By Lucas Maxwell (author)
"As emotional as the setting is cold, this is a heartfelt tale of love and hope from a promising debut author."
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April 2026 Debut of the Month
Neurodivergent teen Elias might not have many friends at school, but he does have a big brother better than any friend. But when Bo gets caught up with dangerous people Elias's nerves and family begin to fracture.
A raw and emotional story about addiction, brotherly love and redemption. Elias is a character who leaps from the page and lingers long after the last page. His determination to fix his broken family is empathetically evoked, whilst his penchant for cheesy jokes offers glimpses of light in this tense story.
The 1990s setting and snowy Nova Scotian landscape are impressively brought to life – so much so that you’ll need an extra blanket whilst reading! An impressive debut, that holds a lot of promise for future novels.
Being a teen's a tough gig, but what if one gig could save your family?
Read the full description
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.
‘A profoundly moving novel, both heart-wrenching and hopeful, Lucas Maxwell’s debut is a thing of beauty.’ - Louisa Reid
‘Nuanced, funny, poignant and life-affirming, this is a short book that will stay with you for a long time.’ - Sarah Govett
‘I was gripped from the very first line. Wonderful.’ - Lisa Thompson
‘Debut novelist Lucas Maxwell has written a wonderful story about a boy who will do anything to try to save his troubled older brother. I highly recommend this lovely read.’ - Susin Nielsen
‘I loved this gorgeous novel of beautifully observed and nuanced relationships, where love – parental, sibling and neighbourly – ultimately triumphs over fear and anger.’ - Nicola Garrard
‘Unimaginably good … a work of utter genius’ - Tia Fisher
‘This book! Oh, this book! Beautiful, moving, funny and wise with a perfect balance of tension and humour and love … Get ready, it’ll get you right in the heart.’ - Lesley Parr
‘A beautifully written YA debut that offers an authentic glimpse into growing up neurodivergent and navigating the impact of addiction on family life. An honest and heartfelt read.’ - Emily Katy
‘Emotional gut punch, beautiful setting, and HD real characters, that goes down a road of real jeopardy.’ - Nathanael Lessore
‘An outstanding debut – it will hit you like a snowstorm and then warm your heart with love. Feels like a classic in the making.’ - Eve Wersocki-Morris
‘How do I even begin talking about this book? … filled with hope and humour and a voice that will stay with you long after you read it.’ - Alex Dunne
‘ A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once is such a gorgeous book. Elias’s voice is one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Heartbreaking, funny and a beautiful reminder of the power of inclusivity in YA fiction.’ - Jenny Ireland
‘ A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once by Lucas Maxwell 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
‘Gorgeous and sensitive, incredibly thoughtful to its characters who are full of life and colour and vivid detail, A Million Tiny Missiles All at Once is a truly special debut.’ - Margaret McDonald
Originally from a small town in Nova Scotia, Canada, Lucas Maxwell grew up on comic books, Nintendo and Dungeons and Dragons. He’s been writing stories ever since he can remember and currently works as a school librarian in South London. In 2024 he was awarded a British Empire Medal for his contribution to libraries and education, was previously crowned School Librarian of the Year, and hosts a children’s book podcast, Booklings.
He lives in Surrey with his amazing family and the laziest chocolate lab on the planet.
Lucas is an editorial expert reviewer for LoveReading. You can browse his recent reviews here .
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Being a teen's a tough gig, but what if one gig could save your family? Elias's brain is a swamp of fears and bad things.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Stories about Family and Friends, PSHE: Special educational needs and disability (SEND), PSHE: Family Issues, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE), Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once was written by Lucas Maxwell and published by Chicken House an imprint of Scholastic
A Million Tiny Missiles All At Once has 221 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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