And the stars were burning brightly

Set in Manchester, 15-year-old Nathan and his friend Megan start investigating the reasons for his older brother Al's suicide, only to uncover an intense campaign of bullying.

When fifteen-year-old Nathan discovers that his older brother Al, has taken his own life, his whole world is torn apart.

Al was special.
Al was talented.
Al was full of passion and light ... so why did he do it?

Convinced that his brother was in trouble, Nathan decides to retrace Al's footsteps. As he does, he meets Megan, Al's former classmate, who is as determined as Nathan to keep Al's memory alive.

Together they start seeking answers, but will either of them be able to handle the truth about Al's death when they eventually discover what happened?

NOTE: Contains violence and swearing

NOTE: Publisher's note on back cover, "Warning - this novel contains themes that some readers may find upsetting, including suicide and intense bullying."

The author herself attempted suicide as a teenager due to bullying

NOTE: Empathy Lab 2021 - Secondary List
NOTE: Branford Boase Longlist 2021
NOTE: Carnegie Medal Longlist 2021

Intense, harrowing and extremely emotional, this is an incredible debut novel that will leave you both drained and incredulous. Thought-provoking and horribly realistic you WILL need tissues. An important read for the online/social media generation

• Longlisted - UKLA Book Awards (Ages 11–14+) 2021
• Longlisted - Branford Boase Award 2021
• Longlisted - Carnegie Medal 2021

Includes suicide, swearing, drug-taking, and scenes of violent bullying