Buy a copy of “But It’s Not Fair” or contact us about visiting your school
“But It’s Not Fair”, Aneeta Prem’s debut novel, covers the difficult subject of Forced Marriage in an easy-to-read format and is a useful educational tool (alongside our PSHE accredited lesson plans). Tens of thousands of these books have been donated to pupils and schools libraries since its first publication.
Sofia and Vinny are sisters who live in the East End of London. Vinny, 15, loves school. She wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Sofia, 10, loves bling and celebrities and wants to be on the cover of all the glossy magazines.
Sofia thinks most things in life are just ‘not fair’. She doesn’t have a laptop or even a mobile phone, and she has to share a room with Vinny. Vinny’s safe world is turned upside down when Abby Kambi and her very traditional family move into the neighbourhood. Vinny and Abby quickly become best friends and Vinny starts to see how different life could be for her. Abby and her family go abroad to her cousin Sarina’s wedding in the summer holidays and Abby doesn’t return to school.
Vinny, and even spoilt brat Sofia, realise that there are far bigger issues than makeup, Facebook and getting your homework in on time. What would you do if your best friend went on holiday and didn’t come back again? Would you turn a blind eye or would you stand up and shout ‘but it’s not fair’ until somebody listened?
This publication makes an important contribution to the ongoing campaign to eradicate all forms of violence and ill treatment of young people”.
Ms Chris Keates, former General Secretary, NASUWT The Teachers’ Union
“This book was a non-judgmental, fictional account of different perspectives on forced marriages, giving the background to the views of the traditional family and the families arriving to settle in this country. At the same time it showed the horrors of girls of 14- 16 being taken abroad against their will, forced to marry, and often being beaten and badly treated by the new husband’s family and with little prospect of any contact with their families here. The repercussions on families and school friends are described, together with ways in which fellow pupils and adults can be alert and know what action they could take. It is a complex situation which requires careful handling. I think the book is essential reading for school children, teachers and all those involved in dealing with the wider situation.”
Sheila Eaton, President, National Council of Women
But It's Not Fair
A forced marriage safeguarding book for schools, professionals and families, supported by PSHE Quality Mark lesson plans
But It’s Not Fair is a forced marriage safeguarding book by Aneeta Prem, created to help young people recognise coercion and control, understand consent, and seek help safely. Professionals also use it to support clearer conversations and stronger safeguarding responses.
It is supported by forced marriage lesson plans that hold the PSHE Association Quality Mark, giving schools a trusted, safe way to teach this topic and respond appropriately if a pupil discloses risk.
If you need a resource that is accessible, safeguarding-led, and built for real life, this is it.
Choose your copy
Standard edition
Best for individual reading, home learning, and library stock.
Price: £6.99
Link: Freedom Charity Shop
Signed limited edition (1 of 400)
A signed copy from a separate, limited print run. The story and content are the same as the standard edition. The difference is the inside cover, which is unique to this edition and marked “Limited Edition”. This signed run is capped at 400 copies. Once sold, it will no longer be available.
Price: £9.99
Link: Freedom Charity Shop
Schools, organisations and bulk orders
Class sets, staff copies, training programmes, and organisational purchasing.
Link: Click here to email
Why Buy This Book?
Access the PSHE Quality Mark lesson plans: PSHE Educational Resources
A critical distinction: arranged marriage and forced marriage
Confusion between arranged and forced marriage persists, and that confusion puts young people at risk.
Arranged marriage requires free and full consent.
Forced marriage involves coercion, pressure, threats, or control.
Teaching this distinction clearly is protective. This book provides a straightforward, sensitive framework to support that learning.
Who buys this book and why
Individuals and families buy it because they want:
• a clear, respectful way to understand forced marriage and coercion
• a safe starting point for difficult conversations at home
• a meaningful purchase that supports safeguarding work
If you are buying as a gift, the signed limited edition is a strong option.
Professionals and organisations buy it to:
• support staff learning and confidence in safeguarding conversations
• build a safeguarding resource library
• support PSHE, RSE, pastoral, and safeguarding education with Quality Mark resources
What your purchase supports
Every sale supports Freedom Charity’s work to protect children and vulnerable people through education, prevention, and safeguarding action. Your purchase turns education into protection.
FAQs
Q: Does this come with the PSHE Quality Mark lesson plans?
A: Yes. Freedom Charity’s forced marriage lesson plans hold the PSHE Association Quality Mark and are available to support safe teaching. Access them here: PSHE Educational Resources
Q: Is this suitable for school safeguarding education?
A: Yes. It is designed as an education resource and supports structured, safe conversations about forced marriage and coercion.
Q: Is this suitable for KS3 and KS4?
A: Many schools use it within secondary safeguarding and PSHE contexts. If you are unsure whether it fits your setting, contact us and we will advise.
Q: What is the difference with the signed limited edition?
A: The story and content are the same as the standard edition. The signed limited edition has a unique inside cover marked “Limited Edition”, is signed by the author, and is limited to 400 copies. Once sold, it will no longer be available.
Q: Can we order class sets or bulk copies for our school?
A: Yes. We support bulk orders, invoices, and delivery planning for schools, colleges, and organisations. Use the bulk order enquiry link above.
Q: I’m concerned someone may be at risk. What should I do?
A: If there is immediate danger, call 999. For safeguarding concerns, follow your organisation’s procedures and seek specialist advice. You can contact Freedom Charity for signposting.
ENDORSED BY
Please support Freedom by purchasing our books or a red triangle badge. All profits go towards helping support our cause.
What your donation can provide
could help us raise awareness in schools and prevent FGM
could provide a counselling session for a victim of abuse
could provide a new identity for a victim fleeing abuse
could provide support for a girl fleeing abuse for a month.