Crossing the Line

Crossing the line, is one book you will never get bored of. It has a range of imagery and this book will draw you in from the first word. I have read half the book and I can already feel as though I am in the book myself watching the events unfold. This book will truly whisk you away to a new reality. It not only braces you for real life, but it changes your whole opinion of the world and other people. It has really helped me understand more about people and their actions.

Alisha

Watford Girls

It was scary. Terrifying and honestly just shocking. I did feel very bad for Erik (and Michael) but honestly l felt very bad for Erik the most. Having to deal with all the pressure is hard (and annoying). And what annoys me the most is that now he'll never feel safe, or be safe. Overall it was a very amazing book! I couldn't leave it and when l finished one page l most definitely wanted to know what happened next!

Salma

Bellerive Bookies and Cookies

Crossing the Line is a powerful and moving book about fourteen-year-old Erik, whose life is turned upside down by grief and poverty. After his dad dies, his mom's new relationship brings hope but ends in heartbreak, leaving them alone and struggling. The characters feel very real, especially Erik, whose tough choices make you really feel for him. The story is emotional and believable, with verses that add a nice rhythm and keep you hooked. The book does a great job showing the dangers of drug crime and county lines, using beautiful, simple text that adds depth. It also uses creative text and formatting to make the story even more interesting. The plot is well thought out, centered around a key event at school that shows how Erik's choices shape his future. Crossing the Line is a brilliantly written book that takes readers on a gripping and emotional journey, making it a memorable read about the struggles young people face in tough situations.

Srivarsha

Watford Girls

Lucy

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

Instead of being written in the standard format of a book, this is written in verse, like a poem. The story introduces Erik, who is the self-proclaimed head of the house after his father died. He wants to help support his family in any way he can even though it may not be in the most legal way... In this fast paced plot, Erik makes decision upon decision without considering the consequences but soon comes to the realization that as he continues to make bad decisions, the hold his ‘friends’ have on him gets stronger… I really liked this book because of its way of highlighting the real problems and dangers of teenagers being caught up in messes like the one Erik found himself in. As well as being a story, it taught me something which is why I would definitely recommend it!

Mercy

LC Best Books

I loved this book! |t was a very dark book but it sort of depends on the age of the reader and the level of mental reading capacity that the reader usually reads. I loved the plot and really felt sorry and upset for Eric because of the pressure placed on his shoulders, which makes the book all the more captivating and impossible to put down. I would definitely recommend this book for readers 13 plus.

Maryanne

Woodruffians

This book was so good. My eyes were glued to the book, I couldn't stop reading on. There was some unpredicted events. This book was about a boy starting secondary school but then lockdown starts, his dad dies. He and his mum were heart broken until she found a new boyfriend, Jonny. This is when it started to go all down hill.

Emily

Macaulay Book Club

It is a fabulous and gripping book once you start reading you can't stop. This is a very engaging and unique book about a young boy called Eric who is very good at making bad decisions he has to cross the line when a gang of drug lords put his two twin sisters life in danger. He really has to risk everything for his survival, will he manage to survive and but a stop to this disgusting habit for good or will this be the end...

max

Macaulay Book Club

Crossing the Line,” a 2024 Carnegie shortlisted book, had a powerful message but was let down by its execution. The story tackle's important themes, but the plot is very basic, making it feel predictable and unexciting at times. While the simplicity makes it easy to follow, it also means the story lacks depth. One of the biggest issues with “Crossing the Line” is its rushed ending. After building up the story, the conclusion comes too quickly and leaves many questions unanswered. This hasty wrap-up makes the ending feel unsatisfying and abrupt, which can be frustrating for readers. Despite these flaws, the book’s message is strong and thought-provoking. It addresses important social issues and encourages readers to think about moral questions. Even though the ending is rushed, it’s clear the author wanted to leave a lasting impact and make readers reflect. Overall, “Crossing the Line” has an important message but could have been better executed. The basic plot and rushed ending detract from the story, but the powerful themes still manage to shine through.

Milena

St Augustine’s Challenge

I loved this book because it realistically shows that any random person can be involved in drug dealing against their will: it conveys a very powerful message. Crossing the line also shows that only ONE change in life can suffice to turn the latter into an avalanche of disasters. On a lighter note though, I never got bored reading this book because it never lacks action. Moreover, it is easy for us, teens, to identify with the protagonist, Erik. Conclusion: this was an incredible book, I voted for it.

Roméo PMC FT

4Shadowers

I enjoyed reading Crossing The Line. It was a very good book that highlighted the problems and violence in our world. The book follows the story of a young boy who becomes mixed up with the world of drug supply, whilst trying to keep it all away from his mother. It was an interesting read and I would recommend it to others.

Liam

Reader Leaders

Crossing The Line is a powerful book about Erik, who’s father dies when he is young, leaving him with a misguided impression that he needs to be the man of the house. He is bullied at school and when his mother gets pregnant with twins and her boyfriend leaves her, they struggle with poverty. He falls into the wrong crowd, who start with simple gifts and sending him on little errands, which eventually ends up with him being tied into the drug dealing. After he is forced to cross a county line to sell the drugs, he starts getting threatening messages regarding his mother and sisters from a rival gang. The family is forced to move in the dead of night, but they are found and their dog is poisoned almost to death. The book ends on a hopeful note with Erik finding a support group to help people in his situation. Tia Fisher has written this book beautifully and she also writes in verse, shaping her words to convey a deeper meaning. I think that this looks pretty and does help convey what Tia means, however it was hard to read and just an annoyance in places. I think Fisher has tackled the issues of county lines and how easily it could happen to anyone beautifully. The characters are likeable and I think Erik’s character was really good as he was loyal and nice and made bad decisions rather than actually being a bad person.

Emily

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I think that Crossing the Line is a harsh, but real and thought provoking book. The difficult topics within it were broached well through the verse style of writing, which I thought suited this book thoroughly. It was fast paced, quite gripping and an excellent page-turner!

Emma

PHS Reading Ambassadors

This is one of my favourite books about the effect on poverty and grief on children. The book talks about Erik who's wrong choices dig him a hole that is entirely too deep to get out of without help. Refusing direct orders could mean death... to him and his family.

adebowale

Macaulay Book Club

Tia Fisher's Crossing the Line is an intriguing, emotional and gripping story of fourteen-year-old Erik, a secondary school boy whose world drastically changes as he takes on increasingly extreme means (drug dealing and knife crime) to support his financially unstable family after the death of his father due to the pandemic. His best friend, Ravi, provides him with support, but Erik is quickly enticed by the allure of "easy money" and begins to follow a perilous and dangerous path that later leads to havoc and turmoil, with his sisters even being threatened. I really enjoyed the relationship between Erik and Ravi. Written in verse, Tia Fisher's captivating and thought-provoking writing intrigued and interested me tremendously until the very last chapter as it vividly created an image in my mind and I just could not put the book down! She successfully connected with the reader and made them empathise with Erik as she wrote about the troubles he faced. In my opinion, Crossing the Line is a compelling, fascinating and educational story that tackles important societal issues that many young people unfortunately face today; it spreads awareness. I highly recommend it as the book includes well-drawn characters, an intriguing narrative, and vital themes that we all should be aware of. However, the only negative point I have for this book is that it was written in verse, whereas I think that it would be easier to read in paragraphs/chapters and can assist you to keep track. To add, the novel's overall impact and the assurance it provides through its conclusion make it a great, worthwhile, easy read. Highly recommended to children ages 12 and above as it does have quite a distressing topic that younger ages may find upsetting. I am excited to see what other great works Tia Fisher will produce!

Louisa

LC Best Books

Aly

The Dorothy Davies

Yr9

Rad readers

Yr9

Rad readers

Yr9

Rad readers

Descriptive poetry with a key message. Very excited to shadow this book :)

Grace

Plymstock Readers 24

A great book, really shines a light on the dark topic that drugs can lead to. More people need to read this book. 10/10 will recommend.

Austin

Plymstock Readers 24

This book was a wonderful read, full of tense scenes and thought-provoking messages. This book was absolutely bodacious, I couldn't put it down!

charlotte

Plymstock Readers 24

This book was an extremely eye-opening experience for me, keeping me turning pages until the end. In my opinion, it's a story of tragedy and terrible consequences. I do believe this is an excellent YA read.

Esme

Plymstock Readers 24

This book was a relatively quick read, yet it carries a meaningful plot. It was realistic and quite hard-hitting, shedding light on some very real problems in the world, and showing how very easy it can be to fall deeper and deeper down a rabbit hole – likewise, how difficult it can be to crawl back out and recover from its consequences. Erik, a 14-year-old boy, is struggling after the death of his father and his subsequent ‘replacement’ by his mother’s new boyfriend less than a year after his father dies, and his mother is soon after impregnated with twins then abandoned. In the midst of financial struggles, he starts dealing in drugs to earn some money. The situation spirals out of control, even more so after he tries to say ‘no’. I really enjoyed this book – it was (sadly) very easy to understand Erik’s course of actions and why he decided to take them, which is not often found in a book where the character’s actions are presented as very rash and unreasonable; but in this book I was able to feel some of the same emotions as Erik and other characters because it wasn’t difficult to sympathise with them, and I could see why they thought their actions were somewhat justified. I also liked the format of the book – being written in a verse format, I had not expected it to flow so well, possibly even better than books written in full text! I found it very coherent and easy to comprehend; the way the words were placed around the page was a nice touch, placing emphasis on certain words to bring attention to them and adding a sense of rhythm. The book asking ‘Do you feel safe?’ at the beginning, then again at the end was a nice touch which rounded the book off as a whole quite nicely. Although I did not find the ending very complete, I do appreciate that this can demonstrate how not all stories or events will have a ‘happily ever after’. 8.5/10

Lei

Perse Carnegians

This book is a stunning read that will keep you gripped and on your feet. The main character, Erik, experiences a lot of trauma throughout the book. We watch him grow into a new mindset and become comfortable being in his (sadly not unique) situation. At the start of this novel, Erik is starting Secondary school as a nervous youngster. Not long after, his Dad passes away very suddenly and he and his Mum are left broke and depressed. Erik starts acting up at school and is noticed by two bullies; they introduce him to gangs and slowly Erik crashes into the world of County Lines. To make matters even worse, Erik’s Mum experiences her own troubles at home. The pair slip away and Erik’s struggle seems to go unnoticed, all the while the danger around him increases. The story shows you how Erik deals with all the obstacles thrown at him, and how he is eventually able to find a better life for himself and his family. One character I could resonate with was Ravi. Whilst he didn’t see the extent of trouble Erik had found, he knew his best friend was going through a lot and in the best ways he could he supported Erik. Although he was able to make some difference, he was frustrated that he couldn't do more. Overall, this is a compelling read and a helpful guide to anyone worried about themselves or someone around them. Highly Recommended.

