Author: Lucas Maxwell
Interest age: from c 14 years
Published on 9 April 2026 by Chicken House Ltd in the United Kingdom.
Paperback | 240 pages
130 x 197 x 17 | 172g
Being a teen's a tough gig, but what if one gig could
save your family?
'Heart-rending and hilarious, Elias is a memorable creation.'
FINANCIAL TIMES, best books of the summer
'This debut explores family pressures, neurodivergence and
resilience with heaps of humour and heart.'THE i, top
children's books of spring 2026
'[A] beautifully understated novel ... This is a great story
for teenage boys, about healing, hope and the joy of bad jokes.'THE
TIMES, children's book of the week
'Wry, hilarious and acutely observed, this 12+ debut boasts
a 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-loving
brother Bo has become a stranger, and his parents are at breaking
point.
When Bo falls in with dangerous people, Elias decides he's the
only one who can bring his family back together. But what begins
as a simple pizza-night plan quickly spirals into chaos.
Can Elias find a way to reach the people he loves the most before
it's too late?
The stunning debut novel from Lucas Maxwell, winner of
the Times/Chicken House Competition 2024
Set in wintry Nova Scotia, Canada and inspired by the
author's childhood, this special novel explores themes of family
addiction and growing up neurodivergent
Perfect for fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower,
My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
and Orbiting Jupiter
For readers aged 13 and up
'Unimaginably good ... a work of utter genius' TIA
FISHER
'Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characters
who are full of life and colour and vivid detail ...
a truly special debut.' MARGARET MCDONALD
'... has a subtle power. Honest, engaging and warm, Elias's
story 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 then
puts it back together again - a marvel.' PIERS TORDAY