Not Going To Plan

I particularly enjoyed reading this novel as I found that the writing style was different but impactful. I have not read a verse novel before this and found the style and easy and fast paced read. I liked the plot of the book and found it perfect for age ratings of 14+ as it captures accurate themes of specifically GCSE exams and had the small details (such as how long the art exam was) and I felt that has made the book more relatable to people around that age range as a whole. It explored deeper themes such a teenage pregnancy and it was impactful as a reader because it shows how different growing up can be for so many different people. I also enjoyed the vast range of character as they were all different and lived contrasting lives as some characters live a good life whilst others may have financial strugglesv- like Marnie and Zed, and even Jessica. However, at times the pacing of the book almost felt too fast and slightly rushed at points, but on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed this read and would recommend it to people my age that would like to get into reading and that may want something th`t they could relate to in some way.

Seren

Brombil Book Critics

Not Going To Plan is an enlightening book which is written in a fascinating format of verses where you are able to read from the perspective of different characters and how they may view a situation differently to another. It tackles societal expectations and stigmas, tough situations and the realities of life as a teenager. The book is incredibly moving whilst being entertaining and fun to read as it keeps you guessing what might happen next. Reading the events unfold is a brilliant experience and Tia Fisher did a great job at realistically capturing the characters' emotions and struggles.

Iris

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I think that the plot was great but I found it hard to read because of how instead of being written in paragraphs filling the width of the page the words were used to make shapes which I found hard to read but the characters had strong emotions and made it clear what they were thinking.

Henry

St Kaths

Not Going to Plan follows the story of Marnie and Zed, two complete opposites who end up becoming friends over revision sessions. I thought this book was very powerful in terms of its themes and the message it put across about teen pregnancy, abortion and consent. It portrayed lots of characters with lots of different backgrounds, and showed how everyone has the right to say no and make their own decisions. My favourite character was Marnie, while she was quite a difficult student at the start of the story I liked the way she followed her own path and developed as a character throughout the book. Verse novels aren't my favourite but I liked the way it was written with both Zed and Marnie's point of view. Overall I enjoyed this book, it tells us an important message in many ways and I would recommend it to lots of young adult readers.

Emma

Vista Academy Littleport

I enjoyed this book very much, I enjoy reading verse and found this one just as good and the storyline was satisfying. I feel it dealt on some very controversial issue quite nicely while still getting across the author's point of view. However, I feel like Zed's character didn't need to have his own section of writing.

Willow

CGS CAKE Club

When I first read the blurb for this book I wasn't very excited and I didn't expect it to be very good, however I was shocked about the way that you bond with the characters and really feel for them throughout the book. I loved the way Zed was portrayed but I wish there was more about the physics test he did because I feel like I wanted to know more about it. Marnie was my favourite character as I loved the way that she acted throughout the book. I really wish there was a second book as it's a bit sad saying goodbye to the characters

Lucy

Rainbeau Readers

Not going to plan was a really interesting read that I enjoyed a lot. I thought it was written in a sensitive way though covering such a serious but important to cover topic. I loved the relationship between Zed and Marnie as they are both such different characters but also loved reading how they helped each other throughout the story. I liked it being a verse novel and it having 2 perspectives so I overall really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend.

Annie

The Maynard School

Personally, I like the verse style layout of the book and the dual narrative that occurs alongside each other rather than chapters changing for each character. I also like the pictures created from the words that relate to its action and/or the character’s fears. I think that this book shows a wide range of issues that some teens may face such as homophobia, not ‘fitting in’, judging for beliefs and the possibility of teen pregnancy and the decisions that come with it. However, I do believe this book occasionally followed classic tropes such as the friend group consisting of the problematic one, someone part of LGBTQ+, the smart one and the other one who contradicts and/or sporty – this isn’t a bad thing it’s just a basis that many authors follow. I also agree with what Marnie and Rakel were saying about ‘We’re damned if we do/damned if we don’t,’ because within society women/girls are judged for wanting or not wanting intimacy and/or sexual engagement and for the expectation to be both pure and not ‘frigid’. Typically, men/boys aren’t as criticised within the same category for their own choice. Obviously, the topic of abortion is a large part of this story and I believe it shows a range of viewpoints such as Rakel’s religious viewpoint, the protests we’re told are outside the clinic and Zed’s logical thoughts on it as abortion can go against moral and/or religious conscience and it’s hard to determine what counts as ‘murder’ when it comes to that, but ultimately, in my opinion, it relies on the choice of the mother and her capability at that time to be able to look after a baby and hopefully she has the support of family and friends.

