Kerb-Stain Boys

Alex Wheatle is a best-selling and multi-award-winning author. Liccle Bit, Alex’s first YA novel and the first story of the now beloved Crongton series, was published in 2015 to critical acclaim. Crongton Knights and Straight Outta Crongton quickly followed, and Alex became renowned for his ingenious use of language and his honest portrayal of inner city, teenage life. In 2008, Alex received an MBE for his services to literature and was shortlisted in 2020 for the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children’s Literature. Most recently, Alex received the 2021 Young Quills Award for Cane Warriors.

“A welcome return to one of London’s toughest estates in a wise, witty urban novella” – The Bookseller“A novella as appallingly riveting as a car crash in slow motion … Wheatle’s characteristic invented slang is the perfect medium for this hilarious yet hard-hitting story” – Guardian“Wheatle revisits his popular Crongton estate universe with Kerb-Stain Boys … a gripping and quick read for both reluctant and sophisticated readers” – The Irish Times“This book is a blast of fresh air and will appeal to all types of teenagers, from the booky to absolute reluctants … as always with Alex Wheatle’s writing, there’s a core morality and exploring the real feelings of teenagers honestly” – BookTrust“This wickedly sharp teen-noir novella ticks all the right boxes for an inspiring read for teens who feel trampled in the wake of this unforgiving world … a compelling, voice-driven narrative packed with action and humour from start to finish” – Common Space