Not Going To Plan

I really enjoyed reading this book because it addresses some really important issues like consent and abortion. This story of empowerment is really good as an example of choosing your own path.

Freya

Redhill Reviewers

This book is lovely. Two oppisite people becoming great friends. This story is written like a conversation between Zed and Marnie and so written in verses so I think this writing is really new to the writing industry. I couldn’t put this book down when I started reading and it. Please read!

Blaise

Bookwizards

Personally, I disliked the book, however I am not the age of the target audience. I found it hard to identify with the characters, or with almost of the situations they were facing. I understand that it is a great book about friendship and overcoming life's difficulties, and a great book for older years.

Ben

TBGS READERS

This book was powerful, educational, and a very important read. The subject matter was very serious and heavy, but the author tackled it in a way which felt realistic to teen experience. It was also written well, and I liked the use of creative formatting in some places however the fact it was written in verse felt slightly unnecessary at points. My main criticism would be that while the messaging and themes were extremely valuable, the actual pacing and plot fell off a bit. However I still think everybody should read it and it was important and I think people could learn things from it!

Maddy

JGHS Carnegie Reading Group

I really liked this book especially when tia fisher explained that a lot of teenagers go through abortion and there’s no stories like that. I really liked how it was written as well it took me a second to understand it but after that I understood why she wrote it like that so it could be marnie or zed and their opinion compared to others. Overall this was a great book and I would love to read the next one.

Summer

Tractors

I really loved this book and would read again. It was interesting and educational whilst still being enjoyable. It explored serious and very real themes but also different relationships such as friendship, family and romantic bonds. It was sad but also heartwarming and had a very wholesome end.

Sophie

Cake a Book Club

This book has quite a few deep topics, and I think it really shed light on some of the problems that teenagers may face when tricked into giving consent. Overall I think it is a very important book to read as a young person living in today's society

Annabel

Cake a Book Club

Not going to plan was a powerful novel which portrayed a serious topic by telling to story in a more poetic way with creative imagery too. However it was really well done and I worth a read.I found it a good story when understanding the message that the author was trying to show for a 13 yr old girl.

Taha

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

In the book Not Going to plan by Tia Fisher, there is a girl called Marnie and she messes up at school again but this time it got her expelled. At her new school, the only empty seat is next to zed, a nerd with 0 tolerance for mistakes The 2 couldn’t be less alike.All the same, Marnie (amazing at art and spanish but definitely not numbers) and Zed (marvellous at maths and physics but definitely not languages) need each other's help to get their GCSE’s, and their revision sessions turn into a fragile friendship. But when Marnie has sex with a boy who pretended to have a condom, she has to count on Zed’s help.

Ethan

Glossopdale Readers

It's good for inspiring people to be themselves and take on challenges brought on by their different personality traits. It wasn't that interesting/exciting which is the genre I would go towards with adventure, thrills, etc., but I understand why people would enjoy it. It made me question people's views and made me curious what would happen from a social/emotional perspective rather than an action, thrill seeking viewpoint. The story was motivational in making people stand up and take ownership of themselves and don't be afraid to say no and respond to others' harmful actions.

Jasmine

Cake a Book Club

I think the book started off really strong, and I found the first half of the book really engaging. The characters and storyline were interesting, and it kept me wanting to read more. However, the second half became a bit boring because it seemed to go off topic quite a lot, which made the story lose some of its focus and excitement. Overall, it was still an enjoyable read, but I think the ending could have been more connected to the main plot.

tabs

Plumites

Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a middle grade humorous fantasy school story that follows Zeke, a Hall monitor monitor lizard who (mostly) wants to keep a low profile, survive school, and stay out of trouble, however, his plans are thrown away when Pelicarnassus, a pelican who rules the school, develops a grudge that quickly gets out of hand. What I particularly like about this book is its ability to blend humor with more mature themes and issues, making it a quick and lighthearted read while still taking away a hard hitting message. Zeke shows major character growth while being relatable and still within reach, allowing readers to draw inspiration from him. Overall, Chronicles of a Lizard Nobody is a fun and easy read that I would recommend to people of all ages who are fans of comedy and adventure.

Quinn

The Lotus Readers

Not Going To Plan is a YA novel told in verses and stanzas that delves into the viewpoint of 16 year old Marnie Staedler. It unfolds into a double narrative including Zebedee Donovan, or Zed for short; both fighting their own unique challenges. The writer, Tia Fisher, uses the concept of a concrete or shape poetry to cultivate the imagery of the context, instead of pure text. She also presents two characters in the same context, which I find magically poetic. What I enjoyed most about is the heavier topics like stealthing and teenage pregnancy being themes of the novel, which is a very interesting difference in plot as other YA novels focus on lighter topics like school life; with rational, tangible solutions like contraceptives and abortion with the clash with religion and judgement. Overall, Not Going To Plan is an innovative “double-narrative” that hits readers hard and fast with the speed of problems. It shows an unbiased and brutally honest description of love and consent, and I would strongly recommend this to teenage readers that need answers on pregnancy and strong relationships.

Daniel

The Lotus Readers

'Not Going To Plan' is a young adult verse novel written by Tia Fisher. Its quick pacing and use of concrete poetry means the book is very visual and engaging to read, making it accessible for even people who don't enjoy reading. The main characters are likeable and realistic, which makes them easy to get invested in from their introduction into the story and the characters' experiences with exams and school life is relatable to the target audience. The book covers the topics of teen pregnancy, sexual consent and abortion. Specifically it covers the legal repercussions and moral wrongness of stealthing, lying about using a condom, as well as different secular and religious views about the morality of abortion. Overall, I enjoyed the book for its characters, the way it addressed topics that can be difficult and its less common structure.

Ava

Reading Wizards

After getting expelled, Marnie meets Zed who is completely different from her. They end up being friends after Marnie makes a mistake and gets pregnant. She has to break taboos. I think that this book is interesting and that people don’t have to be ashamed and that you should break taboos. I think that the book is good and aimed at young adults and adults.

Owen

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Not going to plan is a hooking, stressful and powerful story about mistakes, teenage love and freedom from the expectations of school life and society. With it's easy, fun-to-read text layout and incredible, meaningful story, I didn't want to stop reading. Truly one of the best books I have read in a long time.

Jude

Carnegivores

Not Going To Plan is a really good book. I loved the friendship between the characters and how they all had contrasting opinions and viewpoints. The way Tia Fisher cleverly wrote about the issues of teenage pregnancies was really interesting to read. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends!

Emily

The Broxbourne Readers

This book is a very powerful book that explores stigmatised themes such and teen pregnancies and abortion. I found it very interesting to read about how it would feel for someone experiencing that. Furthermore, there are strong themes of friendship and how good friends will always be there for you. I found this very eye opening and it helped me understand the concept of teen pregnancy and abortion and how it might feel for someone experiencing this.

Deshna

The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows

Not Going to Plan is a powerful and emotional novel that explores issues many teenagers can relate to, including relationships, identity, consent, and the pressure of growing up too quickly. Marnie breaks conventions because she is not presented as a “perfect” teenage girl instead, she feels realistic, flawed, and vulnerable. Throughout the story, she navigates difficult situations while trying to understand herself and the people around her. I found this especially impactful because it showed how easily trust can be broken and how confusing teenage relationships can become. What stayed with me most was how honest the story felt. It does not glamorise teenage struggles but instead encourages empathy and reflection, making it an important and memorable read for young people today.

Ananya

The Lotus Readers

I really enjoyed Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher because I love how engaging it is - partly because of the storyline and the way it is written. Basically, how she illustrates the words or describes them - like the tone she's saying them in and how Marnie’s friends supports her after what she finds out. It is a believable story but I would have liked it if there was more description. It did feel quite rushed and I believe there could have been more written about what could happen next to make it more lengthy.

Apolonia

WSFG Carnegies Shadowers

I really liked this book. The way all the characters were portrayed was really nice with all of them having flaws and likes about them. Despite only having two people narrating, all of them are well developed. Like Jessica Bates who initially is a mean girl who bullies Marnie, but we then learn that she is also taken advantage of. As well as this, I particularly liked how Zed is shown with his queer identity. As a queer person myself, I found that his struggle with figuring out his identity is very realistic and resonates with me. Overall, I thought this book had a very nice message and is my favourite of the books (that I've read so far).

Lara

WSFG Carnegies Shadowers

This book was very good. The concept of a teenage pregnancy is a very real thing to many people, and Not Going to Plan did a very good job of describing the process leading up to it in an understandable way. While the main characters did seem a bit cliche, the rebellious bad girl and the nerdy boy, they overall helped to create the atmosphere of a toxic school.

Hafiz

MTS Northwood

Tia Fisher’s novel ‘Not Going to Plan’ is a powerful story that explores themes of consent, teenage pregnancy, abortion, and what to do when something doesn’t go according to plan. The language that Tia Fisher uses in this book is words/phrases that the younger generation tends to use, making it seem as if it’s a friend telling a story, allowing me to empathise more with the characters in this book. The way the author displayed all the words was unique, and something I’ve never seen a writer do before, especially when she filled an entire page with “Why me?” with a big question mark in the middle, which emphasized the character’s fear after just finding out she’s pregnant. It also highlights the importance of family and friends, especially in overwhelming situations, which was mainly seen when the main character’s mother chooses to offer support to her rather than scolding her. This novel has strong messages for teenagers about consent and protecting yourself in situations like what the main character, Marnie experienced, and I think it can have a lasting impact on every teenager who reads this book. Overall, ‘Not Going to Plan’ was one of the best books I’ve ever read and I highly recommend this book especially for teenagers.

Gianna

The Lotus Readers

Tia Fisher’s young adult fiction “Not Going to Plan” is a touching yet impactful story. It explores themes of abortion, teen pregnancy and friendship. Its unique way of displaying the words onto the book, the realistic and somewhat relatable characters for teenagers makes it even more enjoyable when reading. The book breaks the shame around abortion whilst also standing up for people who chose not to be sexually active and just want to live their life. Perhaps the most important part is the friendships and bonds in the book, comforting readers that they are not alone and can depend on friends or family whenever they need help. Overall, Fisher’s book is one of the best books I’ve ever read, it is funny, creative and something I really enjoyed reading.

Hoai Anh

The Lotus Readers

Not going to plan is a story dealing with teenage pregnancy learning how to move forward when life changes unexpectedly. I enjoyed the split perspective between two characters as it was really fun to see how different two characters think in the same situation. We learn about two main characters, Marine and Zed, seeing how they change throughout the book and how they overcome and deal with unexpected problems. The book's theme mainly focused on friendship, social pressures and consent and coercion. The writer depicts the dark sides of teenage relationships and how social pressures can affect different situations. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and I hope others will enjoy this book too.

Lucy

The Lotus Readers

Tia Fisher's ‘Not Going to Plan’ is about a year 11 student called Marnie. At the start, she transfers into a new school, where she meets her best friend, Zed. She then goes on to meet Rakel and Luca. I am disappointed with the relationship statuses at the end because I feel as if the book was building up to something that didn’t happen. This book's main topics are unlikely friendships, control, peer pressure, and sexual consent. I found this book quite interesting, not only because of the context, but also because of the unusual layout. For me, every page told its own story, which made the book very interesting and alluring. Overall, I think this book was a very good read, and I would recommend it to mature readers.

Luci

The Lotus Readers

Not Going To Plan is a verse novel that looks at the perspectives of 16 year old Marnie and the people around her in school. It focuses on Marnie, a defiant student who deals with the result of a sexual ‘accident’. What stood out to me from this novel was the structure as it clearly showed how each character thought. Tia Fisher uses a different style as to the ‘standard’ book and I enjoyed how sometimes the words were structured as images. She really highlights the internal thoughts of the characters and it was interesting to see how Marnie had reacted in that situation. Overall, Not Going To Plan is a novel that discusses and brings attention to many issues that are going on in our current society. Tia Fisher points out the sexual challenges a teenager could deal with and the dangerous situations, not just teenagers could be in, but also adults.

Theresa

The Lotus Readers

Not Going To Plan is a captivating YA contemporary novel that follows 16 year old Marnie, a rebellious student who has to face impossible decisions and consequences of a sexual encounter. Tia Fisher beautifully weaves in themes of deception, breaking taboos, and friendship. What I enjoyed about this book is its realistic depiction of teen life rather than the romanticised version many other YA books fall into. Marnie’s road to growth is complicated and challenging, reminding readers that despite the journey not being easy, everything will work out in the end. Overall, Not Going To Plan is a meaningful and deep read which leaves a lasting impact. It is an un-sugar-coated approach to the challenges of growing up that I would recommend to those interested in teen relationships and fans of verse novels.

Quinn

The Lotus Readers

The book "Not going to plan" is an eye-catcher, With a bright orange front cover I was instantly drawn over to read it. The words are written in verse, stretched out or moved in some form which makes it interesting and different to the other Carnegie books. It is about a girl called Marine who struggles with teenage pregnancy and abortion. To me it felt very realistic and full of emotion, really showing me how bad the situation actually is. It gave me food for thought as to what I woul do if it was me or a friend with a similar problem. I found this a nice quick read and one of my favourites. I do not believe this is a book for children as it is a very touchy, personal subject. So I woul recommend it for readers who are over 13.

