Hashtag Press is thrilled to announce the April 28, 2025 release of Emily Knight I Am… Power, the fourth and final instalment in Abiola Bello's celebrated upper middle grade fantasy series.
Bello, who first imagined the world of Emily Knight at the age of 12, has become a leading voice for diversity and inclusion in children's literature, carving out a unique "hybrid" author career that spans self-publishing, traditional publishing (represented by Gemma Cooper), and launching her own publishing house.
This series has attracted incredible accolades along the way including being Carnegie-nominated, winning London's BIG Read 2019, and being a finalist in Best Children's Book - People's Book Prize. Abiola Bello is also no stranger to awards, being the first Black person to win London Book Fair's Trailblazer of the Year Award in 2018 to most recently being a winner in the Black British Business Awards - Rising Star in Arts and Media 2023. This launch arrives at a momentous time, with Bello's small press, Hashtag Press, recently named a finalist in The Bookseller's British Book Awards.
Emily Knight - I am Power
A Powerful Conclusion to an Epic Saga
In Emily Knight I Am… Power, 16-year-old Emily embraces her destiny, having inherited Scarlett's fire power and the mantle of leadership among her fellow warriors. Yet even as she prepares to confront the formidable Neci, she secretly hopes someone else will face the looming threat in her place.
Abiola Bello remarks: "Emily is more in control of her powers and has taken on the role of being a leader. She's braver, more honest, and it's been incredible to see her grow from a child into a strong young woman."
Abiola's fantasy world resonates with young readers who, like Emily, grapple with questions of identity, responsibility, and self-discovery.
The Road to Representation
Abiola's journey began when she observed a lack of strong, Black female characters in the comics, shows, and books she loved as a child. Determined to fill that void, she created Emily Knight - a privileged yet relatable Black girl who possesses extraordinary abilities: "I wanted to read about a girl like me who could battle, fly, and create fireballs. That representation was missing, so I wrote one," says Abiola Bello. "Emily's journey is important because it shows a Black girl from a background we rarely see in books or on screen - she doesn't want fame, just a united family." This commitment to inclusivity and authentic storytelling has cemented Abiola's status as a trailblazer in children's fantasy
A Multi-Approach Author and Entrepreneur
Beyond her writing, Abiola has forged a dynamic path in publishing. She self-published the earliest Emily Knight title at 23, later secured her first agent, and ultimately co-founded Hashtag Press in 2016 - all while navigating the challenges of an industry historically resistant to diverse voices.
"Publishing still has a massive diversity problem. But I believed in Emily Knight, and it's wonderful to see the series resonate with readers," Abiola Bello shares. "My journey took time, with near misses along the way, but I wouldn't change a thing."
Her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for mentorship extend to supporting other authors, underscoring her commitment to reshaping the literary world.