Description

WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN’S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS, SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD AND THE YA BOOK PRIZE

“A truly brilliant book.” Malorie Blackman

“Incredible book. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction.” Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)

“What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it.” Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo Soldier

Not cool enough, not clever enough, not street enough for anyone to notice me. I was the kid people looked straight through.

NOT ANY MORE. NOT SINCE MR ORANGE.

Sixteen-year-old Marlon has made his mum a promise – he’ll never follow his big brother, Andre, down the wrong path. So far, it’s been easy, but when a date ends in tragedy, Marlon finds himself hunted. They’re after the mysterious Mr Orange, and they’re going to use Marlon to get to him. Marlon’s out of choices – can he become the person he never wanted to be, to protect everyone he loves?

Publisher Review

A fast-paced thriller, written with a keen ear for young voices, Orangeboy is an original and fresh perspective on the struggles facing London's teenagers. * Amnesty International UK * Knuckle-in-the-mouth stuff... It's impossible not to gulp down this wonderful, intense story in one mouthful. * The Times * A young adult thriller with a gritty edge, diverse characters and a drum-tight plot that will get even the most reluctant teenager hooked. * Good Housekeeping * a young adult thriller with a gritty edge, diverse characters and a drum-tight plot that will get even the most reluctant teenage reader hooked. * Good Housekeeping * This powerful urban story will challenge preconceptions and melt the hardest heart. * The Sun * What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it. * Tanya Landman, author of 'Buffalo Soldier' * Orange Boy is a page turner. It gripped my heart from page one and didn't let go. Marlon goes on a date with the hottest girl in school and his world begins to tip. And it doesn't stop until everything in his life is upside down. Faced with almost impossible choices, Marlon has to grow up fast and work out exactly who he is at the same time as working out how to survive. This is a book that explores the meaning of family, friendship and loyalty. And it does so with intelligence and sensitivity. It's fast, clever, often funny and always truthful. Patrice Lawrence is a writer to watch. * Jenny Downham, author of 'Before I Die' * Incredible book and experience. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction. * Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown) * Pitch-perfect teen voices and a bruising, thrilling pace. * Metro * A truly brilliant book. I galloped through it. Spoiler alert! The car incident and standoff at the end... edge of the seat stuff! * Malorie Blackman * Patrice Lawrence's Orangeboy - an exploration of gang culture centred around Marlon, who follows in his older brother's footsteps when an innocent date ends in tragedy - won the 2017 YA book Prize. * Independent * Readers with strong stomachs can expect to be entirely hooked into a story that is well written, pacy and within its own terms horribly convincing * Books For Keeps * This powerful coming-of-age drama -- both violent and sensitive -- keeps the reader on the edge of their seat * Optima Magazine * The book travels at speed to a climax that is both sudden and shocking. This story of family ties, gang culture and the dangers of drugs is without a doubt one of the finest YA debuts I've read and Marlon Sunday is a character that you won't forget in a hurry. * The Crime Review * It is direct and punchy * The Guardian * A gripping debut about gang culture and the consequences of making bad decisions * The Guardian * Pacey crime thriller that feels unique, realistic and truthful * Book Trust * 'I absolutely adored this story...it's a truthful and powerful story that is much needed in the UK YA scene * Charlie in a Book * What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it -- Tanya Landman, author One of those books I wish had been written when I was a teenager...simply brilliant * Medieval Jenga * Keeps the reader enthralled and wanting more * Nudge.com * I liked the lack of judgement the author made and the fact this is ultimately an action packed story with a strong male protagonist * Bibliomaniac * A contemporary urban thriller with a powerful family drama at its heart * The Bookseller * Promoted as a gritty coming-of-age drama urban thriller with a powerful message and an irresistable central character * The Voice *