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-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
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
“Beautifully rendered…a gorgeous coming-of-age novel, funny and bittersweet…i loved it very much.” - Simon James green, author of Boy like me
“a beautiful, heart-wrenching story about brotherhood, fear, addiction, and growing up autistic…a powerful, moving and empathy-boosting book.” - Rashmi sirdeshpande, author of good news: the world is not as bad as you think
“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
“Beautiful, moving, funny and wise, with the perfect balance of tension and humour and love.” - lesley parr, author of fallout.
“It will shatter your heart and help you put the pieces back together…a stunning book that reminds every reader what it is like to be young and want the best for the people you love." - Gráinne O'Brien, award-winning author of Solo.
“‘I’ll be thinking about it for a long time. A story that hurts … but is woven through with love, friendship, kindness and hope.’ PATRICE LAWRENCE
“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, author of 'Clem Fatale Has Been Betrayed'
“An emotional gut punch, beautiful setting, and HD real characters, that goes down a road of real jeopardy.” - Nathanael lessore, author of steady for this.
“I read it in pretty much one sitting…flawless.” - jasbinder bilan, author of asha and the spirit bird.
“one of the most stunning ya novels i’ve ever read.” - Alex dunne, author of the book of secrets.
“'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, author of The first move
“so gorgeous and sensitive, a truly special debut.” - Margaret mcdonald, carnegie medal winner of glasgow boys.
“stunningly written. i found myself re-reading sentences in awe, the first time as a reader, the second time as a writer admiring this level of craft.” - Shefali Kharabanda, winner of the 2025 times chicken house children’s writing competition.
“breaks your heart into a million tiny pieces all at once and then puts it back together again - a marvel. it’s the most gorgeously written and heartfelt debut in years.” - piers torday, author of the last wild and midnight treasure.
“'... 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.
“A brilliant book…a future classic.” - denise gale, waterstones bookseller.
“An extraordinarily brilliant debut novel....elias is a character that will live long in my heart” - veronica price, chartered librarian
pre-order from these amazing shops!
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