Description

Book Synopsis

A heart-warming and thought-provoking story of family, friendship and foodbanks, from an award-winning author well-known for his gritty realism for teens.

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. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+



Trade Review

"Funny and thought-provoking … An enjoyable and easy read with a strong storyline and great characterisation" – Children's Books Ireland

"A belting read that romps along at a fair old pace and will keep the most reluctant reader turning the pages" – The Letterpress Project

"Bali Rai is one of those writers who never fails to excite and get his readers thinking … Love, love, love this book. It makes plain the issue of modern-day poverty and the snowballing issues it creates, especially for a young person" – Novel Ideas, Blog

"Powerful … Another important book from Barrington Stoke" – School Librarian Journal

The Harder They Fall

    Product form

    £7.59

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £7.99 – you save £0.40 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 10 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Bali Rai

    5 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Harder They Fall by Bali Rai

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 11/05/2017
      ISBN13: 9781781126820, 978-1781126820
      ISBN10: 1781126828

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A heart-warming and thought-provoking story of family, friendship and foodbanks, from an award-winning author well-known for his gritty realism for teens.

      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. Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 13+



      Trade Review

      "Funny and thought-provoking … An enjoyable and easy read with a strong storyline and great characterisation" – Children's Books Ireland

      "A belting read that romps along at a fair old pace and will keep the most reluctant reader turning the pages" – The Letterpress Project

      "Bali Rai is one of those writers who never fails to excite and get his readers thinking … Love, love, love this book. It makes plain the issue of modern-day poverty and the snowballing issues it creates, especially for a young person" – Novel Ideas, Blog

      "Powerful … Another important book from Barrington Stoke" – School Librarian Journal

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account