The Books that Inspired ‘At Home with the Scapegraces’ by Jake Hayes

“Born into Britain's most famous YouTube family, thirteen-year-old Lunar Scapegrace is trapped in a life he never wanted. With every milestone and mishap viewed by millions of strangers, he longs to get away from the prying eye of the phone camera. After one too many humiliating videos, Lunar teams up with his rebellious older sister Billie, to plot the cancellation of their vlog. But as the public turns on the Scapegraces and the family appears to be on the brink of disaster, he must discover his own voice and tell his story to save the people he loves.”

Pitch for At Home with the Scapegraces

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ by Sue Townsend

An all time classic teen novel and still genuinely hilarious. I’ve been advised to avoid making too many specific references as they can date a novel badly. Adrian Mole on the other hand is very much a product of its time, but somehow remains timeless. What an achievement.

High Rise Mystery by Sharna Jackson

There’s an assumption that giving characters mobile phones destroys tension and removes agency, offering young protagonists an escape route at every turn. Sharna Jackson’s excellent series proved that although you’re never alone with a mobile phone, they can cause as many problems as they solve. 

Steady for This by Nathanael Lessore 

There are shockingly few contemporary books about the lives of teenage boys. Those that do exist tend to be either mini action heroes or involved in some pretty heavy stuff. Nathanael Lessore broke the mould with his first two books, introducing believable protagonists discovering themselves and navigating difficulties with immense humour and humanity.

The Casson Family series by Hilary McKay

‘I think you need to cut some of these characters,’ was the initial advice I received from several tutors. I blithely ignored them, intent on writing something that captured the dynamics of a big, messy family. Hilary McKay’s stories about the Casson Family did this long before I did, brilliantly switching perspectives between the eccentric members of a likeable bohemian family.

Penance by Eliza Clark

This adult book about three teenage girls involved in a brutal murder shows how online discourse can bleed disastrously into real life, warping young peoples’ minds. Written from the perspective of a journalist as he plunges into the rabbit hole of the girls' online lives, it’s a claustrophobic, disturbing and darkly funny read.

The House of my Mother by Shari Franke

This brilliantly written memoir is the first example of what it’s really like to grow up as part of a YouTube family. Shari Franke documents the abuse she and her siblings suffered when her mother Ruby became an acolyte of a manipulative ‘relationship coach.’ She also manages to reflect the light and love she feels for her siblings. An essential call to action demanding the end of children’s participation in family vlogging.

Last Seen Online by Lauren James

I love the textures of this mystery book, which flits between an anonymous blog recounting the obsession of online fandoms and the real world consequences. James captures the already dated argot of online chatter which is just a decade old, with a believable commentary from a present day American teen. 

The Eighteenth Emergency by Betsy Byars

Betsy Byars wrote ‘issue’ books that refused to ram their message down readers’ throats. This classic story about bullying and parental neglect wears its serious subject matter lightly, thanks to the brilliant characterisation of the loveable and hilarious protagonist, Mouse.

Caledonian Road by Andrew O’Hagan

This bravura novel is so brilliantly written and researched, taking the reader through the many worlds that exist along London’s Caledonian Road. It’s a ‘state of the nation’ piece that lifts the lid on hidden communities and the interconnectedness of the modern world. I’d love to achieve something similar for younger readers.

Doctor Who: Rose by Russell T. Davies

My protagonist (like me) is a Doctor Who obsessive and this novelsiation of the first story from the modern era is one of the best. Screenwriter Russell T. Davies, delights in expanding his story. Remove the time travel and living mannequins and you have a powerful story that chronicles the life of an ordinary London teenager called Rose, her friends and family.

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