Hollie

The John Mason Shadowers

Crossing the line is an amazing, eye opening book. It takes you into the eyes of a young boy called Erik who gets caught in trap houses and drugs. I do recommend this book to curious readers who want an understanding of someone else's life. Very good book.

Layla

Blake Student Shadowers

Crossing the line is an excellent book about a boy called Erik who is hired by the local gang because of his increasing amount of bad behaviour at school after his dad dies. What first seems like a kind gift from the gang owner K1, becomes a debt that he will never pay off for the rest of his life. K1 keeps forcing him to sell class A drugs to strangers at night however when the money is stolen, he finds himself carrying a gun into the enemy gang’s territory. He knows he will be killed if he refuses however if he continues, he will be the cause of someone else being killed. Can he escape? This book clearly shows the way that innocent teenagers can become trapped in a cycle of murder drugs and gangs until their boss kills them. It was extremely exciting to read, however, it was also scary at times to thing that someone my age could be selling class A drugs to people at night and skipping school to take guns to members of their gang. Overall, I would recommend the book as it is fantastic, and I really enjoyed reading it.

Alex

OLA Shadows

I really liked this book, it is about a fourteen-year-old boy called Eric who is grieving for his dad when his mum finds a new partner, gets pregnant and then is abandoned. Eric tries to make money for his family but gets pulled into a life of crime and drug dealing. He starts drug running for a guy called K1, and has to escape the life of drug dealing before they come for his family. I really like this book and how Eric made some bad decisions and went down the wrong path but then with the help of his friends and family he was able to escape. I liked seeing the relationship between Ravi and Eric. I think this book is a reminder of how quickly someone can go down the wrong path in life. I didn’t really like the cliff hanger ending as I would have liked to know more.

Zoe

OLA Shadows

‘Crossing The Line’ is about a boy called Erik who gets coerced into drug dealing with some dangerous people after his dad dies. His whole life takes another rapid turn when his new twin sisters are born and having a normal teen-age life is difficult. He wants to save up money to help his mum financially, not understanding the consequences before it’s too late. This story is endlessly gripping with twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. The way the book is presented helps me imagine the story with the way the text is shaped into different things and ideas from the book is intriguing with every page which I admire. It expresses some serious issues about children getting victimised and threatened in county lines the way Erik was which I think is important for young people to be aware of. I think its amazing that this author wrote this book because it could help many people to find support for themselves and others who might need it so they can feel safe and not alone. As they should.

Gabriela

OLA Shadows

Crossing the line is a suspenseful, emotional story about a boy named Erik, who’s family’s financial troubles lead him to making risky decisions that could cost Erik his life. The book dives deep into the emotions and thoughts of Erik, as he must meticulously weave his way through his own web of lies. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I thought the unique format of the writing allowed the author to emphasise certain phrases or emotions to really connect with the reader. This meant that while reading, you truly felt all the pressure Erik was enduring in the story. As well as this, I thought that the plot was very unique compared to your average adventure story; as I never felt like I was certain of the direction the book was headed. The only real negative point I have for this book, is that I thought the description of the setting could have been written better. I think it would have helped the reader connect even more with the characters, if they had a greater understanding of the setting the characters were in, not just their feelings. However, I do appreciate that this story is not set in a particularly stunning or magical location, compared to stories that may be set on an island or a fantastical land, which would prompt lots of description. Overall, crossing the line is an amazing book that I would highly recommend to everyone, especially since it is not a really, long drawn-out story. 9/10

Harry

OLA Shadows

Crossing the Line is a book about a boy who loses his father to Covid in the pandemic. The main character is a person in secondary school who is called Erik. The pressure of being the man of his family gets to him and he starts getting involved in dealing drugs to sustain his family. The main purpose of the book is to raise awareness about children being involved in drug dealing and then getting so stuck that their lives may pay if they try to back out. It is also to show how it is hard for children to tell their parents or carers about difficulties and it also shows how much better the children’s life could be if they did tell people about it. The author has used a different style of writing structure, rather than the original sentences and paragraphs, the author has used verse, and, in some places, artistic arrangements are made from words. In my personal opinion, I prefer the original paragraphs because I find it easier to keep track of where you are on the page, but others may disagree. The author has used language that makes the reader think about what the scene is setting rather than just flicking through the pages. The emotive language and unique structure make this book very interesting. I would recommend for readers my age or above but not for anyone more than a year younger than me.

James

OLA Shadows

Crossing the Line is a book about a young boy who is dragged into a gang and is shown the terrifying world of drug dealing and trap houses but thinks nothing is wrong just think it’s easy money until his little sisters are threatened. Overall this book was outstanding and was a very enjoyable but also gripping read honestly I would recommend this book for a great read

finley

Glossopdale Readers

"I really enjoyed reading crossing the line. It is a very intriguing book that shows some of many problems that children face through peer pressure and the impacts on that child and their family. I would definitely recommend it to others.

Lucy

Plymstock Readers 24

I found this book very intriguing and kept me interested until the last chapter! I feel that this book had to be written in the poem format as it very much contributed to the emotion that was shown! I found the ending quite sudden however delivering a powerful message and some key advise.

Isla

AKS Carnegie

In Crossing The Line, Erik's life is ruined and he gets involed in drugs to provide more money for his family. This was very interesting because I did not know much about this topic before but now I have a better understanding. I also found that this book is fun to read (despite it being about an upsetting subject).

Vivi

Pride and Paperbacks

I think Crossing The Line had a very powerful story but it was just a bit sad. At the end when he thought he had escaped the gang they had come back and poisoned his dog and threatened his sisters. I felt that the ending could have been a bit happier, although it felt like a good ending if there is going be a sequel but if it is going to stay as a standalone book then it shouldn't have finished on such a big cliff hanger.

Alfie S

Ermysted’s

I genuinely cried while reading this book, it was so sad! One thing I loved about it was how it shows that one mistake or wrong judgement can change your life forever, and everyone around you. It made me cry, but I think that’s a good thing as it means the book was emotional and was well written. I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t mind a story about a more serious topic, and it was amazing!

Lola

Bookiewookiedoodaas

This book was rather easy and quick to read yet very sad. it is about a teenager named Erik who is having a tough time dealing with the loss of his father and having to take care of his mother who has been abandoned after becoming pregnant forcing the once happy family into poverty causing Erik to do things that will lead him onto a path of which he can never fully turn back

dexter

VISTA Academy

Crossing The Line is an amazing book written in verse that covers heavy themes such as drugs and violence. The book follows 14 year old Erik who struggles with the grief of his father’s death and slowly falls into gang life. The book opens your mind and quickly has you rooting for and sympathising with Erik. The book was beautifully written and I would recommend.

Tilly

Horsham BOok HUNTers

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher is a gripping novel that follows the story of Erik who must navigate his way through a dangerous and complex world. Fisher's writing is sharp and engaging, drawing readers into the intense and high-stakes plot. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making their struggles and triumphs all the more impactful. "Crossing the Line" is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking book.

Jesse

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Crossing the Line is an explorative, intriguing novel. This year, it is part of the Carnegie Shortlist, and is a book that I think all young people should read. While that may be a very profound statement, I think it is also justifiable. In this review, I will be discussing a few of the key themes from the novel, and how it fits in with the rest of the genre -Young Adult. Set in a large English city, the novel follows Erik’s tale. After Erik’s mum loses her job, they begin their struggle for money. Since his dad died, they had already been finding it slightly hard to make ends meet, when suddenly there is no source of income for the family. Attempting to make herself feel better, Erik’s mum finds a new partner - Jonny. Shortly after, she also becomes pregnant … with twins. When he discovers this, Jonny leaves them. Soon, he starts to lose his friends as he begins to be involved in county lines. After months of dealing drugs for K1, Erik finally stands up for himself, and ends that part of his life for good. This book contains several key themes: gangs; drugs; family and friends. Throughout the novel, one can see these being thoroughly explored. It is easy to see that Fisher has done her research extremely well, and has presented these topics in a very sensitive, yet also knowledgeable light. As someone who does not have experience of topics such as gang violence and drugs, I found Erik’s story strangely easy to relate to. This may be due to the fact that the book. has been written in a low register, and also covers the happenings of daily life in a high school in England. I am familiar with the Young Adult genre but, as this is Fisher’s debut novel, I have obviously not read anything by her before. I hope to see more from her in the future, as I greatly enjoyed reading this book. Crossing the Line does follow the conventions of the genre - dealing with themes such as drugs, violence, and gangs that are important for young people to discuss and understand. However, its protagonist - Erik - is actually slightly younger than one would normally expect from this type of story (I would estimate him to be in Year Eight or Nine) as most main characters tend to be in the age range of about 15 - 18. In this book, the formatting of the text is very important. As well as being written in free verse, there has been a substantial use of concrete poetry. Overall, I found it to be a very good novel. Well-researched and convincing, it also had a very strong plot, and a likeable protagonist. I would certainly recommend it to others as I think it is the sort of book that could ‘suit’ anyone. Judging by this book, Fisher is an excellent writer and - hopefully - will publish many more books during her career.

Flora

Ely College Reading Group

This was one of the best books I have ever read. I really liked the way that 14-year-old Erik was constantly making the wrong decisions. I’ve never read a book like this as all the ones I’ve read have choices that end up good. However in this book Erik had to make money to provide for his family he goes down the wrong path. He does Drug dealing. At the start, Erik thinks it’s a great idea but just don’t get caught. However later on in the book Erik wants to leave the drug dealing and make money legally. But it’s not an easy task to just leave a drug gang. I loved this book so much. I loved how Tia Fisher wrote the text which made you enjoy it more. Overall an easy 10/10.

Will

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Crossing the Line was definitely one of my favourite books that I've read this year! I was hooked on every last page by Erik's journey of growing up with grief, uncertainty, poverty and fear. I loved the verse in this book which made it fast-paced and easy to read for even the slowest readers. The art of words in different shapes and positions gave each word a more significant meaning and I can imagine how much thought (and effort) must've gone into that so well done, Tia Fisher!! Crossing the Line taught me so much about county lines and the fear people like Erik must go through when they're involved too deeply in drug dealing and feel like they can't get out. I laughed, cried and gasped with Erik every step of the way to reach his goal of finally feeling safe. An absolute triumph of a book! Everyone should read it at least once.

Julia

Weald of Kent Tonbridge

This book was particularly good because it really showed that you need incredibly good friends to get through tough times and you need positive relationships. Bullying is also explored deeply in this book and how being bullied can impact your mental health and you could get depression or something worse. Poverty is also discussed, and this book just shows how being supportive to someone that you know with less money in tough times is worth it in the end. There is a unique use of new slang in there too to help keep up with the modern world changing around us.

Sophie

Perse Carnegians

My review of Crossing The Line I really enjoyed this book. It was one of the best I ever read. I loved Eric's journey from his dad dying to him being involved with K1 and his gang. My favourite character was Ravi. Eric is so lucky to have a best friend like him. The way the book was set out was really cool. I loved this book so much it made me cry. The way Eric will do anything to help his family is amazing. I liked the fact that this is a real life struggle for some kids. Overall this book is 5 stars.

Gregor

West Monmouth

Erik’s story was heartbreaking and incorporated many difficult concepts such as isolation, grievance, guilt and the feeling of losing control. Family was also a theme largely explored through the book. Erik’s choices were unpredictable and his feelings weren’t always clear but I think the open-ended metaphors were another element that made me enjoy the story more. Aside from the enthralling storyline itself, the structure of the book was mind-blowing. It enhanced the experience greatly. The layout of the words on the page were clearly very carefully chosen by the author as everything evoked a certain feeling. I liked that I was free to interpret certain things in any way I wanted as the ambiguity engaged me. Each and every verse was filled with so many painful emotions. This was easily the best book I have read so far. 9.5/10

Nusaiba

Plashet School

I loved crossing the line! It was a gripping novel that delved into family dynamics! It suggests real life problems we face such as peer pressure and drug dealing! This was an intriguing book and I really liked it!

Isabel

Plymstock Readers 24

This book is by Tia Fisher. It explores the life of a boy called Eric who loses his father and him and his family slowly start to drift apart. Now that his dad is gone, he tries to prove to his family that he is the man of the house. I like how it explored mature topics and I would only recommend this book to advanced readers as it talks about gangs, violence and drugs. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I found it captivating and I felt a lot of sympathy for Eric as he seems very lost in this world but is still trying to power through it all. I would rate this book a 9 out of 10.

Sana

Plashet School

I liked this book. I liked that he had to take risk and there was a thrill .

William

The John Mason Shadowers

This book is a masterpiece. It started off strong, showing a lot of emotion due to the struggles that Erik faced, and telling flashbacks of his backstory, of when he last felt safe. That thought was incredibly deep for me, and made me ask questions to myself as well. The pace was perfect, since it was in verse. It was also very compelling due to the fact that it is a verse novel. I found the story to be incredibly gripping, hooking, and powerful, since at every twist and turn there were moments when I got nervous to find out what would happen next to Erik. Crossing The Line portrayed the struggles with drugs, debts, and mental health issues in a very striking way, and showed how it was 'glamorised' these days. The fact that this is reality was quite frightening. Overall, I would really recommend this book to people my age and older, since it is very powerful and actually taught me quite a lot about situations like these.

Seungah

Perse Carnegians

This is an amazing book and I love what the author has done with the words to match the actions the characters are doing or the mindset the characters are in

Japleen

TCOLC Perfictionists

I loved this book! It really showed the struggles of being sucked into gangs and navigating secondary school . I liked the overall character development of Eric and his life during and post being in the gang.

Amelia

Chiswick Carnegie

Crossing the lines follows 14-year-old Erik, made man of the house after his father’s death, as he struggles to deal with his grief and provide for his family. In an attempt to make some money and some friends, he slowly goes down the dark and very dangerous path of drug dealing. This book is very touching and depicts very well the harsh reality of the often glamorized “gang life” where people will not hesitate to put their pawn’s life on the line for their own benefit, and where it is impossible to back out. The use of verse made the book very fast paced, leaving no space for boredom. Would definitely recommend!

VictoireCI

4Shadowers

I don't really enjoy books written in a poem format but this one I really liked. This is also one of my top books from carnegie and personal favourite from all the books I've read that are strutured in poem format. It's a easy read (I litrally read it in a day) and I think every teens should read this book because of the theme of county lines. Although we have learnt about it as part of PSHE, I think this book really helps to understand the prespectives of the victims and how they get trapped in county lines which would be really beneficial in raising awareness of the idea and prevent it from occuring. i also really liked the questions at the end as part of discussion,

Shruti

TCOLC Perfictionists

I found crossing the line moving and compelling, as it really illustrated well how quickly drugs can take hold of a young person's life, and how strong that hold is. I thought the book did well to portray the gang leaders as very manipulative, rather than placing blame on the young people who end up involved. While the book at some points read like a PSHCCEE lesson, most of the time the narrative flowed well and was interesting enough to keep reading.

Isobel

Bookiewookiedoodaas

This book was absolutely amazing. It opens your mind to many untaught topics, the way that this boy's precarious journey through life is narrated in poetry, is so cleverly and imaginatively done. It is definitely worth reading.

Swan

Denbigh Shadowing Group

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a book that does a good job at explaining gangs, trap houses and how easy it could be to get caught in a situation where you can't easily get out. The book is one I personally could not put down, the way the words were on the page, resembling the metaphor and how the book wasn't really set out as chapters but more as stages of Erik's life. The book did a very good job at engrossing the reader and feeling sympathetic towards Erik. I would give it a 8.5/10.

Elliot

Open Book

A well written work about the struggles of drugs that teenagers face. The way it is laid out on the pages is a big waste of paper as a lot of space is blank. the story itself is very good though.

Thomas

Somervale Carnegie Team 2024

“Crossing the Line” by Tia Fisher is a gut punchingly powerful novel-in-verse that delves into the dark world of county lines. Fisher’s writing is urgent, intelligent, and heart-breaking, capturing the palpable sense of jeopardy throughout. The innovative use of verse adds depth to this cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of seeking safety and asking for help during crises. A gripping read that resonates with authenticity and relevance, “Crossing the Line” sheds light on the exploitation faced by vulnerable young people caught up in criminal networks. I would recommend this book to all my friends and I would read it again

Joe

Perse Carnegians

Crossing the line is such a beautifully written, eye-opening book that helped me realise the harsh world of county lines. I had never even heard of this term before the book and can't begin to imagine how desperate and scary living that life could be as such a young child. The verse style really helped to bring the story to life and made it such an addictive book. I was moved by Erik's story and Tia Fisher has used this book as a beautiful way to spread awareness for many kids in such desperate situations. I have and will continue to encourage as many people as possible to read this amazing book.

Cassia

Plymstock Readers 24

'Crossing the line' is a book about a boy called Eric who loses his father, causing his family too fall apart and he plummets down a rabbit hole of telling lies, getting into bad situations that keep getting more twisted and dangerous. Really stunning read and I 100% recommend it.

Tehreem

Plashet School

Crossing the line is a heartfelt story on the subject of drug dealing and how easy it is to get into a gang but so hard to get out. It asks many questions which made me stop and think about how serious this topic is. Although it is a very hard story to tell it needs to be told. It was formatted in a verse novel which i really enjoyed. I highly recommend to read it! Olivia

Olivia

Rednock Readers

Personally, I really enjoyed the poetry lines, because they make this book very different from the rest of the books in the Carnegie foreshadowing. The theme of this book was very unique in contrast with the fantasy genre of some other books. I mainly read fantasy, so Crossing the Line was a refreshing change to those. I didn’t take too long to read this book, like roughly 2h, so I found it easy to engage with. Especially with the poetry format. I would strongly recommend this to perhaps a more mature audience, like people of my age and older too.

Zoe

Perse Carnegians

Crossing the line follows a 14-year-old boy turns upside down after he is suddenly made man of the house. His grades and his mental health come crashing down as a result and to top it all off, he and his mum live in poverty. In an attempt to make some money and some friends, he goes down a very dark and dangerous path. I really enjoyed this book because it gave a real insight into how some people my age have to live. Although this book was very dark and even upsetting at times, I think that it's a book that everyone should read at some point because it covers important topics and helps people to understand a different way of life that some people live alongside them

Saskia

Fortismere

I really liked this book and I really like reading something that I would not of read otherwise. I also really liked the lay out of this book.

