Author: Maxwell, Lucas Interest age: from c 14 yearsPublished on 9 April 2026 by Chicken House Ltd in the United Kingdom.Paperback | 240 pages130 x 197 x 17 | 172g Being a teen’s a tough gig, but what if one gigcould save your family?'Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characterswho are full of life and colour and vivid detail ... atruly special debut.' MARGARET MCDONALD'... has a subtle power. Honest, engaging and warm, Elias'sstory will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.'SARAH CROSSAN'The most gorgeously written and heartfelt debut in years.Breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces all at once and thenputs it back together again – a marvel.' PIERSTORDAYElias’s brain is a swamp of fears and bad things. His once-lovingbrother Bo has become a stranger, and his parents are atbreaking point.When Bo falls in with dangerous people, Elias decides he’sthe only one who can bring his family back together. But whatbegins as a simple pizza-night plan quickly spirals into chaos.Can Elias find a way to reach the people he loves the mostbefore it’s too late?The stunning debut novel from Lucas Maxwell, winner ofthe Times/Chicken House Competition 2024Set in wintry Nova Scotia, Canada and inspired by theauthor’s childhood, this special novel explores themes offamily addiction and growing up neurodivergentPerfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower,My Sister Lives on the Mantelpieceand Orbiting JupiterFor readers aged 13 and up'Emotional gut punch, beautiful setting, and HD real characters'NATHANIEL LESSORE'Very occasionally I read a book which I know is going tostay with me for a very long time ... I loved it very much.' SIMONJAMES GREEN'I was gripped from the very first line. Wonderful.'LISA THOMPSON'I read it in pretty much one sitting ... flawless' JASBINDERBILAN'Unimaginably good ... a work of utter genius' TIAFISHER'I highly recommend this lovely read' SUSIN NIELSEN
