Age: 14+/YA

GAY CLUB! is a landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst – and ultimately their best – from one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Simon James Green will be talking about his inspiration for the book and why we should all take inspiration from the characters of Gay Club! In the comfortable and cosy setting of Bath’s brilliant Mr B’s, Simon will bring his trademark madcap humour to help young adults make sense of the world.

Simon James Green is an award-winning author and screenwriter who has established himself as a leading LGBTQ+ author in British YA. He was a finalist in SCBWI Undiscovered Voices and his debut novel, Noah Can’t Even, was published in 2017, with the sequel, Noah Could Never, in 2018. His third novel, Alex in Wonderland, in 2019, was nominated for the CILIP Carnegie Medal. 

GAY CLUB! is a landmark comedic novel by Simon James Green, about a group of queer teens at their worst – and ultimately their best – from one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction.

Simon James Green will be talking about his inspiration for the book, which includes elements of LGBT history, and why we should all take inspiration from the characters of GAY CLUB! Featuring comedy anecdotes from his own hapless teenage years, this event contains a positive message and a rallying call to action for anyone who wants to make the world a more open, accepting, and kinder place.

We’re thrilled to be joined by George Lester to discuss his irresistibly gleeful YA debut, Boy Queen. George will be joined by Simon James Green, author of Gay Club! and together they'll discuss all things queer, answer your questions and sign copies of their books.

Backstabbing, scandal and, most importantly, heart-swooning romance are at the core of the new novels from Benjamin Dean and Simon James Green. In Dean’s The King is Dead, Prince James is suddenly thrust into the spotlight as he takes the throne following his father’s death. In Green’s high-school tale Gay Club!, Barney is desperate to become president of his school’s LGBTQIA+ society. Is fame worth it? Find out in this conversation for teenagers and young adults with poet and novelist, Dean Atta.

More information here

Come and meet some of the brilliantly imaginative authors shortlisted for this year’s YA Book Prize as they read from and talk about their – potentially – award-winning books with Caroline Carpenter: Simon James Green, Holly Bourne, Tanya Byrne, Adiba Jaigirdarand Lisa Williamson. A team at The Bookseller magazine, organiser of the Prize, selects the shortlist first, and then the winner is chosen by a panel of expert and teenage judges, who are asked to pick the book they believe is the best-written and that they would be most likely to share with young adults. There are two special events for schools, each featuring a selection of the shortlisted authors. With previous winners including Sarah Crossan’s One, Patrice Lawrence’s Orangeboy and Juno Dawson’s Meat Market – find out who is in with a chance of winning the YA Book Prize this year!

We are thrilled to be working with The Bookseller to host this year’s YA Book Prize. Come and meet the shortlisted authors: Adiba Jaigirdar, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Simon James Green, Holly Bourne, Tanya Byrne, Krystal Sutherland, Manjeet Man, Natasha Bowen and Lisa Williamson. Previous winners have included Sarah Crossan’s One, Patrice Lawrence’s Orangeboy and Juno Dawson’s Meat Market. In this event, the superb line-up of authors present their books and give a short reading before one successful author is crowned Winner of the YA Book Prize 2022. Hear from some of the brilliantly imaginative authors writing for young adults. Chaired by award-winning poet and novelist, Dean Atta.

Let writer Simon James Green and agent Lindsey Fraser lead you on your journey to writing children’s books. Alongside Caroline Deacon and Onie Tibbitt from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, they help you understand how to narrow your idea down to a genre or reading level; whether your big idea is big enough for young adults or too big for a picture book. Come along to this practical workshop to find where your story fits. Suitable for writers at all stages – there’s no pressure to share your work.

More information here

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his brilliant new book, ‘Gay Club’.

About this event

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his brilliant new book, ‘Gay Club’ and how ‘owning the awkward’ is the best approach for getting through secondary school. This laugh-out-loud session will include comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, and will discuss all things writing, why funny books are important and should be celebrated and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. Suitable for 12 years and over.

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his new book 'Gay Club'.

About this event

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his brilliant new book, ‘Gay Club’ and how ‘owning the awkward’ is the best approach for getting through secondary school. This laugh-out-loud session will include comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, and will discuss all things writing, why funny books are important and should be celebrated and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. Suitable for 12 years and over.

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his new book 'Gay Club'.

About this event

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his brilliant new book, ‘Gay Club’ and how ‘owning the awkward’ is the best approach for getting through secondary school. This laugh-out-loud sessions will include comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, and will discuss all things writing, why funny books are important and should be celebrated and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. Suitable for 12 years and over.

Join award-winning author Simon James Green as he talks about his writing and new book 'Gay Club'.

