I'm very excited that 'Girl 38' is released into the world today, and I feel doubly lucky that that launch date coincides with World Book Day!

The book is really three stories in one. It's the story of 'Girl 38' herself who is Kat's comic book heroine, a bold an fearless space traveller.

It's also the story of Kat, who doesn't feel so bold and fearless. At school, Gem is no longer her 'best friend'. And at home Kat is lonely while her parents are busy working long hours. She's even a bit afraid of her elderly neighbour, Ania. But when Ania has an accident Kat surprises herself by rushing to the rescue – just like Girl 38.

Their unlikely friendship blossoms, and with it Kat's determination, as Ania reveals her own haunting story behind the portrait of a girl she's left unfinished.

'Girl 38' was inspired by my grandmother's life as a teenager living in Poland during the Second World War, and her leap to freedom from a moving train on the way to the work camps.

I hope that young readers enjoy it.