Lara

Fortismere

This story hangs on a great idea - telling the tale of a young boy who lives in Ghana in the 1800s whose life is stolen from him by a terrible turn of events. He story is brought to life in the form of narrative poetry. By about a third of the way through I found I was interested in him, his family, his village, and the people and activities that made up his world. However, just as this picture was beginning to take shape. the plot twisted and the reader was pulled away from Kofi's previous existence to a darker future. Perhaps this was intentional as the character himself is dragged away from his happy life and so are we, but I felt a bit cheated that so many threads were left hanging. Whilst this was an interesting book, I also agree with other reviewers in that it was sometimes hard to follow who was speaking. Also, I felt the poetic style could have been more varied. I noticed a change in style and rhythm once which was really effective (when Kofi was speaking about the girl he loves). The rest of the time it was just like prose written out as poetry. Once Kofi is taken captive, it becomes quite gripping. I knew a lot about the history of the 'Triangular Trade' in enslaved people and have also been to the coast of Ghana. To some extent this made the book easier to follow but in other ways it was hard to reconcile the author's statement that the events taking place were in the 1860s when I know the capture and deportation of people had ceased decades earlier. This is one historical fact I don't think should be fictionalised and is my strongest criticism of this book.

Mrs Marsh

Blake Student Shadowers

Paisley

Free School Readers

Crossing The Line touches on the drug dealing and how easy it is to get roped into doing it,. It also touches on family drama. I give this book 4 out of 5

Hayaam

The Reading Queens

I enjoyed this because of the sensitive topic that it was touching upon and I would only recommend this book to slightly older readers due to the language used. Topics like drugs and gangs are something that I am quite interested about reading so overall it wasn't a bad book and I liked how it used swear words to make it feel more relatable to teenagers.

Maimuna

Plashet School

Okay, this one is definitely the darkest out of the carnegies. I personally have never been witness to any abuse towards gingers, so reading about it was an eye opener. After that, the way he was so quickly made to go into drug dealing, even if he was so hesitant at first, made me think. Its extremely hard to escape a situation like that, yet just as easy to get into it. Once they've got you, there's not much to be done. The threat of violence is a horrible one, especially towards a teenager who only wanted to help his mother. The ending was nerve racking for sure. Watching how meticulously he planned everything out to not be found out, only for it to end up spiralling out of proportion. The layout of the verses was unique, the shapes added another layer of depth to the storytelling, a way to visualise, almost, what was happening to him, making it that much more real. While it's not my first choice out of the rest of the carnegies for the medal, its a close second.

Jasmine

St Augustine’s Challenge

In this book, young Erik is in big trouble. His dad died from covid, his mum is getting twins, her boyfriend left her, they are struggling with finances and on top of all that Erik is being bullied in school. All this leads to bad behaviour and temper, which makes his grades drop rapidly. To make quick cash, Erik gets involved in drug dealing. He thinks it is easy cash, but turns out that the whole gang has it in for him. Now he needs to save his family from being hurt before the drug dealers strike. This book consists of shaped poems. This is intriguing as each poem is structured differently. Every time there is dialogue, the other characters' speech and events are written on the left side of the page, whilst Eriks’ thoughts and dialogue are put on the right side of the page. This helps a lot as the reader can confuse the dialogue of two people. As for the content, I thought that the book told the story in a realistic way and that it was very captivating and interesting to see a story told from that point of view. Another thing which was good was the diversity of characters, because it changed the storyline, like when Betty sees Erik dealing drugs, which leads to Ravi, one of Erik's best friends, finding out about his troubles and trying to help. This is what made the book exciting to read. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it to teens our age.

Elsa

Euro Bookworms

Sherwin

SMM Bibliophiles

This book is so tense it had me hanging off the edge of my seat. Although it includes some cruelty it has the very well learned lesson, don't do drugs!

Jennifer

GreatB00ks

When I first opened the book, I was shocked at the way it was structured. It didn't felt like a book, rather poems, it made me less interested in the book since I didn't think it was a proper book. But I read the book anyway, the result was that I enjoyed the book that was written from a personal experience. Erik tried hard to earn money to help his family, ended up almost getting killed. I think this book is really good for people who suffer from depressions, if you feel stuck, there's always people out there to help you.

Linxi

MCM Shell Readers

it amazing I liked the book, scary but gripping

Sherwin

SMM Bibliophiles

I absolutely loved this book. I found the story really engaging, and the characters believable and flawed. Although I was put off at first by the fact that it was written in verse, I actually enjoyed it in the end, and found it gave rhythm to the reading. 9.5/10 (also thank you for making the teenagers talk like actual teenagers and not like a 45 year old trying to be “hip with the kids” like in Steady for This).

Paul CI

4Shadowers

I enjoyed this book because it raises awareness about county lines and how dangerous they can become. It also highlights how bad drugs are and where to get help. It was very educational so you can know how to deal with it. It also shows that if you are supported you can escape the trap of drugs/county lines like how Ravi and Erik's family helped Erik to break away from it. It also highlights the value of friendship. I would rate this 3.75/5

Ethan

Lionheart24

This book is called is Crossing The Line by Tia Fisher. It’s a bout a boy who gets picked on at school who makes bad choices leading him to violence and drug dealing. This book wasn’t my favourite as it was written a poem format making some of the pages hard to read due to some of the words/ sentences in a circular pattern and other ways. Although it does appeal to readers our age as it speaks about fun and exciting topics. It also leaves on an exciting cliff hanger. Overall I would recommend this book to people my age.

Jay

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

My Review of Crossing the Line – By Tia Fisher I extremely loved reading this book – it was full of many challenging topics, but I just could not put this book down! This book was about a boy called Erik, who was grieving the loss of his father. His mum met a new partner, becomes pregnant but is then abandoned. All of this piles upon Erik and leads him to make decisions that lead him down a path that he struggles to escape. At school, Erik’s bad behaviour attracts people who are involved with drug dealing which puts him in a bad situation. He makes lots of money, but it ends up putting his family in danger and has to put himself in danger to save them. Tia Fisher used swear words to highlight Erik’s personality and show he was a teenager being pulled into the wrong crowd. I also liked how Tia also shaped her sentences to what the sentence was about – this made it really fun to read. I learnt that if you are in a situation like this, you should reach out to someone you trust because you are never alone and if you are in danger support from others can help. I would definitely pick this as one of the best books I have read and recommend it to ages 12+. It is an amazing book and it put me on the edge of my seat every time I was reading it.

Sakeena

TPS Carnegie Collective

It was a great book although it kept me on the edge of my seat. It gave an insight about something that is openly talked about and it made you understand exactly how easy it is to get involved but how difficult it is to get out. I am glad the author did include the helpline at the end of the book. It was a really wonderful book and I loved it.

Amy

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book touches some very dark subjects and makes light of how easily someone can be dragged into horrible situations. I found the format quite troubling at times as spinning my book around was quite annoying but it also added an element of fun and it made the book have character. This was part of what kept me so hooked from all the cliff-hanger's but the informality if it startled me sometimes especially the one where it was in the shape of a person. I really enjoyed the plot and thought the ending was great however the story got dark really fast in a way I wasn't prepared for. But it was nice to see that research and time had definitely gone into the making of the book which made the whole thing more interesting. This book is definitely not for younger readers though but it was defiantly an interesting read. The plot tied off nicely and I wanted to read more. I would definitely recommend it to someone if they wanted to try something new or a darker more serious plot.

Cecilia

St Augustine’s Challenge

I love a novel written in verse, and this book did not disappoint, the novel was beautifully arranged in the pages and it demonstrates how easy it is to fall out of favour with your life, and how easy it is to get yourself tangled up in these kinds of situations. It especially shows the reader how much the people you surround yourself with effect you and your situation. The book also delivers the message that although you might not be alone you can still be lonely in your own head, and despite the dark theme of this book I found it felt hopeful.

Jenny

Perse Carnegians

I really enjoyed the book. It easily became a favourite of mine from the listings as the main character feels believable -- I could really imagine him as a real person stuck in a dangerous scenario people get stuck in in the real world. I appreciated the verse format which sped up reading and kept me engaged though when the text was in a circle it was annoying to keep turning the book! Another thing I liked was how it talked about how easy it is to get sucked in and how easy it is to be trapped. Erik sees it as an escape at first and is lured in by the money however you live through the situation with him and how he slowly regrets it. Overall great book. I'd recommend it to children 12 and above and I might re read it in the future.

Levi

St Augustine’s Challenge

When I started reading, I was immediately amazed by how the author was able to portray through poetry how quickly a young life can deteriorate. A common misconception made when it comes to poetry is that it is necessarily filled with love and delicate words, however while it is true that this is often the case, there are many poems and books in verse that tell a disquieting story, and Crossing the Line is the perfect example. When Erik finds himself in need of money to support his family, he allows himself to be swayed in the direction of drug dealing which then violently increases the tolls of danger, fear and brutality in his life, and as most will already know, once you are tangled in that world, it is near impossible to get out unharmed and safe. Throughout the book, the reader receives consistently important messages regarding drug use, unhealthy relationships with parents, grief and so on. I especially liked the formatting of each poem and the way they were physically presented. I think it put the main character’s story in perspective really well and allowed us to understand the way he was thinking. Overall, Crossing the Line is definitely a book worth reading, and the ideal novel to start reading in verse with.

Marie-Anne CI

4Shadowers

This was a very well-paced book which reflected the rapid downward spiral experienced by the main character as gets dragged down further and further into his own bad decisions. The book is also given extra depth by how its written in verse and the varied arrangement of the words on the page to reflect different emotions and thoughts. It explores the difficult topic of the place and effect of drugs in communities and provides insight in how it can damage so many lives no matter if your involvement is direct or indirect, it acts as a web catching all that get to close.

