The Fall

Jealousy drives Mog to make a terrible mistake in this tragic and gritty tale of betrayal, expertly executed by the Carnegie Medal winning author Anthony McGowan.

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.

Reviews

“McGowan refuses to compromise on quality, substance or the emotional challenges he offers readers” – INIS Magazine

"A rich and thoughtful read all wrapped around [Anthony McGowan's] superb instinct for a gripping storyline … I can guarantee you’ll be gripped and emotionally challenged." — The Letterpress Project

"Gritty, real and exhilarating, this was an uncomfortable yet gripping read exploring jealousy, hierarchy and betrayal among teenage boy friendship groups … Hard-hitting, impactful, emotional, filled with angst and poignancy, this is a brilliant short story from one of the masters of teen storytelling." – Mini Travellers, blog

"Another fabulous, gritty tale by Anthony McGowan which is enlightening and confronting all at once … This is the simple, yet powerful, story of one such choice and the butterfly effect that choice has – even years later." — Reader review, Southwell Library

About the author

Anthony McGowan is one of the most widely acclaimed YA and children's authors in the UK, with novels including The Knife that Killed Me and The Dogs of the Deadlands, an FT and Guardian Book of the Year. 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”.