Questions answered
Everything you need to know about the book.
Direct, trusted answers for readers, parents, teachers, librarians and safeguarding professionals.
The short answer
A story about friendship, choice and knowing when to speak.
But It’s Not Fair makes a difficult safeguarding subject understandable through fiction. The answers below separate the novel, classroom use and official help so readers can find the right information quickly.
01What is But It’s Not Fair about?
It is a novel about Vinny and her best friend Abby. When Abby travels abroad for a family wedding and does not return to school, Vinny begins to understand forced marriage, pressure and why a good friend may need to tell a trusted adult.
02Who wrote But It’s Not Fair?
But It’s Not Fair was written by Aneeta Prem MBE, a British novelist, human-rights campaigner, magistrate and founder of Freedom Charity.
03What age is the book suitable for?
The story is used with secondary-age readers, and its accompanying Quality Mark teaching resources are for Key Stages 3 and 4. That is not a universal reading-age judgement. Teachers, librarians, parents and carers should use the authorised preview to assess the language, themes, maturity and safeguarding needs of the individual reader.
04Is But It’s Not Fair a true story?
It is a work of fiction. Its characters give young people a safe distance from which to discuss real safeguarding issues, including coercion, forced marriage, friendship and seeking help.
05Can schools teach forced marriage through the book?
Yes. The novel can be used with Freedom Charity’s PSHE Association Quality Mark lesson materials. Schools should prepare safeguarding routes, brief the Designated Safeguarding Lead and never invite personal disclosure in a classroom discussion.
06Are lesson plans available?
Yes. A complete forced-marriage teaching pack is available from the For Schools page, including teacher guidance, a structured lesson and pupil activities.
07Does the book explain the law?
The story begins the conversation rather than replacing legal guidance. The website’s forced-marriage explainer links directly to current GOV.UK information about the law, protection and the Forced Marriage Unit.
08Where can I buy But It’s Not Fair?
The current purple third edition can be bought directly from Freedom Charity. Standard and signed copies are available, and schools can contact the charity about larger orders.
09How can a school order class sets or arrange a visit?
Schools, libraries and organisations can contact Freedom Charity about class sets, visits, professional training and the accompanying lesson resources. The For Schools page explains how the materials should be used safely.
10Who sells the book?
Freedom Charity sells the book through its own shop. Aneeta does not profit from book sales; the income supports Freedom Charity’s work.
11Does translating the website translate the book?
No. Automatic translation changes a website page only. A complete book edition in another language requires authorised literary translation, safeguarding review, editing, typesetting, publishing rights and its own publication record.
12What is Cut Flowers?
Cut Flowers is Aneeta Prem’s second safeguarding novel for young people. It explores FGM/C, friendship, bodily autonomy and finding the courage to speak to someone who can help.
13What should I do if the story makes me worried about someone?
Do not investigate or contact a family yourself. Tell a trusted safeguarding adult or contact the Forced Marriage Unit. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In the UK, call 999.
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