Big Words

Award-winning author Luke Palmer masterfully captures the intricate dynamics of teenage friendship in this compelling tale of misadventure, resentment and reconciliation.
Biggest goes first - always. That's one of the unspoken rules of Kiln, the forbidden wasteland where Sam and his mates hang out. So when Sam comes up with a plan to go sledging on the rust-ridden bonnet of a rotting car, he goes first. To show the others how it's done.
His mates aren't so keen. But there's no complaining. No backing down. Those are the other rules of Kiln. Even when they lead to disaster.
Will their friendship survive the wreckage that follows, or is it time for the rules to be changed?
Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 8.

About the author

Luke Palmer is an award-winning author, poet and secondary-school teacher. He has written three acclaimed books for young adults, with his debut, Grow,being shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award, while Playwas shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Writing.

Product details

• Authors: Luke Palmer
• Publisher: Harper Collins
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 11
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 12.03.2026
• EAN: 9780008789848
• ISBN: 978-0-00-878984-8
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 8 mm
• Weight: 270 g
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE FICTION / General, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Friendship, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Coming of Age, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Boys & Men, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Social Themes / Emotions & Feelings, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / Family / Parents, Children's / Teenage fiction & true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Family and home stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: School stories, Interest age: from c 11 years, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Boys and men, Interest age: from c 13 years, For reluctant or struggling readers (children / teenagers), Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Friendship stories