Philippa

The Shady Bookhounds

I thought the book had some mature parts in it with strong language but I would suggest this book because it is very good to read

Ella

St Kaths

This book was eye catching by the cover even when on a shelf with many other books. The concept and blurb were interesting and intriguing, creating a desire to explore the story. The poetry layout was unique. However, the change in sizes and the variation in reading direction was frustrating as someone with dyslexia, I would have loved to keep reading but this unfortunately prevented me from doing so. Overall, interesting and eye catching but not accessible for someone with dyslexia.

phoebe

Reading Wizards

This book is written in an interesting way; the lettering is twisted and tugged in various directions, forming shapes that are relevant to the writing itself. However, this means it is quite difficult to read without constantly turning the book. Overall, while I love the storyline, I am not as keen on the shapes made of words.

Molly

The Book Explorers

A fairly book about teenage pregnancy and abortion but I do have doubts about the relationship between Marnie and Zed. Would they really have connected? And the story line was a bit thin all the way through. I enjoyed the book and finished it quickly but that is because it is in verse form.

Mrs Symons

Plumites

The pages are printed in verse which adds interest, especially with the cleverly crafted pictures. The story itself is emotional, fun and quite a roller-coaster ending with the social down fall of the nasty male character.

jess

TMHS:PageTurners

This was one of the most intriguing books I've read in a while. When I saw the concept for the other books I was revolted. Same with this one. however it has been a pleasant surprise being one of my most addictive reads in a while. The fact that the book references real life scenarios (not about the main issue but a little detail that reminded me it was in the present) made me laugh and it feels like the author really cares. My first thought when I got this was "Oh great I've got the worst book here" however reading it has made me realise that this book was completely worth reading and definitely deserves a reward.

Oscar

Plumites

Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher is a powerful and critically acclaimed young adult verse novel that tackles heavy themes like sexual consent, unplanned pregnancy, and social stigma. Shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Writing 2026, it has been widely praised for its accessibility and emotional impact.

lamar m

Lionheart2026

The book was good, but I wouldn’t say it’s one of the best books I’ve read. It is definitely more suitable for older readers because some parts are quite traumatising. One thing I really liked was the layout of the book, which looked really nice and made it enjoyable to read. I would recommend this book to people over 15 who enjoy this type of drama. It’s not really my kind of book, but I know lots of people who would probably love it. I also liked that it didn’t have long, boring sections that dragged on. Overall, it wasn’t a bad book - it just wasn’t to my taste. I would give it a 6/10.

Ksenya

Rainbeau Readers

'Not Going to Plan' was an odd book I struggled with the writing style and didn't particularly enjoy the story... but I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. The prose worked for some parts but didn't work for others. the author clearly thought the story needed a happy ending -I disagree- so some of the ending parts feel unrealistic especially her making up with Jessica. I really liked the addition of a highly religious character added to the story enormously but I found zeds cluelessness annoying at points. An okay book 6/10

Grace

KES Readers

'Not Going to Plan' - Initially I found the main character infuriating, she came across as rebellious and ungrateful to her mother who had put all her power into giving the opportunity for her daughter to attend a higher-class school. However, the more I read the more I became fond of Marnie, I understood her, her school was restricting her freedom in her art and her identity had been lost in the beige of students whose personality and differences had been sucked out of them. Zed bis a complicated character, in some scenes he is supportive or misunderstood and i feel for him, in some he allows his friends to be betrayed and insulted. The writing style was difficult and felt childish, but I think this writing style would help more readers find the message of this book more interesting and take more from it, just a personal thing. The story was relevant and spreads awareness well that abortion is healthcare, and it should not be something to be ashamed of. This book talks of consent and the effect of bullying and carries these messages well to the right audience. Wrapping up, the novel felt incomplete after Marnie had done brilliantly well to stand out and not follow the crowd in her GCSE art, I wished the story hadn’t had been left on a cliffhanger and let down the book. All in all I would rate this book a 7.5/10 would recommend but wouldn’t re-read

Jess

KES Readers

I thought this book had quite a good ending but was otherwise not a very good read. The main character Marnie annoyed me in some parts of the book which could be frustrating to read. The topics which this book explored were not very nice to read but I think the author balanced it enough so that it wasn't an uncomfortable topic.

Nadia

St Kaths

Not Going To Plan I think is a brilliant book for teenage readers. Tia Fisher educates readers on the reality and scariness of teenage pregnancy. This book proves that the people around you are some of the most important people and will help you in the times that you need them. When Marnie decides she wants an abortion, her friends are by her side through it all. Despite their beliefs, in the end the decision was accepted by everyone. Marnie helped a girl who was stuck in a controlling relationship without realising it and spread awareness to girls like her around the world through her art. Not Going To Plan is a brilliant book to spread awareness about manipulation and how deeply you actions can affect somebody else's life.

jess

Diary of a Wally Kid

Not Going to Plan, written by Tia Fisher, is an extremely informative and moving novel. The book covers a variety of sensitive topics that will resonate with readers of all ages. One of the highlights of Fisher’s writing is her effective use of a dual perspective, which allows the reader to deeply connect with the narrative. At its heart, the novel explores the many struggles students face within the school environment. ​Set in Downham High School, the story follows the unlikely friendship between Marny and Zed. The plot focuses on Marny, who becomes pregnant while still in school following a deceitful encounter with a crush. As the story unfolds, it tackles the sensitive topic of abortion and raises awareness about gaslighting in relationships—even among younger couples. One of the most powerful moments in the book is how Marny uses her GCSE Art presentation to spread awareness about these experiences. ​I highly recommend this novel because it informs readers about the complexities of sexual encounters and emphasizes that, in many difficult situations, you may not be at fault. It also underscores the vital importance of opening up to friends and peers rather than bottling emotions up. Ultimately, this story may change the way you view both the school system and modern relationships.

Sydney

The Book Explorers

Not going to plan is a book about Marnie, a girl coming up to doing her GCSEs. She makes a mistake and gets too drunk at a party after moving schools, and is impregnated by a boy who pretended to wear a condom. She also meets a boy called Zed who is a bit of a nerd and completely opposite to her. I like that the author made the two main characters complete antithesis to each other because it allowed her to show that even those boundaries didn't stop them being friends, and they could help each other revise. The book is laid out in mini poems/paragraphs mostly about four lines and Zed always talks from one side of the page, and Marnie from the other. This was good because it meant that at some bits, they could say contrasting lines at the same time to show their oppositeness. However, this was flawed when the other characters spoke with them as they messed up the system a little bit and swapped sides from time to time. I also felt like the start was a bit rushed, and the end dragged out, because the 'problem' was two days into the storyline, and then the end was like a month after the resolution. This book has strong themes of pregnancy and abortion, as well as feminist abuse and LGBTQ so I can definitely see why it is aimed at older teenagers or adults. I would rate this book 2.5/5

Felix C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Tia Fisher’s Not Going to Plan is a highly-rated YA novel in verse (2025) exploring teenage pregnancy, consent, and social taboos. Reviews highlight its "essential" handling of complex, sensitive themes, praising its character-driven approach that addresses issues like stealthing, abortion, and social stigma through an honest lens, making it an insightful read for young adults. 

lamar m

Lionheart2026

I really liked this book for many reasons. The characters were great and I loved the way it was written. All the inclusivity was amazing, the LGBTQ+ Group, Teen mothers, Womens rights, and many more. My faveourite character was probbaly Zed, since he was finding himself throught the book, like his sexuality and mother, and all the new challenges he had to face. One detail I loved was that the fact each character had their own font. All in all, 10/10 I absolutely loved it.

Hen

SWA Readers

The novel Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher certainly is a curious read. At first, upon looking at the words, Fisher ingeniously displays them in a way rarely used: poetry. Moreover, the emotions conveyed are subtly foreshadowed through word art and changes in font. Indeed, this book is a thrilling read, with a whole array and cast of lovable, almost lifelike characters, ranging and diverse in every way possible. Furthermore, it explores themes such as teenage pregnancy, teenage love, and romance in general. I would rate this book very highly due to Fisher’s immense imagination displayed here.

Ryan

The Perse Carnegians

At first, I didn't enjoy the style that the book was written it but it grew on me as I liked the way that it showed two different perspectives. This book is not one that I would normally read but I still found this book empowering and well written. The characters were all well thought out and the plot had a very good shape. I liked the way Zed, Lukka and Rakel supported Marnie throughout her struggles with her pregnancy. I think the way that Tia Fisher thought out the ending with the art project was very creative and how at the end even though Jessica was mean to Marnie they got along at the end. Overall I would give this book a 4/5.

Lukshmi

CSGS Page Turners 26

I really enjoyed reading Not Going To Plan, it was a really fun and engaging read. I loved that some of the lines were shapes, that it was written in two different perspectives and that the text was only written on one side of the page with made you want to read more. I especially liked the ending of the book when Marnie presents her art piece about freedom. I think it was important to show that everyone should have their own rights and make their own choices.

Iona

Tractors

I like how this book sheds light on teen pregnancy and how it's usually unexpected but you can get through it anyway

Tamera

Dunraven

At first, I didn't like how the book was formated, but then I started to like it because it showed the two different perspectives nicely, I also liked how the words sometimes drew images and showed the different emotions of the characters. Zed being willing to change his ways to help Marnie even though it was a struggle for him, was nice as it showed his strong bond with Marnie. I enjoyed how in the story it showed different topics that people can go through- homophobia, assault and racism. I thought that when the mum comforted Marnie even after her secret abortion was nice because it showed that her mum was there for her no matter what, The open book ending was a good addition, it represented the fact that their futures after secondary had many different possibility's.

Nissi

SMMA BOOKWORMS

The book was written by Tia Fisher. It tells a story of a young girl who has moved schools. She gets invited to a party but she makes the mistake of trusting someone who says they have done something- but they haven't. She ends up finding out that she is pregnant and has an abortion. I definitely recommend adding this book to your collection as it is very intriguing...

Mia

The Book Explorers

Not Going To Plan is a good book. I honestly wouldn’t have picked it up off the shelf just out of choice- but I’m glad I read it. It’s about a year 11 girl who has sex with a boy who pretends to wear a condom. She then gets pregnant, and all of her dreams disappear if she has this baby. She goes through the nerve-racking process of making life decisions no 16 year old girl should have to make and then has to face the fear and pain of abortion. I liked this book because it presents themes of friendship, freedom and determination. I would recommend this book to readers 15+ only because Not Going To Plan does have quite a few adult themes in it as well as the ones previously stated.

Molly

Chiswick Carnegie

I loved this book a lot. To begin with, I felt like Tia Fisher was trying to make us feel sympathy towards Marnie, relating to not only her school situation, but home as well, which I don’t think is represented enough in literature today. I think the fact that her mum works nightly and can only spend a certain amount of money is so realistic for a lot of people who live in the UK right now, especially in today’s society with inflation, difficulties with work and other negative economic phenomena that really aren’t being discussed as much as they should, specifically in England. In addition to that, I think that it’s very hard to hate any of Fisher’s characters, even if they have negative traits sometimes, for example Zed: some people might think he’s annoying or robotic or he doesn’t listen as much as he should, specifically to Marnie, (as well as having a worryingly fastidious mother?) but it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to go along with things and be lovely all the time - without attitude, without flaws, without fear or insecurity or selfishness, the book would be a drag, no? It’s the same with Rakel, I think. She’s so kind, lovely and obviously caring but she still has her own beliefs that could come off as offensive to others, but it’s clear she works on them throughout the ending and I think that represents a lot of difficult character development on her part, as well as assuming it would be hard as her parents would have obvious qualms about Marnie’s decision. As for Marnie, I really liked the fact that she was the same as the typical girls from her school - the vaping, the rough British colloquialism and the attitude - but she was so much deeper than that; she has views that probably no person, girl or boy, would even bother to think about at her age, as well as having her hair painted like a rainbow (something which the typical ‘popular girl’ would probably avoid). I think that this makes her character so much more complex, not so necessarily hard to understand, but hard for a typical non-sensitive person to truly see through, I think that’s why Zed and her had an awkward start to their friendship as well, however as they really got to know each other, their bond became a lot stronger, rather than Marnie and Rakel who I think got along straight away because of Marnie’s façade. In relation to the actual topic I think it's good that it acts as the main topic since most books or tv shows have it as a sub-plot between side characters. But that isn’t the only difference as many Carnegie books have already done that; Tia Fisher makes it feel more real, and less like pregnancy acts as a ‘punishment’, or a ‘sin’, which I get the feeling is already implied in a lot of media, even today. Another character I really loved was Lukka, who I thought was one of the more level-headed ones, and when it came to helping Marnie, he was there with Zed as well. I really loved the fact that Marnie didn’t need to explain her decisions like she did with Zed and Rakel; he just understood her actions, and immediately supported her, and I think in this book he’s a very underrated character, along with Rakel. All in all I really loved this book and I can already tell that it will be my favourite out of all of them.

