We Could Be Something
Allen & Unwin 2023
Harvey’s dads are splitting up. It’s been on the cards for a while, but it’s still sudden. Woken-by-his-father-to-catch-a-red-eye sudden. For the foreseeable future, he’s living on top of a cafe with the extended Greek family he barely knows.
Sotiris is on the up. He’s achieved his dream, a novel released at seventeen. It isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, and then a cute, wise-cracking bookseller named Jem upends his life.
Harvey’s and Sotiris’s stories converge on the same street in Darlinghurst, in this beautifully heartfelt novel about how our dreams shape us, and what they cost us.
An emotional rollercoaster of a novel about two young men — part coming-out story, part falling-in-love story, part falling-apart story.
WINNER: Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Young Adult Literature Prize 2024
Better Reading Top 50 Kids’ Books 2023
Angus and Robertson Bookworld Best Books of 2023, Young Adult
Booktopia Best Books of 2023, Young Adult
Booktopia FAB Award 2023, Nominee
Indie Book Awards, Young Adult Longlist 2023
Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards, Writing For Young Adults Shortlist 2024
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers Notable Book 2024
New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature Shortlist 2024
Queensland Literary Awards, Young Adult Book Award Shortlist 2024
“The enormous heart of We Could Be Something beats with a rare, thrilling authenticity. Every funny, smart, tough word of it rings true. I loved this book.” Patrick Ness, bestselling author of A Monster Calls and the Chaos Walking series
“17-year-olds Harvey and Sotiris both live in Sydney’s Darlinghurst and are trying to find their paths in life under difficult circumstances. Subtly and skilfully, Kostakis shows the reader differences and resemblances between the inner and outer worlds of the two young men.
Kostakis has achieved a new level of excellence with this novel, capturing both characters with crisp, clear prose, layered with meaning and pathos. Brimming with raw emotion and truth, We Could Be Something contains vivid descriptions of the Darlinghurst and Kings Cross area of Sydney, and of Greek-Australian culture, intergenerational living, and Australia’s LGBTQI evolving communities.
Kostakis writes with authenticity and insight about a teen novelist having his ego and creative spirit crushed when his first novel falters. The novel’s bittersweet conclusion avoids cliche and leaves the reader with something far more complex, realistic and lingering than a tidy ending. Kostakis balances the reader’s desire for satisfaction with this story’s demand for authenticity with enviable skill.
This is a powerful novel with universal appeal, imbued with heart and wit, told with control and maturity.” Judges’ Report, Prime Minister’s Literary Awards
“An engaging and unexpected tale of isolation, the meaning of family, and finding your way back to yourself. The dual voices and array of complex themes in We Could be Something are skilfully handled throughout. An exploration of wider family dynamics within a fracturing moment, it is beautifully balanced, touching and a little heartbreaking.” Judges’ Report, Queensland Literary Awards
“The striking narratives of … two very different boys are effortlessly woven to form a rich tapestry of a novel that explores queer identity, cultural intersection and the many different forms of love. We Could Be Something is a literary triumph deftly executed and perfectly pitched to its young audience. Will Kostakis is a master of his craft and takes the reader on an emotional journey with lyrical turns of phrase and heart-rending scenes. The voices of the two young narrators are authentically drawn and come alive against the vibrant setting, while their respective families provide a chaotically familiar dynamic that allows for the boys’ stories of self-discovery to shine through.” Judges’ Report, New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards
“Keenly observant, Kostakis has written a witty, fast-paced coming-of-age novel. With chapters narrated by alternate protagonists, their stylistic approach is highly engaging. Dialogue is employed to great effect, establishing two distinct and authentic character voices. Weaving pathos and humour together, Kostakis explores the subject matter of Greek culture, queerness and identity with heart and honest pragmatism.” Judges’ Report, Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards
“A nuanced exploration of family, relationships, writing and finding your way. This novel is a discovery of family, culture, and identity. Young Harvey is coming to terms with his parents’ fractured relationship, whilst also settling into a new city, exploring his sexuality, and discovering what his future holds. Segmented into two storylines that parallel the stories and paths of father and son, the two weave together to reveal the similarities and differences as both characters find themselves at pivotal points in their life. The language differentiates the two story lines, and the setting of the family café evokes a strong sense of place, capturing culture and the Greek-Australian heritage, as well as the nostalgia of lost youth and new pathways. Absorbing and timely, this will appeal to the middle to upper end of the young adult readership.” Judges’ Report, CBCA Book of the Year
“Will Kostakis’ We Could Be Something combines romance, grief, coming-out story, and the domestic dramedy of an extended Greek family to produce a queer YA novel full of heart and humour.” Cameron Woodhead and Steven Carroll, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“A deft twist reveals an engaging, warm-hearted drama that traverses generations. From queer identity and family entanglements to the fickle machinations of the publishing industry, Kostakis shares the emotional heart of relationships with skill and a tender show of vulnerability.” Frances Atkinson, THE AGE
“A big-hearted queer YA novel.” Gemma Nisbet, THE WEST AUSTRALIAN
“This has always been Kostakis’s gift, the ability to drag you – almost before you realise – into the emotional heart of the story, so you recognise each character’s truth in your own life, and ache and laugh and cry along with them. As gifts go, it’s not a bad one for an author to have.” Ellie Marney, THE SATURDAY PAPER
“Vivid and exquisitely written… Kostakis weaves a sparkling tale of hardship, heartbreak, identity and the universal struggle of finding your footing in the world.” Brenton Cullen, BOOKS+PUBLISHING
“Kostakis is a gifted writer, as evidenced in this excellent novel. He is especially good at characterization; both Harvey and Sotiris are complex, fully developed, and highly empathetic characters, which is why the novel leaves readers wanting more, wanting to know about what happens to Harvey and Sotiris beyond their respective stories’ endings.” Michael Cart, BOOKLIST
“Funny and poignant by turns… We Could be Something deals sympathetically with the emotional turmoil felt by many young people; self-acceptance and family reactions to coming out, cross-cultural and intergenerational demands and expectations, responsibilities and responses to family members’ aging.” Margaret Crohn, READPLUS
“This book walloped me in the best ways. Humour and heart that I already knew Will could do, but a reckoning and sharing on the page that’s so generous and tender from him as an artist.” Danielle Binks, ALPHA READER
“Kostakis has written one of the most powerful narratives I’ve read in a long time.” Dion McLeod, QBD BOOKS
“There is no doubt that Will Kostakis is one of Australia’s leading writers for young adults — and this is, I think, his best work to date.” Paul Macdonald, THE CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP
“The storytelling has the degree of complexity and maturity you’d expect in an adult literary novel… We Could Be Something is a truly special novel, exploring Greek culture, queerness, the writing industry, but most importantly family and the love that binds it.” Joe Murray, READINGS
“We Could Be Something is truly one of a kind. Whether you look at it as a heartfelt, intergenerational story about a Greek family, or as two queer kids coming of age in different eras of Sydney, the result is the same — you finish Will Kostakis’ novel with a new perspective, and that’s what makes this book so wonderful. There’s no happy ending per say, but it doesn’t need one, as the finale is truly impactful and perfectly written to close this chapter of Harvey and Sotiris’ lives. A must read!” Molly, BERKELOUW BOOKS
“Beautifully written.” Ben, LAMONT BOOKS
The Greatest Hit
Lothian Children’s Books 2020
Not currently available
When people look at Tessa, all they see is her biggest mistake.
While everyone else her age is taking their bold first steps into adulthood, Tessa’s trying to outrun a song that went viral when she was fourteen.
But then a media opportunity gives her the chance to right a wrong and the courage to sing her greatest hit as it was originally written. Will it be enough to win back the person she hurt?
An exclusive story for AUSTRALIA READS from one of Australia’s leading YA writers.
Rebel Gods
Lothian Children’s Books 2020
“This is our moment. We have to meet it.”
With the Monuments gone, newbie gods Connor, Sally and Locky must stop the rebel gods from reducing the world to ruin. Trouble is, they don’t know how. While Sally searches for answers and Locky makes plans to change the world, Connor struggles to keep up appearances as an ordinary teenager.
But when a rebel god offers them a deal to end the chaos, their lives are turned upside down and they’re forced to reckon with the question: who should decide the fate of the world?
Rebel Gods is the action-packed sequel to Monuments, a Children’s Book Council of Australia Notable Book 2020.
