Winner of The Readings Young Adult Prize 2019

A heartbreaking novel of raw survival and hope, and the children society likes to forget. A stunning and unforgettable debut YA.

An unspeakable event changes everything for twelve-year-old Sophie. No more Mum, school or bed of her own. She’s made a ward of the state and grows up in a volatile world where kids make their own rules, adults don’t count and the only constant is change.

Until one day she meets Gwen, Matty and Spiral. Spiral is the most furious, beautiful boy Sophie has ever known. And as their bond tightens she finally begins to confront what happened in her past.

I’m at the police station. There’s blood splattered across my face  and clothes. In this tiny room with walls the colour of winter sky I hug  a black backpack full of treasures. Only one thing is certain … no one can ever forgive me for what I’ve done.