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The Truth of Things
Life is tough for Nicky and his brother Kenny. Money is tight at home, they often run into trouble with local bullies, and Dad's had a lot on his plate since Mum left when they were little. With only each other for support, Nicky and Kenny wind up on unpredictable adventures that will change their lives in unexpected ways. A deftly handled exploration of modern poverty, the highs and lows of adolescence, and life with learning difficulties, this is a novel for every reader.
- GenresFictionYoung Adult
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2019
4 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Anthony McGowan
88 books83 followersAnthony John McGowan is an English author of books for children, teenagers and adults. He is the winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark. In addition to his 2020 win, he has been twice longlisted (for The Knife That Killed Me in 2008 and Brock in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and is the winner of the 2006 Booktrust Teenage Prize for Henry Tumour.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 15, 2020
The Truth of Things collects together the first three stories (Brock, Pike and Rook) that centre around the lives of two teenage boys, Nicky and Kenny. Growing up within a single-parent household (throughout most of the three books)proves a struggle for the boys and their father. Mum is not around anymore and shows a limited interest in her sons whilst dad confronts a bleak past. Without a job and drawn to drink, life in small-town Yorkshire for all three is tough; each in their own way. Throughout Brock dad spends much of his time, a shadow of a man but an incident that dredges up his past becomes an awakening of sorts.
Brock sees the boys cajoled by the local tough-lads to become involved in baiting a family of badgers out of their set so that their dogs can attack them. However, these older boys underestimate the strength of a badger and their dogs leave the worse for wear. Kenny, Nicky’s older brother who is very much a foil of Of Mice and Men's Lenny, not only manages to save a cub but one of the injured dogs too which had been left for dead by its owner. Events unravel and Nicky and Kenny's father becomes involved. His dark past is dredged up and he must make a choice that will leave him either keeping or losing his boys to the authorities. Brock ends with a deep sense of future healing in which all three men in the household must forgive themselves of pasts that have long tied them down.
Pike follows on and sees our constant narrator, Nicky, discover a gold Rolex in the local lake when he goes fishing with his brother. However fear strikes Nicky’s heart when he sees that the watch itself is attached to an arm. Again, the boys are confronted by the local bully whose father seems to have mysteriously disappeared. As with all of McGowan’s stories here, the text is concise yet deeply powerful and will resonate with all readers.
Rook is the final tale in this collection but the penultimate in the boys’ current story. With the bullies ‘almost’ sorted as well as dad’s dark past, the story begins with a sense of hope. Dad has tentatively begun a new relationship and the plot finds the time and space to turn to another theme: new and first loves.
Having moved into Year 9, Nicky begins to fall for Sarah Stanhope but there is a problem with this blossoming relationship. She happens to be the sister of another set of bullies that Nicky has had run-ins with.
Much like Chambers’ Topliners series of books, McGowan harks back to those late-seventies early-eighties youth literature that tried to fill a much-needed gap to tell those ‘working class’ stories. There is something raw and wholesome about Nicky who could have so easily turned out to be a bully but whose love and passion for his brother ensures that he will always be on the right side of the angels. These books are extremely special and although best suited to KS3 are ones I would implore anyone to read.
As with all Barrington Stoke’s books, the presentation is dyslexia-friendly and McGowan’s sparse yet deft text and short chapters means that this is high quality writing for everyone.
Brock sees the boys cajoled by the local tough-lads to become involved in baiting a family of badgers out of their set so that their dogs can attack them. However, these older boys underestimate the strength of a badger and their dogs leave the worse for wear. Kenny, Nicky’s older brother who is very much a foil of Of Mice and Men's Lenny, not only manages to save a cub but one of the injured dogs too which had been left for dead by its owner. Events unravel and Nicky and Kenny's father becomes involved. His dark past is dredged up and he must make a choice that will leave him either keeping or losing his boys to the authorities. Brock ends with a deep sense of future healing in which all three men in the household must forgive themselves of pasts that have long tied them down.
