Top Girl

Product Information

I finished this book in tears, and in awe, wanting to applaud this woman for her strength and the way that she continues to use her experiences to contribute to a justice system which is deeply flawed and not fit for purpose.

Her step-father and mother live with her and her half brother in a flat, where she was not often hugged, told that she was loved, or felt valued. The Chalke History Festival announces a new name, new look, and tons for history buffs to get their teeth into! Even when to an outsider it seems patently obvious like she was failed by the authorities, Danielle does not look for excuses and I found it impossible not to empathise with her.Betrayed by the police after a brutal gang rape, she finds protection under the wing of organised criminals and falls in love with the local 'top boy'.

The book takes us through her journey from her childhood to her adulthood where she became involved in a London gang which was rife with harrowing stories of her experience. I couldn’t put it down, I was eager to get through my jobs so that I could carry on, I was in awe of the sheer honesty of this woman! Gritty, explosive and darkly emotional, this factual true crime memoir needs as much publicity as it can, to raise awareness of ‘gang’ life and drug crime and I’d happily recommend to any reader who isn’t easily upset or offended. CW: drug abuse, grooming, gang violence, assault, rape, sexual assault and addiction ⚠️ This book is a gripping and enlightening memoir about gang violence and county lines drug culture. A turning point comes when Danielle is arrested and - with the help of a probation officer - she begins to question whether she really is 'top girl' after all.

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. There are considerable trigger warnings for this book including severe violence, guns, weapons, prison, drugs, rapes, sexual assault, statutory rape and police misconduct but it is a searing, eye opening, hard hitting and vividly insightful story that I simply couldn’t put down.