Pearl

Hope Valley Literati

I have never read a book like it and I really enjoyed it. When I picked it up I thought it wouldn't be something I would finish but it was a great plot and ending. I also think that the contrast between Marnie and Zed was amazing and well thought through!

Oskar

St Kaths

It’s a powerful book about gritty real-life issues, which are often shunned in society, so it’s intriguing and new. I enjoyed it, and would recommend it to people who are passionate about the subjects or seasoned readers.

Amelia

Horsham BOok HUNTers

I found this book really funny, and I really enjoyed the story. I like how it talks about two people, from their perspective of the story, and their thoughts / opinions. I also like how it’s based on a similar story.

Ella

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book felt like three things at once: A book on pregnancy, like Little Bang from last year. A book about breaking the norm in secondary school. A book trying to explore complex themes. So the pregnancy part is overshadowed by the secondary school part, really being only 50 pages long - short for a verse-novel. The characters felt really stereotypical: one is really good at art and languages but awful at maths, the other is really good at maths and physics but awful at languages and art, and the way that the pregnancy part is handled is quite stereotypical. The themes are just there (I don't care much about themes). The ending is atrocious. They do a great big build up in the last 50 pages (I stayed up to 00:15 reading this on a Saturday night) and it just ends in the least satisfying way possible. 4/10 (and me thinking it was a good read in the first 100 pages...)

Thomas

Hope Valley Literati

Not going to plan, a novel written by Tia Fisher, portrays a realistic high school environment, addressing the fundamental issues in it such as underage drinking and teenage pregnancy in the modern world. Throughout the book, the readers can observe the powerful relationship forming between Zed and Marnie in their academic journey, highlighting both the emotional shifts and challenges during adolescence. I enjoyed reading this novel very much, especially moved by the scene where Marnie reaches out for help for her abortion; watching Marnie’s characteristics develop from a timid and rebellious girl to a passionate, confrontational adult provoked a sense of proudness and inspired me to make braver choices in my life as well. Additionally, I found the structure of the novel’s concrete poetry and typography very unique and visually appealing, similar to other works like Punching the air, contributing to the flow and presentation of the book. In conclusion, this book considering the mature content and profound purpose, is a good and suitable read for students over the age of 14.

JiAn

The Lotus Readers

I enjoyed this book. The way it was written in verse and how the author used that to (literally) shape what was happening was really enjoyable at some bits, although I did find it a bit annoying at times to have to turn the book or my head round to see what was written. In terms of the story, there are some fairly mature themes included but it was generally enjoyable and I would probably recommend it.

Sophie

KECHG Shadowers

Not Going to Plan is about a teenage girl,called Dylan, whose life suddenly changes after an unexpected event,forcing her to face difficult choices /consequences and grow up quickly.The story is written in short ,poetic lines,which makes it feel real and emotional ,like you're inside her thoughts ,wich is the reason to why l really enjoyed reading it. The book explores themes like responsability and relationships.Moreover,the book is written: with a unique writing style which makes the words stand out, and a meaningful morale that shows that even when life goes wrong there is still hope.

Indira

4Shadowers

Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher is a novel written in verse about two very different teenagers, Marnie and Zed. Marnie is rebellious, and Zed is quiet and focused on sciences. Despite their differences, they become friends and help each other in difficult moments.Furhtermore, I really liked how the novel is told from two different points of view, as it gives more depth to the story. Overall this was a great read and I definitely recommend it !

Louise

4Shadowers

What if you were starting a new school where you know no one but slowly make friends however your actions prove a problem driving a wedge between you and your friends. This book is interesting from two different perspectives. If you like romantic teen books where things go wrong then this book is for you.

Arthur

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Rock Bottom Is a Beginning, Not the End Give this book your all—and it just might give you everything back. ‘Not going to plan’ by Tia Fisher is a fast-paced highly visual novel that really gives its characters a voice. It’s a powerful read consulting sexual consent, unplanned pregnancy and the breaking of taboos. Yes, it does consult these themes boldly, but there is an intentional sincerity sandwiched between the lines of the novel. This strikes the perfect balance between the stark realism of the plot and the meaningful message that has to be transmitted. The plot follows Marnie and Zed, two total opposites struggling to pass their GCSEs, who form an unlikely bond when Marnie moves to a new school. Their lives are upended when Marnie becomes pregnant after an act of “stealthing” by her classmate Harry, forcing her-with Zed’s support-, to navigate the legal and emotional fallout of a non-consensual encounter while facing their final exams. What struck me most was how unexpectedly relatable this book felt. My life is nothing like Marnie’s, or any other character’s, yet I still found myself connecting deeply with the atmosphere and feeling as though I was living alongside them. The novel is written with a level of humanity that many books seem to lack. It is something simple, yet often misunderstood. Humanity is not built on perfection or constant excitement. It is shaped by ups and downs, and by individuals who are always learning, growing, and changing. The immersive setting in ‘Not Going to Plan’ adds depth and realism to the story. I’ve been living in the UK for a few years now and sometimes it feels like living in your own peculiar bubble. The book creates a comfortable, realistic setting that reflects that, hooking the reader into the story even more. Although personally the setting felt very tactile, it might not have its full impact on non-Brittish readers who aren’t accustomed to the book’s setting and subjects, such as the concept of GCSE’s. It is written in verses, where the two protagonists take turns expressing both monologues and dialogues. This structure feels very intentional: not only does it guide the reader through the story more fluidly, but it also gives each character space to be heard. It highlights their individuality and encourages a sense of honesty and bravery in how they express themselves. In Not Going to Plan, there is a subtle feeling of the relentless struggle to reach perfection, much like in real life. This is explored in several ways throughout the novel. It wasn’t exactly Marnie’s pregnancy that gave the punch, it was quite expected, but rather the whole backstory created behind each and every character, which was stunning and captivating. Every character begins from somewhere, and they all strive for their own version of perfection. Along the way, they encounter problems, some bigger than others, but still obstacles that obscure their perfect reality. I can’t find anything more humane or better reflective of the nature of living. It’s a primordial instinct, a call that isn’t very often resonated. I believe that authors can choose how to communicate their story and their ideas. It can be through an action-packed plot or through simple thoughts and reflections that appeal to our emotions. For me, this is what sets apart paper with words from a true book. A book, in my opinion, encourages the reader to reflect on deeper, more personal thoughts, and sometimes even act on them in real life. An action-packed story can be exciting, but so can a film. Books, however, offer something more lasting. They stay with you, shaping the way you think and feel long after you’ve finished them. That’s what makes them so powerful. ‘Not going to Plan’ is a book. I felt very drawn to it as I never thought I would. It was comforting to feel absorbed by the humanity of it; to know that everyone has their ups and downs, but we all make it out of the pit somehow. When I flipped the last page of this book, I knew it was only the end of the beginning.

Noemi-Grace

Euro Champs

Not Going To Plan is about a girl named Marnie who is a victim of stealthing. She is pregnant, and relies on her best friend, Zed, to help her get through this, even though they are completely opposite. She finds help in her friends but has to make the ultimate decision- to keep the baby, or not, by herself. This book is very mature, and I found that I did not like the book that much. However, I found that it was a change to a normal novel as it was written in verse, specifically, shape poetry, which is easy to learn, but hard to perfect. The author made her writing style look like a picture book, which was both amazing but also annoying as I had to frequently turn the page around. Overall, I think this book was very good and I did enjoy reading it, although I do find it is appealing to only a select group of readers.

Kai

The Lotus Readers

This novel felt very real. I thought it was a well written novel about the convoluted and messy process of abortion, the complexities of friendships, and how to live with differences of opinion. I liked the interactions between Zed and his mother the most, and how they ended up dedicating time to reflect and talk to each other so they wouldn't just get stuck in their own thoughts. (spoilers here sorry!) Zed was my favourite character. Even though he had dedicated himself completely to the physics marathon, he ended up messing it up trying to help out Marnie. In the moment, it was excrutiating for him being in that exam hall and unable to concentrate. But after, he was able to make the best of his situation, knowing that he had been able to help his friend through a really difficult situation. His sense of justice made him an immensely likeable character, and unlike the way autistic boys often used to be portrayed, as apathic and heartless.

Zoë

The High Storrs Shadows

Not Going To Plan is a really gripping story with an amazing plot. However, the book layout isn't the greatest and there are some mature themes but overall the book is a really good one to read. I would definitely recommend!

Carys

The Mockingjays

The story is about a girl called Marnie, who is kicked out of school because of a 'relationship' she has with a boy called Zed and she ends up becoming pregnant. The story follows the actions Marnie takes in dealing with this news. My favorite part of the book was when Zed dances like he is from the 1980s, I found this part to be hilarious. I was not too fond of the character of Jessica, who was bullying Zed and attacks Marnie. I think this was a decent book, and quite hilarious in parts - I would recommend it to other students (***** out of five).

Subhan

Rockwood Reads

I really liked this book as I had never read a book with this type of formatting, which I think is called shape poems? The book covers mature themes that are important to talk about and it kept me engaged. Also the fact that there were multiple short poems made it a quick easy read for when I am travelling to just open up the book and start a new poem. I enjoyed this book and gave it a 9/10!

Lishane

MTS Northwood

I loved the conclusion of the book, with the wildly different perspectives of four young characters all intertwining together in a bid for respect and understanding. The dual narrative technique and the arrangement of the text felt dynamic. A powerful read full of important topics.

Sophie

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Tia Fisher blends an incredibly serious topic in her latest book with loveable and relatable characters. It has raw and genuine emotions mixed with a comedic flare that not only is a joy to experience but also respectful of the subject matter.

Jack

Fullbrook Bookworms

Having read Tia Fishers previous novel, Crossing the Line, I knew I would not be disappointed with her newest novel Not Going to Plan. Marnie and Zed are sat next to each other in class. Marnie has just been expelled from her grammar school, after some interesting arrangement of flowers in the school garden and must sit her GCSEs at a local school. Zed is a top student who is not great at Spanish, Physics being his strongest and Marnie’s weakest they decide to help each other out. But after a party at another student's house, some questionable dance moves and decisions make one go down a path they didn’t expect and the other to get caught up in it. The two at first do not get on, but when Marnie needs Zed near the end of the novel he is there for her. I really enjoyed the flow of the story and the way the words were laid out to empathise what was going on. I loved watching the friendship between Marnie and Zed grow. I also thought that the subject matter of the novel, Teenage Pregnancy and the options that Marnie has, is one that needs to be spoken about more openly.

Jess

Orpington Library Older Teens Group

Not going to plan was a really nice, short, easy read due to its poem-like style of writing. I really liked it because at times, it was very tense and extreme but towards the end, slowed down a bit and ended quite nicely, which was the part I really enjoyed. In a way, Marnie felt very relatable about her grades were going down but she still succeeded which I feel many young people these days could relate to. Because of the parts that some people might not like and it whad a good explanation of the consequences which some teenagers might not be aware of. Although Marnie maybe did not do things she should have done in the past, she learnt from her mistakes and moved on and never looked back. She was not afraid to say what had happened to her and Jessica Bates but the fact they could look past all their previous problems and move on.

Charlotte

Chiswick Carnegie

Very informative book based on the termination of pregnancies. It provides statistics and the thoughts of a young girl going through this personal option. I think it's deeply important in the media that more girls know they aren't alone when terminating pregnancy and this book just proves that whatever option you choose, it's yours to make and whether you keep the pregnancy is up to you or not. It was funny and informative at the same time. I would recommend this to anyone who would read it.

Bethany

Henry’s Shadowers

In my opinion "Not Going to Plan" was a beautifully written book, the author's use of prose and concrete poetry helped both bring the words alive and reinforce the books central themes. Whilst the book did delve into some darker more complex themes it didn't feel too heavy or daunting a read, rather the author explored them with respect in a way that made it understandable for all readers without taking away from the severity of the issues. My one critique of the book is that at points it did feel a little unrealistic and the plot felt similar to other YA books I have read. But it's key focus on abortion, a complex ethical issue for many, did help set it apart and overall I would give the book an 8/10.

Eve

KES Readers

I really enjoyed reading Not Going To Plan and think Tia Fisher is an amazing author. I especially liked the format in which it was written as well as the fact that it was a reasonably fast read. Before each page turn I was dying to know what happened next, and I thought the plot was amazingly gripping. This book is a 10 out of 10 from me and I highly recommend it.

Martha

CSGS Page Turners 26

I really enjoyed this book, as it is written in verse, the message was really powerful. It touched on really mature topics and was extremely enlightening. I couldn't put it down, and once I finished it, I read it all again!

Chloe

CSGS Page Turners 26

This book uses a very interesting style of verse, immersing you within the story. It covers great topics and how to deal with them and I like how at the end of the book there are lots of links to support anyone going through these issues, showing how considerate the author is!

