Winner Waterstones Children's Book Award (Older Fiction), Shortlisted 2016 Costa Children's Award

Shortlisted 2016 Costa Children's Award

Promoted as a gritty coming-of-age drama urban thriller with a powerful message and an irresistable central character The Voice A contemporary urban thriller with a powerful family drama at its heart The Bookseller 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 Keeps the reader enthralled and wanting more Nudge.com One of those books I wish had been written when I was a teenager...simply brilliant Medieval Jenga What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it -- Tanya Landman, author '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 Pacey crime thriller that feels unique, realistic and truthful Book Trust A gripping debut about gang culture and the consequences of making bad decisions The Guardian It is direct and punchy The Guardian 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 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' What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it. Tanya Landman, author of 'Buffalo Soldier'

Patrice Lawrence was born in Brighton and brought up in an Italian-Trinidadian household in Mid Sussex. She found her way to east London in the '90s and lives there with a partner, a teenager and a cat called Stormageddon. She has been writing for as long as she has been reading. She loves crime fiction, sci-fi and trying to grow things. Her ideal mixtape includes drum 'n' bass, Bruce Springsteen and Studio Ghibli soundtracks. Music can't help creeping into her books.