Right Where it Hurts by David Hill

When Slade moves to Green Harbour with his mum and sort-of-step-dad Larry, the first person he meets is Mallory Garner. She is everything he isn't - rich, reserved and snobby - and symbolises everything he dislikes about the town. But appearances can be deceiving, and both Slade and Mallory have more in common than they first realise until he discovers the terrible secret that haunts her life. A truthful and engaging insight into friendship, self harm and identity from one of New Zealand's most popular writers for young people.Right Where it Hurts was the Winner of the 2003 Library Association of New Zealand Aotearoa Esther Glen Award and Shortlisted in the 2003 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards.