Big Words

Paperback

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.

RRP: £7.99

Imprint

Barrington Stoke

ISBN

978-0-00-878984-8

Interest age

11+

Reading age

8

Publication Date

12-03-2026

Format

Paperback

Pages

120 pages

Dimensions

129x198mm

Product 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.

Author

Luke Palmer, Cover artwork by Andy Gellenberg

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, whilePlaywas shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Writing.

Imprint

Barrington Stoke

ISBN

978-0-00-878984-8

Reading age

8

Interest age

11+

Publication Date

12-03-2026

Format

Paperback

Pages

120 pages

Dimensions

129x198mm

Product 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.

Author

Luke Palmer, Cover artwork by Andy Gellenberg

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, whilePlaywas shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Writing.