Josh

Tenbury Page Turners 26

I am a massive fan of books in verse, so I may be slightly biased, however I was hooked to this book from the first page. I love how the author challenged these ideas and social expectations as it proved a very educating read. Another thing I like was the structure, especially the moments where the poetry was shape poetry - I just thought it was so intelligent and well done. I really liked the two perspectives of Marnie and Zed and the writers creative decisions were excellent. Overall, a great read and I would definitely recommend!

Cecile

St George’s Dragon Readers

I really enjoyed this book. It is a serious read approached in such a way that is not overwhelming. The main character Marnie faces huge challenges that she tries to fix for herself. One of the main themes in the book is my body, my life, my choice. I found this was really important and a topic that should be discussed more often. Marnie's art topic of freedom changes across the book, which I think represents how she grows as a character. All of the characters are represented very well and feel real because they face real problems. Overall this was an amazing read and I would recommend it to anyone.

Olivia

The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

I thought this was a good book talking about some mature themes and talking about female empowerment and racism, I especially loved the dual POV as i felt like this was a fun way of reading a book. The themes are Verse, Empathy, Consent, Identity, Teenage pregnancy, Stealthing and Friendship

Freida

Thomas Tallis Reads

I'm not going to talk about the plot of the book, because the plot of the book was one I've seen a million times. Instead, I want to talk about the book's structure. Poem books don't usually cinch it for me, but the way Fisher used words to make pictures or pictures to tell words was interesting and honestly intriguing. While the story wasn't one I found myself able to move through easily, the way text and placement was structured and utilised was done very well, and I put the book down confident Tia Fisher has a very good way with words.

Hanzalah

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going to Plan is a moving and enjoyable read, addressing topics like teenage pregnancy, stealthing and abortion. I found the layout of the book interesting, it is more like a script than a book. Marnie is expelled from her school and heading to a new one just before her GCSEs. She struggles with mathematics and physics and needs some help to pass. Zed is excellent at maths and physics, but not languages. Revision sessions turn into a fragile friendship between the two. When Marnie gets pregnant by another boy, her friends are there to support her. Not Going to Plan made me feel angry at how easily something like this can happen. It made me think about consent and trust in relationships. I would recommend this book to 15-16 year olds.

Oliver

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Not Going To Plan is brilliant! Being the first verse novel I have ever read, I found it a little difficult to read at first, however it got much easier as I got deeper into the book. The main character is a very relatable, determined and bold person who struggles to make the right decision for herself after getting pregnant. I love that although her friends have different opinions about what she should do and what is right and wrong, they all come together and support her with her decision. The book is very cleverly written, with words that form images and I also liked the different pictures for each chapter number.

Lyla

Walkden Readers 26

An interesting novel in verse format, it has you feeling like Tia Fisher’s Marnie and Zed are talking to you. ​The story follows two teens in their final year of GCSEs, navigating through the ups and downs of Year 11. Zed, a physics genius and loner, meets Marnie, an art enthusiast and Spanish whizz. Both need help with the subject they hate, and it just so happens that they both excel at each other's weaknesses. A mere tutoring agreement becomes an unexpected friendship, and Marnie relies on Zed during the most difficult decision of her life. ​The contrast in personalities between Marnie and Zed keeps the story interesting, and the realistic issues of teenage life make the story more relatable and engaging. I would highly recommend this book as it feels mostly realistic and can be relatable for many teens.

Ameerah

The Book Explorers

Not Going To Plan was a powerful and inspiring book about making your own choice without the worry of who will judge you.

Hannah

St John’s Book Groups

Not Going To Plan was a powerful and inspiring book about making your own choice without the worry of who will judge you.

Hannah

St John’s Book Groups

Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher is a book written in a creative verse format that explores themes of consent, breaking taboos, teen pregnancy and abortion. The story is about Marnie Staedler, a rebellious and brash “scholarship girl” who is expelled from her posh all-girls private school for constant troublemaking. At her new school, she meets Zed, the class nerd who cannot stand hugs or the smell of Marnie’s vapes. At a party, Marnie sleeps with a boy (Harry) who was only pretending to wear a condom (and who only did it with her to make his girlfriend jealous!) Eventually, she finds out that she is pregnant, and needs Zed to help her decide what to do. This book was really enjoyable. The poem format makes the story better paced without having to worry about making the sentences too detailed, and interesting pictures and shapes were also made from the words on the page. I liked the subplots in the story such as Luca and Zed’s situation, which made the characters feel really real and consistent. I really enjoyed the development of friendships and characters – it felt relatively realistic when Marnie and Jessica teamed up on Harry whilst not becoming sudden best friends like in kids films. My favourite character was probably Luca because of his easygoing nature and how he supported Marnie during the abortion. The book covers challenging and tabooed themes but it was written just right: neither treated as an unspeakable topic nor as something to be joked about or glossed over.

yuding

The Perse Carnegians

Bold, Beautiful and Brave. I loved this book - it has a wonderful representation of text and an exceptionally arty, proud and relatable main character Marnie. I like the contrast between her and Zed, the less artful and more science-based character. Both of them have expectations given to them. I thought the plot was really in depth and vibrant, showing life isn't easy and that quite a lot of the time it doesn't go your way. Again the text really shows the readers exactly what is going on and makes it a lot nicer to read. This book is also really nice because it makes the reader feel more aware and understanding to situations that they would probably think "that could never happen to me" and through the characters it also shows that you shouldn't assume anyone's story and people can change, eg. Jessica. Overall, I thought it was absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend it. It is a truly beautiful piece of artwork that stands proud, reminding others to be brave.

Ellie

WSFG Carnegies Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book! It spoke about the important topic of teenage pregnancy and how this affects so many young women and girls, which I feel is not often spoken about. Although I found some parts of the book a bit too old for me I still enjoyed it and just wanted to keep reading! I love how the book is written in verses which is something I don’t usually choose to read but I actually found enjoyable.

Indi

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I enjoyed this book very much as most of the books from previous years seemed a bit too kiddish, but this one was more grown up and teenager appropriate which made me enjoy this the most. The way the book was written like a role play made it easier to read and understand what all the characters are experiencing and the choice of the school being the main setting really made me enjoy the book more as a reader. This might be my favourite even though I haven't read all of the other books yet and I enjoyed it a lot. 5 out of 5 from me!

Mariia

HAEC Books and Biscuits Carnegie Shadowers

I think 'Not Going to Plan' is a really good book. I enjoyed the plot and I felt that you could really feel sympathy for Marnie once you had gotten to know her better. I loved it and recommend it for others to read. I would rate it 5 out of 5 stars!

Callie

Montsaye Shadow Readers

This book is a realistic and interesting story about a girl who moves schools and finds herself in a tricky situation. The story is told from two perspectives focusing on Marnie who’s artistic and navigating school issues, and Zed a smart student who excels in physics but struggles with social life and languages. This proves anyone can be friends if you get to know each other. I would recommend this book to teens who like books about real school life.i would rate this ⅗ because i prefer books with more action.

Henry c

Glossopdale Readers

'Not Going To Plan' was my first verse novel ever, and to be fully honest, it has completely succeeded past my expectations. Picking up the book, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it, but after reading the blurb and getting past a few pages, I couldn't get my eyes of the book. Tia Fisher has really peaked my interest for verse novels, and I will definitely be looking into her other books! Excluding the format of the book, the plot and the characters really kept me engaged. Marnie and Zed were beautifully written, and their dynamic truly made me smile whilst reading. I actually got emotional during some parts of the book, and it really comes to show how amazing Tia Fisher is when it comes to writing. I would totally read again! I look forward to more of her books having a chance at being awarded the Carnegie Award. Just so i could have an excuse to read it and smile again!

Melisa

The SBSJs

Overall I thought that Not Going to Plan was a good book. I think that my view changed quite quickly because I thought it would be quite unrealistic that something like that would happen. But I do like how the characters developed throughout the story and Zed and Marnie's friendship grew stronger.

jack

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going to Plan is a novel in verse, with two narrators. I'm not a poetry person, but the book is easy to read, with likeable characters and a very relevant message. The story is aimed at young adults, but is sensitively written for younger readers. A very satisfying read, which made someone I know laugh out loud!

MrsMidge

Balcony Bookworms 2026

I did not like the format nor the story in general but I like the message it teaches. I would rate it, i would rate it a 4/10.

Gracious

Baxter Booklighters

Not Going to Plan is a book about a girl called Marnie who falls pregnant due to a one night stand and her friend Zed who is helping her make the right choice. I believe that this book is very thought provoking since it puts into perspective how something like this story can happen and it highlights the realism of the novel. I also really enjoyed Zed and Marnie’s friendship developing into one where they could trust each other and stand by each other even when a serious challenge faces them. I would recommend this book to young teenagers since I did really enjoy this book. Also I would rate this book a 5/5 since I was never bored of reading it and the story was really intriguing.

Skye B

Glossopdale Readers

I really enjoyed this book. The way it is written means that you can follow the story in a concise way without being overwhelmed by all of the 'outside noise'. The way setting and characters were developed through short sharp sections of text was great. The storyline was harsh but necessary and again the fact there wasn't a love story made this a powerful read. I love the character Zed and the fact that he is shown to struggle with the idea of not fitting into a label of sexuality and that that is OK. For me as a reader I was able to look at this perspective in a supportive and positive light. Fantastically powerful, great character focus and loved the style of writing. Big fan.

Fiona

The Carnegie Coast Readers

This book was really good and I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the formatting of the book and the way it switched between perspectives, highlighting the comparisons well. I also found the message empowering and leaving the ending open to interpretation was a great touch. Overall, I'd give it an 8.5/10.

Linn

KECHG Shadowers

I found this book very interesting and it was written in a fascinating way with the dual perspective verses. I felt as though it carried important messages about abortion and teenage pregnancy. If I had to criticise, I would say that it was perhaps a little fast paced but otherwise I really enjoyed this book, would definitely recommend!

Rowan

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going to Plan was an interesting book. It’s about a 16-year-old girl called Marnie who is always getting into trouble and is eventually sent from her boarding school, to a public school to finish her GCSE course and do the exam there. Then she goes to a party and gets pregnant after a boy pretended to wear protection. It also shows her relationship with Zed, a smart, and careful boy that helps her through her entire journey of pregnancy even when she decides to have an abortion and focus on her GCSEs. I liked this book because it showed lots of friendships and struggles between the characters and Tia Fisher really conveyed lots of emotion between them, however I also disliked this book as it was very fast paced at some points and some points you couldn’t see the development of a relationship, just the product of it. I quite like it 6.5/10.

Sebastian H

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

The book’s message is that even when your life feels like a mess, you can get through it with honesty and a true friend. It shows that things don’t always go to plan, but having someone like Zed to support you makes you brave enough to start over. It’s a hopeful story about being yourself and finding strength when things get difficult.

Lojine

Lionheart2026

I really enjoyed this book. The important topic it deals with is teenage pregnancy and how it affects so many young women and girls. I feel this is a topic we all need to speak about more openly and more often. Although I found some parts of the book a bit too mature for me I still enjoyed it and just wanted to keep reading. I don't normally read verse novels but I really couldn't stop reading this one.

Indi

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Not Going to Plan is a book about teenage pregnancy and is told in verse. I liked how it has lots of themes which kept the story interesting. I enjoyed that the story was written in verse as that made it interesting. I also liked reading about Marnies' emotions. The only thing I didn't like was that the ending felt a bit incomplete and I would have liked to see a longer ending. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to young adult readers.

Sophie

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I loved reading this book, the author has effectively captured teenage emotions through the struggles, challenges and recoveries of the 2 main characters. I also really enjoyed the verse-style presentation and how often throughout the book the writer used inventive ways of using words to make images. I like how the author used the idea of standing up for what you believe in as the key element behind this book. Would definitely recommend.

Liam

LSST Library Shadowers

Not Going to Plan is a refreshing and uplifting read. It gently reminds us that life doesn’t need to follow a perfect script to be meaningful. The author tells a story that feels very human. They blend humor, vulnerability, and insight in a way that grabs your attention from the very first page. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, the book presents them as unexpected chances for growth, discovery, and even joy. What stands out most is how relatable the shared experiences are. Whether dealing with missed chances, sudden changes, or moments of self-doubt, the author tackles each situation with honesty and warmth. This approach makes it easy for readers to see parts of their own lives in the story. The writing style is engaging yet comforting, balancing thoughtful reflection with lighthearted optimism. Another strength of the book is its key message: uncertainty can drive transformation. Rather than promoting strict control, it celebrates adaptability and resilience. By the end, readers find a renewed sense of hope and a reminder that sometimes the best moments arise from plans that fall apart. Overall, Not Going to Plan is an inspiring and uplifting book. It encourages readers to welcome life’s unpredictability. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking reassurance that even when things don’t go as expected, something meaningful and beautiful can still come to light.

Alex

Bookwizards

Like a book I've read recently, the story is presented in an extremely interesting and unique fashion because its organised in a way that allows all perspectives to be witnessed which ensures that the readers ending idea upon the book is fairly varied. And although that is only one statement I overall really enjoyed the book.