About this event

Join award-winning author Simon James Green to hear him talk about his writing, including his brilliant new book, ‘Gay Club’ and how ‘owning the awkward’ is the best approach for getting through secondary school. This laugh-out-loud session will include comedy anecdotes from Simon’s own school days, and will discuss all things writing, why funny books are important and should be celebrated and why LGBTQ+ teens need funny books more than ever. Suitable for 12 years and over.

We're so happy to welcome three fantastic authors for our Young Adults Pride panel!

All three will discuss their new publications, the importance of representation in YA fiction, answer your questions and sign copies of their books.

Simon James Green is the author of Alex in Wonderland, Heartbreak Boys and Noah Can't Even. His newest novel, Gay Club, charts the journey from small-town school LGBT society to national gay glory.

William Hussey has written Hideous Beauty and more recently The Outrage, where a dystopian, authoritarian Britain persecutes and discriminates minorities and where being gay can cost your life.

Benjamin Dean debutes in YA after his younger readers bestseller Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow. The King is Dead is a Black LGBTQ+ royal reimagining full of scandalous secrets and rollercoaster romances.


We want to ensure this event is accessible to everyone who wants to attend, whilst ensuring the essential costs can be covered. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds or if it is uncomfortable for any personal reason, especially for our underage readers, and if this is a barrier for you please email events.bristolgalleries@waterstones.com

Further details: 01179252274

I’m at YALC on Friday and Saturday this year! Come and say hello!

“The BIG YALC Quiz of the year”

Two teams will battle it out and test their YA knowledge for the privilege of calling themselves winners!
Beth Reekles @Reekles
Simon James Green @simonjamesgreen

Book Here

I’ll be at YALC on the Friday and Saturday this year - on a panel, signing books, and as one of the hosts for the Big YALC Quiz of the Year.

“Wrapped up in books”

Join some of our YALC Ambassadors as they talk about the books they’ve written, the books they love and the books we should all be adding to our TBR piles
Karen M. McManus @writerkmc
Simon James Green @simonjamesgreen
Juno Dawson @junodawson
Non Pratt @NonPratt

Book Here

Join us to celebrate Pride in YA books, as we welcome Simon James Green, Benjamin Dean, Lewis Hancox and Cynthia So as they come together to celebrate their new publications and to discuss diversity in YA fiction, and why love always wins! The authors will also be answering questions from the audience and signing copies of their books.

Simon James Green's Gay Club! charts the journey from small-town school LGBT society to national gay glory, with plenty of drama, bitching, backstabbing, and social media outrage along the way. Ultimately, this hilarious novel shows that when discrimination is rampant, we're all stronger together and united.

Benjamin Dean celebrates the release of his YA debut, The King is Dead following his shortlisting on the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, with Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow. Think Gossip Girl but make it royal! A Black LGBTQ+ royal reimagining full of scandalous secrets, rollercoaster romances and one hell of a mystery.

Lewis Hancox’s Welcome to St. Hell is a ground-breaking YA graphic memoir about being a trans teen, by the brilliant filmmaker, illustrator, and bold new voice in comics. Alice Oseman describes the book as candid writing, with playful artwork, and a riotous and a fearlessly real story of figuring out that you’re trans – this book will bring hope and comfort to so many.

Cynthia So’s debut, If You Still Recognise Me, is an epic, evocative queer romance that's also a heartfelt love letter to comics, fandom and friendship. So’s gorgeous novel is about two girls separated by an ocean but united by their love for fan-fiction.

We are happy to announce our very first YA Book Club meeting!

We hope you’ll join us on the 29th of June to discuss Gay Club! by Simon James Green. We are also thrilled to announce that we will be joined by none other than Simon James Green himself for the evening!

Gay Club! is fantastically dramatic and straight up hilarious. Barney wants to be president of the LGBTQ+ society and thinks he has it in the bag; but someone unexpectedly decides to run against him and involves the whole school. It is a wonderful mix of scandals, backstabbing and general teen shenanigans. Overall, the perfect fit for our book club this Pride month.

If you want to have a fun evening celebrating Pride with fellow YA lovers and have a chat with Simon James Green, this is the place to be. There will even be free gift bags for anyone joining in. We are super excited to see you all there and can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the book!

We encourage attendees to read the book beforehand to allow for an open discussion on the night, but paperback copies of the book will also be available to purchase online via the Book & Ticket bundle – to be collected at the event.

Please note that in the event of a change to the schedule, or a cancellation, ticket holders will be refunded no later than 7 days after the event. You will be contacted nearer the time with more information related to current government guidance.

