This poet’s work began with themes gathered in her early days as an underdog on a council estate in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Using simple powerful language, she offers the reader a very personal perspective about life on the gritty side. With honesty and heart, Van Nelson tackles concerns such as discrimination, corporate and playground bullying, domestic violence, mental illness and other important social justice issues. This collection speaks of hard yards and heartbreak, but there is also a sense of hope and courage, as shown in Van Nelson’s section titles: Kicked Down, Speak Out, Bounce Back, Rise Up and Fly High.