Jealousy drives Mog to make a terrible mistake in this tragic and gritty tale of betrayal, sparsely and finely told by a master of teen storytelling. Mog might be a loser, but he’s not as much of a loser as Duffy, poster child for victims everywhere. So he's not best pleased when Duffy tries to get in with his best mate.

Mog decides to take action, but when he lands Duffy in the beck, a rancid stream behind the school, he has no idea how far the ripples will spread … Particularly suitable for readers aged 13+ with a reading age of 7. Please note that this book contains mature content (with themes of violence and bullying) and language that some may find offensive.

• Author: Anthony McGowan
• Publisher/Imprint: Barrington Stoke
• ISBN: 978‑0‑00‑874082‑5
• Publication date: 3 July 2025
• Interest age: 13+ (Key Stage 3/4)
• Reading age: ~7 years (designed for older teens who read below age level)
• Theme/Genre: YA fiction – social realism; explores bullying, guilt, friendship, consequences.

FAQs

Q1. Is this book suitable for readers with dyslexia?

Yes — published by Barrington Stoke, with clear layout, accessible design and a specifically low reading age (~7) despite an interest age of 13+.

Q2. What age group and reading level is it aimed at?

The interest age is 13 + (secondary) but reading age is approximately 7 years, making it ideal for older readers with lower reading confidence.

Q3. What is the story about?

Mog’s friendship with Chris and his jealousy when Chris befriends Duffy leads to a moment that spirals out of control. Themes include betrayal, status, violence and the impact of one decision.

Q4. Can this be used in a school library or reading‑intervention setting?

Absolutely — with its short length, high‑interest themes and accessible format, it is well suited to secondary intervention groups, inclusive reading libraries or reluctant reader materials.

Q5. Does the accessible format make the content feel too “easy” for older teens?

No — while the reading age is low, the content and themes are age‑appropriate for 13+; the accessibility is in format and reading support, not in “baby” content.