If you are unable to use your tickets because you have tested positive for COVID-19, please contact events@waterstones.com before, or on the day of the event to organise a refund. Refunds will be processed within a week of the event. Tickets are non-transferable.

Mama G is delighted to be bringing her Family Pride Party back to Stanley Arts!

Join “everyone’s favourite pantomime dame,” (Metro) and her friends, for an afternoon of music, storytelling, workshops, dance and fun to celebrate being who you want and loving who you are. Check out some of the amazing people who’ll be joining us below! Mama G still has lots of authors, performers and local talent that she can’t wait to announce!

Tickets are on a pay-what-you-can basis, but please buy enough individual tickets for your whole party. Money from ticket sales will be donated to our charity partner Mermaids. For more information on their work visit www.mermaidsuk.org.uk

Confirmed Acts (may be subject to change):

ELMER THE PATCHWORK ELEPHANT

Children’s author SIMON JAMES GREEN

From ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ CHRIS DONNELLY

ASIFA LAHORE

Stanley Arts panto star DANIELLE SPRINGER

MAMA G

CHERRYSTARS PERFORMING ARTS

MISS COURTNEY

LUCINDA THE LIBRARIAN

Details & tickets here

Join GAY CLUB with Kirkdale Bookshop & author Simon James Green
at The Canvas, 22-24 Sydenham Rd!

Simon will be talking about his latest book GAY CLUB and signing copies! We are excited to be giving away FREE copies for each attendee as well as a selection of Pride themed vegan cakes provided by The Canvas vegan cafe! The perfect event for any fans of the Alice Oseman series of graphic novels and now major Netflix hit HEARTSTOPPER!

BOOK HERE

GAY CLUB is a landmark comedic novel about a group of queer teens at their worst – and ultimately their best – from one of the UK’s leading writers of LGBTQ+ teen fiction. Barney’s a shoo-in for his school’s LGBTQ+ Society President at the club’s next election. But when the vote is opened up to the entire student body, the whole school starts paying attention. How low will the candidates go to win? Buckle up for some serious shade, scandals and sleazy shenanigans. It isn’t long before it’s National Coming Out Day – for everyone’s secrets! But when the group faces an unexpected threat – and a big opportunity – can the club members put politics aside and stand united?

This is a teen friendly event and part of KIRKDALE LIT FEST 2022 but all ages are welcome!

Join Simon James Green as he chats to Tasha Harrison, Helen Rutter and James Harris.

About this event

They'll be talking about the importance of humour in children's books. A few laugh out loud moments are guaranteed! 

Booking is essential

Please register for General Admission to access the venue.

Kate Weston chats to Cynthia So, Sita Brahmachari and Simon James Green about the world around us and how we navigate it.

About this event

Focusing on LGTBQ+, mental health, friendship, survival and positivity.

Booking is essential

Please register for General Admission to access the venue.

Simon has been inspiring students for several years and will bring his trademark magical blend of humour and self-exploration to this life affirming event for young adults trying to make sense of the world of adolescence.

Simon’s session will contain comedy anecdotes, LGBT history, the importance of positive representation and why words matter.  He will be reading from his book and there will be a chance for a Q&A with Simon.

Gay Club! charts the journey from small-town school LGBT society to national gay glory, with plenty of drama, bitching, backstabbing, and social media outrage along the way. Ultimately, this hilarious novel shows that when discrimination is rampant, we’re all stronger together and united.

Tickets are FREE for this event, but you need to register via the link to secure your spot!

A truly tremendous comedic talent, leading author and Carnegie Award nominee Simon James Green will be joining us to talk about his latest middle-grade book, the fantastically funny Sleepover Takeover, a laugh-out-loud misadventure with friendship, kindness and inclusion at its heart. Engagement and interactivity are big parts of Simon’s events, with themed activities taking place throughout.

Moreover, everyone attending is invited to turn up in their pyjamas for a fully immersive, daytime sleepover experience!

I’m thrilled to be appearing at YALC again this year, where I’ll be chairing the panel “Always Look on the Bright Side of Lit” - all about uplifting, fun, joyful books! I’ll also be signing copies of Alex in Wonderland (and Noah, of course!) during the day. Full details about the schedule, and ticket info is on the YALC website - see you there!

https://www.londonfilmandcomiccon.com/index.php/zones/yalc

We are delighted to welcome Matthew Todd, author of the Elton John- acclaimed memoir/ polemic "Straight Jacket" to talk about his latest publication, "Pride". 

