Carnegie Medal winning author Anthony McGowan weaves a bleakly poetic tale about one boy’s determination to save a badger cub from the destructive hands of a local gang. Life’s not easy for Nicky. His mum’s gone, his dad’s on bail and his brother Kenny needs looking after all the time.

When Kenny drags Nicky out of bed one dark morning, Nicky has no idea that he is about to witness a terrible act of destruction and the senseless killing of an innocent animal. But Nicky manages to save something precious from the disaster, and his and Kenny’s lives are changed for ever … Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 9.

• Format: Paperback
• Dimensions: approx. 198 × 131 × 11 mm (202 g)
• ISBN‑13: 978‑0‑00‑873903‑4
• Publisher: Barrington Stoke (HarperCollins)
• Age range: interest age 11+; reading age approx 9.
• Series: “The Truth of Things” Book 1
• Accessibility features: Designed for reluctant, dyslexic or emerging readers with a streamlined narrative and accessible layout.

Q: Is this book dyslexia‑friendly?

A: Yes — it is published by Barrington Stoke, a specialist imprint offering accessible layout, typeface and design for readers with literacy difficulties.

Q: What is the appropriate reading age?

A: The book is suited to readers aged 11+ with an approximate reading age of 9 — meaning older readers who struggle or reluctant readers can also engage with it.

Q: What is the story about?

A: It follows Nicky and his brother Kenny in their difficult circumstances; when Nicky witnesses the destruction of a badger set, he tries to protect a cub — and their lives are changed as they face danger, responsibility and survival.

Q: Is this a standalone book?

A: It’s the first book in the series “The Truth of Things,” but can be enjoyed on its own. The broader series follows similar themes with the same characters.

Q: Will this appeal to older readers or mainly children?

A: While targeted at interest age 11+, the themes and writing style are strong and meaningful — it can resonate with older teens or adults seeking concise, impactful reads. It’s especially useful for reluctant or struggling readers.