Smiling for Strangers

A teenagers survival story set in the former Yugoslavia, and as an unwelcome refugee child in England.

Since Nina lost her parents, during the siege of Sarajevo, she has lived in hiding with her Grandfather.

Her brother and cousins have all disappeared, and her girl cousin - her best friend - was killed by a bomb. 1 day some men come to the house and when her Grandfather orders her to run, Nina runs.

He has told her just what to do - try and get a lift in 1 of the aid lorries that are driving back to England.

She manages to hide in the back of a lorry and gets to England.

She knows little English, and all she has is address of someone in Sussex whom she believes once knew her father and mother.

Inspired by true stories, the book shows vividly how hard it is to start a new life in a foreign land where you are not welcome.