Rafa

Chiswick Carnegie

I really liked how fast-paced the book was, I didn't ever get bored, always wanting to read more. I didn't like some of the choices that Marnie made, but that was more of just me and not an actual problem. This is a book I would 100% recommend this book to friends and family.

Aurelia

TPS Carnegie Collective

I thought the book was truly amazing I loved the characters and their special talent. Such a powerful story for teenage girls a book I won't forget!

Phoebe

St John’s Book Groups

Really powerful story!

Mathilde

St John’s Book Groups

Not Going To Plan is an amazing book. I loved every last sentence. The themes explored were sensitive yet handled in the best way possible - I liked how the book explored different views on 'taboo' topics and how nothing was shied away from. The poem format, the writing, and especially the metaphors guarantee I'll be reading more of this authors work in the future! 10/10 book for me!

Rida

HGS Book Club

I found this book really captivating. It is written in verse and is extremely clever in how the layout of the text reflects what is happening/being said in the book. It was quite unlike any book I have ever read. The sensitive theme was approached with subtlety and maturity. I also enjoyed the way the story was told from the perspectives of two opposing personalities, with their individual thoughts on the same incidents at the same time. The age rating was appropriate too, as I think one needs to be 14+ for this story. I found each and every character easy to relate to. Overall, the book is a delightful, engaging and poignant read.

Alexandra

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Not Going To Plan was a really informative read. It educated me on abortion and what is really involved, something that needs to be more widely discussed. The book is also written in verse which explores different ways to communicate the story. Throughout the book, verse or the word placement (both in sentences and on the page) were used to add pace or slow it down, create visuals to further the story, emphasise certain words and create an interactive read. I would recommend this book to mature teenagers, as it deals with mature topics such as pregnancy and abortion. Additionally, it would resonate with teens due to the focus on GCSE’s and the stress inducing environment around those. Furthermore, the book was really insightful and accurate about teenage life, making it a relatable read. This is particularly shown through the dual narration between Zed (an intelligent boy who is struggling with the social obstacles teenage years present) and Marnie (a problematic girl who goes on a journey of values and self development). Overall, I found this read inspiring, educating and engaging.

Abi

Diary of a Wally Kid

Initially, I wasn’t a fan of the layout as it made it hard to focus on the main theme of the story and I couldn’t get into the book. However as I kept reading, the brilliant concept of two teenage worlds that were so fantastically different yet so similar was refreshing and great to read. Such a beautiful book, would recommend.

Bethan

Horsham BOok HUNTers

I really enjoyed this book. I like how the author wrote the relationships between the characters and how they wrote the plot I didn’t really like the format of the text I found it unique but I found it was unnecessary and made reading the book a bit frustrating other than that I think the front cover is creative and demonstrates what the book is about. Overall I did enjoy the story

Vikki

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book was really heartwarming and connected with the themes incredibly well. Pros: the style of writing really grabs your attentions and makes you feel as if you are in the characters shoes, the themes are explored really well with multiple different opinions displayed in the book cons: I don't think this book has any cons

Ernest

TBGS READERS

This verse novel was so so so good! It was so well paced and intriguing, I read it in only two days! The characters were so well written and loveable. The storyline was so believable and relevant to modern day as well as being interesting and engaging. The topics dealt with in the book were approached with sensitivity and maturity. I hope to read more verse novels in the future because I enjoyed this one so much. If you're looking for a quick, easy read then this is definitely the book for you!!!

Roseanna

SCD Pageturners

everI enjoyed Not Going to Plan, and it was a great read. I like the contrast between Marnie and Zed, but I think zed was potentially not needed and didn't really do much. However, the abortion was very climatic and very interesting. Also I really like the poem format. 6/10

Toby

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I really enjoyed Not Going To Plan. I loved the way the book was set out. Its full of heart-felt moments where you feel connected to the characters. When I first picked up this book I thought I wouldn't enjoy it, but I was definitely proved wrong!

Ava

Kingdown Wilts

I really enjoyed reading this book as it was such an emotional and moving story. I really liked the way the text was placed like how on some pages the text would be in a swirl or upside down and it would always surprise me where the text was. If I was to rate this book I would rate it 5 stars as it was really fun to read!

Matilda

Kingdown Wilts

I think this was a great book, I really enjoyed the text format as it was very creative. I also loved the fact that the author hasn't shied away from subjects such as abortion

leon

Kingdown Wilts

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its impactful message and relatable topics. I found it very meaningful and memorable, and it affected me emotionally, letting me understand people in Marnie's position and realise the hardship they go through. It has opened me up to these things, and I will never forget this book. It is extraordinary; I have learnt a lot from it. The plot line is amazing. In particular, I really enjoyed the way the text was laid out, making it an engaging and unusual read.

Rose

Kingdown Wilts

I enjoyed Not Going To Plan. This was the second time I've read this book and I felt it was much better this time round. I really like books written in verse, and this was no different, with its unique and interesting structure that was a conversation between the two principle characters, Zed and Marnie. It was also very thought provoking and I love Marnie's GCSE art project. My only criticisms are that I didn't understand what 'screen printing' was (although that just might be because I'm not very good at art 😅) and I think it would have been even more interesting & challenging if we had heard the arguments for and against abortion equally compelling and thoroughly. Overall, this is a good read and I would give it 7/10

Ilsa

The High Storrs Shadows

Plot ; I thought that the plot was really well written ,I liked that it reflected themes of Feminism, Standing up to Homophobia and Teenage Pregnancy. I loved the fact that this book was based on empowerment and that this story is personal to the author. I enjoyed the fact that this novel highlighted the struggles and pressures of teenagers, through a personal and meaningful approach. The fact that it was written in verse also made it special and the switching between POVs allowed each character to reflect on the situation and how it affected them deeply. To me, I was deeply hooked from start to finish and read this book in one sitting! One thing I wanted to know was their GCSE scores! Did Zed get a 9 in Spanish? Overall, I rate it 4.5/5!

Zayna

Mansell Library Reviewers

This book is about teenage pregnancy, consent and abortion. I liked this book as it tells the story of Marnie getting pregnant without her consent, and does everything she can to try and abort the foetus.

Tarja

GreatB00ks

I like this book because it is very bold

Amelia

Stratton shadowers

Not Going to Plan was a book about abortion and the struggles that come with it. The book was set in poem form even though it was not a poem in any way, because of this you could read the book very fast. The book was boring at times but was ok.

Joshua R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Not Going to Plan’. The narrative voice is really unique, and the plot is incredibly detailed and enjoyable. The characters are all really diverse and interesting, and I like the way that Tia Fisher can mix small moments of comedy into what might otherwise be a very serious book. This is a wonderful and enlightening read for young people.

Eleanor

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Not going to plan was an amazing read - it is filled with heartfelt moments where you truly feel connected to the characters. I personally enjoyed the use of dual narrative as it gave me a version of the story from two very different characters' view points showing me how dissimilar the two characters are. I believe that the book sends a great message to its reader of their self worth and independence. Overall it was a great read and I would definitely recommend it.

Charlotte

Skipton Shadows

'Not going to plan' was a book that took upon itself to comment on a difficult topic. Abortion is one of the great ethical questions of the modern day, and I thought that this book explored either side of the debate rather well. However, I wasn't such a fan of the plot, it seemed to be one of the three or four standard YA storylines, much the same story as other books. I wasn't a huge fan of the poetry, this being only the second book I've read in verse. I really disliked the fact that some words and phrases were placed in different fonts and orientations on the page. That I thought took away from the imagination and serious aspects of the book. Overall I'd give it a 6/10, good, but not one I'd read again.

Rory

KES Readers

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book and how the verses were from both the perspectives of Zed and marnie as it really showed the contrast between their characters. The many serious important topics in this book were really well presented without being too upsetting. I especially liked how marnie used her art to bring up, and overcome some issues.

Jessica

THS Book Crew

This book is an amazing ,creative and insperational book that shows children in high school to speack up and how to be safe out of school. This book is a quick read and captivated me in minutes of reading the book. The way the verses are written are amzing as i have never read a book with verses before. Tia Fisher did a magnificent job on this book and definetly pulled this off.

lily

THS Book Crew

Good book from two different peoples point of view. I love the layout and it was my 1st ever verse novel book.

Charlotte

Fullbrook Bookworms

"Not Going To Plan" is a book written as a novel in verse, which gives the whole book a unique feel. The book includes many powerful themes, such as; teenage pregnancy, empathy, consent and identity. It includes two characters who help each other throughout the story. Overall, the story is very empowering, but doesn't feel as smooth as some of Tia Fisher's other works. 8/10

Elliott

Hope Valley Literati

This is an easy-to-read book based around a complex topic I feel strongly about. Marnie finds herself pregnant after a disastrous party. Unable to speak to the adults in her life, she turns to her friends, old and new, for support and help. By adding dialogue to the classic verse novel format we can understand multiple perspectives and viewpoints, so our own prejudices are challenged and gaps in our knowledge filled.

Bibliophile

Angmering Book Lovers 4 Life

Not going to plan by Tia Fisher is a book about a teenage girl facing difficult decisions in life. She needs to learn who to trust and who to turn to for support and ultimately to have the confidence to choose for herself. Marnie is doing her GCSEs when she gets kicked out of her private school and must go to a local public school where she meets Zed. Zed is brilliant at physics so makes a deal with Marnie to teach her physics if she teaches him Spanish. When an unlikely friendship forms, Marnie convinces Zed to go to Harry’s party. She ends up having sex with Harry, who assures her he is wearing a condom. This turns out to be not true and Marnie ends up pregnant. She now faces a difficult choice and finds out who will be by her side whatever happens. This book covers difficult themes including abortion, consent and a person’s right to make decisions for themselves about their own body. There is also true friendship and the unquestioning love of a mother. The book is written in verse and the first-person changes from Zed to Marnie showing their different views on what is happening. I liked this style of writing, and it helped me to understand the characters better. I found some of the themes challenging but I enjoyed reading the book. I would recommend this book to teenagers who want to consider these issues.

Greta

Helkats & Hardbacks

When I first picked up this book, I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy it, but I have been proved very wrong! This book is a must read for all young adults. It contains extremely important subjects like teenage pregnancy, consent and friendship. I love Marnie and Zeds friendships; they are so different but still the perfect match! I also love the fact that this was a verse novel, I know I sometimes feel bored of the words going across the page and this book changed that! The playing of words and visual reading was so engaging and I loved it!

Jana

The Perse Carnegians

I felt this book was a powerful and moving piece of text. While the verse structure was confusing at first I soon got used to it. However, I felt it skimmed over too much details on some bits like the LBTQ+ club and the relationship between zed and Lucas. But I felt this book covered some really important topics and shouldn't be overlooked as a moving drama.

Thomas

Forest Hill Library

I really enjoyed the verse layout of this novel, which meant the books character was altered. The characters felt feasable yet interesting. I think the novel's plot had quite a few interesting path as well. I have'nt read multiple 'teenage pregnancy' books (only little bang) but I felt this story explored themes of poverty and social life as well.

Ernest

Team Car Park

It was an amazing book and I loved how it represented a type of assault people don’t usually recognise as rape. Although, I felt that some parts of the story were a little unfinished. We never got to see how Harry’s reputation was affected, or his reaction to what Jessica and Marnie said in front of everyone, or his family’s reaction. We also never really got to see the end of what happened with Luca and Zed — when Luca said “Maybe I just wasn’t the right one for you.” Zed thought in his head that nobody could be more right for him than Luca, but then nothing else significant happened between them. Zed just stayed unlabelled and what he’d thought about nobody being righter than Luca was not addressed again. I think that they should have either actually got together or Zed shouldn’t have thought that about Luca, because now it feels like that part of the story was accidentally forgotten about and dropped rather than completed with the rest of the book.

Lorin

Carnegivores

the book is quite good and quite a lot of plot twists and i like the end how they faced their problem and got what the people deserve.

Ian

HAEC Books and Biscuits Carnegie Shadowers

🚨TW: Teenage pregnancy, Stealthing and Abortion Marnie attends Wynfird College for Girls on a full scholarship, or she did before she was managed moved to the local Comprehensive because her behaviour was so poor and she made some bad decisions. What the school didn’t see was how she was treated by the other students because she was from a single parent working class home who on occasion has to utilise food banks, classism at its finest. At her new school she hasn’t very long before it’s her GCSE’s so the plan is head down, don’t stand out, get to the end of school. This quickly goes wrong when entering her form room a girl from her old primary school, who doesn’t like her, notices Marnie make her way to her seat and so does this girls boyfriend. Zeb just wants to be left alone, who wants to do well in school and excel in Physics so why has the teacher put the new girl next to him. A friendship eventually forms between Marnie and Zeb when he realises she could help him pass Spanish and she knows for certain he could help her with Physics. Zeb is the one who is there for her when she eventually messes up again and gets herself involved in a drunken fumble with the off limits boyfriend and how mistakes are are a great way to learn and taboo subjects are not something to be ashamed of. A great YA book and my first Novel in Verse. It’s so current and relevant. An empowering book for teen girls to read and because it’s written in verse makes it’s so much easier to read and keeps the pace moving, excellent for those who struggle to read or dislike reading. 4 ⭐

Mrs Ellis

AB Everyone Reading

I really enjoyed this book because its about Marnie and how she messed up at school again and this time she's gotten expelled. At her new school she's sitting next to a nerd called Zed. Then eventually they ended up bonding together.