Iyesha

Cottingham High School

Verse novels aren’t really my style, however I felt the plot and character development was exceptional in this novel, and did really well in highlighting serious issues.

Elly

Rad readers

I've really liked all the shortlisted books I've read so far, and this was no exception! I felt that the verse suited the characters and pace, and helped it feel more immediate and impactful. I think this was very realistic in its portrayal of the issues it covered, and all the characters felt well developed and like they could be very real. I found this quite immersive and it was paced very well, and covered very important topics in a way that felt easy to read and realistic.

Iris

Skipton Shadows

I really liked this book because it was from a very interesting perspective. I felt like it had a great plot and was a very gripping read. I liked the sense of friendship conveyed across the whole book which was very good and I would definitely recommend it.

Fleur

Rainbeau Readers

Not Going To Plan showed me the irreversible consequences of actions. It highlights that you need to be careful during sexual activities and that not everyone should be trusted. I also have learnt about stealthing, i didn't know what that was before i read this book and now i know that it's illegal and can have serious consequences. This book is very influential and educational and many people can learn from this. People who have experienced this can also be relieved to know that someone has written about it and know that it happens to many people not only girls but boys too. People now can understand the trauma of people actions and how even though it wasn't their decision it can affect them more than the perpetrator.

lily

PHS Book Explorers

Not going to Plan is a good book. It's about school with a girl getting pregnant at 16 and doing her GCSEs and she needs her best friend to help her. 4/10

Max D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not going to plan is a great book filled with emotion and charm. It is really creatively written, from the actual story itself to just how the pages are laid out. It is heart-breaking and uplifting how the main character handles her problems. I did not expect to like it but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Aiden

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I think this book is really good and definitely worth reading. I don’t usually like verse novels, but this one is really interesting and keeps you hooked all the way through. I would recommend it for Year 8 and above because it includes some sensitive topics and a bit of mild swearing. However, it isn’t too strong, and the censored parts are very short and only last for a couple of pages. The chapters are about 5–8 pages long, which makes it an easy and enjoyable read. I would give this book 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Arya

Rainbeau Readers

I thought it was a brilliant, imersive and creative book. I haven't read anything like it before. Loved it!

Hollie

St Kaths

Not Going to Plan explored an often overlooked topic that is gaining prominence in literature - abortion. However, I liked how it doesn't focus on just abortion - it also focuses on identity and the struggles of teenagers. The contrasting characters and viewpoints of Zed and Marnie brought depth to the story and plot. I thought the verse format didn't add too much, and in some places (e.g. the heartbeat) made it a bit of a nuisance, but it made the book a bit more unique and interesting. Overall, it explored a complex topic well, displaying different viewpoints through the characters, while still keeping the book grounded with the approach of GCSEs. 8/10.

Aashaz Z.

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Brilliant book, demonstrating how opposites can be the best of friends, while also giving people awareness of malicious people who fake wearing protection. It shows you shouldn't be scared to call out wrong actions or to show your personal opinion on a situation.

Julia

Reepham Reads

I loved this book. I loved the poem set out and the switching between the characters. 9/10

Connor R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Having previously read and LOVED Crossing the Line I was ready for her verse written style. Just as before I was unenamoured to start but soon drawn in by Zed and Marnie and the alternate telling. Another funny and moving, realistic tale of friendship, making mistakes and how, where and when to seek help. The book doesn't shy away from YA issues and, more importantly, doesn't give you the answers. Felt all the art stuff at the end was a bit much and I don't think she needed to change her display last minute. Overall a great read.

