SLKY World acquires YA novel Ivanna: Love in Different Shapes

SLKY World has signed the rights to Ivanna: Love in Different Shapes, a young adult novel by Ukrainian author Mariya Levterova set for late 2027 release. The book follows a 15-year-old Ukrainian exchange student in Iowa as she navigates first love, identity, and belonging across cultures.

Why it matters: - The deal gives SLKY World a new young adult title built around immigration, identity, and self-worth. - The novel targets readers 15 and older and could also reach new adults and adult readers interested in coming-of-age stories. - The story centers a Ukrainian teenager living with a Mexican host family in the U.S., adding a cross-cultural perspective to the YA market.

What happened: - SLKY World announced that it signed the rights to Ivanna: Love in Different Shapes by Mariya Levterova. - The novel is scheduled for release in late 2027. - The book follows Ivanna, a 15-year-old Ukrainian girl who goes to Iowa on an exchange program. - Ivanna wants the American teenage life she has seen on television, including a first boyfriend. - The story tracks what happens when Ivanna is pulled between cultures, expectations, and people far from home.

The details: - Ivanna lives with a Mexican host family while attending an American high school. - The plot includes first love, friendship, jealousy, betrayal, and the challenge of finding a place in the world. - The novel asks how a person stays true to herself while trying to belong. - The book presents justice as something shaped by wisdom and growth rather than emotional revenge. - Romantic love is only one part of the title’s meaning; the novel also focuses on friendship, family, host-family bonds, and self-love. - Mariya Levterova said, "Being needed is different from being loved. Always value yourself first." - SLKY World founder Mariana De' Carli said the company signed the rights because of the story’s central question about building new connections without giving up identity. - The novel received developmental editing from bestselling author Kelly McKain during a six-month author mentorship. - Early readers described strong emotional reactions to Ivanna’s mistakes, the breakdown of her world, and the story’s suspense. - Levterova said the book is written in a cinematic style with action-driven storytelling and alternating tension and quiet moments.

Between the lines: - SLKY World is positioning the book as both commercially familiar and culturally distinct, using recognizable YA themes inside a Ukrainian-American-Mexican setting. - The company is also signaling series potential, saying the story could expand into a trilogy. - The pitch suggests the book is meant to resonate with readers who have relocated, as well as readers imagining life between countries. - Levterova’s own background as an expat in Saudi Arabia appears to inform the novel’s focus on displacement and belonging.

What’s next: - SLKY World is aiming for a late 2027 publication. - Levterova is available for school visits, especially at schools with large expatriate communities. - The author plans to speak with students about identity, doubt, and growing up between countries. - Readers interested in the publisher can find more information on SLKY World’s LinkedIn page and SLKY World’s Instagram page.

The bottom line: - SLKY World is betting that a culturally layered YA romance about belonging, self-respect, and first love can reach readers well beyond its immediate setting.