Bali Rai,
What's Your Problem?
Barrington Stoke, 2003.
ISBN: 1 84299 126 4

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-whites 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.

RA 9+/IL 13+
Reviewed by Gina Bovan
Autumn 2003