Musa

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going to Plan was a really interesting book. I enjoyed the format, as it is a verse novel, which makes it a quick read. I liked how it frequently swapped perspectives between Zed and Marnie, allowing you to see both of their viewpoints at the same time. I would definitely recommend this book, and if I had to rate it, I would give it 5/5, as it was a very fun read. My favourite character was Zed because he remains loyal to Marnie throughout and is a very kind character.

Fleur

Rainbeau Readers

I liked Not Going To Plan because it's a funny and easy way to inform people about of the power of consent.

Marwa

Dunraven

Not Going To Plan was a very good book, not only does it educate the reader on challenging topics, but it is also humorous and uplifting. I found that the verse and the fact the book was written with both the stories of the same page was hugely refreshing compared to the over-done different chapter, different character narrative. The book being written in this way also helped create linkage between the two characters’ lives, which could have been missed if read in another format. The sometimes-creative layout of the pages helped to explain the story further, without being tedious or distracting. The plot of the book was heart-felt and pure and also realistic, showing conflicting feelings on certain decisions by friends and family, rather than a romanticised literary version. Overall, I found this book to be powerful and raw. I would hugely recommend and have and will continue to re-read. 10/10

Lulu

KES Readers

'Not Going to Plan' was the first book I read out of the shortlist, and I was pleasantly surprised by the poem-like format. I think it was effective to convey the thought processes of Marnie and Zed in a realistic way, and I thought the use of typography was unique and engaging. It covered mature and controversial themes, namely teenage pregnancy and abortion, which I found to be quite interesting and perhaps a bit heavy, but interesting nonetheless. I felt that Marnie and Zed's connection grew well throughout the book and that their friendship developed quite naturally. Although this wasn't a book that I would pick up myself, it was a fresh and uniquely written perspective towards these themes, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

Yuvi

KECHG Shadowers

I really enjoyed reading "Not going to plan". I really loved the way Tia Fisher cleverly used writing in dual-perspective to convey the feeling of each character in the given scenario and I really enjoyed her play on words as she wrote in verse to further suggest their feelings. This book has many powerful messages. I think it teaches the reader a lot about consent and also how hard it is for some people as they experience a lot of bullying from many things. I believe it also reinforces the need for strong friends and a strong bond with parents as they can help you through the hardest times. It also encourages the reader to think about what they would do if they were faced with the many problems the main character, Marnie, experiences. The story is extremely moving as we go through this journey with her. However, I would have liked the book to have a slightly better ending. For example, it could have explained what the characters did next or even what grades they achieved as we have been with them for so long, I personally wanted to know a bit more about their endings.

Annabel

The Maynard School

When Marnie gets expelled by her independent school and sent to Downham College, she was put to sit next to a boy named Zed, a nerd who does not accept mistakes. The two of them require help from one another. Marnie, who is good at Spanish and art but not at Physics, and Zed, brilliant at maths and Physics but not Spanish, need to help the other to get their GCSEs. But when Marnie has sex with a boy at a party who pretended to wear a condom, she needs Zed’s help to overcome her problem. I like this book because it broadens about how you can rely on others to help overcome your problems and fears, instead of hiding it and making the problem worse. My favourite character in that book would be Luca, who is a friend of Zed’s, because he is funny and understanding about Marnie’s issues. However, I would recommend it to people from Year 10 upwards because it includes some strong language (etc. swear words) and topics that you would cover at a later age, such as consent. In conclusion, this book is a good book to read if you are looking to understand teenagers.

Ibsan

The Perse Carnegians

The book was powerful and informative in such an engaging way. I have not read verse novels before so it was quite unusual to me, and yet it was a very interesting way. It definitely highlights the emotional weight of abortion and dealing with pregnancy, giving quite an accurate idea of teenage culture as well. The cliff hanger it is left on, creates suspense, leaving me wanting read more!

Hannah

KECHG Shadowers

This book was actually my first choice when I saw the books. I read the first chapter or so but felt I had to put it back. After I read a few others I thought I’d give it a try and now I realise how wrong I was to put it down. This book was absolutely fantastic and sometimes I didn’t understand the older themes in the book but understood the story. This has encouraged me to read more young adult books and inspire others to do so as well. I’d like to thank the author for making me step out of my comfort zone of fiction to a kind of in between. Thanks for your time.

Seren

The SBSJs

When I first picked up this book, I was quite skeptical- it was written in free verse, and I generally don't enjoy reading these types of books because I feel like it interrupts the story's flow. However, for this book, it didn't feel like this at all- it matched the storyline quite well and was effective in portraying the dual perspective's of Marnie and Zed. I do feel like there could've been more depth and time spent on the moment before Marnie's big decision, as I feel like the time in which she decided was quite brief. I loved the friendships between the characters and Jessica Bates' showdown at the end😂. Overall, this book was quite gripping and I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

Francesca

Orpington Library Older Teens Group

This is a verse novel, which in a simple giant poem making people read fast. The story follows a girl named Marnie who’s life is basically falling apart. Her grades are slipping, her friends are acting weird, and then she finds out she’s pregnant. I thought the way the author showed Marnie's panic was so realistic. You can really feel her stress through the way the words are laid out on the page, sometimes they even zig-zag or drop down to show how she’s feeling. One of my favourite parts was the relationship between Marnie and her mom. It felt very "real life" and not like a fake movie. Even though the book deals with some heavy stuff, it still felt hopeful. It makes sense that this book was shortlisted for the 2026 Carnegies Medal for Writing because the writing is just so unique. If you liked Tia Fisher's other book, Crossing the Line, you will definately love this one too. I give it 5 stars! Its a great read for anyone who likes stories about real teenagers facing tough choices.

Peace

Vista Academy Littleport

Although I don't usually read books written in verse, after a recommendation from a couple of my friends I loved it: I thought the format of this book made it more impactful and I especially liked the creative ways the words were shown. This was the kind of book where every moment you're not reading it, you're thinking about and wishing you were reading it. It was powerful and interesting and empowering and it really made me think about the important issues raised in the book. It all felt really real and honest and I would really recommend it, even if it's a bit different from what you'd normally read!

Evelyn

BCS Book Squad

Not Going to Plan is an amazing book based on friendship, consent and trust. Tia Fisher connected with her readers through an exhilarating account about a girl who becomes a teen mom whilst struggling through her GCSEs. Tia later tells us, in the author's note, that she wrote this book to raise awareness about consent. However I don't believe that was all she was trying to convey, I feel like she was trying to tell us that when things are hard being with people you love and support you is so important. Overall I think Not Going to Plan is a spectacular book. 8/10

Sara

Chiswick Carnegie

Not Going To Plan is definitely not a book I would take off a shelf in a library, however, when I started to read it, I began to appreciate how it stood up for the right of abortion, and highlights how girls can carry things that wasn’t their fault, and take all the blame. Luckily, Marnie had Zebedee (cool name) by her side. They are complete opposites, but need each other’s help and they go through different things together, like finding boundaries and identity. It is a brilliant book, although it may cause controversy, I definitely agree with it. Consent and choosing what to do with your own body is very important.

Kirsty

Vista Academy Littleport

This personally isnt my favourite book, but i do like the characters Zed and Marnie, and how they are complete opposites!!

Emma

Dunraven

I think not going to plan by Tia fisher was a very good book . its about a boy called zed and a girl called marine who recently got kicked out of the private school she used to go to right before her GCSEs . when she arrived to her new school sat next to zed . later on went to a party and after got pregnant . the story is about her dealing with her GCSEs while tyring to deal with the facts she's pregnant at 15. I would recommend it to teenagers or anyone who likes romance teen drama or love.

Aine

9y4

I really liked this book. Although the themes were mature the writer wrote them really well and definitely did their research for this book. The characters contrasted really well with each other and their friendship was entertaining. The ending was great and it really makes you think and feel for people in the same situation as Marnie. Overall a really good book.

Freya

LGGS Shadow Questers

I found "Not Going to Plan" very interesting and captivating, specifically for the older audiences (15+) as it does contain a lot of mature content, and even I as the reader had to really pause to take what I had read in. But overall, really good book, as it also teaches that accidents do happen, and it's good to have people there to support you!!

Angel

KAEP Lions

Of all my initial expectations for Not Going to Plan what I hadn't anticipated was the book to make me laugh! With such a serious subject matter I was apprehensive that it would be a tough read and students might feel a bit overwhelmed; but Tia Fisher has created a truthful, genuine story that lots of young people will recognise and hopefully find strength from. I am a huge fan of Crossing the Line and once again her verse is sublime with some beautiful imagery captured. My only criticism would be consistency - that some parts felt more compromised than others. I can only imagine how challenging it is to write in verse, and to do so to a deadline must put necessity before beauty on occasion. Perhaps we've been spoilt by the treasure trove of Crossing the Line? The dual narrative was done so well with both characters having distinct voices. I'm looking forward to hearing the response of my shadowing group!

Ms Devine

Booky Wookies

I thought that this was a well written book that explores some topics that are otherwise not widely talked about. It had strong characters and a powerful message.

Maya

St Kaths

I was prepared to not like Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher as not really being a lover of books written in verse, but I was very surprised as I loved it. It is an honest, engaging novel that really connects with young readers. It follows Marnie, who is suddenly expelled from her prestigious boarding school just before her GCSEs and forced to rebuild her life somewhere new. In her new school, she finds herself sitting next to Zed—quiet, highly intelligent, and seemingly her complete opposite. Marnie shines in creative subjects like art and Spanish, while Zed excels in maths and science, but they quickly realise they share the same determination to succeed. What starts as a practical study arrangement gradually grows into something more meaningful, forming a bond neither of them expected. One of the novel’s biggest strengths is how real the characters feel. Marnie isn’t portrayed as perfect, which makes her relatable, and her struggles with emotions, school pressure, and relationships give the story real depth. Her connection with Zed is especially compelling, and when their friendship is tested by an unfair and painful situation, it adds a powerful emotional layer to the story. The book explores a range of important themes, including mental health, trust, growing up, and facing consequences. It also highlights how important support systems—friends and family—can be during difficult times. Despite tackling serious issues, the writing remains approachable, with moments of humour that balance the heavier topics. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and memorable read that feels genuine and relevant, offering meaningful insights into choices, resilience, and what it means to grow up.

Mrs Ward

BCS Book Squad

This was the first book that I read out of the eight shortlisted and it was really good. I thought the plot was creative and I liked that it was dual narrative. When I first started I was a bit apprehensive as it was in verse format but I found that later on it made it better and more engaging. I thought that the unlikely friendship was good and the group of friends were all different and happy to express themselves. I would recommend this to 14-16 year olds, purely because of some of the themes. I would rate it a 8.5/10 as it had a good plot and was really enjoyable. When reading this book I struggled to put it down and kept on wanting to read one more page as it was so captivating.

Amelia M

Skipton Shadows

This was an amazing book - one of my favourites! I loved the characters and plot and I think spreading awareness about Stealthing is really important - as no one really addresses that it's a form of rape. This was such a compelling read; as soon as I started reading it I couldn't put it down. The book was written in verse and the layout was unique and creative, though as someone who struggles with eyesight I did sometimes find the words and sentences difficult to follow across gaps. I would give this book a 9.5/10 :)

Klara

The Wondrous Book & Biscuit Club

Not going to plan by Tia Fisher It is a realistic fiction genre book about teen pregnancies and exam stress while along the way also touching on subjects such as disappointment, expectations and many more subjects that lots of teens my age and older who are or in the future will struggle with. The main character is a girl called Marnie who is lied to in sex and tricked into thinking the boy had protection while she is under the influence of alcohol. She then seeks help from a boy called Zed who she sits next to in her classes about what to do with the pregnancy, how they deal with it and what comes off it is for you to find out by reading the book. A lovely extra that really made the book go from good to excellent for me was the format in which it was written and how words were emphasised by being printed in different patterns, shapes and fonts. Overall a lovely book that I couldn't recommend more to any teen aged 13-18 who loves a good realistic and relatable book.

Eleanor

Euro Champs

An incredibly well made book on the topics of consent and identity. I really enjoyed this book and the typography enhanced the feel of the story. Would definitely recommend however I was disappointed by the fact that Zed and Lucas' story never progressed any further in the book.

Trinity

FAB(C)

Not going to plan: Tia Fisher Not going to plan is a powerful young adult book written in verse and focuses on serious teenage issues but in a very clear and appropriate way. The story focuses on Marnie, a girl who is forced to leave her private school due to her rebellious personality. She stars afresh at a new school and meets Zed. A complete opposite of Marnie; he is clever and sensible. They begin to help each other with school work but after a party, everything changes for Marnie. She is left alone to deal with her consequences. Or is she? No she isn’t. Zed and her friends help her through tough times and sad times. The book is filled with different topics such as relationships and responsibility. Overall, Not Going to Plan is an engaging and important read, especially for older teens. It raises awareness of serious issues while still telling a compelling story about friendship and growing up. This book left me with the message that great friends will always be there to help no matter the circumstances.

