LUCAS WRITES STORIES
A million tiny missiles all at once
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. His once-lovingbrother 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
For readers aged 12 and up
Read the first chapter here!
A Million Tiny Missiles will be published by Chicken House Books in April 2026
PRAISE FOR A MILLION TINY MISSILES ALL AT ONCE
“I was gripped from the very first line. wonderful.” - Lisa thompson, author of the goldfish boy
“A profoundly moving novel, both heart-wrenching and hopeful, Lucas Maxwell's debut is a thing of beauty.” - LOUISA REID, AUTHOR OF FIGHT BACK
“UNIMAGINABLY GOOD…A WORK OF UTTER GENIUS.” - TIA FISHER, AUTHOR OF CROSSING THE LINE
“maxwell’s writing is beautiful…whilst having enormous emotional power, a million tiny missiles all at once is also funny and relatable for adult and young adult readers alike.” - nicola garrard, author of on the edge
“Nuanced, funny, poignant and life-affirming, this is a book that will stay with you for a long time.” - sARAH GOVETT, AUTHOR OF THE TERRITORY
“A wonderful story…i highly recommend this lovely read.” - Susin nielsen, author of optimists die first
“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, author of Girl unmasked
“An extraordinarily brilliant debut novel....elias is a character that will live long in my heart” - veronica price, chartered librarian
bio
Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Lucas Maxwell grew up on Nintendo, comic books and Dungeons and Dragons. He has been working in libraries for over fifteen years and is passionate about providing safe and welcoming library spaces for everyone. In 2017 he was named the UK's School Librarian of the Year and in 2024 he was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to libraries. In 2024 he won the Times - Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition and it changed his life, you can read about what winning this award meant to him here.
He is proud to be a neurodivergent writer and grateful to be adding his voice to the world of literature. He currently resides in the UK with his amazing family and Biscuit the chocolate lab.
Lucas is represented by Lydia Silver at the Soho Agency.
Contact me
lucasmaxwellwrites@gmail.com