[This] will soon be on school reading lists and examination syllabuses everywhere, as it has "<b>classic</b>" singing from every page ... A <b>joyous</b> shout of youthful exuberance ... Wheatle's Twain-like command of patois never falters ... Enriching and <b>life-affirming</b> ... A <b>total gem</b> for any age.
Independent
I love this book. It's <b>elegant, authentic and humane</b>. It hums with the beat of real life and the language sings from the page. This is mature, <b>powerful</b> writing by an author with great talent and great heart.
David Almond, Guardian Children's Fiction Prize judge
<b>Brilliant</b>, tough, <b>heartbreaking </b>read.
Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo Soldier, Carnegie medal winner
A <b>fast-paced, funny</b> ride.
Metro
<b>Hopeful</b>, <b>warm</b> and, above all, <b>funny</b>
Guardian, Picks of the Year 2016
Wheatle's writing is <b>poetic, rhythmic and unique,</b> remaking the English language with tremendous verve. Though Crongton is his invention, it resonates with many urban situations, not only in Britain but around the world. <b><i>Crongton Knights</i> is a major novel from a major voice in British children's literature.</b>
SF Said
Written in an <b>energetic, rhythmic vernacular,</b> Alex Wheatle's award-winning <i>Liccle Bit</i> and <i>Crongton Knights</i> were <b>funny, profane, well-observed</b> accounts of life on an urban estate
Sunday Times
Winner of the Guardian Children Fiction's Prize 2016
Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2017
WELCOME TO CRONGTON, WHERE YOUR LOYALTY AND WITS WILL BE TESTED ...
Living on the South Crongton council estate has its worries - and life for McKay has been even tougher since his mum died.
His dad has been working all hours to keep the bailiffs from their door.
His brother is always out riding the streets at night, tempting trouble.
And now, having strayed off his turf on a 'heroic' (if misguided) mission to help out a girl, McKay finds himself facing a friend's crazy ex-boyfriend, some power-tripping hood-rats and a notoriously violent gangster with a vendetta which hits too close to home.
Poor McKay. He never asked for trouble . . . But during one madcap night of adventure and danger, he will find out who his true friends are, what it means to stick with your family and that, sometimes, the lessons learned the hard way are the ones you'll never forget.
'... powerful writing by an author with great talent and great heart.' David Almond