Maggie

Helkats & Hardbacks

This book helped me understand further teen pregnancies and abortion. It was well written and I liked the style of the layout and how it was written. By writing it from the characters' points of view it helped me understand how they were feeling and what they thought meaning it was a very captivating read. It was a quite emotional read and overall it was very well written and a good read.

Rose

Skipton Shadows

I really enjoyed this book. It was nice to have a story with two people’s perspectives and it was quite funny and wholesome too! It helped me learn about consent and I had a great time reading it.

Justin

4Shadowers

This is probably one of my favourite Carnegie books so far, I really enjoyed it. I was anticipating for the book itself to be quite a long read, taking me a week or so, but I finished this in a few days. If you want a quick read, this may be for you. The story focuses on two main characters; Marnie and Zed. Marnie is a new student, who's just been expelled from her previous school, hoping to find good in her new school. Zed is a smart, charismatic character, hoping to use his knowledge of Physics to help him. Both students have their GCSE's coming up, but when Marnie gets pregnant, it wasn't going to plan. The story shows her mental and physical health, and the pressure weighing on Zed. It also shows, empathy, consent and teenage pregnancy. The plot was understandable and easy to follow at time. I also loved the style of the story using the words themselves as illustrations, I found it fascinating. I highly recommend this book to Year 9+, it was such a good read!

Isla

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

I was skeptical at first but it got really interesting quite quickly. I think it gave a new perspective on teenage pregnancy and i enjoyed the story and the way it moved. The art in it was very creative and i like when books have a deserving ending and all the protagonists are happy.

Melissa

GreatB00ks

I thought that this book was very interesting because it was something I had never read something like it before. I thought that the main characters were interesting because they weren't your natural idea of heroes or heroines. I thought that Marnie was a very believable character but I think that becoming pregnant with a boy you know nothing about is not a life- like situation. I think that she goes through the whole story in a good way because she asks for help from people, which not everyone would do because they can be too scared to tell the truth to people. I like that Zed overcomes his fear of people to help Marnie through everything. The character of Zed's mother is a bit unbelievable because she is so pressurising and she doesn't add a lot to the story apart from not being very supporting to Zed and Marnie. In the end, I liked that Marnie and Jessica joined forces to get back at Jessica's boyfriend, who made Marnie pregnant in the first place. The end part, where Marnie and Jessica speak together is an exciting time and my overall favourite part of the book. Overall, I think that this book is very good and I would definitely go back to read it again.

Ruby

The Perse Carnegians

Great book, epic story really engaging and relatable (not the getting pregnant part) but I found the print style very hard to follow and IT DIDNT END

Flic

Ink & Insight

This book was very good and i thought that marnie was a great character.

Tiana

Dunraven

I enjoyed the book and found the format very interesting, as I hadn't encountered the style of writing before reading the book. I think that all of the characters were written well, and that they all played important roles in the plot. None were featured just for the sake of it. I think the book faced bold topics in a way that was light-hearted, not too heavy, but also rather sophisticated. Overall, I liked the book found it engaging as it built up tension well and followed a clear plot line. However, it was slightly frustrating that we didn't get to see their GCSE results, as it seemed rather crucial.

Rosey

Elms Shadowing 2026

I thought this book was amazing, A really good story while being sensitively informative.

Group Leader

SuAS Shadows

I enjoyed reading the book because I liked how the story followed the lives of 2 completely opposite people. This helped to emphasize exactly how different they are, but also how they needed each other in the most dire moments of their lives. I also enjoyed the format of the book because I found it easier to read. Furthermore, I found the book very informative and it has a very strong and powerful message about abortion and choices, which I think is very helpful to this generation. Lastly, I liked the character development of Marnie because she started off being immature and aloof, but as the story went on she made impactful decisions and managed to use her artwork to reinforce it.

Aleeza

Elms Shadowing 2026

Personally, I slightly enjoyed this book. I found the dialogue and expressions uncomedic, but regardless it was still a fairly good read. The author's interpretation of the issue of pregnancy at such a young age is remarkable and very well written. I especially enjoyed how she used it as art project at the end.

Cole

Elms Shadowing 2026

This book is written in verse, a form which I have previously enjoyed but struggled with this time. The book moved between two different characters point of view and I think this made it harder to connect with them. However, I also think this is in important book with an important topic - abortion and how it is very hard for the person going through it. I think other readers will enjoy reading the book more than me.

Edmund

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I found the book to fall short of my expectations of what seemed like a promising idea for a book. The general theme of the book surrounds the mishaps of teenage life, and deals primarily with facing the consequences of bad decisions. Overall, I think the premise was laid out excellently. However, I think the “moral of the story” was drilled far too much throughout the novel, and I felt it preferred a clear instruction style of “don’t do that, that’s bad” as opposed to the spirit of Carnegie books historically, which present solutions and morals through cleverer methods. For instance [spoiler], Zed ends his conclusion of whether he believes Marnie’s abortion is moral or not as “her body, her choice”, which although is a powerful line used across debates about this, feels very cliche. I feel there was too hard a line between “good characters” and “bad characters”, where the good characters all were politically correct even if they had no real journeys nor motivations to be politically correct. This ties in to my second and biggest criticism, which is that the author throughout the novel describes the characters holding opinions other than those she clearly puts across as “correct” as less intelligent or inferior. She portrays a religious character who is against abortion as being self-centric and uncaring about the feelings of Marnie when discussing her pregnancy, being shown to be dismissive and careless. This is one of the weakest methods in my opinion to convey how one side of an argument is bad: by making the holders of the other side unintelligent and clearly the “bad guys”. Moreover, the characters rarely had personalities that didn’t directly tie into their plot points. Zed, one of the main characters, never ventured out of his nerdy comfort zone, instead staying, throughout the book, static and unchanging, as many other characters seem to do too. The LGBTQ+ character rarely ever talked about anything else other than his sexual orientation, which is a disappointment, as frankly it does no justice to any of the minority groups the author attempted to portray. Overall, with a bit more thought, this book could’ve been a fantastic read, however, I must say it is a downgrade from Fisher’s “Crossing the Line”.

Muadh

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

i read the book "not going to plan" and to be honest, it wasn't my favourite book. It was well written, very easily readable and extremely unique. This book was written in verse which I liked and it was presented uniquely. I think i would have enjoyed it more if it was less detailed in the pregnancy bit, but I understand why the author has included it. In a way, it was good that people get disgusted by underage pregnancy, because it may stop them from doing it.

Srishti

HGS Book Club

An amazing book, I think it really embodies pressure on teens especially with Zed (his A level programme) and questions values asking important questions to the reader and making them stir. It shines light from different angles on serious mature topics. It is only amplified by verse which causes the book to almost flow and make you think differently especially as words are changed into shapes. Something else is Zed questioning his sexual orientation like saying he doesn’t know what he is. It is really uncommon for representation for people who aren’t totally sure where they fit in to which (at least from what I’ve seen) is quite uncommon. However I do think there is a large realistic element which I believe is important to see every once in a while. I know people who have experienced these same academic pressures. I really liked this book, and if you are ok with potentially triggering mature topics this is very definitely a recommendation of mine.

Drupta

HGS Book Club

I think this book is a bit too realistic for my taste.

Marcus

The Broxbourne Readers

I quite enjoyed the plot line as it can be very relatable for children in the late teens, because it includes representation of consent, alcohol, vaping etc. I really liked the way it had been written in verse as it came across as very impactful and the contrast between the two characters was very interesting.

Ivy

Beacon Thursday Book Club

I really enjoyed this book and personally think it is the best one this year. I loved how Zed and Jessica really worked together, despite their completely different backgrounds and aims in life. I also liked how the author used some swear words since it brought out the true emotions of the characters. My only criticism is why didn't she reveal their GCSE results? However other than that I believe it was a very good book.

Seb

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I thought that the book is quite sad and has mature topics but it can help people learn and understand about teen pregnancy

cece

Cake a Book Club

'Not Going To Plan' is a book about empathy, consent and accidental teenage pregnancy. It is about a young lady at 16 years old named Marnie who was expelled from her old school and has to go to a new one. One night at a party a terrible scene occurs where she has sexual intercourse with a young man called Harry. Harry pretends to wear a condom, but doesn't, and Marnie gets pregnant.The author explores ideas about abortion and tries to explain the differing opinions on the controversial topic. I liked the poem format of this book and how it wasn't actually a poem. I also love how the story had different perspectives on the two main characters. I enjoyed the book.

Conor D

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I liked this book. I liked how in chapter 1 it brings up typical teenage actions e.g.. vaping, alcohol and doing piercings and tattoo's by yourself. I liked how in chapter 7 you learn about Marnie's mum and Zed and Jessica's backstory. One of my main issues however is the layout of the book and the format it is written in. I found it amusing, I was in hysterics and it entertained me for hours. I found the party very confusing, I didn't know where everyone was and I also thought that when Zed and Luca kissed I thought it should be more of a thing across the book towards the beginning. I loved how Marnie's friends supported her. I loved when Jessica and Marnie put Harry to justice for his actions. I loved the ending but i would like to of seen the GCSE's results and saw the expression of happiness if they got good GCSE's. I would like to know more about Naomi's backstory.

Lilah

Ousedale Olney

This is an extraordinary book. From the contrasts between Zed and Marnie to realism of it all, everything seemed to fit perfectly. I would definitely recommend this to another reader.

Zack

Crypt Bookworms

I was looking forward to reading Not Going to Plan and was not let down – the book is written in verse brilliantly and I enjoyed it from cover to cover. The story is about the serious and often distressing topic of teenage pregnancy, but is entwined with other topics such as feminism, LGBTQ+ rights and many more. It was a very enjoyable read, and Tia Fisher has created a fantastic book where you feel as if you are in the characters' shoes. I believe that this book could also be very helpful to people struggling with similar situations. Overall, Not Going to Plan was an amazing read and I would definitely recommend it.

Louis

The Fitzharrys Shadows

"Not Going To Plan" is a thought-provoking book which tackles difficult and relevant topics such as abortion and sexual consent. I really enjoyed how the style of the verse helped demonstrate each character's feelings at that specific moment. I found the characters to be extremely life-like, and their decisions felt very real. Overall a very impactful and well-written book. Would definitely recommend.

Benjamin R

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

I overall really liked the story and the characters, but I wasn't a fan of how the book was written with the text being aligned to one side of the page to resemble a character, for me, I find it difficult to read like that. However, the plot was brilliant and, if it was presented in a way that I personally preferred, then it would be even better.

Alexis

LSST Library Shadowers

In the book 'not Going To Plan' by Tia Fisher, the story explores serious topics such as sexual consent and abortion. The book is set in the present time in a secondary school from the perspective of a girl called Marnie and a boy called Zed. I personally loved this book and would definitely read it again. The book transported me to another world and allowed me to see through the eyes of Zed and Marnie. I would definitely recommend this book.

Issy

Diary of a Wally Kid

The book is fantastic and it had a lot of parts about GCSEs . This was a big deal for me because reading a book at this time is all about running away from all the exams I have in less than 3 weeks. However, this book was a constant reminder which also got me a little stressed as to whether I'm giving it my all. It really didn't hit it for me as i usually expect books to be some sort of escapism. Nevertheless, I 100% recommend it because if it had caught me at a different time , it would have been one of my greatest reads.

Vongai

Folkestone Academy Readers

A great book. I loved the verse style of writing and the way that the story shifted between the points of view of two very different characters. I think the mix of metaphors and cold hard facts makes the book very interesting and enjoyable to read. The theme in this book is also very important and something that is communicated through characters who develop naturally over the course of the story. This is probably my favourite book out of the ones I have read so far.

Philippa

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

Not Going To Plan was a really interesting book. I loved how the author showcased the narration with verse-like format for accessible reading and for a quick pace. This also helped with the awareness of these types of situations and clearly portrayed these well. During some parts of the book, there was a lot of depth and information dropped in all at once. However, some parts lacked this depth and made it a little confusing for events. And some of the characters were left a little stereotyped and not really enough characterization built up for them. Overall, this was a really great read and a good boost of awareness for these real-life situations, and such a heartfelt ending!

Afreen

Skipton Shadows

I really apreciated reading the book Not Going To Plan because i found the writing structure poetic and unique.The theme of friendship was presented in a unsual way showing that even if you're nothing like someone in particular you can still build a strong and reliable relationship.The characters were suprisingly memorable and endearing making the story captivating.

