The Big Ask

Alfie Parker has bagged the hottest date to prom … hasn’t he? Bestselling LGBTQ+ writer Simon James Green makes his Barrington Stoke debut with a life-affirming teen romance.

Harvey is popular, cool, plays football and has been in a relationship with his girlfriend Summer for as long as anyone can remember. Alfie is not popular, not cool, has a sick note so he doesn’t have to play any sport, and has been in a relationship with his Xbox since forever.

So when Summer dramatically dumps Harvey just a few days before the school prom, no one is expecting Alfie to ask Harvey to be his date. Least of all Alfie. But sometimes amazing things can happen when you take a chance …

Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 8.

Reviews

"Delightfully funny, uplifting and sweet. The queer high-school promposal drama I wish I'd had as a teen!" – Lauren James

"The Big Ask tells the hilariously heartwarming story of two boys and their foray into romance and bravery … [Simon's] stories always remind me of why I love YA so much!” – Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

"Fizzes with joy, wit and hope" – Ian Eagleton

"I was unable to keep the cheesiest grin off my face reading The Big Ask … Full of Simon's trademark wit and hilarity, The Big Ask is utterly gorgeous! There's no other word for it!" – George Lester

"I loved this charming, funny and incredibly sweet read … Set in the run-up to prom night, it’s packed with Simon’s trademark wit, emotion and chaos!" – Lisa Williamson

"With all of Simon James Green’s signature banter and humour, both Alfie and Harvey learn that the only expectations they need to live up to are their own – an important lesson for any age." – Irish Examiner

"This story addresses the expectations placed on young people, both by society and each other, to conform to certain social and gender norms. The pressure to have everything figured out will be a relatable struggle to many readers in this short, heartwarming story." — Children's Books Ireland & LGBT Ireland's Read With Pride Reading Guide 2025

"Funny, kind and hopeful … Schools – this is perfect to have in the library for all those kids who have a prom coming up." – Next Page Books

"This sweet and accessible novel about potential romance and being true to yourself is a strong narrative that’s sure to engage readers and leave them wanting more … A delightfully authentic story about friendship, love, and taking chances." – Kirkus Reviews

"Perfect for Heartstopper fans … authentic and relatable for all readers … Joyful, sensitive and heartwarming, The Big Ask will give you the warm, fuzzy feelings of a first love without labels." – Check 'Em Out Books

About the author

Simon James Green is an award-winning author and screenwriter who has written over twelve books for children and young people. His young adult novels include Noah Can’t Even (picked by WHSmith as one of the most important LGBT books of the last 50 years); Alex in Wonderland (nominated for the Carnegie medal); Heartbreak Boys, You’re the One That I Want (shortlisted for the YA Book Prize, Diverse Book Award, and winner of the Bristol Teen Book Award), Gay Club! (nominated for the YOTO Carnegie Medal 2023) and Boy Like Me.