About this ebook
Is Marcus's fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be?
Long-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025
'An exceptional story from one of our finest writers' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
'Gripping and thought-provoking' Book Trust
Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes.
When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma - with her peace protest banners and political badges - questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?
An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties, from the acclaimed author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Perfect for readers of 10+ who love Phil Earle, Frank Cottrell-Boyce or Brian Conaghan.
Winner of the Lancashire Fantastic Book Award 2026
'Understatedly compelling, with assured characterisation and a 1980s Welsh setting, this story of breaking free from small-town expectations is another banger for 9+ from the award-winning Parr' Guardian
Long-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025
'An exceptional story from one of our finest writers' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
'Gripping and thought-provoking' Book Trust
Marcus has one brother in a youth offender centre and the other is working with their dad on plans for their next theft. Everyone assumes Marcus will follow in their footsteps, but he has other ideas, different hopes.
When a mysterious accident lands a man in hospital, it confirms what everyone in their community expects and Marcus gets the blame. He feels trapped. Only new girl Emma - with her peace protest banners and political badges - questions this story. Can they work together to clear his name and help Marcus become the person he really wants to be?
An exciting and moving story about questioning your loyalties, from the acclaimed author of The Valley of Lost Secrets. Perfect for readers of 10+ who love Phil Earle, Frank Cottrell-Boyce or Brian Conaghan.
Winner of the Lancashire Fantastic Book Award 2026
'Understatedly compelling, with assured characterisation and a 1980s Welsh setting, this story of breaking free from small-town expectations is another banger for 9+ from the award-winning Parr' Guardian
Is Marcus's fate decided by his family? Or can he stand up for himself to become the person he really wants to be?
Long-listed for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2025
'An exceptional story from one of our finest writers' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse
'Gripping and thought-...
Discover more
About the author
Lesley Parr grew up in a South Wales steel town. Her debut, The Valley of Lost Secrets, published in 2021 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month, longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for both the Branford Boase and UKLA awards. Lesley's books have won the Tir na n-Og Award (2022,2024) and Wales Children's Book of the Year (2023), amongst others. All four of her novels so far have received CILIP Carnegie Medal nominations. A former primary school teacher, she holds an MA with distinction in Writing for Young People. Lesley now lives in England with her husband and rescue cat, Ramsay. She shares her time between writing stories, tutoring adults and shouting at rugby on the TV.
Lesley Parr grew up in a South Wales steel town. Her debut, The Valley of Lost Secrets, published in 2021 and was a Waterstones Book of the Month, longlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and shortlisted for both the Branford Boase and UKLA awards. Lesley's books have won the Tir na n-Og Award (2...
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
