By Simon James Green (author) , Mallory Heyer (illustrator)
"This irresistible LGBTQ+ romance is a funny, authentic, fabulously life-affirming joy."
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One of the notable features of YA novellas published by Barrington Stoke is that they’re pithy page-turners — perfectly-paced, authentically-voiced works of short fiction across all genres that’ll keep even the most reluctant readers keen right to the end. In the case of The Big Ask, it’s all those things, along with being gorgeously romantic in a way that leaves you longing for more. Super-cute, unexpected, authentically funny and heart-flutteringly dreamy, there are so many reasons fans of YA romance should hope Simon James Green’s Barrington Stoke debut is just the first of many novellas for the publishing house.
The story is centred on an unlikely prom date between two ostensibly chalk-and-cheese teenage boys — geeky gay Alfie and super-popular, super-cool Harvey who’s been in a relationship with his female equivalent since forever. Right before prom, Harvey finds himself single, which prompts Alfie to invite him to the prom, partly thanks to some serious encouragement from his bestie Jas.
While the path to prom is strewn with obstacles — including a jealous ex and homophobic meddling — The Big Ask shows how magic can happen when you take a chance, follow your heart, and follow your true self.
Alfie Parker has bagged the hottest date to prom … hasn’t he?
Read the full description
Bestselling LGBTQ+ writer Simon James Green makes his Barrington Stoke debut with a life-affirming teen romance.
Harvey is popular, cool, plays football and has been in a relationship with his girlfriend Summer for as long as anyone can remember. Alfie is not popular, not cool, has a sick note so he doesn’t have to play any sport, and has been in a relationship with his Xbox since forever. So when Summer dramatically dumps Harvey just a few days before the school prom, no one is expecting Alfie to ask Harvey to be his date.
Least of all Alfie. But sometimes amazing things can happen when you take a chance …
'Delightfully funny, uplifting and sweet. The queer high school promposal drama I wish I'd had as a teen!' – Lauren James
' The Big Ask tells the hilariously heartwarming story of two boys and their foray into romance and bravery. Simon James Green possesses the unique ability to make his readers simultaneously swoon and laugh out loud all while tackling difficult subjects such as self-acceptance and bullying. Simon is one of my favourite contemporary fiction writers and his stories always remind me of why I love YA so much!' – Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
'Fizzes with joy, wit and hope' – Ian Eagleton
'I was unable to keep the cheesiest grin off my face reading The Big Ask . No one is doing it like Simon James Green! NO ONE! Hilarious, hopeful, sweet and romantic, I cannot rave enough about how much of a superstar Simon is. Full of Simon's trademark wit and hilarity, The Big Ask is utterly gorgeous! There's no other word for it!' – George Lester
'I loved this charming, funny and incredibly sweet read … Set in the run-up to prom night, it’s packed with Simon’s trademark wit, emotion and chaos!' – Lisa Williamson
'Teenage is a scary time with a lot of pressure to answer every question about who we are. The Big Ask is a wonderfully sweet tonic to those woes. Accessible, smart, and immensely relatable, it resonates with those very real teenage anxieties of labelling who you are and being who you want to be. It is criminal I never got to read it myself as a dyslexic teen.' – David Fenne
'Another gorgeous book from the best author of LGBTQ+ YA fiction writing today. There is no one to touch the genius of Simon James Green, and with The Big Ask we are presented with another masterfully written tale, full of Green’s trademark humour, warmth and generosity of spirit.' – William Hussey
Simon James Green is one of the UK’s leading writer’s of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. His YA novels include Noah Can’t Even; Alex in Wonderland , which was nominated for the Carnegie medal and selected as one of the top 20 LGBT books of 2019 by Attitude; Heartbreak Boys, and Gay Club! , which was nominated for the YOTO Carnegie Medal 2023
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Alfie Parker has bagged the hottest date to prom … hasn’t he? Bestselling LGBTQ+ writer Simon James Green makes his Barrington Stoke debut with a life-affirming teen romance.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed The Big Ask and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
The Big Ask features in the following genres: Featured Books for Young Adults, Recommendations, PSHE: Sexuality, Gender and Relationships, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Romance / Relationship Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, School Stories, Star Books, Featured Books for 13+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
The Big Ask was written by Simon James Green and published by Barrington Stoke Ltd an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
The Big Ask has 113 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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