Street Girl

Book excerpt: This is a true story about a young black girl in South West London, raised by a single mother and an older sibling whom unfortunately became a product of her environment. This is a heartfelt explanation of how she became a young offender, resulting in that 'street life' lifestyle catching up with her. This book crosses many social issues from drug abuse, sexual assault, single parenting, gang culture and life as it is in the ''hood''. Tim Pritchard Author of Street Boy, took an interest in Nequela Whittaker and together they decided to write about how her life changed due to gang culture. Nequela wants her story to be heard in order to spread awareness to young girls and boys who have made negative lifestyle choices, or those who are thinking or doing so. She shares the truth and harsh realities about the streets first hand and readers will be made fully aware of the repercussions and consequences that come along with ''street life''. Although this book aims to highlight the truth about the lifestyle and the negativity it brings, it is no way used to glamorise or encourage gang related activity. Nequela hopes that this will ultimately inspire young people and others to make positive informed decisions. Despite the fact that this ''street girl'' experienced life 'on the road' and became a young offender, she was able to turn her life around and is currently in her final year at Goldsmiths University studying a BA Hons Degree in Applied Social Science, community Development and youth work course. Nequela is now Committed Empowered and Original (CEO), and manages her own mentoring and advocacy service company which offers direct one to one support for young people at risk.