A powerful novel written in vignettes about a Nepalese girl who risks everything for a chance ro reclaim her life from the depths of childhood prostitution. Endorsed by Amnesty International UK this title was also a finalist for the US National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. This title is part of Walker Books’ 'New Voices'campaign which throughout 2008 is showcasing some of the brightest new storytelling talents in children’s literature. If, after reading this poignant, harrowing but utterly essential read, you'd like to do more to raise awareness of the global crisis in sexual slavery then please visit in the first instance the author's own website, www.pattymccormick.com, from which you'll find links to other useful sites.
Thirteen-year-old Lakshmi lives with her family in a small hut on a mountain in Nepal. Though they are desperately poor, Lakshmi's life is full of simple pleasures. But when Lakshmi's family lose all that remains of their crops in a monsoon, her stepfather says she must leave home and take a job in the city.
