Hello! I’m an author writing for children and young adults.
Check out my books below and click for more info…
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BOY LIKE ME
Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024
Shortlisted for the NE Book Awards
“Timely and important… believable characters and the warmth of Green’s writing bring light to a difficult topic.”
“Joyous… an intriguing, heart-warming and heart-wrenching story”
In the margins of a book's pages, sparks fly as a teenage romance begins. But in this time and place, sparks like these can only ignite trouble.
It's 1994 and thanks to Section 28, there can be no mention of gay relationships in UK schools. When a kind librarian leads Jamie to a disguised novel in the library that reflects his own confused feelings towards boys, Jamie sees that he's not the only one who has checked the book out. Will Jamie and this mystery boy have the courage to meet - and if they do, what will it take to hold on to each other?
“... (a) powerful coming-of-age and coming-out story full of heart and courage”
“They Both Die at the End meets It’s a Sin.”
GAY CLUB!
Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2023
Shortlisted - Diverse Book Awards 2023
Best Books of 2022 - Waterstones
Starred Review - Kirkus
Starred Review - Booklist
“A memorable cast shines in this smart, comedic novel...”
A landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst - and ultimately their best - from one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction.
Barney's a shoo-in for his school's LGBTQ+ Society President at the club's next election.
But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention.
How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans.
It isn't long before it's National Coming Out Day - for everyone's secrets! But when the group faces an unexpected threat - and a big opportunity - can the club members put politics aside and stand united?
“My favourite of Green’s books to date... funny and clever with an opposites-attract romance at its heart.””
Out Now!
“... full of Green’s irresistibly comic drama and passion for teen LGBTQ+ rights”
“A hilarious, wholesome rom-com... for every person who has ever felt they couldn’t be who they wanted to be or love who they wanted to love”
“Green’s absolutely delightful comedic epic offers both highly captivating characters and a passionate defence of all things LGBTQIA+”
Simon says…
There was no such thing as a “gay club” when I was at school. Section 28 made sure of that. So one of the best things about doing author visits in schools today is seeing how much has changed, and how there are now loads of LGBTQ+ societies, full of the most fabulous, kind, wonderful teenagers you could ever hope to meet. In a world of social media outrage, vile opinion pieces in national newspapers, and with so many people out there who wish the LGBTQ+ community harm, these kids are a beacon of hope. They understand the importance of community. They get why we need to stand united. This book is a love letter to them.
“Multiple plot twists and shocking reveals make this book difficult to put down.”
Check out the Gay Club! trailer…
“Simon James Green has an impeccable ear for authentically funny dialogue. This book will make you laugh the way your best friend makes you laugh.”
“Sharp, witty, and strikingly thoughtful, Gay Club! is an absorbing celebration of identity and the power of community. Simon James Green has penned a timely love letter to young readers that’s guaranteed to change lives.”
SLEEPOVER TAKEOVER
The hilarious new middle-grade from Simon James Green
WINNER - InspiRead 2023
Shortlisted for the Oxfordshire Book Awards 2023
‘50 Hottest Books for Summer’ in The Guardian
For Otis, this was a sleepover to remember - if only he could!
When dorky, unpopular 11-yr-old Otis wakes up in the morning at a sleepover birthday party, he's in for a shock.
At the marquee where the sleepover took place, it's a scene of carnage and mayhem: there's a donkey drinking at the chocolate fountain, a huge inflatable helium sausage looms above, doves everywhere, one of the kids has a tattoo, and there's a suitcase of bratwurst on the floor!
But what's weirdest of all, neither Otis nor the other kids can remember what happened! The party was in the back garden of popular kid Rocco Rococo's huge house, and Otis was only there because his mum forced an invitation. Otis realizes that makes him Prime Suspect for causing the mess, and he needs to clear his name. Meanwhile, Rocco just needs to keep his parents from finding out! So while everyone else makes a befuddled exit, Otis and Rocco reluctantly team up to hide the evidence.
They decide to retrace their steps in the hope of solving the mystery...
“... outrageously funny romp for 9+”
OUT NOW!
Buy your copy from the retailers below…
Simon says…
Imagine The Hangover movie… but with a cast of 11 year-olds after an epic birthday party! This is my second middle-grade novel, and IT’S BONKERS! Honestly, this was such good fun to write - it features a donkey on a sugar high, a boy in a wedding dress, a suitcase full of sausages, a bunch of escaped doves, some very angry bikers, and the infamous ‘peeing cherub with the missing winkle’! But as well as all the chaos and mayhem, there’s also a very sweet story here about the final months of Year 6 and finding your squad before you start secondary school. If you want a good laugh, this is the book for you - I PROMISE! I hope you enjoy meeting Otis Bumble, Rocco Rococo and the rest of the gang! BWARK!
