A gripping book for teenage readers by award-winning writer — fast-paced, punchy and much loved Mel is short, stroppy and never knows when to keep her mouth shut. When she interferes with her best friend Wai's interaction with none other than the Minister of Education, and the interference isn't appreciated, Mel storms out. Out of school and out of home – and heads north. At first she sees it as an escape from a past and present too messy to deal with. But standing up for yourself is one thing; facing the consequences is quite another. Mel's return journey from one end of New Zealand to the other turns into a discovery of not only truths about her past, but also truths about herself. 'The most nicked book in schools'. Mel is instantly familiar – mixed-up, smart, and sassy.