Bobby Bains Stands Up

When a young refugee joins his school, Sikh footballer Bobby rallies his community to stand up against hostility and welcome their new friend in this uplifting tale from Bali Rai.

When a new boy called Ahmad joins Bobby’s school, the two quickly bond over their shared love of football. Ahmad and his family have fled Afghanistan, seeking safety in Wigby – but not everyone is as welcoming as Bobby. Terrifying protests outside their hotel mean Ahmad and his sister Baran are too scared to even come to school. Inspired by his Sikh faith and his class’s new topic of empathy, Bobby wants to show that hate has no place in Wigby. But can one boy and his friends truly make a difference?

Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

About the author

A leading voice in UK children's and teen fiction, Bali Rai is a passionate advocate of reading for pleasure and promoting literacy and empathy. Born in Leicester, his writing is inspired by his working-class, multicultural background. Bobby Bains Plays a Blinder was shortlisted for the Children's Sports Book of the Year Award and the Diverse Book Awards 2025.