Amelie

Perse Carnegians

In my opinion Crossing the Line was a fantastic book highlighting the dangers of teenagers making very costly decisions. This book is all about a young fourteen year old boy named Erik. He lives a normal life until his father sadly passes away during the pandemic. His mum quickly finds a new partner, becomes pregnant and then gets divorced. Some older children in school take advantage of Eric and he is used for drug dealing by a gang in his town. After that things escalate pretty quickly, and he is having death threats aimed at him. This book teaches children who might be in Eric's position how to deal with it. Being written in verse is also very unique and nice. I would rate this book a 7.5/10.

Husayn

Perse Carnegians

This is a book written in verse. In my opinion, it has an excellent storyline, because some young people can get into those sorts of tricky situations without even knowing it and it is very hard to get out of them. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I would definitely read a similar book. Who would enjoy this? 11 to 18 year olds.

Ben

SCC Prolific Bookers

It is a good read and I like the fact that Erik tries to help his mother after the death of his father. His best friend Ravi is willing to help Erik with all the problems. I felt disappointed after reading the book as I was really engrossed in the book and need more of it. I really enjoyed the book.

Eryn

ST PAULS STARS

My favourite character is Ravi as he is very supportive and does not abandon his friend Erik, whilst he was going through tough times. I would like to spend the day with Erik, to discuss ways to help other children and raise awareness about gangs. Gangs should not be the resort to turn to when one feels low or lost. A relief to read that Erik was able to pursue his passions and managed to escape the gang.

Fatima

ST PAULS STARS

My favourite character is Erick's best friend, Ravi. He is very determined character and even helped out with Erick's drug problems. The seriousness of the situation is traumatising. The book has also ended as a cliffhanger. What happened to the two sisters?

Natalia

ST PAULS STARS

Crossing the Line is about a young boy named Erik and how his world changes following a family tragedy. School does not feel important to him anymore when a gang find him and Erik is pulled into a dangerous world... When reading the book, I enjoyed how it is sort-of based on events and places from real life. This gives the reader the message of the book - to think beforehand, rather than going straight into a situation you don't fully understand and to always be careful in anyway possible. Although I really enjoyed this book, I was not overly keen of the way it was structured using poems - but it did not stop me from enjoying the story and I would recommend this book to everyone. I loved it! Five stars out of five.

Aleena

Rockwood Reads

'Crossing the Line' was a very enlightening book. The book told us that the children who do end up doing business with drugs and gangs might have an interior motive or something going on. This really brings perspective to the fact that you have no idea what people are going through and that you should never judge a book by its cover. Erik only did it so that he could get money for his mother and every time he wanted to get out of the situation, he couldn’t because he felt he owed his mother and wanted to help his family. Not only that, but after his father’s death and the situation with his mother and the twins, he felt he needed to get out of the house, so he turned to the wrong people and got caught in a situation that he could not easily get out of. I really liked the character who played his best friend, because no matter how much Erik hurt him, he always defended him and ended up helping him get a way out of there, as well as his father who was also very supportive. Overall, I liked this book because it shows that people make mistakes and that you never know what people are going through.

Aisling

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

I enjoyed the book, as i could understand the problems the main character was going through, and it was realistic to some extent.

Sophia

Austin Book Club

Amelia

The John Mason Shadowers

Fatima

Rad readers

I fell in love with this book instantly. Its sad but understandable at the same time because we know the whole reasoning behind his bad decisions. I recommend it 100% if you like books with action and a lot of character development.

Sonia

EJM Carnegie Crew

This book was very informative on county-lines and it is a really important theme because it's real. I really enjoyed the Free Form and the composition of the words that reflected his emotions and circumstances. I found the 'credits' to be comedic and had a lighter tone and although it was still in the character of Erik, I felt it sort of covered up the seriousness of the rest of the book. Other than that, it was interesting to be in the mind of Erik and know that his motives were noble even if his actions were not.

Phoebe

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

Crossing the line was a relatively fast read however, the fact that it was in verse really made the book more interesting and meaningfull. The book is about a teenage boy, Eric, that is struggling between two worlds: one with violence and drugs and the other his friends and family. The book also educates young teenagers on how to seek help and not get pulled into something dangerous. Overall I would give this book 7/10.

Aleks

Bookwizards

I thought it was a bit weird. i felt bad for the main character when i was reading as his mum's boyfriend had two babies I think with her then left and then his friend was wanting to impress a girl if i can remember and was determined to run every day and get fit. i thought this book was very good and enjoyed very much. i would give properly 7.5/10 to it because it was a bit depressing.

Callum

Madras Carnegie Shadows

I really liked almost all of this book. It was enticing, interesting and overall, just awesome. I enjoyed the steadily thickening plot and the beautiful way it was written. One thing I would suggest on improving though is that I think one or two events happened too abruptly for my liking, but other than that I thought it was a nice book.

Nellie

SHSK Shadowers

It was a very interesting book. I haven't read a book in poems before and it was an interesting experience. The book was eye opening and powerful.

William

HAYES BOOKSTOPS

Crossing the line was a nice quick read that was enjoyable and entertaining. I would definitely recommend it if you were looking for something short but sweet. It is a good representation of how a teenager struggles with their life and has good character depth. It is also very modern and is set after Covid19. It is definitely worth a read and i fully enjoyed it.

Alice

HAYES BOOKSTOPS

Crossing the Line This book was such an easy and fast-paced read! I enjoyed the layout and the plot and thought that the characters and situations were believable. However, I was very content with the start and middle of the story, but the end just seemed quite rushed. I had been looking forward to a plot twist or for the problem to be resolved in detail, but I was left underwhelmed. Nevertheless, It was a very enjoyable and easy read which kept me hooked with its easy-to-follow yet exciting plot.

Sophie

Bethany Shadows

Crossing the Line Crossing the line is a tense novel about a young boy that gets mixed up in a world of gangs and drug transportation. His father had passed away and he, his mother and the babies are struggling to cope as they don’t have much money. This book took a while for me to take interest in but I did quite like it. It had a good story line but was written in quite an unusual way. It did have a good lead up towards the end but I was very disappointed in the ending as it was very abrupt. Overall, I think it is a good book and can be used to help Educate Young adults on the impacts of the gang life but I think it would have been better if they perhaps added an epilogue on what the main characters life was like after he made that phone call.

Isabelle

Bethany Shadows

Great book. Gives us an idea about the problems with drugs and it has a very interesting storyline.

Logan

Madras Carnegie Shadows

It's a fun and thrilling book which shows how much someone will go through to help an important person in their life.

Liana

Madras Carnegie Shadows

Crossing The line is an extremely well written book about a boy named Al. Not only does it include eye catching sentences in different forms but it also makes young people aware of the consequences of joining County Lines. It includes some phone numbers at the end for different people you can call if you get involved in something like that. Altogether, it is a very easy book to read with a few swear words but they're ones you may see on a daily basis. I would recommend this book to young people for the interesting knowledge this book shares.

Toby

Blake Student Shadowers

Tia Fisher's raw piece on the prevalent issue of the exploitation and immoral grooming of premature individuals, is a novel that rings resonantly in your ears following the turn of the concluding chapters. The witty verse is rhythmic throughout, a parallel to the pulsating of your pounding heart as you pore over each delectable page. The tale revolves about Erik, a mere 14 in age, taking his opportunities as they come flooding through, no matter the degrading toll on his reality, and the narration of him continuously descending into the murky depths of his rash choices in the process. Moreover, the figure of Erik was highly fathomable in depiction and I highly empathised with his confrontations with adversity. Frankly, I wholeheartedly adored this novel.

Lily-Rose

Fortismere

This book was my favourite out of all the ones I read. I think that for such a difficult topic the way it was written was amazing.

Amaia

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Crossing the Line was an effective gut punch, and a window into a world so many know so little about. Told in a verse format, which sometimes belyed the seriousness of its message, it asked thought-provoking questions of safety, making me stop and think. The cyclic structure left so many questions unanswered, but gave hope for a happy ending. Crossing the Line is a book that is hard-hitting, but a story that desperately needed to be told.

Martha

Dallam Bookclub

Love the topic of this book - it is so current and important! I like verse fiction, but found this particular style sometimes hard to read in places when words or verses broken up, stretched, turned around etc

Royal Readers and Where To Find Them?

We think Crossing the Line is a great read with a very strong story. The opening of the book made us want to read on because it begins with a rhetorical question. The narrative is persuasive and the reader stays compelled by the story of a boy who goes on a journey through a phase of his life and explains how one bad decision can lead to many others: Erik is bullied for his appearance, he 'makes friends' with a gang and things deteriorate from there. The writing format Mia Fisher used is in verse novel, which was very divisive in our group as some of us could not get past the form and enjoy the story line, whereas others felt that it aided the story, making it flow from theme to theme. The ending somewhat satisfying, as it ends on a cliffhanger.

Miles and Amit

Langton Ambassadors

I really enjoyed this book because I think it covered some important themes in a easy to understand and sensitive way. My favourite part of the book was the twist, where Erik realised he had been handed a gun by K1 to protect. This is where Erik realised he was stuck and fully involved. I liked this part because I wasn't expecting that twist and I think it was nicely displayed. I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers because it covers gangs and drug sellers which is a big topic for younger children to be reading about. I recommend this book to people in Y7 or Y8.

Charlotte

Team Berko

To be honest, it’s my first time reading a book that includes swears so it quite surprises me every time I see one- ok now on to the rating : 7/10 well the reason I didn’t give it full marks is probably because I didn’t fully understand the plot , it gets quite confusing in the last parts of the story. But this little “adventure” of Erik is truly interesting and fun to read. Would recommend!

