Bali Rai: Confronting Racism and Identity in Modern Britain

Jaspal's Struggle in Rural Nottinghamshire

Jaspal, born and brought up in Leicester, is 14 when his father moves his family to rural Nottinghamshire, to a "better life." However, they (and their shop) soon become targets of racial abuse, hate mail, and threats. At school, Jaspal is victimised by Steggsy and his gang for being the only non-white person in the school. Despite the ignorance and prejudice, Jaspal makes friends and enjoys his lessons, but things come to a head when he stands up to Steggsy and wins the fight. Steggsy is a member of a pro-white organisation and matters turn ugly, with tragic consequences. The conflicts and tensions within home, family, school, and community are highlighted in this compelling story and its abrupt, disturbing ending.

Bali Rai writes stories inspired by his working-class Punjabi/Sikh background, but his aim was always that his writing should be enjoyed by readers everywhere, irrespective of class or culture. He has the ability to tackle the harsh realities of growing up in the UK and blend this with humour and often an overriding optimism. Bali visits schools and libraries in every major UK city, averaging 70 school and library events a year.

The Harsh Realities of Prejudice and Resilience

Jaspal, born and brought up in Leicester, is 14 when his father moves the family to rural Nottinghamshire for a "better life." However, they (and their shop) soon become targets for racial abuse, hate mail, and threats. Jaspal is victimised by Steggsy and his gang for being the only non-white at his school, but in spite of ignorance and prejudice, Jaspal makes friends and enjoys school. However, when he beats Steggsy in a fight, matters take an ugly turn. This is a compelling and disturbing story, which articulates the conflicts and tensions in Jaspal's life.

About the Author: Bali Rai's Journey and Vision

Bali Rai was born in 1971 and grew up in Leicester. As a child, Bali wanted to be a footballer or to write stories. Always an avid reader, he hails the following as his writing heroes:

• Sue Townsend
• Douglas Adams
• Robert Swindells

Bali grew up reading Dr. Seuss and Meg and Mog, and his first book purchase was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He realised he wasn't good enough to play for Liverpool F.C. and after gaining a politics degree in London, he returned to his home city and combined a variety of jobs in pubs and clubs with completing his first novel. Bali set about writing a story he had been thinking about for many years. He wanted to write accessible material for children of all ages and backgrounds and realising there were no British Asian authors writing for children, he saw a gap. Bali hopes his novels capture the unique ethnic mix of the UK, of which he is proud to be a part.