As a heartbroken young woman she then spirals deeper into gang life and becomes a key player in a sprawling county lines operation. I think that any one working in social sciences, youth support or human services should read this book. She has since advocated within the criminal justice system for many women: “the hidden victims and participants of organised crime” – and begins her Masters in September 2021. It isn’t a glamorous story, in fact it’s an ugly one, but it’s also an important one, as it shows how bad choices, mixing with the wrong crowd can lead someone down a dark and dangerous path where violence is the everyday norm.

Manipulated and groomed at the age of twelve Danielle is soon drawn into the seedy underworld of drugs. We have , in effect, been ghettoised and isolated to areas which others-read middles class people and above-see as 'no go' places to visit. The book itself hits a bit of rinse and repeat stage, of her traveling out of London to deal drugs, spending money on designer gear and then back to the grind. Her mother was a first generation immigrant so this might have been a kick back against what is seen as Western indulgence -apologies if I have read this incorrectly-and therefore she comes across as distant, even though she is home for most of Danielle's childhood. The writing style is informal and conversational throughout which helps to make Danielle’s account not only immensely readable but accessible and relatable to a younger audience.

This searing, moving and , at times, gut wrenching memoir pulls literally no punches in the way Danielle describes how she fell into the county lines culture, the drugs and gang lifestyle, and the systems set in place to help her which did the complete opposite, and drove her deeper. Red flags abound to her, now, as an adult and as a parent, but, as a child, those you turn to for advice, or those who could have, and should have seen warning signs of grooming, abuse, sexual assault and violence encroaching on this young, very young, girl and acted accordingly. It was so sad to read about her journey and how often she was failed by the services meant to protect her. Top Girl is relatable for all readers, of all ages, with its modern and relevant tone it will appeal to YA readers, as well as those who love true crime reads.

She has since advocated for women in the criminal justice system, speaking to judges and law enforcement about the role of women in gangs. My children have been the ‘token poor kids’ for parents in the school yard, teachers who pay little to no attention to those who are living in an area of socio-economic deprivation, and you can see how easily you become angry at the stereotypes forced upon you because of your post code. years and up should be offered this book to read as it can show how easily they can be pulled into this world by a few kind words and treats. The attack was brutal and understandably life altering and quite frankly she was lucky to survive it.It’s meant to shock and really it should be read by teenagers up and down the country to show that ‘gang’ life for girls is not glamorous but dangerous and menacing. But because it deals with the author's teenage years I'd still recommend it to teens, especially those with a higher risk of being sucked into something like this. Before she knows it, she has a boyfriend who, whilst not yet 20, is way too old to be bothering with a 13 year old. In the end Danielle is helped to leave but even then it only works because she has the intelligence to see that the agencies task to help her are only going to do a half arsed job and she must rely on the skills she has to get herself all the way there. Betrayed by the police after a brutal assault, Danielle’s happy childhood turns sour when she finds the protection she needs in gang life.

My children have been the 'token poor kids' for parents in the school yard, teachers who pay little to no attention to those who are living in an area of socio-economic deprivation, and you can see how easily you become angry at the stereotypes forced upon you because of your post code.

I really admired the way she turned her back on drug dealing and is now in a fulfilling and rewarding career. But it’s the male attention and manipulation that really sets her on a path to gangs and drugs, miles from the life a smart grammar school graduate would be expected to be on. Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. They aren’t always the people you are warned about, the ones in cars who want you to see their puppies or offering you a ride home ‘because your mother sent me’.

By 15, she has been involved in gang violence -including seeing a girl set on fire-, been brutally sexually assaulted, beaten, and yet, somehow, passed all her GCSE's. You really do need to read “Top Girl” for yourself and encourage your teenage family members also, especially if London based - it’s as much educational as anything else. The Chalke History Festival announces a new name, new look, and tons for history buffs to get their teeth into! It definitely needs to be studied by the younger generation, as Danielle's brutal honesty leaves nothing to the imagination.

Thank you NetGalley and Ab Lib Publishers for a gifted copy of this book, in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. It’s a propulsive and pacy read too with Danielle charting her distressing progression to fully-fledged ‘top girl’ in an uncompromising manner that makes for a real eye-opener.