The Harder They Fall

by Bali Rai

Cal's family are proud to live in an 'analogue' world - no wifi in their house , just an ancient black-and-white TV. At school, Cal has no choice but to live in the 21st century, coping with a range of bullies and chancers on a daily basis. When Cal's mum decides to 'rebalance' the family with a stint as volunteers at a local foodbank, Cal inadvertently discovers new kid Jacob's secret, and Jacob flips

Genres: Young Adult

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Bali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails Sue Townsend, Douglas Adams and Robert Swindells as his writing heroes. Bali grew up reading Dr Seuss and Meg and Mog and his first book purchase was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.

Bali writes stories inspired by his working class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. His has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often a overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.

His first book, (un)arranged marriage, created a huge amount of interest and won many awards, including the Angus Book Award and the Leicester Book of the Year. It was also shortlisted for the prestigious Branford Boase first novel award. Rani and Sukh and The Whisper were both shortlisted for the Booktrust Teenage Prize.

All of Bali’s teen titles have been short-listed for awards across the UK, including twice making the Booktrust Teenage Prize shortlist. His third novel Rani and Sukh has represented the UK at the International IBBY awards and this title has its own Facebook tribute group set up by fans. Bali’s first three novels appear in The Ultimate Teenage Book Guide. Bali also writes shorter novels for Barrington Stoke, his first book, Dream On, was selected for the Booktrust’s inaugural Booked Up list. He also writes the hugely popular Soccer Squad series for younger readers.

Reviews

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cal is best friends with Freya but when new boy Jacob joins the school, the pair try to help him by taking him into their group.



However, Jacob kicks up a lot and reacts after suffering loss and dealing with his mum's situation as they live off benefits and has to take all the bullying for it too as people judge him like he assumes Cal would for seeing him at the foodbank.



Myles and Anu are the school bullies and pick on Jacob seeing his weakness so as they make him feel unwelcome and shows how bullying can be based off such harsh ways of life and living he has some true good friends who gain his trust and help him to be himself unapologetically.



Jacob is a typical hard low income estate kid like we hear about in the news sometimes and in this book we see how bullying can become harsh against someone purely because of how they live and what they have as well as the friends they hang around with too. Totally realistic and shows the harsh realities of bullying within a school.

[Kalwinder Dhindsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book for my 8 year old daughter to read. However, before I handed it over to her I decided to read it myself. I've read a few Bali Rai books over the years so I knew what to expect.

I was not disappointed. Once again Bali has a message to tell his audience and he has revealed it in a very engaging manner. This story perfectly reflects the times we live in seen through the eyes of young children.

It covers a number of issues such as poverty, mental health and bullying.

I'm sure my daughter will enjoy this book too.

[Catherine Pinkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I am not the target audience, I really enjoyed this book. It certainly packs a punch for just over 100 pages. It is current and relevant in today's society and in accessible language for young teens. It highlights poverty, underprivileged families, bullying, grief and the importance of friendship and never giving up hope.

[Rach (pagesofpiper) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a good story backed up by real facts about Britain's poverty. This story is about bullying, friendship, loss and choosing to be kind. The adults were really good characters too. It reminded me a little bit of Orbiting Jupiter.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this, will be encourage the students to read this!

[Andy Thorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little children's book dealing with some big issues. Bullying, poverty, grief and friendship are key themes discussed sensitively and honestly during an engaging well-paced story.

[Kulturens Hjältar]

Huvudpersonen Cal har just inga kompisar. Ny kille börjar i klassen, är hård utanpå. En dag när Cal hjälper till på ett härbärge ser Cal den nya killen.
Kan funka för åk 5-6 också.

[Jaq · Rating 3 out of 5]

A coming of age, and a finding your tribe book.

[Asher · Rating 3 out of 5]

read it in one sitting, it was alright not the best book ive read but it was pretty good!! good to get out of a reading slump tbh

[sonataiscool · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet book :)

[Miss Wilson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Storyline covers bullying, loss, poverty, food banks, keeping secrets and friendship.