The Truth of Things

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.

About the author

Anthony McGowan is the author of many critically acclaimed YA novels including Hellbent, Henry Tumour and The Knife that Killed Me. His Barrington Stoke titles include the Carnegie Medal shortlisted Rook and the 2020 Carnegie Medal winner Lark which the judges described as "a standalone masterpiece". 

Report

"McGowan, as one of Britain's most talented novelists, freights every word with truth and meaning" - The Times
"[Nature] provides a moment of epiphany that resounds. Simply told, yet laced with urgency, this will spellbind" - The Telegraph
"McGowan refuses to compromise on quality, substance, or the emotional challenges that he offers readers" - INIS
"An uncondescending and atmospheric novella" - CBI
"This is a book about raw courage, which can be both heart-breaking and uplifting ... The characters in this book are so genuine, I feel as if I know them" - The Bookbag

Product details

• Authors: Anthony McGowan, McGowan Anthony
• Assisted by: Staffan Gnosspelius (Illustration), Gnosspelius Staffan (Illustration)
• Publisher: Collins Learning
• Languages: English
• Age Recommendation: from age 11
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 01.03.2025
• EAN: 9780008739034
• ISBN: 978-0-00-873903-4
• Dimensions: 129 mm x 198 mm x 14 mm
• Weight: 203 g
• Series: The Truth of Things
• Subjects: Children's and young people's books; JUVENILE FICTION / General, YOUNG ADULT FICTION / General, General fiction (Children's / Teenage), For reluctant or struggling readers (children / teenagers), For reluctant readers (children)