Boy Meets Hamster is the uproariously funny, sweetly romantic debut novel from Birdie Milano. This is the perfect first summer romance - with a twist.

Fourteen-year-old Dylan Kershaw's idea of a dream holiday includes at least three things: beaches to bask on, cosmopolitan culture, and a chance for romance (or at least his first kiss) with another boy. Unluckily for Dylan, his mum's treating the family to the least dreamy holiday ever: a GBP9.50 break at Starcross Sands, Cornwall's Crummiest Caravan Park.

But Starcross Sands might not be so bad after all, especially if Dylan can win the heart of Jayden-Lee, the gorgeous boy in the caravan next-door. There's only one thing standing in true love's way: the park's massive hamster mascot, Nibbles, who seems to have it in for both Dylan and his romantic chances. Dylan's best friend, Kayla, claims that appearances can be deceptive: so is Jayden-Lee just as lovely beneath the surface, and what could be lurking under Nibbles' furry face?

'It may be set on the caravan park from hell, but this beautiful LGBTQ+ read is positively heavenly' - Simon James Green, author of Noah Can't Even

Boy Meets Hamster is the uproariously funny, sweetly romantic debut novel from Birdie Milano, this is the perfect first summer romance - with a twist.

About the Author

Before writing her first novel, Birdie Milano dabbled in the theatre, sold books at Waterstones, ran drama classes for children, and dispensed romantic advice to internet daters. She studied at two universities cunningly disguised as stately homes, taking a BA in Creative and Professional Writing at St Mary's, Twickenham, and an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa, where she gained first-class degrees in-between looking for secret passageways and dodging peacocks.

Birdie is pro-body positivity and anti-bullying, and believes in kindness above all things. She lives in Surrey, where she writes despite the best interruptive efforts of her pets, Ziggy Starcat and Moppet the Wonder Dog. Boy Meets Hamster is her debut novel.

Reviews
Today's teens deserve the chance to see two boys kissing under the twinkling starlight of an end-of-summer dance. * Birdie Milano on Daily Express Online *
It's a sweet, funny, moving and joyous delight of a novel, full of love and full of hope, with a great big (giant hamster-sized!) heart at its centre. It may be set on the caravan park from hell, but this beautiful LGBTQ+ read is positively heavenly. -- Simon James Green, author of Noah Can't Even
A warm, open and generous book with enormous heart, Boy Meets Hamster is genuinely laugh-out-loud funny while also effortlessly dealing with big, complex issues to do with love, family, friendship, and self-confidence & acceptance -- Maggie Harcourt, author of Unconventional
'Boy Meets Hamster wonderfully and simply 'usualises' being gay in what is a terrifically comedic and diverse story. So many important moments and such a fun read. A book I wish I could give to teenage me! -- Olly Pike, Children's Author and Creator of Pop'N'Olly
The writing is brilliant, the characters so vivid and likeable - even Margaret, who makes an excellent villain - and it made me laugh out loud several times. A really enjoyable book, and I can't wait to read what Birdie Milano writes next -- Sophie Cameron, author of Out Of The Blue
I loved BoyMeetsHamster, a fresh, modern LGBTQ+ YA novel about a tale as old as time - that first gay crush. Debut author Birdie Milano nails the internal conflicts and flashes of optimism & the lead character is a relatable, complex guy you're soon rooting for. * The Guyliner *
Funny, sweet and a great LGBT read for young adults. * Yorkshire Post *
This is an incredibly good book that you should definitely make sure you read. A diverse read with a fascinating cast of characters, this book will ultimately give you that good-feel by the end of it. * Daydreamer Thoughts *
Such a lighthearted read but with a deep strong message * Helpful Mum *
There is a strong coming-of-age feeling to this book, and teenage readers, of any sexuality, will recognise the cocktail of adrenalin, desperation and confusion that is served up by teenage love affairs * Books for Keeps *



Book Information
ISBN 9781509848652
Author Birdie Milano
Format Paperback
Page Count 336
Imprint Macmillan Children's Books
Publisher Pan Macmillan
Weight(grams) 226g
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 22mm