Debbie

Ousedale Olney

I found this book really interesting because it made me think about issues I never thought before, and it was presented in a really nice way to understand. It had characters I could understand in an environment I go to nearly everyday, meaning I could feel how the characters felt and why. My favourite character was Zed as he was really nice and smart. :)

Ethan

Rainbeau Readers

I found 'Not Going to Plan ' by Tia Fisher a really honest and emotional novel about two teens whose lives mess up after something goes seriously wrong, and I found it surprisingly easy to connect with both of them. Tia's writing style doesn’t shy away from tough topics like consent and the pressure of growing up, but she writes about them in a way that feels real , The writing style makes it quick to read, but it still hits hard, and the friendship that develops between Marnie and Zed feels messy and awkward at start .

RaqeebG

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book "Not going to plan" was unique. It follows the story of Marnie a school girl who finds herself getting into some troubles at school which results in her moving schools to sit her GCSEs. There, at her new school, she meets Zed a boy in her tutor class who was very different from Marnie. The book was a verse novel and a short, easy read which I enjoyed. I thought the topics were explained really well whilst not being "too heavy" they seemed more subtle but known. To begin I was not to sure on what I thought, however, as I read more I grew to enjoy the book. Review by Libby

Vista Academy Littleport

Not going to plan is an incredible book that discusses a sensitive topic with lots of maturity but also makes it entertaining for the reader. I love how in the back of this book, the author has included extra material for people experiencing similar situations to find comfort, support and help. To me, this book is really important as it talks about something that may be considered shameful so it isn’t spoken about enough. I love how the characters Marnie and Zed are so completely different and yet they still become best friends. I think that Tia Fisher is an inspiring author and her style of writing is amazing!

Jess

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Honestly speaking, “Not Going to Plan” is an amazingly written book and (though the pictures were a bit awkward in school) I have had a great time reading it. I love the book’s layout and how both characters are dealing with their own problems, particularly Zed with “labelling” himself. I also like how, though a side character, Naomi has such a strong personality and supports Marnie with her personal ideas. I strongly recommend, and already begged my friends to read it! P.S. They said maybe after Carnegie!!

Pola

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Pola

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Coming into this book I expected another book warning about teen/YA sex, ending in abortion. But this book defied my expectations. I wasn't expecting it to be a verse novel, though, and the perspective of the mother and Rakel were enlightening, and I thought really brought something to the book. It follows Zed and Marnie as they explore their sexuality and love lives. While the author still covered abortion, it was from an objective perspective and was tactful in explaining it. Overall I didn't hate this book but didn't love it enough for me to want to reread it. 6/10

Elijah

Vista Academy Littleport

I quite liked this book and found that it explored very controversial and complex topics really well and in a poetry format that made it easy to read. I liked the contrast of how Marnie and Zed looked at the world built their relationship and their story. I thought that how the book showed abortion and fear to tell people was really good with characters like Rakel having different opinions on it but in the end showing that people can do what they want. My main complaint was how the book didn't use speech marks and instead used italics which made it quite confusing when actual italics were used and I think it would have been better just to use speech marks. I would recommend this to probably ages 13+ as it explores controversial topics that require more thinking and the main concepts wouldn't be suitable for younger readers. Overall I give it 8/10.

Robin.O

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going To Plan is a brilliantly descriptive and engaging verse novel told from the perspectives of two characters, Zed and Marnie. The characters are admittedly very different but the dialogue they share together is very believable and interesting. There are some topics that I had not encountered before reading this book but by the end, I felt that they were explained in a quite subtle yet completely informative way so that you were not left feeling confused about them. I would definitely read this again and recommend it to a friend.

Flora

St Kaths

An amazing and different book in comparison to the other 7 texts. By being in a verse-novel form, it acts as a shorter read for all people to understand about pregnancy and the consequences in a school environment. Although the language becomes stronger as the text goes on, it works in order to show the divide between the victim and the classmates. It is a shorter book as a result, so it can become a quick read if you are a fast reader. I've personally found it quite boring for the first half as it is not very paced, but the pace quickly increases at the text continues.

Kaleb

Folkestone Academy Readers

Not Going to Plan is a book about a young girl called Marnie who is just about to take her GSCE’s. She joins the school late – she doesn’t know anyone. But Harry Borman invites her to a party, and how can Marnie refuse? But when she is deceived, can she trust the nerd who sits next to her to help fix things? My favourite character was Marnie because she was quite kind, and willing to make friends and adapt to a new environment. I can relate to her emotions at the beginning of the book because when I started year 7, I felt the same way. My favourite part of the book was when Marnie went to Zed for help, because it was when Marnie and Zed finally realized their friendship. There were some emotional scenes, and they felt very real. There wasn’t really anything I didn’t like about the book. I really liked it. I think that older children would like this book because there are some grown-up topics, but overall I think it is a very good book!

