Barrington Stoke Stories

It’s Arjan’s sixteenth birthday and he’s celebrating with his mates – going to see a film and then get a Nando’s. He’s looking forward to some good banter and wondering what might happen with Jem, who’s been looking at him differently these days …

But the night comes to a dramatic and violent end when Arjan is targeted by a group of racist thugs, who single him out due to the colour of his skin and the turban that he wears as a symbol of his commitment to his faith and culture.

Is the life of a good friend and beloved son really worth so little?

Please note that this book contains mature content (with themes of racially motivated violence) and language that some may find offensive.

Rebel, Princess, Suffragette: this is the incredible true story of the life of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, a forgotten heroine of the early twentieth century.

Born in 1876, Princess Sophia Duleep Singh was the daughter of the last Sikh ruler of the Punjab, and goddaughter of Queen Victoria. After her father lost control of his empire and was exiled to England, 

Sophia had a privileged but troubled upbringing that left her unsure about where she belonged – in India or England. Sensitive to injustice, she became an suffragette and fought hard to win the vote for women. This is the extraordinary story of her life.

When he spots a lonely old man watching his football games in the park, and then sees him again eating at the local gurdwara kitchen, Bobby wants to help.

At first the man doesn’t seem very friendly and he doesn’t want to take part in the local walking football league for older people that Bobby tells him about.

But when Bobby eventually changes his mind, it turns out that the man is a talented former professional footballer who has recently been widowed, and Bobby’s invitation opens up a rewarding new opportunity for him to make connections in his local community.

A heart-warming and thought-provoking story of family, friendship and food banks.

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Cal's family are proud to live in an 'analogue' world – no wifi in their house , just an ancient black-and-white TV. At school, Cal has no choice but to live in the 21st century, coping with a range of bullies and chancers on a daily basis. 

When Cal's mum decides to 'rebalance' the family with a stint as volunteers at a local foodbank, Cal inadvertently discovers new kid Jacob's secret, and Jacob flips. 

Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers.

A powerful and immensely moving story of friendship, family and happiness.

Aman's dad is gone, leaving her feeling lost and alone. She struggles to talk about it, but it's a fact and he isn't coming back. 

When a lovely man called Gurnam moves in to her street and saves Aman from some local bullies, he and Aman quickly become friends, perhaps even like family. 

But Gurnam has his own sadness. One that's far bigger than Aman can understand, and it's tearing his life apart.

Gritty urban drama. 

When Jonas finds a gun left from a shooting he takes it home. He can't wait to show his mates Kamal and Binny, who reckon they can use the gun to bolster their own street cred. 

But when Kamal starts to use the gun in robberies, Jonas realises it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

 Particularly suitable for struggling, reluctant and dyslexic readers aged 12+