TreeTops True Stories are exciting, motivating non-fiction books which will broaden your pupils' reading experience.

They are part of a structured reading programme for juniors.

The very 'in-your-face' Mel B was not always so loud and proud.

In fact, she endured taunts and bullying for years as the only child of colour in her Leeds school.

This book deals with her childhood and early years as she learns the hard way how cruel children can be to someone who is 'different'.

Along the way she comes to understand why a girl like her from a mixed-race background is called a 'Paki', and what this must mean for children who are of Asian origin.

She learns to face the taunts and the bullies with her younger sister Danielle, and all the while she harbours a dream of dancing and singing for a living.

The story follows her through to the audition for the Spice Girls, and the rest is history This book is also available as part of a mixed pack of 6 different books or a class pack of 36 books of the same Oxford Reading Tree stage.

Each book pack comes with a free copy of invaluable teaching notes.