:)

Rad readers

i thought the book was quite exquisite and interesting read, I liked the verse writing style.

jaz

Rad readers

I thought the book was very intriguing and it had some good ideas. It got better as I read on.

Mia

Rad readers

It’s a very interesting book in my opinion, and never failed to surprise me. I love the idea of including real life issues. Very easy to read even though it is a verse novel. Erik is a very interesting character in Crossing The Line. He feels like he needs to be in control of everything, along with making money in a bad way. But overall very much recommend reading if you enjoy verse books.

Anonymous

Rad readers

I really enjoyed this book. The story was very emotional but I found the fact that the novel was verse helped the story be easier to read. Even though the book discussed difficult topics, there was a real presence of hope throughout the novel and I loved its originality. This book is a definite favourite for me.

Cerys

St Kaths

This was a HUGE hit with students! It's a very important book with so much to say about teenagers, judgement by others, bullying, bereavement, poverty, drugs, gangs, family, friendship, consequences, and many other things besides. However, it's never just a vehicle. The story itself is fantastic, the character deeply flawed yet totally sympathetic, and the presentational devices well-chosen and totally appropriate, engaging and valuable. In addition, the helpline information at the back could quite literally be a life-saver.

Miss K

BUCS Library Book Club

Even though this book contains some swear words, I really like this book. This is because the author really lets the reader into a real journey where Erik is having a very hard time to tangle as he have to make very hard decisions as it will affect his future. This book is very suitable for young teenagers between the age of thirteen to sixteen years old. I also think that this book is very engaging and innovative as a reader so I decided to vote this book 'Crossing The Line' because it is a very interesting and adventurous book to read.

Alyssa

The Dorothy Davies

I really like how this book is written, the verse is easy to read and I love the bits where the words form pictures on the page as they help to visually show what is happening and how the character feels. The story line is very interesting and the book holds a powerful message - but conveys it in an engaging and entertaining way- and i really like the ending of the book as it leaves the reader with something to think about.

Eva

The Dorothy Davies

I like the style of writing and it makes me think that it is a different type of book than the others.

Izabela

RET 2024

i like that it has a poem like technique of writeing like ing poem looking like paragraphs overall i enjoy reading it

zuzanna

RET 2024

Paisley

Free School Readers

In "Crossing the Line," Tia Fisher delivers a gripping verse novel that delves into the life of Erik, a teenager grappling with the aftermath of his father's death. The free verse form gives a unique voice to Erik's turmoil as he navigates the challenges of poverty, grief, and the seductive lure of easy money through illegal activities . Fisher's use of formatting is ingenious, with words and emotions leaping off the page, mirroring Erik's chaotic inner world. The story is fast-paced, with the tension of Erik's choices pulling the reader through a whirlwind of emotions. As Erik's situation spirals, Fisher portrays the stark reality of how quickly life can change and the fine line between right and wrong. "Crossing the Line" is a poignant reminder of the pressures facing today's youth and the importance of empathy and understanding. It's a powerful, thought-provoking read that stays with you long after the last page.

Reina

Perse Carnegians

Crossing The Line was a brilliant book that put us in the perspective of the danger of the county lines. The book brilliantly resembles the struggles that the less fortunate to through every day and the bad situations they are put through. Crossing The Line is a very easy to read book and it has a great unusual form of writing and uses great calligraphy I would recommend to everyone as I loved its fast passing and easy to read style.

Sam

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I loved this book as it’s very realistic and has a moral to the story. It had such good plot twists and was really compelling to read. The book also kept introducing new aspects in the story. I also liked this book because you can tell that as the story goes on the more trouble the main character gets in this really shows the skill of the author by not making us want to put the book down!

Baxter

Bookwizards

Maria

Larkmead

Wow! What can I say about this compelling novel written in narrative verse, where every word and phrase is used to maximum effect? The author tackles the challenging subject of county lines, but her superb use of language and physical placement of words on the page is instantly engaging. This creates a fast-paced narrative, that literally sucks us into Erik’s devastating, downward spiral from which escape seems almost impossible. His bad choices, often born of well-intentioned motives, lead him into a dark and terrifying web in which it becomes increasingly inevitable he will be trapped. Erik’s friend Ravi, provides some much-needed relief and hope. This is a book that will haunt me and I have been recommending it to everyone I meet.

Mrs Bruce

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

Across the whole of "Crossing the Line", the main ideas were presented clearly to the audience, and this served as a warning to them to never take such risky decisions. The poetic format of it conveyed Erik's emotions clearly, again emphasising how drastically his life changed, and how at first it seemed like something amazing, but quickly developed into something he would regret for the rest of his life and potentially putting his mother and two baby sisters at risk. A criticism of this book is that occasionally the words would curve round into spirals, making it slightly difficult to read and properly follow the narrative. Despite this, I felt that the way the words were presented in different shapes made it more creative, but also created a tense atmosphere and once more demonstrated Erik's desperation. Overall, I found this book a very enticing read, mainly due to its creative format and the way the emotions were conveyed throughout it.

Ananya

The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows

Crossing the Line features a creative twist of poetry in the form of a calligram. As you follow the story of Erik , a boy who is often bullied for his auburn hair who ends up falling into the wrong crowd, a series of images are created by the poetry on the page reflecting his thoughts and feelings as he has to manage all of these difficult emotions; fear, guilt and grief all by himself. The way the writer conveys his emotions in such a unique way allows you to truly feel the adrenaline that pulses through his body and understand the great danger of the situation that he is in. This book has really changed my whole perspective of gang violence and drug dealing by making me understand that not everyone chooses to live this way, almost as if you’re trapped. Although I loved the ending where the writer uses second person narration because it helps you to question how you would help him in that situation, I wish that we got to find out whether or not he and his family are safe in the end and if he escapes this endless cycle of violence. I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with this situation at the moment and needs some advice and to know they’re not alone or to someone who doesn’t quite understand how it is that people get involved in these types of scenarios and is willing to learn.

Florence

HHS

crossing the line is my favourite book in the chosen 8. it is about a situation that is very easy to get trapped into. a boy looking to make some quick money to support his family attracts the wrong sort of attention and finds himself shipping drugs to the seashore when pretending to be on a school residential trip. can he get out of this sticky situation before he gets caught by the cops? or will he escape k1

Sami

TCOLC Perfictionists

Crossing the line is an amazing book about a boy called Erik who finds himself getting involved in the world of drugs and violence , this is because of the pressure at home and at school . This book is really interesting to read . And I like how the book is written, it is really easy to read and has small sentences. The writing style is very unique. If I had to rate this book from 5 stars I would give it 3 stars because at one point it gets really boring. But overall this book is great.

Fatima

Rad readers

I really enjoyed this book due to the format and the story. I liked the format as the story was told through a series of poems that made it easy to understand and interest as it catches your attention. I loved the story because it is really interesting and adrenaline-filled as it deals with fast-paced events that become a sort of chaos that the main character gets lost in, but manages to pull himself out of with the help of his friends and family, and also learning important lessons. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down.

Estelle

AKS Carnegie

I loved this book. It is easy to read and powerful. Being a verse novel, so much could be said with few words. It was painful to read because you know from the very beginning that Erik is going to go down the wrong path. It felt somewhat predictable; however, as young readers may not be familiar with country lines, I think this is a hugely important book in terms of raising awareness. What we see is essentially the grooming of young people to commit crime. It raises important questions in terms of who a victim is, who a criminal is. I would have liked to have seem more about how such children are treated by the criminal justice system. A sequel?

Mrs Waritay

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the line was a very engaging book that hooked me so much that I didn't want to put it down. The story line was amazing. The school scenes where very interesting because they were a lot like a really school experience. I loved the relationship between Erik and his befriend and I found it very fun to read their conversations.

Hazel

Fortismere

This book is much more interesting than I had thought at first. The story is pretty generic, yet the style which it is written in and the way it is told change my perception of the book. The character, especially after his father passes away, becomes a very detached and cynical person, and slowly becomes very angry, and in the way it is written, it almost seems like he has gone insane, blaming his problems on other people. The interactions between his mother and him are also very interesting to read and It shows how young people could turn to a life of crime. It is a great book and I would recommend it for someone looking for a book not written in the regular style. 5 stars.

Stepan

The Spawforth Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a hard-hitting book that discusses important topics such as gang violence and drug dealing. The style of writing was really interesting and I enjoyed the simplicity and fluidity of it as it made it an easy and enjoyable read. This novel gave me new perspectives on people from backgrounds I would not have considered previously, and overall I would give it an 8/10.

sofia

The Latymer Literati

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Despite the presence of death, drugs and alcohol throughout the novel, themes of hope were clearly present and I believe this is an important message for anyone going through struggles with these. My favourite of the shortlist.

Esther

The Latymer Literati

The ideas and the way it was presented was extremely original and the way the words flow around the page is fun and expressive in a way that involves the reader. It is quite consistent and the overall pace and atmosphere is quite good. However, since it is written in verse form, it can be quite confusing.

Tamana

The Tiffin Girls’ Shadows

These characters go through an emotional story and the story is really engaging.

Benji

The Latymer Literati

Crossing the line was not one of my favourite books. The writing style is slightly hard to read but the story and the characters are quite good. Nevertheless the book was entertaining and I would recommend trying out the book.

Amy

BFS Umbra

I love the way the book was formatted. Unfortunately the story began to stop making sense around page 150, about 20 pages later it fortunately began to make more sense. I love the resolution at the end and I think that it was very well written. 4/5 stars.