Pike follows on and sees our constant narrator, Nicky, discover a gold Rolex in the local lake when he goes fishing with his brother. However fear strikes Nicky’s heart when he sees that the watch itself is attached to an arm. Again, the boys are confronted by the local bully whose father seems to have mysteriously disappeared. As with all of McGowan’s stories here, the text is concise yet deeply powerful and will resonate with all readers.
Rook is the final tale in this collection but the penultimate in the boys’ current story. With the bullies ‘almost’ sorted as well as dad’s dark past, the story begins with a sense of hope. Dad has tentatively begun a new relationship and the plot finds the time and space to turn to another theme: new and first loves.
Having moved into Year 9, Nicky begins to fall for Sarah Stanhope but there is a problem with this blossoming relationship. She happens to be the sister of another set of bullies that Nicky has had run-ins with.
Much like Chambers’ Topliners series of books, McGowan harks back to those late-seventies early-eighties youth literature that tried to fill a much-needed gap to tell those ‘working class’ stories. There is something raw and wholesome about Nicky who could have so easily turned out to be a bully but whose love and passion for his brother ensures that he will always be on the right side of the angels. These books are extremely special and although best suited to KS3 are ones I would implore anyone to read.
As with all Barrington Stoke’s books, the presentation is dyslexia-friendly and McGowan’s sparse yet deft text and short chapters means that this is high quality writing for everyone.
May 24, 2021
I read Lark as part of a Children’s Literature module with the Open University and loved it so decided to read the 3 prequels which are combined in this book. McGowan writes in a wonderfully accessible way and his characterisations of Nicky & Kenny make them come alive on the page. The stories are short and easy to read but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable or engaging. Even though the books are for teenagers they’re still a great read for any age & they’re some of the best book I’ve read for a long time
April 25, 2022
Simply and endearingly written while still broaching deeper themes; family, love, perspective, growing up. I appreciated the target audience - 'particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+', as I would imagine it would be difficult for older children who struggle with reading to find books that fit their increasing maturity but are not difficult to read. There are such beautiful pieces of description and poignant reflections by Nicky on the nature of family. The writing style, segmentation into three stories and warmth of the narrative made for an easy thoroughly enjoyable read.
April 8, 2022
This was so ... real.
This is a collection of short stories, based around the lives of 2 boys growing up in a working class home in the Yorkshire dales, over I believe to be 4 years. Nick helps care for his older brother Kenny who has learning difficulties, along with their single father who starts of unemployed with a drinking habit and perhaps mental illness, such as depression. Its so real and heart warming and a little sad to watch these boys go through life as they do, Nick and Kennys relationship is so beautiful, I couldnt help but smile with all their interactions. This was such a suprising and delightful read and made me feel nostalgic for childhood.
Features: Poverty, bullying, animal abuse, mental illness.
This is a collection of short stories, based around the lives of 2 boys growing up in a working class home in the Yorkshire dales, over I believe to be 4 years. Nick helps care for his older brother Kenny who has learning difficulties, along with their single father who starts of unemployed with a drinking habit and perhaps mental illness, such as depression. Its so real and heart warming and a little sad to watch these boys go through life as they do, Nick and Kennys relationship is so beautiful, I couldnt help but smile with all their interactions. This was such a suprising and delightful read and made me feel nostalgic for childhood.
Features: Poverty, bullying, animal abuse, mental illness.
March 11, 2020
This book is made up of three short stories following the hectic lives of two brothers - one of whom has learning difficulties - who embark on adventures while navigating through their poverty-stricken adolescence. It’s clearly a children’s book but the language and prose is still of a decent level and although the three stories are basic I still found them enjoyable.
January 12, 2024
Brock
Nick & Kenny live with their dad, and life is rough. With Mum gone and Dad looking as if he's given up on the world, the brothers are close. Kenny is older but Nicky looks out for his happy-go-lucky 'simple' big brother. Nicky doesn't really like this label but it's better than using the words 'difficulties' or 'disabilities'.
Kenny gets in strife every now and then, as he's easily led by others. This time, local trouble-magnets, Jezbo, Rob and Rich are out to hunt badgers and Kenny has been sucked into their plan. When Nicky learns where Kenny is going and with who, he knows there is going to be trouble.
