The Fall

Two’s company.

Three’s a crowd.

One has got to go.

A dark, rebellious read for the reluctant reader.

Interest age 14+, Reading age 4th grade. Mog isn’t one of the popular crowd, but at least he manages to get by without being troubled much by the bullies, mainly because Chris has chosen to be his friend. Chris is cool, smart, and kind-natured. When Duffy, the least popular boy in the school, starts trying to hang out with them, Chris is happy to let him join. Mog, on the other hand, finds himself racked with jealousy and contempt. He decides to teach Duffy a lesson. But when he tricks Duffy into falling in The Beck, the rancid stream behind the school, Mog has no idea how far the ripples will spread…

This terrifically taut and short novel is targeted for reluctant/struggling readers or children with dyslexia. The interest level is aged 14 and up, while it is at a 4th grade reading level.

“From the start The Fall is obviously a denser book than most Barrington Stoke titles; no pictures, more words on a page and a harder use of language. By page five we have read about death, bullying and young offenders. By then end of chapter one I was thoroughly depressed and things do not get improve as the story progresses. This bleakness isn't a problem, the book is hugely relevant. I read it during the Summer 2011 riots, and it got to the centre of society's issues better than most media coverage I have seen. Dealing with the causes of young people's lack of morality and angst. Mog, the narrator, has a poetic streak that is at odds with the tale he tells. There are flashes of brightness amongst the gloom; "like the colour turned into a feeling".

–Richard Hanks, Amazon.co.uk review