Craigson

Celebrating young talent: Book launch at Shire Hall – 17 February 2026

Gloucestershire County Council’s Fostering Service was proud to be host a book launch at Shire Hall this February, celebrating the remarkable achievement of a young person in Kin ship care who has written and published their debut novel at just 17 years old. 

The event marks the launch of Deepfaded, a psychological thriller and coming of age story written by Craigson Palmer. The launch provides an opportunity for colleagues to come together to recognise this achievement, meet the author, and celebrate the potential of children in care across Gloucestershire.

Craigson’s social worker, Bharath Kumar, says, “Seeing Craigson grow in confidence and achieve something as wonderful as publishing a book has been a true honour in my social work career. His journey shows how powerful nurturing, belief and steady support can be in a young person's life. The fact that he is donating all of his earnings to a women's aid charity speaks to how kind, thoughtful and special he is. I hope his story reaches other young people who need a reminder that their dreams are worth chasing.”

Supporting aspiration through fostering
The book launch reflects the Fostering Service’s commitment to championing the talents, creativity and aspirations of children and young people in care. Writing and publishing a novel at such a young age is an extraordinary accomplishment and highlights what can be achieved when young people are supported to pursue their passions. 

Tammy Wheatley, Head of Service for Fostering says, “Craigson’s journey as a young author is a powerful reminder of what children in care can achieve when they are encouraged, believed in and given the space to thrive. Hosting this launch at Shire Hall is a proud moment for our fostering service and a celebration of young people’s voices and talent.”

Watch a short film about the book launch

Notes on the novel:

A powerful debut novel. Deepfaded follows autistic teenager, Tancan, navigating life five years after the loss of his mother. When he meets Taylor, the pair form a bond rooted in trust, shared anxiety and resilience. A psychological thriller blended with a deeply human coming-of-age story, the novel offers a thoughtful exploration of mental health, loss and feminism through the voices of two young people finding their way in a world that often misunderstands them.