We are sorry to announce that this event has been cancelled.

Polari-Prize-winning author Ian Eagleton talks about his heart-warming and inclusive story about a boy who struggles to assert his identity and sexuality in the face of opposition from school bullies and his own father. 

 James loves dancing, poetry, and Mariah Carey (not in that order, though, because Mariah would obviously be first!). His teacher, Mr Hamilton, is getting married to his boyfriend and it seems that James will be part of a surprise choir performance at the wedding. But James’s father seems uncomfortable about the plan, and a lot of other things – like any mention of Mr Hamilton, and James’s dancing, and how James talks about his new friend Joel.  

 Meanwhile, a different boy has been harassing James at school and calling him gay, and it’s getting worse every day. James can find relief with his beloved Nan, she’s been having worrying falls, and James can’t tell anyone, or she might be sent to a faraway care home. The secrets are building up, and James is starting to lose his characteristic spark. Can he find the strength to let the truth out? 

“Poignant, defiantly fabulous story” The Guardian 

Ian Eagleton is the author of the acclaimed picture book Nen and the Lonely Fisherman, which was shortlisted for The Bookseller’s Book of the Year – Discovery Category 2022. 

Ian will be in conversation with Paul Burston, bestselling writer and host of the award-winning Polari LGBTQ+ literary salon and Polari prizes.

We are sorry to announce that this event has been cancelled.