About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing people on the edges of society or asks why some kids have different lives than their own. Set in post-war London, it follows Dushma, a girl living off the grid in a railway viaduct. She is unregistered, meaning she has no legal identity, no school, and no safety net. When she meets a rebellious girl named Alison, she begins to see the world through a new lens of friendship and shared secrets. It is a poignant exploration of belonging, the invisibility of poverty, and the quiet courage found in childhood loyalty. It is best suited for mature middle-grade readers who enjoy historical settings and atmospheric, character-driven stories. Parents will appreciate how it builds empathy for those who are often overlooked.
