Stealing Happy 

About this book

Sonny is a 12-year-old would-be stand-up comedian living with his mum and dad in a high-rise block of flats in Scotland. His dad has long COVID and is bedridden, and his desperate mum borrowed money from the villainous loan shark Chick Lennon to pay the rent. Now they owe thousands and are threatened with eviction. 

It seems hopeless, but Sonny’s friend, the quiet genius Carolina Swift, has a great idea – can Sonny steal the money back from Chick in order to pay him off with his own cash? It’s certainly not a foolproof plan, but it’s all Sonny has!  

The book is so funny, so warm, so moving; the characters are utterly vivid and it’s a hugely enjoyable, laugh-out-loud, gripping read. It’s written in first person with a pronounced Scottish accent, so we are able to jump straight into Sonny’s trainers, and it’s quite a ride. 

Sonny has Tourette’s syndrome, which the author of the book has direct experience of. As part of his condition, Sonny blurts out the very worst thing to say out loud time and time again and there is a humorous side to that which is explored. 

Sonny also has other connected conditions including OCD, which is also explored with great care. It’s a great honour to get to know Sonny and come with him on this adventure. Highly recommended for regular and new readers aged 10+.