Catelyn P

Vista Academy Littleport

If I had to use one word to describe this book it would be WOW! The personality change and journey is unfathomable to me and how well worded it was. This book was so well written it should be up in the Louvre.

Charlotte

St Kaths

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. It started off like a slow moving steam train but developed into a bullet train half way through. I think it would be easy for teenagers to relate to the emotions and indecision that permeates every chapter. I would definitely encourage our upper year students to read the book. The end left me feeling oddly emotional. A really good read.

Mrs Muller

Folkestone Academy Readers

Not Going To Plan is a book about abortion. At first, I found it really similar to Little Bang so when I found out that Kelly McCaughrain supported Tia Fisher in writing this book, I wasn't too surprised. I thought the characterisation was good, and that most of it felt like it could really happen. One small hole in the plot was that Zed and Marnie were working on the same spreadsheet where Marnie admits who the father is, Zed later says he can only guess who the father is. Two years ago, I read Crossing The Line and I definitely prefer Not Going To Plan because it felt more uplifting. I also appreciated the poetry and wordart more this time as two years ago half the books were written in poetry. It probably didn't need to be in poetry, but it definitely worked. The ending was good, although I wish she hadn't ended it on a cliffhanger...

Aidan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book was excellent! I believe a good writer is one who conveys their message in such a way that it is both authentic and effective. This is exactly what Tia Fisher did. She taught me something new, allowing me as a reader to connect deeply with the story and understand the emotional reality behind it. I have read Tia’s work before and like the way her novels are written in verse. It helps the reader connect to the story in an intensely emotional way because the language is concise and therefore more hard-hitting. I felt as though I was in Marnie’s thoughts. I admire how Tia has handled such a sensitive topic with honesty and care, never romanticising the situation but instead showing the true challenges and consequences the characters face. This made the story feel powerful. The characters were also very well developed and both Marnie and Zed’s journeys felt genuine. This book is moving and leaves a lasting impression. I would highly recommend it.

Priyanshi

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

This was my first read of this year's Yoto Carnegies and it did not disappoint me! The verse novel made the story flow at a really good pace, plus the dual narrative gave me a feel of the perspective of each character. The informal tone added to the connection between the reader and the characters, and I loved the way that some of the pages were set out with the words in the shape of an image, or in different positions on the page - like illustrations out of letters - and it really gave me an insight into what the narrators are thinking and feeling. I felt like I was inside their heads and experiencing the story as Zed and Marnie. I loved it.

Immy

Skipton Shadows

Very good book that addresses issues that teenagers face in today's world. Including discrimination, abortion and teenage pregnancy.

ADAM

Reepham Reads

Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher is an important read for young people navigating the trials and tribulations of senior school and in particular the ups and downs of friendships and relationships. It explores the themes of online bullying, identity and consent. Marnie is an intelligent, feisty teen who has talents, dreams and immense potential but who has made a series of questionable choices. Expelled from one school she enrols at a tough, local comprehensive school but quickly finds friendship in the form of STEM genius Zed and an inspiring staff member who helps her channel her rebellious streak into artistic self expression. I particularly liked the depiction of her male friends and the way they supported and lifted Marnie up in her darkest hour. Written in free verse and sensitively tackling the realities of life for many young people in today's digital world. This book is both accessible and relatable.

Mrs Clarkson

Epsomian Shortlist Shadowers

Not going to plan was a book that followed Marnie - a rebellious teenager and Zed - a quiet kid who does not like to talk to people . I think the book did well in getting across the general point of abortion rights , teen pregnancy etc and also showed people how their not alone . As it is a coming of age book it did well in portraying people working through differences and exploring different options and viewpoints of life , however I felt the way the friendship between Marnie and Zed grew so quickly was a bit unrealistic . They are polar opposites and seemed to form a friendship overnight which wouldn't really happen in real life .This book wasn't my genre of choice but it was a quick easy read and I felt the dual narrative helped with the flow and movement of the book . It conveyed emotion and did encourage me to think more about abortion rights which shows that the point was made well and clearly . Overall I would give this book 4/5 stars .

