Big Words
Published on 12. March 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
120 pages
978-0-00-878984-8 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"A very important book for teenage boys to read. Puts teen bravado under a microscope and gently peels off layers of toxic masculinity. Huge impact in a short amount of words." - Nathanael Lessore"Palmer understands the vulnerabilities and insecurities of young men without ever getting preachy or sentimental about it; this is another excellent addition to his body of work." - The Irish Times
"This is a gritty yet deeply sensitive portrayal of male teenage friendships, and the pressures that come with it. With its accessible style and authentic, well-developed characters, Big Words packs a lot into is 120 pages." - The Scotsman
"Luke Palmer has a reputation for the way he skilfully and sensitively voices the concerns and inner lives of young men of today ... In signature Barrington Stoke style, this is short and direct, with not a word wasted but it gives readers so much to think about and will spark countless conversations, and maybe more besides." - LoveReading4Kids
"Luke's books are so important for teen readers and Big Words is another powerful, essential read. Luke's writing is always so authentic and I've said before that I wish I had his books when I was a teen as he beautifully captures the complexities of male teen friendships ... Gritty yet sensitive, Big Words shows the true power of how we can feel big about ourselves, it's a must-have from Luke!" - Check 'Em Out Books, blog
"Big Words by Luke Palmer is one of the most powerful books you'll read this year. Exploring masculinity for teen boys and what it means to be strong, it unpicks layers of friendship, forgiveness and trust ... Authentic and honest, overflowing with real personality, Big Words is essential reading for teens." - Scope for Imagination, blog
"A memorable, gut-punching story in very few pages and in a very accessible way ... One thing that Luke Palmer consistently delivers in his body of work are realistic voices and well-fleshed out, memorable characters." - NetGalley review
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
HarperCollins Publishers
Target group
Children/juvenile
Young adult
Reading Age: 8 years, Interest Age: From 11 years
Product notice
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 196 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
204 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-00-878984-8 (9780008789848)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Persons
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 Play was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Writing.