In "Pride" Matthew Todd documents the milestones in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, from the victories of early activist to the gradual acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in politics, sport and media, and the passing of legislation barring discrimination. It spans seminal moments and key figures, events and breakthroughs of the movement with reproduction of rare images and documents

Todd has also drawn together the individual stories and moving personal testimonies from key figures such as David Furnish, Maureen Duffy, Paris Lees, Bisi Alimi, Will Young and Reverend Troy Perry.

Matt is being interviewed by author and screenwriter Simon James Green, who is known for his charming and hilarious writing for teens, which includes fiction such as "Noah can't even" and his latest "Alex in wonderland".

Tickets are £3, available from waterstones.com and are redeemable against the book on the night.

https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-of-pride-with-matthew-todd/norwich-castle-street

Join us in the lead up to #NewcastlePride for an INCREDIBLE evening of LGBTQ+ fiction, with some of the biggest voices in YA. 

Alice Oseman is the bestselling author of 'Radio Silence', 'Solitaire' and 'I Was Born For This', as well as being responsible for introducing the world to everyone's favourite boys, Nick and Charlie in 'Heartstopper'. (And of course, Nellie the dog). Alice will be chatting about the eagerly anticipated Heartstopper 2!

Simon James Green is the hilarious heart-warming genius behind 'Noah Can't Even' and 'Noah Could Never', and he's back and heading to Newcastle with his brand new, already bestselling book 'Alex In Wonderland'. 

Savannah Brown's smash hit of a debut novel 'The Truth About Keeping Secrets' is one of our store's best selling YA books of 2019. We are thrilled to welcome the poet and author to discuss her stunning coming of age novel.

Ticket and info here: https://www.waterstones.com/events/pride/newcastle

Meet the author of the books 'Noah Can't Even' and 'Noah Could Never', Simon James Green. He will be in store signing copies of his latest book 'Alex In Wonderland'.

Info here: https://www.waterstones.com/events/meet-simon-james-green/crawley-72309

Booktastic and Bedford Youth Pride welcome bestselling author Simon James Green to talk about his latest hilarious and heart-flippingly romantic novel, Alex in Wonderland, as well as Proud Book, featuring his short story, Penguins.

Buy tickets here: https://quarrytheatre.ticketsolve.com/shows/873607420

Join us for our Curious YA Launch Party! 

Come along and enjoy a curious afternoon with nibbles, music and a chance to meet Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even and Noah Could Never. Ask your curious questions and chat about their newest book Alex in Wonderland! And get a chance to have an exclusive look at items from our archive, unlocking the untold stories behind LGBTQ+ publishing for young people.  

2 hour event, aimed at young people and adults aged 14+. This event is taking place as part of the launch of Curious Festival 2019 and kick-starts our month of Proud to Be Me celebrations. 

This is a free bookshop event, admission is required if you wish to visit the rest of the building. 

Website: https://www.sevenstories.org.uk/whats-on/events/874/lets-get-curious-with-simon-james-green

We are delighted to announce that Simon James Green - author of Noah Can't Even and Noah Could Never will be visiting us in-store on Saturday 29th June at 3-4pm to sign copies of his new book, Alex in Wonderland!

Come along and say hello and grab yourself a signed copy - the perfect way to celebrate Pride this month! Then join us in our cafe from 4-5pm for our YA book group where we'll be discussing Alex in Wonderland and our other LGBTQ+ teen favourites!

Free to attend - everyone welcome. 

Signing @ 3-4pm  |  YA Book Group @ 4-5pm

Get ready for the summertime party of the year hosted by Scholastic!

Join us for a celebration of summer romance with Beth Garrod, Simon James Green and Laura Wood. 

 Waterstones Piccadilly will be transformed into a sunshine haven with beach-themed games, fun activities and a hilarious panel conversation with three YA superstars chaired by journalist Sarah Shaffi.

 Beth Garrod is the author of the Super Awkward series, and her new book Take a Chance on Me is the perfect rom-com to read on your summer holiday. By turns relatably awkward and achingly romantic, Beth is one of the best authors writing about British teenage girls. 

 Simon James Green is back with a brand new LGBT rom-com Alex in Wonderland. Set at a seaside amusement arcade, Alex in Wonderland is packed full of Simon’s distinctive brand of mayhem and hilarity. 

Laura Wood’s Under a Dancing Star is a dreamy summer romance set to make you swoon.  If you fell for 2018 YA sensation A Sky Painted Gold, you are bound to fall head over heels for this love story set in 1930s Tuscany. 

Purchase one of these books and receive a beach ready goody bag including summer treats. 

Exclusive: Copies of Take a Chance on Me and Under a Dancing Star will be available before official publication in July.

Website: https://www.waterstones.com/events/summer-of-ya-love-with-beth-garrod-simon-james-green-and-laura-wood/london-piccadilly