Introducing Sleepover Takeover…
You’re the One That I Want
Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2022
Shortlisted for The Diverse Book Awards 2022
Shortlisted for the KSC Book Awards
WINNER - Bristol Teen Book Awards 2021
Featured in The Guardian’s ‘50 Hottest New Books Everyone Should Read’.
‘One to Watch’ - The Bookseller
“A hilariously rude, sweetly addictive YA romance”
“A pitch-perfect queer romcom…“
- Waterstones
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According to the rule, Freddie has to say "yes".
Freddie is unremarkable - too unremarkable. He doesn't stand out in any way, and in fact teachers and fellow students keep forgetting who he is.
Even his mum thinks he's a disappointment, and spends almost all her time at work, producing a TV show. After a particularly awful night when he embarrasses himself in front of Jasper Perry (the gorgeous teen star of his mum's new show), Freddie decides to follow a new, proactive philosophy designed to transform his social and romantic life: saying 'yes' to every opportunity. It works! Freddie finds himself auditioning for the school musical (Grease), actually going to parties, and flirting with hot new boy Zach!
He's becoming a whole new Freddie - maybe even one that his mum might be proud of. But the path to love is never smooth, and sometimes getting things very wrong is an important part of figuring out what - and who - you really want. A hilarious, heart-pulling read from one of the UK's leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction.
“In a troubled world, a new book from Simon James Green is always a joy... Heartfelt and hilarious”
“We love this book!”
Simon says…
My fifth YA novel is probably best described as the cast of Sex Education put on a production of Grease, meets Bridget Jones… if Bridget Jones was a gay teenage boy who couldn't be arsed to actually keep a diary. If you’ve enjoyed my previous books, it has everything you’ll be expecting: awkward teenage boys, gay disasters, enemies to lovers, and plenty of laughs. But I also got to write about a topic very close to my heart - theatre kids! I was a total theatre kid growing up, and I’ve really enjoyed showcasing the world of school productions (and teen TV shows!) in this book - complete with all the drama and backstabbing that comes with it. I can’t wait for you to meet Freddie, Zach, Jasper and the gang! Simon. x
“Heartwarming. A beautiful gay coming-of-age story”
Heartbreak Boys
An Indie Next List Pick
Featured in iPaper’s ‘Essential Summer Reads’
“Green’s books are like the best friend you wished you had as a shy, gay teen. Fantastic. ”
A road trip rom-com about heartbreak, social media hijinks, and learning to be happy with who you are.
When their ex-boyfriends get together and start Instagramming a disgustingly perfect summer of love, Jack and Nate decide to concoct a mutual Insta-worthy summer adventure of their own to prove they’re just fine and everything’s great.
Of course, it’s hard to have an epic summer road trip when they’re stuck in a van with Nate's mid-life crisis-bound parents and his annoying younger sister. And it’s been years since Jack and Nate have said more than a few sentences to each other. But their followers don’t have to know any of that.
How hard could faking the high life be? Posting as @TheHeartBreakBoys, the duo stumbles into one hilarious situation after another—and each discover that maybe the cure for heartbreak has been the boy riding next to him all along.
“...this is sunshine in a book...”
If you buy books linked to my site, I may earn commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.
“Hilarious... Green portrays the boys’ emotional turmoil... with believable tenderness, making for a by turns raucous and earnest tale”
“An unexpectedly funny, heartwarming voyage of discovery”
“Sparky, sprightly, touching and funny, Green’s joyous novel is a ray of literary sunshine.”
“...an uplifting romantic comedy with two wonderfully relatable heroes... this is sunshine in a book; it will make your world brighter.”
Order your copy now…
LIFE OF RILEY: Beginner’s Luck
Simon James Green’s distinctive brand of mayhem and hilarity - for middle grade readers!
Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2021
Featured in BookTrust’s Great Books Guide 2021
Winner - Fantastic Book Awards 2022
“Laugh out loud funny with great illustrations. At times Riley’s antics made me cringe - but in a good way! It’s a happy story with a satisfying ending. Enjoy!”
