KS4 Book Recommendation - Stay a Little Longer by Bali Rai

A heartfelt, hard-hitting, super-readable novella about the life-affirming, life-saving friendship that blossomsbetween a young teenager and her 59 year-old neighbour.

All sweet-hearted Aman wanted was for her dad to stay a little longer, but he died before she had chance to read her special letter to him. 

While grappling with grief, she’s bullied by a bunch of older kids, but thankfully new neighbour Gurnam intervenes to scare them off. While Aman sees Gurnam as her “personal superhero”, she notices a sadness about him, but he won’t reveal the cause of his pain. 

The truth is revealed with poignant, page-turning urgency, leading to a shocking finale that sees Aman grasp a second vital chance to read her love-filled letter.

About the Author

Bali Rai is a well-established, award winning and hugely popular voice within the young adult fiction market.  His particular successful title Rani and Sukh became a set-text for GCSE English.  His novel Killing Honour won the North East Teen Book Award, and was described as 'utterly compelling'. He lives in Leicester with his family.