Big Words

About this book

Sam always gets his own way. He is the boss of his group of mates. He makes people do what he wants. He makes himself big.  

So, when he invents a new game, sledging on the rusty bonnet of a rotting car, on a piece of dangerous waste ground, no one dares defy him even though they all think it’s a really bad idea.  

And when things go wrong, Sam’s instinct is to cover his back, remain in control and hide the damaging truth. But has he pushed the bonds of loyalty too far this time? Can his friendships survive?  

This compelling, accessible, dyslexia-friendly story of male friendship packs a huge amount into just over 100 pages. 

The main focus is on perceptions of masculinity and how putting on an act can be used as a means of self-protection, but it also touches on toxic parenting and inherited or learned patterns of behaviour.   

It takes a near-tragedy for Sam to realise the importance of listening and the value of feeling listened to. He also learns that courage is not about shouting the loudest; it can take great courage to make yourself vulnerable and allow others to see beneath the bravado.