Lucie

4Shadowers

Not Going to plan is the perfect twist on a romantic novel. Instead of showing the love and desire you usually expect; it highlights the things that can go wrong and how to face the difficult consequences of teenage pregnancy. Moreover, we can see different perspectives on the situation primarily from the two friends (Marnie and Zed) but also their peers. Finally, I found the character developpement really impactful. Marnie's clear and oriented mind and her desire to be independent help her make impossible decisions. But the way Zed manages to appreciate Marnie and understand her despite their differences; to the extent of helping her in her most vulnerable moment truly showcases his emotional capcities.

Sia

4Shadowers

Not Going to Plan is a powerful and honest novel that feels very real for young readers. It tells the story of Marnie, who is expelled from her expensive boarding school just before her GCSEs and has to start again somewhere new. There, she ends up sitting next to Zed, a brilliant but very reserved student who seems completely different from her. While Marnie is talented in subjects like art and Spanish and Zed is much stronger in maths and science, they both share the same goal: they want strong results in school. What begins as a simple academic arrangement slowly develops into an unexpected bond. What makes the book so engaging is that the characters feel believable. Marnie is not perfect, which makes her easy to understand, and her struggles with sadness, school, and relationships make her story even more touching. The connection between her and Zed adds even more depth to the novel, especially when their growing friendship is shaken by a painful and unfair event that changes everything. The novel does not only focus on one issue. It also looks at mental health, trust, adolescence, and learning to deal with consequences. It shows how essential friends and family can be when life becomes overwhelming. Even though the subjects are serious, the writing stays accessible, emotional, and sometimes humorous, which makes the story easier to connect with. It is a meaningful and memorable read for teenagers, with important messages about choice, support, and growing up.

Yasmine

4Shadowers

Not Going To Plan by Tia Fisher is a book written about teenage pregnancy and the controversy surrounding it. It describes important issues with society and is written in verse, making it an even more entertaining read. I really enjoyed it although the topic felt somewhat inappropriate for younger readers, however extremely relevant for older teenagers and young adults, who may be going through similar problems in the country. The book provides information and many opinions in the subject and is overall an enjoyable read. I would rate it for future readers a 6/10.

Oliver

The Fitzharrys Shadows

'Not going to plan' by Tia Fisher is an awesome book for teenagers, especially for teenage girls since our body (the menstrual cycle is starting...)is changing and our mindset is developping ; there may be accidents such as pregnancy that aren't wanted at this young age but that can happen, so this book allows us to imagine being in the same situation as Marnie and making us feeling what she is living and feeling what she is going through. Moreover, reading this book tells you what you can do if this situation happens and the different ways to get out of it. This story makes you realize how important your parents and friends are, to support you in bad situations like this one. As a teenager reader, we can "relate" to Marnie which makes us even more interested to know what will be her decision and how will her friends help her. The young pregnancy isn't the only relatable part; the fact that Marnie fell into depression at her all-girls boarding school, that led her to drink alcohol and smoke, is something many teenagers today can relate to. Marnie's story helps the teenagers that are in a similar situations, to feel less alone. Even for girls that haven't sombered in that depression it will warn them about it. This book doesn't only talk about the theme of teenage pregnancy and abortion but also about friendship,self-identity and responsability, globalizing everything a teenager can live. The book treats difficult and explicit topics which can be unpleasant to read about, but Tia Fisher wrote it in an easy-to-understand,emotional yet funny way. Overall, it's an incredible book to read !

Kiara

4Shadowers

This was the sort of book that I would never usually pick up , as the plot was quite grown-up but I'm so glad I did because I really enjoyed it. I love verse novels as they are always quite quick, easy reads so I was really excited for this one. I think the layout of the words was very clever, emphasising intense feelings and making it such an interesting and exciting read. I also really liked the alternating perspectives, displaying Zed and Marnie's contradicting personalities but also how they truly cared about one another , creating a relationship with such depth and sweetness. Also, I found this quite an educational read , as I hadn't read or discussed the subjects of abortion and young pregnancy before. Although, I didn't find these subjects too heavy as they were carefully handled to just the right level. One slight critique is that I wish we could have had a slight hint as to what Marnie and Zed's futures would be like and what they would go on to do. In conclusion I really enjoyed this! Thank you!

Lyla

The Maynard School

The book "not Going to Plan" is, in one word, amazing. It is a fictional book yet the social realism, the matter-of-fact story and Tia Fishers writing style make it feel like this book is a non-fiction, that the book is real. It is written in verses, which makes it extremely fun to read, a breath of fresh air if you will, and also a quick read. Engaging, highly realistic, wonderful plot, this book is a gem and a must read!

Namish

4Shadowers

Although some traits of the characters felt slightly exaggerated, they were well developed. They had strong personal backgrounds and distinct personalities. This book is written in verse and for me the first time reading such a narrative style and structure. Initially, I was a bit sceptical. However, as the story progressed, I appreciated the author's creativity and how she used the style to convey emotions' more powerfully. The story explores the different challenges, successes, and perspectives of the two main characters, Zed and Marnie, in an honest and insightful manner, which was satisfying and engaging to follow.

Viktoria

Shelf Indulgence by JCG

I read this whole book very quickly - in a day! It kept me hooked throughout because I always wanted to know what would happen next. It was a very empowering read, too. Although it is not of the theme/genre that I would usually read, I really enjoyed it. I think that the representation of the text in a sort-of poetry style was a very interesting choice. Overall, I would most certainly recommend for all older readers.

Lucia

Carnegie Shadow Judges MEAC

This was a fun and interesting book, that I really enjoyed reading.

Jalen

Carnegie Shadow Judges MEAC

This book was really good. I loved how it also used events which could happen to anyone. I also relate to Zed not wanting to label his sexuality nowadays everything has a label so I like how he says 'We all assume that everyone's got to be something. We all have to be neatly boxed, with tags to define us but what if none of those tags applies to me? What if I am neither this nor that nor the other one.'

Aurora DT

Larkmead

A book that describes problems with society very well, with many people's different views and the togetherness in the ending. However, I didn't like the way the book was structured, as I felt like I hindered me from actually focusing more on the plot. More like me figuring out how to actually read the book. Despite this, the book also serves to be very informational and helpful to those in struggling.

Alisha (O)

LSST Library Shadowers

'Not going to plan' is an amazing book that shows real world problems and that there isn't always a simple solution. Moving to a new school was never going to be easy, but it's a whole lot harder than anything she could have predicted. When Marnie accidentally gets pregnant, she faces a lot of backlash once people find out, she gets told "You aren't seriously considering keeping the baby, that's so wrong" but also "You musn't get an abortion, that's so wrong". She has to make the decision, knowing she'll be hated no matter what she picks. All because of one mistake.

Jackie

DGS Carnegie Shadows

This is one I have mixed feelings about. I can see what Tia Fisher is trying to do in Not Going to Plan, and there are definitely parts that work well. The writing is very accessible and the verse format makes it a quick, engaging read. It’s the kind of book that’s easy to get into, even if you’re not usually a big reader. The friendship between Marnie and Zed is probably the strongest part of the book. They are very different, but their relationship develops in a believable and supportive way. I also liked the inclusion of art as a form of self-expression, and the resources at the end are helpful and clearly included with care. However, I did find that the book lacks depth in places. Some of the characters feel quite stereotypical rather than fully developed, which made it harder to connect with them on a deeper level. The main storyline focuses on an unplanned pregnancy, and this is where opinions may vary. The book presents one particular perspective quite strongly, and doesn’t explore a wide range of viewpoints in much depth. Because of this, some readers may feel that the topic isn’t examined as fully or as thoughtfully as it could be. I also felt that there wasn’t a huge amount of character growth by the end of the story. Some of the decisions and behaviours earlier in the book aren’t really reflected on in a meaningful way, which made the overall journey feel a bit incomplete. Overall, this is a well-written and easy-to-read book with a strong friendship at its core, but one that may not work for everyone. I would recommend it for older students (16+), and it’s definitely one that could lead to interesting discussions depending on your perspective. 2★

Mrs Naden

Lostock High Readers

I love the fun writing style of this book. I had yet to read a book with the theme of teenage pregnancy but I throughly enjoyed it.

Sage

Lit Legends of Swavesey

This was a good book but definitely is for upper years. however the structure of the book was so weird and i think i still have trauma from that weird structure of that book. but i also got to learn that having an abortion is not that hard but also really painful - well, that's a plus . :)

Kenul

Folkestone Academy Readers

A very empowering and amazing book! This was so fun to read especially since it was a verse novel, and funny at some moments. It highlights how people should not be ashamed of abortion and how your friends and family can support you if you are going through hard moments. Definitely one of my favourites out of the books I've read so far

Miguel M.C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

It's a very powerful book written in verse, which makes it quick to read and shows the main character’s thoughts really clearly. The structure makes important moments stand out, and the character feels realistic because of her decisions and emotion, which makes parts of the story very enjoyable, I’d recommend it—8/10

Stanley

Reading Wizards

Not Going to Plan by Tia Fisher is a book I found both gripping and quite eye-opening. I really liked Marnie as a character because she feels believable and human—she starts off quite sure of herself and in control, but then has to deal with something that completely knocks her off balance. I also liked Zed, who at first comes across as quite closed off and awkward, but over time you see him become someone she can actually rely on. What stood out most to me was how the book handles serious issues in a very honest way. The part about stealthing was especially informative for me, as I didn’t fully understand what it is before reading the book. It didn’t feel like it was there just to shock the reader either—it felt real, and it made me properly think about consent and how easily boundaries can be crossed.

Jackie

The Perse Carnegians

'Not Going To Plan' is a book about empathy, consent and accidental teenage pregnancy. It is about a young lady at 16 years old named Marnie who was expelled from her old school and has to go to a new one. At her new school she sits down next to a boy named Zed who is great at physics and maths while Marnie strengths are art and Spanish. They both need each other's help to get through their GCSEs but one night at a party a terrible scene occurs where she has sexual intercourse with a young man called Harry. Harry pretends to wear a condom, but doesn't, and Marnie gets pregnant. Marnie and Zed need each other to get through this. I liked the poem format of this book and how it wasn't actually a poem. I also love how the story had different perspectives on the two main characters. I enjoyed the book. 8/10.

Sylvan C

Ermysted’s Carnegie Shadowing Group

Not Going to Plan is a book that explores serious and sometimes ‘hushed’ topics like abortion, and it tries to show the bigger picture by including different opinions. I really liked the different points of view from Zed and Marnie, because it adds more depth and makes the story more interesting than if it was told by just one person. I also found it really engaging, as so much happens in a short amount of time for each character.

Amelia

Rainbeau Readers

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

I thought the writing style was very very creative it made reading just that bit more entertaining. At first I thought it was odd and would be irritating but after getting into the book I started to like it. The language and word choice was very thought out it captured how each person would think feel and react to the things happening. I really enjoyed the story it was a great representation of going to school and the troubles of the people and situations in and out stop school. I would recommend this book to people in Year 9 or older and especially to people who like to get deep into a book and star to empathise and understand the characters and how they feel. Overall, I thought the book was entertaining not only in the story but also regarding how you read the book definitely a 8 or 9 out of 10.

Lucas

Forest Hill Library

It was really good, I love it when Marnie kind of liked Harry but then realised he was not nice and to me there was some kind of twist, because if you read the blurb, when she and Zed become friends and help each other you have that feeling when you think they’re going to kiss or something. Anyway, I LOVE the book, my favorite character was definitely Marnie, it made me sad when she didn’t want the baby and had an abortion. I give this book five stars for its creativity, romance and a little bit of humor. I recommend this book to teens who love romance and friendship.

Charlotte

Euro Champs

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

This book was not a good book for me because it had a lot of rude and swear words in it. What I liked about this book is that if one person was good in a subject the other one isn't so they helped each other. I liked how they worked together. This actually went pretty well when I read it and I really enjoyed these parts.

Adidev

The Fitzharrys Shadows

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

NOT going to plan is a very well written book written from two peoples perspectives Marnie and Zed. They are sort of like no rhyming poems. It takes a good look at the subject of abortion in our society and the need for it to be talked about. In the book, Marnie feels alone and afraid to tell her mother that she is pregnant. Her best friend calls her a murderer and only Zed stands up for her. They order the abortion pack and Marnie takes the pills. Afterwards in her art GCSE she records a video about her experiences. I would rate this 9/10 as it is thought provoking read and was very interesting

Sophia

The Shady Bookhounds

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

This book was a really good read - I enjoyed how it was laid out in short paragraphs across the page. I liked how it dealt with some difficult themes and I really enjoyed reading it as a whole.

Bronte

Crypt Bookworms

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

"Not Going to Plan" by Tia Fisher is a fascinating and powerful book. The story focuses on friendship, problems and decisions! I found it really interesting that Tia Fisher wrote the book in verse and not in just long paragraphs. My favourite part is how she wrote the book using two perspectives, this gave me an insight on what both characters felt! However, at the start of every verse the line is bold, this made me feel a bit confused, as I did not know whether the author was trying to make me focus on something. Overall I think "Not going to plan" was a fantastic read. Tia Fisher has made a very realistic book in my opinion, and I would 100% recommend it! Rating: 8.5/10

Lilly

Euro Champs

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