“Wow it was good.” Bailey White, HERALD SUN
“Will Kostakis keeps writing YA stories that win awards and hearts. His books offer a satisfying combination of adventure, romance and humour that stands out against the tide of dark YA stories while still recognising important issues. More power to him.” Clare Rhoden, AUREALIS
“Will Kostakis is a champion for increased diversity in children’s literature, to ensure that today’s teens see themselves reflected in what they read. Rebel Gods delivers on this and satisfies the reader’s desire for a credible end to the saga. The conclusion is a fitting end to this fantastic story. I would recommend this book for readers 12+.” BETTER READING
“Romance! Ethics! To murder or not to murder! … Rebel Gods has it all.” Nalini Haynes, DARK MATTER ZINE
“Rebel Gods is the action-packed and emotional finale to the Monuments duology. Starting with a bang, right where Monuments left off, it really does not disappoint!” Louise Nice, THE NERD DAILY
Monuments
Lothian Children’s Books, 2019
“They built the world, now we have the power to change it.”
All sixteen-year-old Connor wants is his ex-best friend back in his life. That is until he stumbles across a trapdoor to a secret chamber under his school, and finds himself dangling upside-down from the ceiling. But that’s mostly Sally’s fault. When the mysterious trespasser invites Connor to join her on the search for ancient gods, it’s a distraction too good to refuse.
Together with a new friend, Locky, they must find the Monuments – gods who have been hidden for generations to protect humans from a powerful evil. The thing is, the Monuments need protecting too, and Connor isn’t sure who, himself included, can be trusted with the knowledge and power of the gods.
The first book in an exciting new series from bestselling author Will Kostakis.
Indie Book Awards, Young Adult Shortlist 2020
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers Notable Book 2020
“What Kostakis brings to this weighty premise is his authentic voice, wit and heart − it is like nothing else you will read this year.” Mischa Parkee, BOOKS+PUBLISHING
“Monuments is page-turning adventure fiction peppered with humour, romance and high-stakes dramatic reversals that should leave its target audience hungry for more.” Cameron Woodhead, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“Monuments is the epic adventure today’s teenagers deserve.” Emily Booth, DYMOCKS
“The first book in this new series is as notable and ambitious as its title implies. It is a fast-moving drama, with a cast of capable, yet unintentional hero(ine)s compelled to step beyond the limitations of their humanity and fight for a better world. A drama well-seasoned with a flourish of romantic love, a side of comic relief and a good serving of moral fibre.” Natalie Platten, READINGS
“Wrapped up in this action-packed urban fantasy, Monuments delivers subtle commentary on power and influence. Having been thrust into the world of gods and Monuments, Connor must confront who he really is and what he stands for. Ignoring stereotypical YA representations, Kostakis has created authentic diverse characters. They grapple with real-life issues such as the loss of a friendship, the joy and nervousness of new relationships, and the ever-important issues of identity and belonging. Connor is equal parts witty, awkward and heroic. His blossoming relationship with Locky is sweet and adds a tenderness to the otherwise excitement-fuelled adventure.” Fiona Miller-Stevens, CBCA READING TIME
“Will Kostakis has blended realistic fiction, adventure and fantasy in his latest novel, and while this could result in a hideous mish mash of genre tropes, Kostakis has expertly plotted and planned and somehow he pulls off his rather ambitious plan. Monuments slips effortlessly between contemporary Sydney and the lives of ancient beings and while in some ways this seems a departure from ‘the Will Kostakis we know and love’, his whip-smart wit shines through as always and somehow it just works.” Megan Daley, CHILDREN’S BOOKS DAILY
“Monuments is a great book to read especially for teens because it depicts issues they face from day to day in a fantasy setting. This is one book I would have in my class so students could read.” Maria Komninos, READPLUS
A Lot Of Stuff Happens
Penguin Random House Australia 2019
Not currently available
When stuff happens to Ned, Dale, Sean and Ethan at Monvale Primary, it’s just the everyday stuff.
You know, friendships, ghost stories, the school play, disappearing hamburgers, new teachers, singing monkeys and lions, the first day at school, confiscated phones, school flags made of underwear, living up to older brothers and sisters, warring dinosaurs.
Stuff that happens all the time when you’re in Year Five.
A collection of four awesome Stuff Happens books in one, from Australian favourites Adrian Beck, Andrew Daddo and Will Kostakis, and edited by Susannah McFarlane, the concept creator behind Zac Power and Go Girl!
