that’s funny, moving, and wildly imaginative; one that asks deep questions about what it means to be human, about free will and charting your own course. It’s also a love letter to all stories and poetry and fairy tales—a celebration of how they help us understand ourselves and the world.”
THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST has already garnered early praise, with New York Times bestselling author Rosanne Parry (A WOLF CALLED WONDER) calling it “an ode to the extraordinary power of narrative to shape and even define humanity.” Blending literary prose, speculative fantasy, and emotional accessibility, THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST is poised to appeal to a wide readership, from middle grade readers to families looking for an engaging read-aloud.
Elisabeth Kamakawiwoole is a children’s author with a special fondness for wonder and whimsy. When not writing, she can be found managing a small theater company and enjoying life with her husband and three small children. Her last name is pronounced kah-MAH-kah-VEE-voh-OH-lay. THE SEVENTEENTH QUEST is her debut novel.
Elise Hurst is an internationally acclaimed fine artist, author, and illustrator whose evocative artwork has appeared in numerous award-winning children’s books.