Nicky is drawn into saving badgers, a dog and their father's future - which in turn helps to head their fractured family in a hopeful direction.
Pike
Life is better for brothers Nicky & Kenny now that their father is working and his new girlfriend helps out. A man that has caused so much damage in their family is said to be far from their small town and the police's reach, but Nicky doesn't care - as long as he has gone from their lives.
One day while fishing at the local lake next to an old Bacon factory, Nicky sees something. There are stories about this lake. Tales of giant pike that will eat you if you find yourself in the water. Kenny loves these stories, especially when Nicky is telling them. Nicky is not sure what to believe about the pike, but when he is in the water trying to retrieve something Kenny lost, he sees something bright below him. He can also feel something moving.
Whether the giant pike are real or not, Nicky sees a chance at helping their dad out with a bit of money. Soon he and Kenny are back at the lake - at night - in the dark, with more than giant pike to worry about.
Rook
Nicky & Kenny's adopted dog alerts them to it. A rook is being attacked by a sparrowhawk in a field. They run after her, worried the little dog will kill the birds or they will attack her. When they reach the fight scene, a young rook lies in the dirt, bleeding but still alive. Both boys love animals and there is no question about taking it home to care for it.
Kenny admits he was so excited about the rook, he'd forgotten to tell Nicky he has a secret. He tells his brother that his best friend at his school is a famous sci fi character in disguise. Nicky scoffs and then baulks at Kenny's demand for one of his secrets. Nicky diverts his big brother as usual, because for once he does have a secret.
There is a girl at school called Sarah. Nicky can't stop thinking about her. The only problem is her brother. Stanno is part of a group of Year 10 bullies that make fun of Kenny, and lob lies about their mum. Nicky is used to it now, and can ignore it most of the time. But he knows if Stanno knew he liked his sister, they'd be more than just taunts thrown at him.
Nicky still wants to talk to Sarah though. Even go out somewhere. The more his frustration with himself grows, he begins to see things that never bothered him before. His cheap haircut, his shabby clothes, and the fact that he's the only one he knows without a cellphone. Suddenly these things are important and he knows he can't do anything about it. His anger builds until he lashes out at the people who least deserve it. Has he ruined everything? His hopes with Sarah? His relationship with Dad and Kenny? Maybe even his entire future?
After reading the final book in this series - Lark (after it won the Carnegie Medal in 2020), I knew I had to read the first three books about teenage brothers Kenny and Nicky. When I discovered this bind-up of all three stories, I was excited to dive in. I wasn't disappointed.
Anthony McGowan's skill in putting so much into every page, bringing these teen boys to life and making them so believable - in a style effortlessly readable and enjoyable, is wondrous. With every story, I felt I got to know these brothers more and more. Nicky is telling the story, and his love for his big but 'simple' big brother shines off the page. Even when he was lashing out at the injustices he felt as he falls for a girl, I felt for Nicky.
Showing teen boys caring for animals, particularly after other teens have hurt them, is wonderful to see, as is the unwavering loyalty between siblings. There is a gradual growth of the brothers and their fractured family through the stories, leading them to a better and more settled life. The shadow of the missing mother forever in the background, adds intrigue and sadness, but if you want to know more about this relationship, you have to read Lark.
Perfect for dyslexic or reluctant readers too, and each story is complete within itself.
Absolutely loved them.
Age - 12+
Dyslexic Title
Nick & Kenny live with their dad, and life is rough. With Mum gone and Dad looking as if he's given up on the world, the brothers are close. Kenny is older but Nicky looks out for his happy-go-lucky 'simple' big brother. Nicky doesn't really like this label but it's better than using the words 'difficulties' or 'disabilities'.
Kenny gets in strife every now and then, as he's easily led by others. This time, local trouble-magnets, Jezbo, Rob and Rich are out to hunt badgers and Kenny has been sucked into their plan. When Nicky learns where Kenny is going and with who, he knows there is going to be trouble.
Nicky is drawn into saving badgers, a dog and their father's future - which in turn helps to head their fractured family in a hopeful direction.