“Highly recommended. For a tome (thick book), this collection of humorous stories set in the fictitious Monvale school and featuring overlapping characters, is a quick easy read. Four separate stories combine despite separate narrators. The great thing about continuity is learning that a minor character floating in the margins of one story . . . can have his own set of challenges and strengths when it’s his turn to tell his story. While a potentially good read-aloud to enjoy and discuss collectively, this book will have a strong appeal to middle primary students – enough to warrant extra copies.” Deborah Robins, READPLUS
Begin, End, Begin: A #LoveOzYA Anthology
HarperCollins Australia 2017, 2018
Love is never as simple as Boy Meets Girl, not for a psychic teen anyway. Nothing spoils Boy Kisses Girl quite like a vision of Girl Dumping Boy. ‘I Can See The Ending’ is a brand-new story from Will Kostakis.
‘I Can See The Ending’ appears alongside brilliantly entertaining short stories from beloved Australian young adult authors Amie Kaufman, Melissa Keil, Ellie Marney, Jaclyn Moriarty, Michael Pryor, Alice Pung, Gabrielle Tozer, Lili Wilkinson and Danielle Binks.
‘I Can See The Ending’ is also available separately as an e-book.
WINNER: Australian Book Industry Awards, Book of the Year for Older Children 2018
Aurealis Awards, Best Young Adult Short Story Shortlist 2017
Aurealis Awards, Best Science Fiction Novella Shortlist 2017
The Inky Awards, Gold Inky Shortlist 2018
“This gorgeous #LoveOzYA anthology of short stories is one of my favourite things that has happened in 2017 so far. So many amazing Australian authors. So many delightful, magical, wonderful YA stories. It’s pure heaven!” Sarah McDuling, BOOKTOPIA
The Sidekicks
Penguin Random House Australia 2016
Harlequin Teen 2017
BUY (PAPERBACK ● CD) TEACHERS’ NOTES
Ryan, Harley and Miles are very different people — the swimmer, the rebel and the nerd.
All they’ve ever had in common is Isaac, their shared best friend. When Isaac dies unexpectedly, the three boys must come to terms with their grief and the impact he had on each of their lives. In his absence, Ryan, Harley and Miles discover things about one another they never saw before.
An intricately woven story told in three parts, award-winning author Will Kostakis stuns with this heartwarming, masterfully written novel about grief, self-discovery and the connections that tie us all together.
WINNER: Angus and Robertson Bookworld Best of 2016, Young Adult
WINNER: IBBY Australia, Ena Noel Award 2018
Booktopia Best Books of 2016, Young Adult
The Sydney Morning Herald, Best Books For Younger Readers 2016
Queensland Literary Awards, Griffith University Young Adult Book Award Shortlist 2016
Indie Book Awards, Young Adult Longlist 2017
The Inky Awards, Gold Inky Longlist 2017
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers Notable Book 2017
New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards, Ethel Turner Prize for Young People’s Literature Shortlist 2017
Lambda Literary Awards, LGBTQ Children’s/Young Adult Shortlist 2018
“The Sidekicks is presented as three short novellas — one from each boy’s perspective, covering the period immediately after Isaac’s death. This structure allows Kostakis to delve into the psyches of the protagonists to reveal that each is much more than the title that defines him: The Swimmer, The Rebel, The Nerd. While each novella might be read as a complete work, it is the cumulative effect of reading them in sequence that makes the novel such a powerful statement about teen identity and male friendship. Written in a style that is conversational, witty and poignant, The Sidekicks is a sharply authentic and deeply moving novel.” Judges’ Report, New South Wales Premier’s Literary Awards
“While this is Kostakis’s American debut, his literary polish and deep understanding of teen storytelling is compelling and nuanced from the first page… A memorable experience with teens who grow to absorb tragedy and build a future on its foundation. VERDICT An excellent exploration of grief from a rising talent that belongs in all libraries serving teens.” Starred review, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
“An engrossing study of relationships, unintended consequences, and the many-nuanced similarities and differences that makes us human. Male and female readers alike will be readily drawn into each character’s unique emotional journey and the tapestry of friendship they ultimately create.” Starred review, VOYA
“A masterfully written story filled with heart, sorrow, and hope.” Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times bestselling author of Speak
“America, you are about to be introduced to the heartfelt, funny, wrenching and absolutely wonderful work of Will Kostakis. The Sidekicks will make your heart ache.” Sara Farizan, author of Tell Me Again How A Crush Should Feel
“Gutsy, ambitious, funny, sad and beautiful.” Melina Marchetta, Printz Award-winning author of On The Jellicoe Road
“The Sidekicks is a hypnotic story of friendship, loss, grief, self-discovery, and-most of all-love. Read this book. Trust me. I loved every word and you will too.” Jennifer Niven, New York Times bestselling author of All the Bright Places
“Will Kostakis has written a vibrant, engaging book about relationships, coming out, divorce and loss – and still managed to work in lots of laughs.” Frances Atkinson, THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
“The Sidekicks will punch you in the soul at least a dozen times … You will be left with a goofy smile and an emotional high that will last for days. Maybe weeks! Possibly forever!” Sarah McDuling, BOOKTOPIA
“This is a masterful tale of coming of age with three young men at once horrified at their friend’s death but also searching for who they are. Highly recommended.” Fran Knight, READPLUS
“A contemporary book, wise and worthy, it is a welcome inclusion to the Australian young-adult world. Highly recommended.” Trish Buckley, CHILDREN’S BOOK DAILY
“It makes you look at life, relationships and finding yourself in a whole new light.” LAMONT BOOKS
Stuff Happens: Sean
Penguin Random House Australia 2014
Stuff happens sometimes.
Everyday stuff.
At school, at home, with sport, with mates.
For Sean it happened starting at a new school.
Sean has just moved from WA to Monvale where his parents grew up. Sean misses his friends and wonders if he’ll ever be able to make mates as good as the ones he has left behind…
If you enjoyed Sean, check out the rest of the books in the Stuff Happens series, available now.
The First Third
Penguin Random House Australia 2013
BUY (PAPERBACK ● AUDIO) TEACHERS’ NOTES
Life is made up of three parts: in The First Third, you’re embarrassed by your family; in the second, you make a family of your own; and in the end, you just embarrass the family you’ve made.
That’s how Billy’s grandmother explains it, anyway. She’s given him her bucket list (cue embarrassment), and now, it’s his job to glue their family back together.
No pressure or anything.
Fixing his family’s not going to be easy and Billy’s not ready for change. But as he soon discovers, the first third has to end some time. And then what?
It’s a Greek tragedy waiting to happen.
A painfully funny yet poignant contemporary Australian story for young adults, The First Third is the award-winning sophomore novel from Will Kostakis.
WINNER: The Inky Awards, Gold Inky 2014
GET READING! 50 Books You Can’t Put Down 2013
ISLN (Singapore) Red Dot Book Awards, Mature Readers Longlist 2013-14
CBCA Book of the Year Awards, Older Readers Shortlist 2014
Australian Book Design Awards, Best Design YA Book Shortlist 2014
Internationale Jugendbibliothek, White Ravens 2014
Prime Minister’s Literary Awards, Young Adult Fiction Shortlist 2014
Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature, Young Adult Fiction Award Shortlist 2016
KOALA Awards, Fiction for Years 7-9 Shortlist 2017
YABBA Awards, Fiction for Years 7-9 Shortlist 2017
“The relationships in this novel are gems, funny dialogue, wonderful characters, a story told with so much heart.” Melina Marchetta, Printz Award-winning author of Looking For Alibrandi
“The First Third is a gift of a novel. It proposes to the reader that there is a lovely simplicity of the human condition if only we can take a minute to find it.” Marama Whyte, HYPABLE.COM
“The First Third has a warm, authentic voice… just the right mix of humour and affection.” Maryanne Hyde, GOOD READING MAGAZINE
“This book reads like Will Kostakis putting his heart on his sleeve and his family on the page, and the result is nothing short of magnificent.” Danielle Binks, ALPHA READER
“Filled with wonderful dialogue, engaging characters and bucket loads of humour and heart, The First Third is another fantastic YA novel from Australian author Will Kostakis.” Susan Whelan, KIDS’ BOOK REVIEW
Loathing Lola
Pan Macmillan Australia 2008
Not currently available
Fifteen-year-old Courtney Marlow didn’t exactly think it through. She thought the offer to have her life broadcast on national television was the perfect solution to her family’s financial troubles.
She was wrong.
Mackenzie Dahl, the show’s producer, promised to show Australia a real tenager. Courtney was going to be a positive role model, someone on television without a boob job and an eating disorder.
Soon, everyone wants their 15 minutes of fame via a little bit of Courtney – especially her conniving friend Katie, and her stepmother, Lola. And Courtney is just beginning to realise that ‘ordinary’ does not translate to ‘entertaining’…
Funny, smart, silly and sweet, Loathing Lola is a biting debut from then-19-year-old author Will Kostakis. It’s described as Fight Club meets Gossip Girl. We don’t know if that’s a compliment, but we’re taking it as one.
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