ISBN-13: 9781783443819
RRP: £7.99
Published: 3rd March 2016
Length: 384 Pages
Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal
Winner of the American Library Association Morris Award for best debut YA
A Buzzfeed Best of 2016 book
Goodreads Choice Awards finalist
A Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2016
Publishers Weekly Best of 2016
Dill's father is in jail for an unspeakable crime. Shunned by the neighbours in their small religious Tennessee town, Dill and his mother try to make ends meet.
Dill’s only respite from poverty and prejudice are his two friends: Lydia and Travis. Travis is an oddball, finding sanctuary from his violent father in his obsession with an epic fantasy saga. Lydia is fast-talking and fiercely creative, pinning her hopes on her achingly cool fashion blog. Dill fears his heart will break when she escapes to a better life in New York.
Dill wants to get through his final year of high school in one piece. But there’s a dark secret at the heart of his family, a serpent poisoning his blood, filling him with despair. Dill must confront this legacy of madness and desperation before it tears him apart.
"Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever read."Jennifer Niven, author of All the Bright Places
"This moving, character-driven story is sure to stick with you long after you finish."Buzzfeed, Best YA Books of 2016
"Dazzlingly written ... A tale to make you weep, and be glad, about big questions and small joys"Nicolette Jones - Sunday Times
"A richly textured tale... The universal highs, lows and power shifts in friendship are played out by three compelling characters until tragedy brings loyalty to the fore."Observer
"An acute portrayal of small-town secrets and a moving take on faith and friendship."Martin Chilton - Telegraph
"An intensely moving, enthralling debut"Imogen Russell Williams - Metro
"Zentner manages to blend humor, optimism and ominous Southern-style moodiness in this tale of three devoted teenage friends"New York Times, Notable Children’s Books of 2016
"Zentner explores difficult themes head on while tempering them with the saving grace of enduring friendship"Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Zentner writes with understanding and grace – a new voice to savor"Kirkus, starred review
"Just a few chapters into Zenter’s debut and I was in love"Book Riot