Pike
Life is better for brothers Nicky & Kenny now that their father is working and his new girlfriend helps out. A man that has caused so much damage in their family is said to be far from their small town and the police's reach, but Nicky doesn't care - as long as he has gone from their lives.
One day while fishing at the local lake next to an old Bacon factory, Nicky sees something. There are stories about this lake. Tales of giant pike that will eat you if you find yourself in the water. Kenny loves these stories, especially when Nicky is telling them. Nicky is not sure what to believe about the pike, but when he is in the water trying to retrieve something Kenny lost, he sees something bright below him. He can also feel something moving.
Whether the giant pike are real or not, Nicky sees a chance at helping their dad out with a bit of money. Soon he and Kenny are back at the lake - at night - in the dark, with more than giant pike to worry about.
Rook
Nicky & Kenny's adopted dog alerts them to it. A rook is being attacked by a sparrowhawk in a field. They run after her, worried the little dog will kill the birds or they will attack her. When they reach the fight scene, a young rook lies in the dirt, bleeding but still alive. Both boys love animals and there is no question about taking it home to care for it.
Kenny admits he was so excited about the rook, he'd forgotten to tell Nicky he has a secret. He tells his brother that his best friend at his school is a famous sci fi character in disguise. Nicky scoffs and then baulks at Kenny's demand for one of his secrets. Nicky diverts his big brother as usual, because for once he does have a secret.
There is a girl at school called Sarah. Nicky can't stop thinking about her. The only problem is her brother. Stanno is part of a group of Year 10 bullies that make fun of Kenny, and lob lies about their mum. Nicky is used to it now, and can ignore it most of the time. But he knows if Stanno knew he liked his sister, they'd be more than just taunts thrown at him.
Nicky still wants to talk to Sarah though. Even go out somewhere. The more his frustration with himself grows, he begins to see things that never bothered him before. His cheap haircut, his shabby clothes, and the fact that he's the only one he knows without a cellphone. Suddenly these things are important and he knows he can't do anything about it. His anger builds until he lashes out at the people who least deserve it. Has he ruined everything? His hopes with Sarah? His relationship with Dad and Kenny? Maybe even his entire future?
After reading the final book in this series - Lark (after it won the Carnegie Medal in 2020), I knew I had to read the first three books about teenage brothers Kenny and Nicky. When I discovered this bind-up of all three stories, I was excited to dive in. I wasn't disappointed.
Anthony McGowan's skill in putting so much into every page, bringing these teen boys to life and making them so believable - in a style effortlessly readable and enjoyable, is wondrous. With every story, I felt I got to know these brothers more and more. Nicky is telling the story, and his love for his big but 'simple' big brother shines off the page. Even when he was lashing out at the injustices he felt as he falls for a girl, I felt for Nicky.
Showing teen boys caring for animals, particularly after other teens have hurt them, is wonderful to see, as is the unwavering loyalty between siblings. There is a gradual growth of the brothers and their fractured family through the stories, leading them to a better and more settled life. The shadow of the missing mother forever in the background, adds intrigue and sadness, but if you want to know more about this relationship, you have to read Lark.
Perfect for dyslexic or reluctant readers too, and each story is complete within itself.
Absolutely loved them.
Age - 12+
Dyslexic Title
December 24, 2024
"The Truth of Things" by Anthony McGowan is a heartfelt and beautifully written collection of stories about two brothers, Nicky and Kenny, navigating life’s challenges. With themes of family, resilience, and the healing power of nature, McGowan captures raw emotions in a simple, impactful way. The relationship between the brothers is touching and authentic, with Kenny’s innocence shining as a source of hope. Perfect for both young and adult readers, this book is an accessible, moving, and unforgettable read.
one of my favorite, truly comforting.
one of my favorite, truly comforting.
April 1, 2023
A great book that compellingly showed the healing power of nature.
February 13, 2025
this book was alright. there was 3 stories with same characters. bit boring and childish if you ask me but wasn’t that bad.
August 27, 2025
There’s not much around for less motivated young readers that really has a stamp of authenticity….but this really does.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews