Man Down

  • Drama; YA

  • March 2022

    • World Rights: Penguin Random House Children's

Will Parks needs to man up.

A man stands. A man fights. A man bleeds.

These are the first lessons you learn in a town where girls are objects, words are weak and fists do the talking.

Will's more at home in the classroom than the gym, and the most important woman in his life is his gran. So how can a boy who's always backed away from a fight become the hero who saves the day?

Because a disaster is coming. One that Will can prevent. But only if he learns the most important lesson of all: sometimes to step up, you have to man down.

​A searingly powerful exploration of toxic masculinity, perfect for fans of Juno Dawson or They Both Die at the End.

Selected Praise

Man Down is truly special. A love letter to youth, life, love and hope, it’s utterly compelling, completely original and will undoubtedly be one of the standout books of 2022. An absolute must read.
— Adam Simcox, author of The Dying Squad
Stylish, thought-provoking thriller territory . . . Highly recommended
— Claire Hennessy, The Irish Times
A gritty, gripping tale of a young man searching for meaning in a life that’s far from ordinary.
— Malcolm Duffy, author of Sofa Surfer

Other books by James Goodhand