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

An unspeakable event changes everything for 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."

Voted the Best Young Adult Book of 2018 by Readings customers.
Voted in the Top Ten Best Young Adult Books of the Year in 2018 by Readings.

Shortlisted for the 2018 Book of the Year by the Younger Sun.

Voted Favourite YA Read of 2018 by Kids’ Book Review.

Voted in the top 100 great reads by Australian women in 2018.

Available at the Infozone book crossing at the State Library of Queensland