Good For Nothing

When three teens are landed with a community service order after an incident involving a spray can and an inconveniently timed patrol car, their stories start to converge.

Amir is the angry boy who won't talk about the brother he lost, but won't let his name be forgotten either.

Eman is the awkward girl whose favourite evenings are spent at home watching soaps with her Nani.

Kemi is the determined athlete who knows she deserves as good a shot as anyone else, if only she can get to the starting line.


As they spend more time together they learn more about themselves, and in the process realise the true cause of Amir's brother's death - and the grave role police prejudice played in it. This is one summer they will never forget.

Good for Nothing is a tender, witty and heartfelt coming of age story that redefines small town mentalities and explores the power of friendship and human connection.
A gripping portrait of three very different teenagers and one divided northern town, Ansar's moving, funny YA debut feels entirely true to life
Imogen Russell Williams, Guardian

About Mariam Ansar

Mariam Ansar is a Bradford-born writer and secondary English teacher. Her feature writing has been featured in NME, gal-dem, VICE, Dazed, Catapult, Rookie Magazine, Teen Vogue, Elite Daily and many others.
Details
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • ISBN: 9780241522080
  • Length: 336 pages
  • Price: £4.99
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