An authentic account: a childhood on the fringes of society. We are the sum of the experiences we have. For a child on Hartz IV, the experiences that don’t happen also count: family vacations, school trips, or simply going out for ice cream. For Undine Zimmer, this was reality. In her own unique and confident tone, she shares her story: about her parents, who are considered "not integrable into the labor market," about sympathetic teachers and unsympathetic caseworkers, about the fear of being exposed, and the feeling of not belonging. Beyond all clichés, she provides insight into a world that is often talked about, yet few truly understand. "Dreaming takes courage when no one gives you hope. And there is always this fear that despite all efforts, I will fail and live my parents' life." Undine Zimmer.