Ashley Hickson-Lovence, a former English teacher, aims to connect with young readers through his YA verse novel, *Dead Ends* (Penguin), which unfolds over one day in a high-rise tower block. The story is narrated by 14-year-old Toby ‘Mastermind’ McKenzie, who dreams of appearing on a quiz show. Hickson-Lovence highlights a common misconception in literature that Black boys lack ambition or are prone to criminality, stating that his writing includes characters who strive for better lives.
Read More
Inspired by an image of three boys on a council estate and drawing from his upbringing in Hackney, Hickson-Lovence writes about a community rich with love and support. The novel begins with Toby and his younger brother Dré being evacuated from their home due to a threat from a neighbor holding a weapon. As they navigate their surroundings, Toby seeks to understand the situation and offer help, reflecting an incident involving an armed siege in Bedford in November 2022.
Community is a central theme in *Dead Ends*, as Hickson-Lovence aims to challenge stereotypes and promote discussions on mental health. He emphasizes the importance of compassion, believing that individuals facing challenges may need support rather than punishment. "We have to as a society step up a little bit… I really just want us to be kinder," he remarked.
The book addresses tough themes, including grief, crime, and police brutality, with an underlying hopefulness. Hickson-Lovence notes that while hardship is an essential part of life, stories for young adults should also be heartwarming. The relationship between Toby and Dré, as well as a friendship with classmate Tayo, brings lightness to the narrative.
In crafting *Dead Ends*, Hickson-Lovence cites inspirations from poet Matt Goodfellow and authors Henry Hoke and Max Porter, appreciating the intersection of poetry and storytelling. He continues to refine the manuscript for its auditory quality, underscoring the significance of word choice.
Having previously taught English and witnessed many students — particularly boys — disengaged from reading, Hickson-Lovence aspired to create works that appealed to those who see literature as uninteresting. He incorporates elements like short chapters and illustrations by Kingsley Nebechi to attract reluctant readers.
Hickson-Lovence believes the decline in youth reading is widespread and not limited to boys. While technology plays a role, he acknowledges that diversity in literature could enhance engagement. He stresses the need for a broader curriculum that includes a variety of characters that resonate with today's young audiences.
After his debut novel, *Wild East*, won the YA Diverse Book Award for 2025, he envisions publishing ten books in the next decade before returning to teaching. "I love working with young people and I love helping people know that they have a voice," he said. As for *Dead Ends*, Hickson-Lovence hopes it will reach its intended audience, particularly boys and young men of color, aiming to inspire a love for reading and foster meaningful conversations about identity and community.