Out 2nd July 2026 with Little Tiger Press
When clouds roll in, wool-thick and grey,
and it's harder to breathe than before,
when we can't remember Dad's face
or how he sounded anymore,
we wait for the stars.
After losing her dad, Celeste's life feels like it's splintering. Then she makes a new friend in Katie, who shares her love of the beach, and meets Reuben, a fellow photographer. Maybe a new friendship group is just what she needs - as long as she keeps her growing attraction to Reuben out of the equation. But Celeste soon finds that emotions can't be bottled up...
A stunning novel in verse, perfect for fans of Sarah Crossan, Elizabeth Acevedo, Dean Atta and Tia Fisher.
'A stunning debut; a tender and painful exploration of teenage love, bereavement and friendship.'
Tia Fisher, author of Crossing the Line
'A vulnerable exploration of grief, friendship and first love. We Wait for the Stars will stay with you long after you've finished it.'
Anika Hussain, author of This is How You Fall in Love
'A breathtakingly real and tender portrayal of grief.'
Anna Zoe Quirke, author of Sad Girl Hours
'A highly relatable and poignant story about a young girl's journey with grief while navigating friendship, lost dreams and first love. Written in beautiful verse that whispers and sings, it will break your heart, mend it again and ultimately make it burst with love for your family, friends and the world. I loved it.'
Emma Smith-Barton, author of The Million Pieces of Neena Gill
'I adored this book. The writing just sings! Suffused with love and light and longing, and absolutely nailing what it feels like to be seventeen.'
Nicola Penfold, author of Where the World Turns Wild
'A tender exploration of love, loss and friendship - set to poetry which weaves like the coastline setting. Hamilton doesn't shy away from the messy complications of a family navigating grief.'
Olivia Levez, author of Silver
'A stunning novel in verse about the messiness (and beauty) of grief, relationships and first love. With unforgettable characters and a seaside setting that feels like home, Hamilton has created a work of art that pulled me in like the tide, unrelenting until the very last page.'
Britney Brouwer, author of She's a Knockout
'Beautiful and deep and written with totally relatable heart.'
Stewart Foster, author of The Bubble Boy