Holly H

Vista Academy Littleport

Overall, I found this book to be quite entertaining with an interesting storyline that I enjoyed. However, I have 2 primary criticisms of the book: its predictability and a couple of unrealistic events. The friendship developed in the book seemed to me quite unrealistic, like the friendships you only really see in sappy, quite frankly, movies. The idea of someone like Zed and someone like Marnie, considering previous history of the 2 characters, would be very unlikely in the real world. While I would believe it if the author portrayed the two on amicable terms, that too would not make it a very good book. Therefore, I don't really think people like Zed and Marnie are very compatible in the real world, which should be reflected in the book. My other problem with the book was its predictability: simply just reading the blurb already gave me a very good idea of what the book was about, and not to my surprise, all my predictions were true. There was only one event when you actually had to guess as to what would happen. As well as this, I don't really like some of the character portrayals. For example, I didn't like how Marnie drags Zed into her own problems against his own will, when in reality she could've faced the shame of fessing up to her mother and instead acquiring her help. In spite of this, I don't only have negative comments of the book: in fact, there's a lot I could complement on the book. I found it to be a very powerful storyline, and as I mentioned before, I enjoyed it quite thoroughly. I also liked how it explored taboo topics which many other authors would be too afraid to write of. Overall, I found it to be a very enjoyable book, regardless of its flaws. I would rate it an 8/10

William B

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going To Plan has amazing characters and an excellent dual narrative keeping the reader in suspense. Loved the way Tia Fisher used words and stanzas to convey emotion and setting and it's a brilliant portrayal of wider themes. Absolutely would recommend.

Elsie

St Kaths

Going into this book, it definitely wasn't my preferred genre, but I didn't dislike it as much as I thought I would. It is a verse novel that follows the stories of Marnie and Zed, Marnie being a rebellious teenager who recently got manage moved from her all girls boarding school, whereas Zed is a quiet boy in the back of the class, seated at the only desk that has a spare seat, so there they befriend each other due to needing help in their respective weak subjects - maths and physics for Marnie and Spanish for Zed. I think the way the book is laid out is very effective in showing the juxtaposing characters of Marnie and Zed, how despite being very contrasting personalities, they still managed to become friends. It was also a quick read, yet still covered all the grounds it needed to in order to get the overall message across. However, personally I thought the chapters leading up to the ending were quite dragged out, and there were numerous times I thought 'that should be the end' when it wasn't, just for the actual ending to be quite abrupt. As well as this, there were many moments throughout where I got quite a bit of second-hand embarrassment, but I feel like that's inevitable in a young adult novel, especially one handing such taboo topics. Overall, it wasn't my favourite read, but I was relatively impressed by how it surpassed my expectations.

Lyra

Vista Academy Littleport

Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher is a coming-of-age story in which Marnie discovers she's pregnant and the struggles she has to go through.  We follow Marnie's journey through school, dealing with friendships and the bullies. She transitions from someone who makes mistakes to someone who has to deal with a lot and grow up fast. I liked that it was written in verse with shape poems, it made it an interesting read, you could see the difference in Marnie's voice and her friend Zed. The overall message is that you don't need to copy others or give in to peer pressure if you don't want to. You can be yourself and it's important to understand that. Marnie does stand up for herself and although I know she will be all right, it's left me thinking what she did with her life after she left school.

Asia

The Next Chapter

I absolutely loved this book! I love the immediacy of verse novels and how Tia Fisher uses this to create a gripping, harrowing story. By the end of the book, I felt so emotionally connected with the individual characters yet also totally angered and appalled at some of the wider themes (e.g. stealthing, abortion). She thus creates a beautiful story within the context of wider political themes, evoking empathy in the reader. I also loved this was set in a modern landscape (2025) as it highlights how these themes are still prominent in everyday life, even if UK laws have changed. Please read this book to provide a new perspective on themes of abortion, teenage pregnancy and relationships!

Eve

St Kaths

I liked that it was in verse/poetry - it made it a quick read. I wish there were more development of the characters that you get in regular books

Laura

HGCSC Library