Big Words

Luke Palmer author Andy Gellenberg illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:12th Mar '26

Should be back in stock very soon

Big Words cover

from Carnegie-shortlisted author Luke Palmer (Dyslexia-friendly)

Award-winning author Luke Palmer masterfully captures the intricate dynamics of teenage friendship in this compelling tale of misadventure, resentment and reconciliation.

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.

"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 … I really enjoyed the gentle way their lives outside the friendship group were revealed to the reader and I think that fine balance between who we are on our own and within our family unit, as opposed to our social lives (school/friendships) as teenagers and young individuals, will deeply resonate with the intended audience. One thing that Luke Palmer consistently delivers in his body of work are realistic voices and well-fleshed out, memorable characters." – NetGalley review

ISBN: 9780008789848

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 8mm

Weight: 200g

120 pages