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But It’s Not FairBuy the book

A novel of friendship, loyalty and courage · Third edition

But It’s
Not Fair

What would you do if your best friend went on holiday and didn’t come back?

A novel by Aneeta Prem MBE

Read a previewDiscover the story ↓
Third-edition cover of But It’s Not Fair by Aneeta Prem
Paperback · £6.99Available through Freedom Charity
Published recognition and educational referencesRosamund UrwinSarah DinesNazir Afzal OBENAHTNASUWTPSHE AssociationHome OfficeAndrew Marsden
Rosamund Urwin
“It could be the most important book a teenager ever reads.”
An illustration of two characters from But It’s Not Fair

The story

Abby goes away.
She does not come back.

Vinny’s safe world changes when Abby Kambi and her family move into the neighbourhood. School, family tensions and sharply observed humour draw the girls into a friendship that begins to change them both.

During the summer holidays, Abby travels abroad for her cousin Sarina’s wedding. When school starts again, Abby is missing. Vinny and Sofia begin to realise that friendship sometimes means finding the courage to tell someone who can help.

Edition
Third edition
ISBN
978-0-9569751-3-3
For
Readers, families and schools
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Look inside the book

A friendship.
A wedding.
A secret.

Original illustrations from the novel bring Vinny, Abby, Sofia and their families into view.

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A celebration scene from the novel
A wedding scene from the novel
A family kitchen scene from the novel

Read · Discuss · Act

Read it. Talk about it. Know when to tell someone.

For young people

Follow Vinny, Abby and Sofia

Meet the characters, explore their choices and try the interactive friendship challenge.

Enter the young people’s area →
Young characters from the novelA classroom scene from the novel
For teachers

Use the novel in PSHE

Download the PSHE Association Quality Mark lesson materials and prepare a safe, useful lesson.

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Choose how you will use the book

For schools, libraries, reading groups and professional teams.

Find ordering information, teaching material, discussion questions, media facts and international publishing enquiries.

Education and public servicesSee who the book is for →Libraries and reading groupsOpen the discussion guide →Press, festivals and researchEnter the media room →International accessTranslate this website →

Why schools use it

Government listing. PSHE teaching material. A story young people can discuss.

100,000+copies of But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers donated through Freedom Charity to children, schools and educational settings.
GOV.UKThe official Government book page describes But It’s Not Fair as useful reading for school children and teachers. View the book listing →PSHE AssociationQuality Mark lesson materials for safe, age-appropriate teaching at Key Stages 3 and 4. View the independent listing →Freedom CharityEvery purchase supports education, prevention and safeguarding work. See the charity’s role and impact →
Free school resourceComplete forced marriage lesson materials

Quality Mark teaching material for Key Stages 3 and 4, with safeguarding preparation and classroom activities.

Download the PDF

The book in schools

Photographs from launches, classrooms and school visits.

See pupils reading the book, meeting Aneeta and responding to the story.

Open the photographic archive
A pupil reading But It's Not Fair

The book on film

From the page to young readers.

Hear pupils perform the story and explore films showing how But It’s Not Fair became part of Freedom Charity’s wider education and prevention work.

Young readers perform the prologue

Pupils from a Luton secondary school bring the opening of Aneeta Prem’s novel to life.

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But It’s Not Fair on film

A further film from the book’s archive, bringing its story and safeguarding purpose to a wider audience.

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The story continues

More from the film archive of But It’s Not Fair and Freedom Charity’s work with young people.

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Watch the But It’s Not Fair playlist →

About the book

Questions readers ask

What is But It’s Not Fair about?

It is a novel about friendship, forced marriage and knowing when to tell a trusted adult. Vinny begins asking questions when her best friend Abby travels abroad and does not return to school.

Who is the book for?

The story is written for young readers and is also used by families, teachers and safeguarding professionals to begin careful conversations about choice, pressure and seeking help.

How can schools use it?

Schools can teach the story alongside the downloadable PSHE Association Quality Mark lesson materials, with safeguarding preparation and clear routes for private support.

Explore the schools resources →

Where can someone get help?

Anyone facing immediate danger should contact local emergency services; in the UK, call 999. The site also gives safe, official routes to specialist forced marriage help and clear guidance for friends and professionals.

Find forced marriage help →
Read every question about the book →

Praise for the book

What readers and experts say

01
“It could be the most important book a teenager ever reads; if you want to be a good friend, start it now.”
Rosamund Urwin
02
“A book that deserves to be read by everyone who may be touched by forced marriage or know someone who may be at risk.”
Nazir Afzal OBEFormer Chief Crown Prosecutor
03
“A fantastic and original resource for students and teachers alike — a must for tackling forced marriage.”
Chaz AkoshileFormer Joint Head, Forced Marriage Unit
But It’s Not Fair third edition by Aneeta Prem MBE

Buy from Freedom Charity

Choose a paperback, signed copy or class set.

Individual readers can buy directly. Schools can ask Freedom Charity about class sets, visits and professional training orders.

Books are sold by Freedom Charity. Aneeta does not profit from book sales. The income supports Freedom Charity’s work.

Standard edition · Freedom Charity shop£6.99 · Add to basket →Signed limited edition · Freedom Charity shop£9.99 · Add to basket →Schools and class sets · Freedom CharityEnquire →
Aneeta Prem MBE, author of But It’s Not Fair
The genuine third-edition cover of But It’s Not Fair
The third edition

The author

Aneeta Prem

A British novelist who writes about what friendship notices—and what silence can hide.

As founder of Freedom Charity, Aneeta brings years of safeguarding work to the novel. Vinny, Abby and Sofia carry that experience through humour, tension and questions that keep the reader turning the pages.

Verified facts, official references and downloadable images are available for journalists, publishers and producers.

Read about AneetaMedia information →
Cut Flowers by Aneeta Prem

Also by Aneeta Prem

Cut Flowers

A novel of friendship, family secrets, music and courage, with a serious purpose concerning FGM/C.

Visit the Cut Flowers siteAdd to basket →
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Buy with purpose

Support Freedom Charity’s work.

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