Shortlisted for the Stockport Book Award 2021
Longlisted for Leicester Libraries ‘Our Best Book 2022’ Award
One boy. A thousand (and one) curses. And a lot of bad luck.
Riley is cursed. No, really! After a fairground incident - TOTALLY not his fault - bad luck follows Riley everywhere, causing disaster after disaster. It's got so bad that no one wants to go near Riley, including his teachers! But when new student Brad Chicago shows up, Riley quickly realizes that Brad is the human equivalent of a good luck charm. Can Brad's good luck cancel out Riley's bad luck? Or is this yet another recipe for disaster?
Life of Riley has been shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Awards 2021
“...explodes in one great comedy armageddon!”
If you buy books linked to my site, I may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.
Illustration (c) Aleksei Bitskoff 2020
“Packed with snappy humour and hilarious characters. You can’t help but love Riley, a brilliant, witty, world-weary kid and long-suffering underdog.”
Download your FREE Life of Riley activity pack!
Guide Riley through a complex maze to find Twinkle… complete the fiendishly difficult word search, and even create your very own Disaster Pool, just like Riley and Brad!
“Curses, calamity, friendship and farce are combined to produce a book of belly-laugh inducing brilliance.”
Illustration (c) Aleksei Bitskoff 2020
Get your copy now…
Llama Glamarama
Featured in Waterstones June’s Best Children’s Books
“A riot of colour and energy, this tale of Larry, the disco dancing llama, is a quirky and endearing treat.”
Larry loves to groove and mooooove ... but will the others disapprove?
Larry the llama's big secret is that late at night, when no one is watching, he loves to DANCE.
Then, one day, he stumbles upon the Llama Glamarama!
Will this raucous celebration give Larry the pride he needs to bring his dance back home?
A hilarious, rhyming story with a powerful message about celebrating differences.
“A jazzy, rocking, leaping, rapping picture book... a celebration of difference, and the appeal of glamour.”
“An absolutely beautiful book filled with incredible illustrations.”
If you buy books linked to my site, I may earn commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.
Get your FREE party kit! Do you love grooving and moving as much as Larry does? Throw your own Glamarama at home with this complete party kit, featuring everything you need to dance the day away!
“A fabulous life lesson wrapped around rainbow-glittery colours and superb characters, imparting the valuable message that it’s super—fine and OK to be different!”
“The message here - delivered in a bright, fun book - is that we all need to celebrate the ways we are different, fabulous and glamarama-worthy... Viva glamarama!”
Learn how to draw Larry with illustrator Garry Parsons
Hosting your own Glamarama? You’ll need the official playlist!
“Joyous from start to finish and a delight to read aloud… A must for schools.”
“It’s impossible not to feel good after reading this story”
Alex in Wonderland
Nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2020
Featured in The Guardian’s Top 100 best holiday books for 2019
Top 20 Best LGBTQ+ Books of 2019 - Attitude Magazine
Silver Medal - Amazing Book Awards - 2020
“A richly observational, romantic and laugh-out-loud funny story...”
Shortlisted - Cheshire Schools Book Award 2020
Shortlisted - Highgate Wood Book Award
Longlisted - Teen Book Awards
***** (@MyBookishLife) ***** (@PrythianBworm) ***** (@Jthbooks1) ***** (@KatieBookQueen) ***** (@readablelife) ***** (@sunkissscribbles)
A NOVEL THAT WILL HAVE YOU LAUGHING OUT LOUD ONE MINUTE, AND SWOONING THE NEXT!
In the town of Newsands, painfully shy Alex is abandoned by his two best friends for the summer. But he unexpectedly lands a part-time job at Wonderland, a run-down amusement arcade on the seafront, where he gets to know the other teen misfits who work there. Alex starts to come out of his shell, and even starts to develop feelings for co-worker Ben... who, as Alex's bad luck would have it, has a girlfriend.
Then as debtors close in on Wonderland and mysterious, threatening notes start to appear, Alex and his new friends take it on themselves to save their declining employer. But, like everything in Wonderland, nothing is quite what it seems...
“Simon James Green is one of the most hilarious, heart-flippingly romantic, charmingly observant writers in the game right now.”
Illustration (c) Debbie Powell, 2019
“Goofy, histrionic, hysterically teenage fun... as hapless as Adrian Mole and as awkward as Bridget Jones... highly entertaining.”
“This hilarious book is a joyous triumph!”
Order your copy now…
Illustration (c) Moti Malka, 2019
Noah Can’t Even
Poor Noah Grimes!
