A fifteen-year-old skater, a pregnant girlfriend, and a poster that talks back.
Who drives the story
A fifteen-year-old skateboarder from London whose girlfriend gets pregnant. He wants his old life back; instead he becomes a father, quits his first job in two shifts, and slowly finds his footing.
Sam's sixteen-year-old girlfriend, who decides to keep the baby and carries the physical and emotional weight of it. She ends the relationship, telling Sam they're only together because of Rufus.
Sam's single-parent mother, who works in a café and reacts to the news with devastated silence. She pushes Sam to work and helps with childcare — and seems younger and happier as a grandmother.
The professional skateboarder on Sam's bedroom poster, who talks back. He becomes Sam's confidant and conscience, and falls quiet as Sam grows up.
Sam and Alicia's son, named after Alicia's grandfather. Small, red, and wrinkled at birth — and the reason his teenage parents find out who they are.
Also in the story
A slightly older, cooler skater and Sam's friend. He gives brutal, minimal advice and drives Sam to the hospital when labour starts.
Alicia's father, a university lecturer, who shouts at Sam and calls him a stupid little boy for ruining Alicia's life.
How they are connected
Sam's sixteen-year-old girlfriend, who decides to keep the baby and carries the physical and emotional weight of it.
She ends the relationship, telling Sam they're only together because of Rufus.
Sam's single-parent mother, who works in a café and reacts to the news with devastated silence.
The professional skateboarder on Sam's bedroom poster, who talks back.
A slightly older, cooler skater and Sam's friend.
Alicia's father, a university lecturer, who shouts at Sam and calls him a stupid little boy for ruining Alicia's life.
Alicia's father, a university lecturer, who shouts at Sam and calls him a stupid little boy for ruining Alicia's life.
Sam and Alicia's son, named after Alicia's grandfather.
Go deeper
Growing up too fast · Fear of a wasted life · Talking to your heroes · Families, made and remade
Themes explainedThe full story act by act, the ending explained and a quick quiz.
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