Poppy S

Norwich High School Bookworms

Review For Crossing The Line Crossing The Line is a tragic tale about a boy named Eric who after his late Father’s passing has his life has taken a perilous turn. In an attempt to reinstate order and happiness back in his life, Eric decides to turn to a gang to earn money through their jobs. However, with this dangerous life Eric will find out what it is like truly Crossing The Line. The book tackles the hardships of losing a loved one and attempting to achieve the stability and wellbeing you had when they were still here. It depicts the anger Eric experiences boiled from the troubles he has faced: grief, bullying, hardship and loss. The way the book tackles these problems through its short poem format seamlessly intertwines with Eric's gradual descent into danger and peril. Through little screenshots of his life we see not just what happens but truly who Eric is; with his emotions and his pain reflected in every single word. By taking a mirror to the reality of the countless young people who are in these same situations like Eric, it shows what may have gone wrong in their lives and how to find a better path by making better choices. All-in-all, this book is spectacular and is clearly made with attention and love. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves more personal stories that go super in-depth with characters and their choices. ★★★★☆

Edward

Glossopdale Readers

I thought this was a great book because it was an engaging read that had lots of action that kept you on the edge of your seat. The verse novel element of this book made it much more enjoyable with a fun twist. The characters were very interesting and well developed helping it come to life. This book was definitely one of my favorites so far!

Pippy

Y8 Readers

This book is a very interesting one. It features great ways of displaying it's paragraphs and dialect. It has a capturing title which is the main reason I picked this book up in the first place. It has a important message and is overall a great book.

Khyan

Y8 Readers

I thought this book had a very realistic story of what often happens in most areas. How kids get cornered into making mistakes like Eric. I believe this is one of the best Carnegie voted books I have read.

Maddison

BFS Umbra

I thought it was very exciting and also quite tense at times. It was interesting because it is set in England and was relatable in some ways. However, some of the characters were a bit one dimensional and obvious and could have been developed more.

Ms H

Austin Book Club

Crossing the line by Tia Fisher is a about a young teen named Eric who had lost his father in lockdown. A few months later his mom begins to date a new partner Jonny. Eric begins to cause trouble at school and argue with teachers and to make matters worse his mom is pregnant with twins and Jonny is know where to be seen. The main characters of this book would be Eric, his best friend Ravi, and K1. The character building in this book is shown quite a lot especially when Eric starts a life of crime and when he begins to sell drugs for k1 eventually Eric tries to get out of crime and go back to his normal Life his relationship with his mom begins to get quite sad and distant. The ending was quite disappointing I thought it was leading to fight, but it does give a good message about how if you are struggling and starting to get into crime you have people to talk to you and help you. I didn’t really like the way the writer laid out her writing, it got to a point where had to keep turning the book up and down and turn it over just to read a sentence. Overall, 3/5.

Logan

Sidcot Shadowers

This book was absolutely amazing I loved how the only reason he turned to drug dealing was because his family was falling apart because his dad died and his mum dated someone he didn’t like then he divorced her leaving her with 2 kids surging on minimal wage so he went to drug dealing to escape his house and make money because he was really poor the book could of been a bit better if it hadn’t been written in lots of small paragraphs and would have been better if it was written like a normal book.

Edward

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Eric, the protagonist, gets peer pressured into making bad decisions. I found the gritty realism of this book challenging to read. I thought that Tia Fisher did really well at giving all the characters a realistic background and emotions that made sense within the story. Overall I quite liked this book 7/10.

Alice

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

Overall, I think crossing the line is a fairly enjoyable book and I like how we can see Erik progress as we get nearer the end of the story and I like how I feel intrigued by the end. Although the way the words are layer out is very artistic, at times, I did find I hard to read.

Fox

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

It is a gripping story that looks into themes of love, loyalty and sacrifice. The authors writing style really draws you in, making it a really easy and a well flowing book to read. The characters are well developed, and the plot twists keep you on the edge of your seat. My only critique is that by the end of the booking I was losing a lot of interest I felt as though it was dragging on a bit too long. I would never normally find myself picking up a book like this, but I ended up enjoying it.

Lucy

Willowfield School

I found this book very good. It has informed me on drug gangs and the dangers that many teens struggle with facing them and other family issues. It has more mature topics than the other Carnegie books. I found the book quite easy to read although I didn't expect to as it was poetry. The poetry reflected the situations well and flowed well. The ending of the book was very disappointing to me as I thought that the plot could be developed further as I was very interested in the main characters and what would happen, however the ending seemed solely for educational purposes and was uninteresting.

Tess

Perse Carnegians

So even while we where scouring for books to read, I saw this one and thought "ooh imma read that first." So guess what? I did. And you can trust me when I say that it doesn't disappoint. I mean, who doesn't love a book that looks kinda big but in reality takes three days to read? The plot is great, (in my opinion not enough books cover this topic that so many teenagers face at some point of their lives) the characterisations are incredibly rich and, although a book written in verses can seem like a put-off, you end up getting used to them unbelievably quickly. And let's not forget all the moments when the good old "#relatable" pops into your mind as you read a conversation or humorous scene, and trust me when I say that this book is overflowing with them.

Victor HG

4Shadowers

Crossing the line is an amazing YA novel. I particularly enjoyed the writing format Fisher used which helped me step out of my comfort zone from my usual reading style, allowing me to appreciate poetry more. When reading crossing the line I found myself glued to the page and eager to find out the rest of Erik's story. Fisher powerfully made me ponder on the how someone can fall through the cracks, how friends will fight for each other and the reality of our modern life and the challenges people face in life and how they can be overcome.

sakina

Holt Readers

This harrowing tale focused on the dark themes of adolescence, is a painfully realistic story following Erik's life after his father's death. Erik is quickly sucked into the dark and dangerous world of drugs, violence and trap houses. Ending on a dark note but with a possibility of hope and resolution, I highly recommend to anyone 12+. This book is told in beautiful free verse, and one part I found particularly striking was the writing of the word "steam", and how it rises and fades of the page. I particularly liked the realistic but perhaps unsettling ending, but the continuous downward spiral of the story takes away from the authentic emotion, and makes the book feel a little too scripted. 6/10.

Saachi

Perse Carnegians

Crossing The Line is an amazing and thrilling verse novel, about a fourteen year-old boy dealing with his school life, friends, family and his way to make money. This book is a young adult book and may be uncomfortable for some people to read as it includes a small amount of violence and the plot idea is quite mature. At the start it is all a bit hard to understand but towards the middle it became really exciting and gripping. I personally love the book and the end is reassuring and about how he is crossing the line.

Kassidee

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

Some things I didn't manage to understand throughout the book which sometimes made it quite confusing. The characters were written very well and I liked the cliffhanger ending.

Bella

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

I loved how the words almost danced around the page and made the book fun to read. I loved how relatable the book was with his family relationships. I like how everything had a good reason, for example, Erik hated his mum for a good reason. The story is written as if Erik is confessing to the readers which makes him an unreliable narrator which is interesting. The story is very down to earth, emotional and engaging.

Kloe

The West Grantham Mad Hatters

I really liked the way this book is written as it makes it easier to read and harder to put down and its always so exciting I finished it in a week. Pages 274-275 is the best part as it is wholesome and really emotional and it is based on stuff that happened to the author's friend's son.

Mina

The West Grantham Mad Hatters

This is a very intriguing book, it described the feeling of the main character when different events happens like dominoes.

Caitlyn

The West Grantham Mad Hatters

I really enjoyed the theme of the book, but I really struggled with the format of the book, but once I got into it I really enjoyed it. I would say the theme was a touchy subject for a lot of people but the way it was written made sure that it wasn't offensive or not so close to the reality that some people have lived.

Scarlett

Plumites

I loved this book because of all the description about the school and it is sort of like my life.

nathan

Plumites

This is a very informative book of the unspoken drug and criminal life. I think this book stands out for its uniqueness and the scarceness of books in this field I definitely recommend reading this, however there is strong swearing and violence.

sam

Plumites

I THOUGHT THAT THE BOOK WAS VERY INTENSE AND THAT IS WHY IT CAUGHT MY EYE AND THERE IS A BIT OF BAD LANGUAGE SO I RECOMMEND CHILDREN AGE 12 AND ABOVE TO READ IT!!!!! I WOULD READ THIS BOOK EVERYDAY NO STOP!!!!

JESSIE

The Book Club

I enjoyed Crossing the Line I thought it had a really good message in it and it isn't something that we would normally talk about let alone find in a book. I thought it was really good.

Penny

Weald of Kent Tonbridge

Crossing The Line is a dark and deeply moving book. About a boy named Erik who doesn't make good decisions and ends up drug running for K1. Which I really enjoyed for a number of reasons. Firstly because of the unique style that the book is written in although this can make the book a little bit more difficult to understand. Another reason that I enjoyed this book is because of the plot convincingly conveyed a story of great emotion and bad decisions. Overall a great book fantastically written.

Hal

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I rate the book 10/10 because of how fun it is to read. The writing goes in the shapes of what is happening, one of my favourites is when they talk about the arch and the the words become the arch. I don't see anything bad about it but it could have at least 1 picture since I found it difficult understand what was happening when he was on the train.

leyton

St Martin’s Bookworms

I thought this book was unique because it described how easy it is to get into gangs and how difficult it can be to get out. I really liked how it was written in verse format as it made you take your time reading and it made you think a lot more. I really enjoyed reading this book.

Grace

St Augustine’s Challenge

I enjoyed this book very much because it both kept you on the edge of your seat and gave you a sense of urgency all the way through. The story is about a young boy who gets wrapped up in a world of drugs after being pushed to far but the interesting thing about the book is that you can see how and why he ended up doing what he did. Normally when you think of drug dealers, you think of evil people but in this story despite the protagonist being a drug dealer, you feel sympathy for him. The story is also well-written because you can see each individual event which pushed Erik closer and closer to being a drug dealer. I really enjoyed this story and think it is an important book to read because despite the story being fiction it is based on real events happening nowadays.

