Age Range 6 to 12 A disappearing father, an unhappy marriage, a handsome suitor and a bank robbery all bring challenges to Louisa's life. Will she be able to control her powerful emotions, or will they lead her to ruin? Set amongst the noisy, dangerous factories of a northern industrial town, where the workers struggle to survive, Hard Times explores the power that people can have over others, and the suffering that is caused when human emotions are ignored. Great reads for all ages! The world's greatest classic stories come to life in these expert retellings. Baker Street Readers give an enchanting taste of the original tales, quoting best-known lines and most memorable moments, all supported with wonderfully witty (and sometimes scary!) illustrations.