A highly original story exploring coming-of-age, language and hidden trauma, with a whip-smart, complex and unforgettable protagonist.

From then on, I collected sentences like other people collect keyrings. I searched for them everywhere . . . Jodie Jones is obsessed with words. Yet she can't find the ones to say what happened that day five years ago, with her mum, on the bridge. Struggling in school and at home, she takes comfort in her safe places: her books. Her best friend. And her brother's friend, Moses - who makes her feel something new. But when hidden family truths come to light and life starts to implode, can Jodie Jones find the words she needs to save herself? A compelling, witty, moving love letter to the magic of words.

"Beautifully written . . . a sensitive story" - Independent, praise for Emma Shevah

"Shevah's debut novel is a charmer, and it not only supplies some much-needed diversity to the middle-grade fiction scene . . . its emotional depth makes it stand out from the pack" - Booklist starred review, praise for Emma Shevah

"A gutsy girl in a laugh-out-loud book that navigates tough issues with finesse" - Kirkus starred review, praise for Emma Shevah

"Jodie Jones is an astoundingly, preternaturally, astonishingly thought-provoking character whose word machinations and bravery in the face of an abhorrent threat will tickle, sadden, astonish and delight you. Jodie Jones, though, would put it a lot better herself. Sublime! I ❤️ Jodie Jones!" - Author of Swan Boy