Big Words

Name: Big Words
Brand: Harper UK
Availability: InStock
Author: Luke Palmer
ISBN: 9780008801274

Author: Luke Palmer

Narrator: Louis Hill

Unabridged: 1 hr 57 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Barrington Stoke

Published: 03/12/2026

Categories: Children's Fiction

Synopsis

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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Sifa on March 08, 2026

I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions. BIG WORDS is Luke Palmer's Barrington Stoke debut (the UK's accessible publisher for children and teens). He writes really necessary and big-hearted books about the pressures on teen boys to......more

Goodreads review by Theediscerning on February 06, 2026

Startling read for the secondary school audience, featuring a gang of five lads and their favourite patch of waste ground, the Kiln. When some reckless stunt goes dramatically wrong, Sam quickly realises it is because he wanted to be the 'big' one of the five – the one with the best ideas, the one b......more

Goodreads review by Katy on April 02, 2026

Short but complete teen story about making mistakes, growing up, taking responsibility. A narrative about one young man who needs to feel BIG. With his friends, Sam makes the decisions, he decides what they'll do. As readers we see this is going to come to a head. And it does. In dramatic, injurious......more

Goodreads review by Katerina on February 19, 2026

Luke Palmer has achieved to give us a memorable, gut-punching story in very few pages and in a very accessible way (as always). We witness all the stages of Sam's shift in perspective and his character arc was very well executed. The supporting characters acted as devices for him to step out of his......more

Goodreads review by Andrew on December 09, 2025

I'm in love with Luke Palmer's books. All of them are excellent. He writes realistic characters, doing realistic things in a realistic way. There are no ridiculous coincidences to further the plot, and every word in this Barrington Stoke story is working really hard like in all his books. This book......more

Quotes

"A very important book for teenage boys to read. Puts teen bravado under a microscope and gently peels off layers of toxic masculinity. Huge impact in a short amount of words." — Nathanael Lessore "Palmer understands the vulnerabilities and insecurities of young men without ever getting preachy or sentimental about it; this is another excellent addition to his body of work." — "Luke Palmer has a reputation for the way he skilfully and sensitively voices the concerns and inner lives of young men of today … In signature Barrington Stoke style, this is short and direct, with not a word wasted but it gives readers so much to think about and will spark countless conversations, and maybe more besides." — LoveReading4Kids "Luke’s books are so important for teen readers and is another powerful, essential read. Luke’s writing is always so authentic and I’ve said before that I wish I had his books when I was a teen as he beautifully captures the complexities of male teen friendships … Gritty yet sensitive, shows the true power of how we can feel big about ourselves, it’s a must-have from Luke!" — Check 'Em Out Books, blog " by Luke Palmer is one of the most powerful books you’ll read this year. Exploring masculinity for teen boys and what it means to be strong, it unpicks layers of friendship, forgiveness and trust … Authentic and honest, overflowing with real personality, is essential reading for teens." — Scope for Imagination, blog "A memorable, gut-punching story in very few pages and in a very accessible way … One thing that Luke Palmer consistently delivers in his body of work are realistic voices and well-fleshed out, memorable characters." – NetGalley review