His father disappeared years ago, his mother's Beyoncé tribute act is an unacceptable embarrassment, and his beloved gran is no longer herself. He only has one friend, Harry, and school is...Well, it's pure HELL. Why can't Noah be normal, like everyone else at school? Maybe if he struck up a romantic relationship with someone - maybe Sophie, who is perfect and lovely - he'd be seen in a different light? But Noah's plans are derailed when Harry kisses him at a party. And that's when things go from bad to utter chaos.
“Side-splitting comedy... a riotous, real-feeling YA debut.”
WINNER - Wirral Paperback of the Year
Bronze winner - Amazing Book Awards
Shortlisted - Leeds Book Awards
Longlisted - Branford Boase Award
“Funny and smart and warm-hearted...”
Noah Could Never
Noah’s back - and more bananas than ever!
Noah and Harry have gone from friends to boyfriends, but is Noah ready for the difference? It doesn’t help that a group of French exchange students have descended on Little Fobbing - including sexy Pierre Victoire, who appears to have his eye on Harry. Meanwhile, Noah’s paired up with a girl, who, outrageously, is not even French!
But that’s not all: Noah’s being followed! By mysterious strangers in a black car! Is it because:
Noah’s dad and secret half-brother have stolen Gran’s fake diamonds?
His PE teacher is getting suspicious cash infusions from Russia?
A drag queen is hiding out at Noah’s house after a bare-knuckled drag feud?
Noah’s made questionable life choices involving protein powder?
Or ALL of the above?!
“Refreshingly positive... sure to leave you with a smile on your face. *****”
“Young Adult fiction just became seriously fun!”
“Hands down my favourite book of 2018.”
Noah Goes Nuclear
Noah Grimes is back, in a new, original, short story!
Noah is v excited: his class have been shipped off to a hotel in the Lake District to study a nearby nuclear power station! On arrival, all Noah wants to do is settle in to his crisp hotel sheets and get proper rest, but his conniving secret half-brother has other plans. Soon everyone is sneaking in and out of their rooms, setting Noah into a tailspin… there’s only so much Noah can take!
Please note: contains SPOILERS for book 1.
Download for FREE…
Penguins
(short story in the Proud anthology)
Cameron’s coming-out moment is overshadowed by two gay penguins at the local zoo.
Penguins includes art by Alice Oseman. The Proud anthology contains LGBTQ+ stories, poems and illustrations by 22 other writers and illustrators.
Presenting PENGUINS at a marketing conference with Alice Oseman.
“The incredible stories inside Proud made me laugh, cry and feel proud to be who I am.”
Fabulous Frankie
Shortlisted for the Portsmouth Picture Book Award
From the bestselling Simon James Green and Garry Parsons, comes this beautifully-told, gorgeously illustrated picture book about what it REALLY means to be fabulous!
All Frankie wants is to be fabulous! But, SIGH!, he's literally surrounded by so many fabulous flamingos, so how on earth can he stand out from the crowd?
Maybe, just maybe, Frankie's friends will help him learn the most important thing of all: the best way to be fabulous is to be YOU!
Free Activity Pack!
Colour in, make your own origami fan, create compliments cards, Frankie bookmarks, and even your very own #BeMoreFrankie kindness jar - it’s all here for you in this FREE activity pack, available via the link below on the Scholastic website… (which also features some good deals for buying the book!)
out now!
If you buy books linked to my site, I may earn commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.
Indie Children’s Book of the Month
Best Books of 2023 - Sunday Times
Shortlisted - The James Reckitt Book Award 2024
Shortlisted - KSC Book Awards
Shortlisted - Hounslow SLS Book Award 2024
Shortlisted - Redhill Academy Trust Book Award 2024
Shortlisted - Reading Rampage 2024
Shortlisted - York Book Award 2024
Longlisted - UKLA Book Awards
“A laugh-out-loud and cry-out-loud story about life and death.”
A funny, heartbreaking story about life and loss, and making every second count.
Eric's best friend, Finn Jones, was the world's biggest prankster. Now Eric can't believe Finn's not here anymore. ...Or is he? Eric seems to be getting messages from beyond the grave, and as he follows Finn's wild, cryptic instructions, his hope grows that he'll find Finn laughing at the end. The journey also brings memories - and a truth that seems impossible to accept.
“A touching and funny story that will stick in the hearts of readers.”
Watch the Finn Jones Was Here trailer!
