Escaping from his violent stepfather, twelve-year-old Sipho heads for Johannesburg where he has heard that gangs of children live on the streets.

Surviving hunger and the bitter-cold winter nights is hard enough, but Sipho also has to learn, in the 'new' South Africa, whom to trust.

Based on the real-life stories of young black South Africans living on the streets, this powerful story, by the acclaimed South African author Beverley Naidoo, shows how difficult it is to bring about change at the same time as giving some hope for the future.

"Written with valuable insight, gritty but optimistic, this is a totally believable, absorbing read." The Guardian

"It is a tribute to Naidoo's talent that she makes you realise that this is not the end of Sipho, just one stage in the emerging complexity of his life and that of his new country." TES

Smarties Prize : Shortlist