Vinny
Abby’s best friend. She notices that something is wrong and must decide whether keeping a secret is really the kindest choice.
The third edition
A friendship.
A disappearance.
A choice.
What would you do if your best friend went on holiday and never came back?
The story
Abby goes away.
She does not come back.
Vinny’s safe world is turned upside down when Abby Kambi and her traditional family move into the neighbourhood. Vinny and Abby quickly become best friends, and Vinny begins to see how different life can be for someone she cares about.
During the summer holidays, Abby travels abroad with her family for her cousin Sarina’s wedding. When school begins again, Abby is missing. Vinny and Sofia start to understand that friendship can mean noticing when something is wrong, taking a fear seriously and telling someone who can help.
At its heart, this is a story about loyalty, growing up and the moment a young person realises that being a good friend can require courage. Forced marriage gives the plot its urgency, but Vinny, Abby and Sofia give the novel its life.
EditionThird edition
ISBN978-0-9569751-3-3
ReadersYoung people, families and schools
TeachingPSHE lesson materials available
The cover archive
Four covers.
Three editions.
The covers are shown in order: the launch cover, the silver first edition, the gold second edition and the purple third edition. The purple third edition is the current book available to buy.
Meet the characters
Three young people begin to see the world differently.
Abby
A new friend whose life is shaped by expectations Vinny has never had to face. Her fear changes the meaning of an ordinary family trip.
Sofia
Vinny’s sister begins with worries of her own, then realises that some problems are far bigger than popularity, make-up or homework.
Inside the story
Original illustrations from the novel.
Continue the story