Big Words

by Luke Palmer

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Pub Date 12 Mar 2026 | Archive Date 26 Dec 2025

Barrington Stoke

Children's Fiction | Teens & YA

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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.

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

...

A Note From the Publisher

ward-winning Barrington Stoke publishes top-quality short novels by the UK’s best writers, expertly edited and produced to ensure they are accessible to all – as a quick engaging win for confident readers and a satisfying achievement for those who have to work harder. The company receives wonderful feedback from parents, teachers and librarians every week, who have struggled to find age-appropriate, enjoyable and accessible books for their children. “You have given my children one of the most special gifts ever. To read!” – Parent

Advance Praise

Big Words is an intense and compulsive ride. The reader clings on to every twist and turn of Sam's shocking downward spiral. Luke Palmer handles dangerous friendships and male teen troubles with unfailing empathy, making Sam's journey to self-forgiveness feel hard-earned yet hopeful - Keith Gray

Big Words is an intense and compulsive ride. The reader clings on to every twist and turn of Sam's shocking downward spiral. Luke Palmer handles dangerous friendships and male teen troubles with...