Winner of the Guardian Children Fiction's Prize 2016
Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2017
WELCOME TO CRONGTON, WHERE YOUR LOYALTY AND WITS WILL BE TESTED ...
Living on the South Crongton council estate has its worries - and life for McKay has been even tougher since his mum died.
His dad has been working all hours to keep the bailiffs from their door.
His brother is always out riding the streets at night, tempting trouble.
And now, having strayed off his turf on a 'heroic' (if misguided) mission to help out a girl, McKay finds himself facing a friend's crazy ex-boyfriend, some power-tripping hood-rats and a notoriously violent gangster with a vendetta which hits too close to home.
Poor McKay. He never asked for trouble . . . But during one madcap night of adventure and danger, he will find out who his true friends are, what it means to stick with your family and that, sometimes, the lessons learned the hard way are the ones you'll never forget.
'... powerful writing by an author with great talent and great heart.' David Almond
Read MoreA gripping tale of family and friends, love and loyaltyWise as well as witty, understanding rather than blinkered, this novel is a joy to readMy book of the year . . . A gritty delight[This] will soon be on school reading lists and examination syllabuses everywhere, as it has "classic" singing from every page ... A joyous shout of youthful exuberance ... Wheatle's Twain-like command of patois never falters ... Enriching and life-affirming ... A total gem for any age. - IndependentI love this book. It's elegant, authentic and humane. It hums with the beat of real life and the language sings from the page. This is mature, powerful writing by an author with great talent and great heart. - David Almond, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize judgeBrilliant, tough, heartbreaking read. - Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo Soldier, Carnegie medal winnerA fast-paced, funny ride. - MetroHopeful, warm and, above all, funny - Guardian, Picks of the Year 2016