Katie Tooke – illustratör

Being a teen's a tough gig, but what if one gig couldsave your family?'Heart-rending and hilarious, Elias is a memorable creation.'FINANCIALTIMES, best books of the summer'This debut explores family pressures, neurodivergence andresilience with heaps of humour and heart.'THE i, topchildren's books of spring 2026'[A] beautifully understated novel ... This is a great storyfor teenage boys, about healing, hope and the joy of bad jokes.'THETIMES, children's book of the week'Wry, hilarious and acutely observed, this 12+ debut boastsa unique and special voice.'THE GUARDIAN'Heartfelt and extremely moving' THE BOOKSELLER,top 10 titles not to miss Elias's brain is a swamp of fears and bad things. His once-lovingbrother Bo has become a stranger, and his parents are at breakingpoint.When Bo falls in with dangerous people, Elias decides he's theonly one who can bring his family back together. But what beginsas a simple pizza-night plan quickly spirals into chaos.Can Elias find a way to reach the people he loves the most beforeit's too late? The stunning debut novel from Lucas Maxwell, winner ofthe Times/Chicken House Competition 2024Set in wintry Nova Scotia, Canada and inspired by theauthor's childhood, this special novel explores themes of familyaddiction and growing up neurodivergentPerfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower,My Sister Lives on the Mantelpieceand Orbiting JupiterFor readers aged 13 and up 'Intense, profound, funny, and utterly gripping' DAVIDLEVITHAN'Unimaginably good ... a work of utter genius' TIAFISHER'Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characterswho are full of life and colour and vivid detail ...a truly special debut.' MARGARET MCDONALD'... has a subtle power. Honest, engaging and warm, Elias'sstory will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.'SARAH CROSSAN'The most gorgeously written and heartfelt debut in years.Breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces all at once and thenputs it back together again - a marvel.' PIERS TORDAY