Jasmine

Novel thinkers

“Crossing the Line” is a book that takes us to the brutal world of country line, where gangs prey on helpless kids like Erik. Soon after his father’s tragic death, Erik, at fourteen, finds his world completely wrecked. His weary mother is barely able to support him, and his twin sister, and their family is on the verge of financial disaster. Erik succumbs to the gang’s money-making scheme because he is driven by a desire for approval and an escape from his problems, but instead finds himself imprisoned in a terrifying world of drugs, violence, and hopelessness. As he navigated through the perilous country line system, the “normal life” he had come to take for granted vanished. I read this book cover to cover, eager to find out what would happen next. Erik’s struggle to deal with the terrible consequences of his deeds keeps me interested throughout due to the author’s deft use of tension.

Kaito

The Lotus Readers

This book was very well written, on a subject hard to write about. It highlights the importance of not getting involved with bad things. The book follows the story of one boy’s hardships, in and out of school. I enjoyed the book because it was intriguing, and I didn't want to put it down. This was an excellent book.

Stanley

Reader Leaders

Crossing the line is a great coming of age book written in verse. The language used in the book, and how its formatted, is simply incredible. Every page I have to turn the page to the next... and next. The way it grips you is amazing and the story is as good as the language. The way that Tia Fisher conveys the fear and the emotion of the main character Eric is brilliant and thought provoking. The ending is definitely satisfying! In conclusion, I would recommend this book and I believe it's now one of my favourite books of all time.

Charlie

Thorpe Hall Readers

The book "Crossing the Line" is about how country lines can affect children selling drugs. The main character, Erik, struggles greatly as his dad has just passed away. While recovering, his mom met a new partner and had twins. This has affected him a lot, so he goes out to hang out with the wrong people to take out his stress, but as he hangs out with them, it's more like a gang than a friend group. Erik is then dragged into a terrifying new world of drug dealing, trap houses, and violence, but he sees this as an easy way to make money. As he dealt with the risky country line system, the "normal life" he had grown to take for granted disappeared. Overall, this book was really good, and while I was reading it, I was desperate to find out what would happen next.

Ann

The Lotus Readers

“Crossing the Line” is an incredible story that I read in one go. If “Steady for This” made me laugh out loud loads, then Tia Fisher made me almost cry at times. This is an amazing verse novel with so many vivid images and sparkling metaphors. More than one of the books on the Carnegie shortlist this year have the theme of missing fathers, and I found Erik’s description of losing his dad to be incredibly moving and sad. His father’s death is one event in his life that Erik is powerless to stop, and he has no say in his mum’s relationship with Jonny either, or the arrival of his noisy baby sisters. Yet things still go wrong in his life even when he can make his own choices: when he starts secondary school, you watch helpless as he makes his first bad decision on the very first day, and then another, and another. I winced every time Erik made the wrong choice, and wanted to stop him. “Crossing the Line” is so gripping and tense that I couldn’t stop reading it, but at the same time some of the passages were really hard to read. Many of the adults in Erik’s life are very unsympathetic and harsh, and I kept wondering whether, if my friends or I were in his situation at my school, would our teachers be more understanding and kind, and offer more help and advice: I think they definitely would. The only character who really seems to be on Erik’s side is loyal and kind Ravi, his best friend, and he is my favourite character. I think Fisher’s writing style fits the story very well. I read this book very quickly, and then immediately started it again, and the second time around I appreciated all the different formatting even more: different font sizes, curling lines or words in boxes, fading type, complex word patterns and clever spacing. The book is not illustrated like some of the Carnegie shortlisted titles, but the layout of the verse often acts a bit like illustrations. There is one poem where Erik describes being wedged painfully into a school locker, and the lines are laid out to make the image of a trapped boy. There are so many powerful and vivid images in this novel; I could give dozens of examples, but one of them that stayed with me, perhaps because I also found starting secondary school very scary, was this description of Erik and Ravi starting in Year 7 as “insignificant twiglets” in an “adolescent flood”, holding on to each other until “Somehow, we beach ourselves the right way up”. I also loved how the ending circled right back to the beginning, with the question “Do you feel safe?” This book is amazing, and I would recommend it to teenagers and adults.

Arthur

Tractor

In crossing the line, the main character Erik is in a county lines of drug trafficking. This shows how fast juvenile people can get influenced by drug gangs. This book is written in verses, like a poem, and his emotions are clearly shown with the way the texts are written. When I had read the book, I had understood the story but some bits of the story had given me goose-bumps. In the early bit of the book, I would've already fore-told his life. But, it was easy to tell where the key points were what he could've done instead for the better aftermath. But overall, this was hard to put down. When I had read the ending, it was miserable but, this can happen anywhere and is shocking to believe it still happens. But still, I had enjoyed reading this book and learned a thing or 2 about how to identify a grooming tactic. I would recommend this book to the older years to the school because, the younger years will probably be grossed out by its grotesque features in the book. For me I rate this book 8/10. I will recommend this book to other people.

Sebastian

BFS Umbra

I loved reading this book! it had a fun way of reading through it with the words dramatising the meaning of them and I loved the way the author conveyed this story through a fun story.

nathan

TBGS Readers

Crossing The Line is a book about 14 year old who lives with his mum and two sisters after being sick of his mum always making him look after his sisters and living in poverty. Trips he would love to go in school NO! Need new shoes? NO! Going down a spiraling road he starts to turn a bad boy A thrilling story action -packed and a good read for those book lovers.

Rory

Fortismere

This story is told from the point of view of a character called Erik, and shows how easily, with life taking bad turns and Erik making a few bad decisions, he gets trapped into running drugs across county lines. As the story unfolds you can see how favours are going to tie him in and how the situation will get progressively worse, adding a sense of dread as you read it. Without giving spoilers, the book does offer hope and has details of organisations that can help anyone trapped like Erik. It is written in narrative verse, which is really powerful. I think everyone should read this book because it is a great story and a very important issue for people to be aware of. I would give this book 5 / 5 stars.

James

Larkmead

Review: 3.5/5 I really loved the premise of drug dealing. Erik was quite a relatable character and the verses were easy to read. However I think the start was a bit too boring and the cliffhanger at the end was too forced.

Hazel

County Shadows

I really enjoyed crossing the line, I thought it was really action packed and I didn't want to put the book down. The story was fast moving and drew you into the scenes vividly with the use of text. I also liked the style of how it was written because it wasn't just full pages of text, the font and page spacing added to the experience.

Katie

Tenbury Page Turners

I personally think that this book is a work of art as the author has used and captured so many phrases and humor techniques that I feel have a very positive effect on young people like myself, the reason I believe that this book is so positive towards young people is because it includes so many references and different kinds of communication of which young people would use in socializing. While reading the book I felt like I could feel Erik’s emotion and pain, I could tell how tough it was for him just through the description of the story. This is why I believe that this book can be an exiting read for young people today.

Jasper

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher is a book about a boy named Erik, who got tangled in all kinds of trouble: losing a dad, mum having a new pair of twins, being bullied at school... And since he's the "man in the house", he searched for ways to earn money, but ended up in dealing drugs which put his whole family at risk, but at the end he called for help. I really liked the poetry-style structure and the interesting formatting, they are in interesting shapes, fonts and orientations which made the plot very vivid. For example, the cat bit -- it 'defined' the word 'cat' in this book (people buying drugs), which was used very frequently after. It's realistic and relatable to the real world, creating a powerful gripping effect to me. I also enjoyed how Fisher wrote that at the start, Erik asked us "do you feel safe?"; but at the end, the reader was asking Erik "do you feel safe?", this link is stunning and very encouraging for reflections on the whole book. However, I think this book will be better if the ending were more complete, because I appreciate that this was left as a cliffhanger, to picture the way that sometimes not every story has a complete ending, but I would like to read about a few mentions to what happened next. I also took some time to understand some of the languages used, as it's a bit colloquial. This is one of the quickest read out of the 8, but definitely not the worst, I really enjoyed reading it. I would recommend it to people who are above the age of 10, as it contains some strong language and violent scenes. The discussions at the end are also great. 8/10.

Rachel

Perse Carnegians

I loved Crossing The Line, its a brilliant book and I think the author did extremely well to make it emotional to the reader as that is very hard to do. The fact that stories like this could happen in real life makes you really sad. Overall I think this is an amazing book and I would definitely recommend it.

Rowan

The Marlingtonians

I recently read 'Crossing the line' and could not put it down. From the very get-go, it was engaging and real, talking about grief and losing someone you love. This is definitely something that needs to be more often talked about. 'Crossing the line', also made me see from a different perspective, particularly about 'disruptive children'. It showed 2 types: Ben and Travis and Erik. It shared a powerful message. To not just label children as 'disruptive' and understand their story first. Progressing further into the book, Fisher explores issues that are relevant and significant for YA-aged readers: drug dealing and substance abuse. Fisher delves into what it's like to be a youngster being exploited on the county lines, and how it not only affects the victim, but their family aswell. I personally found it incredibly interesting as Fisher, at times, described why Erik was getting into this in the first place. For example: paying for the nursery so the mum could work. I think there's a stigma around exploited teenagers, but Fisher reveals there could well be a more discrete reason. Simultaneously, Fisher helps the reader explore difficult themes like domestic abuse: Fritz abusing Maria. Also, abuse in general, with Erik seeing Mike's blistered burns. However, in the aftermath of reading this book, and really understanding the themes, the theme that appeared most powerful, was the feeling of not feeling safe. Not feeling safe, even at home. I cannot even begin to imagine how scary that would feel, always having to be on your guard. However, I think it can be said Erik feels most safe around Ravi, and his parents. This may be because of turbulence at home: with Esme, Alice and Jonny. That even his own home, doesn't offer a sense of security. I also think Erik comes across as really misunderstood, in school and with other people. And that, the only teacher who really understands Erik is Mr Anderson. I chuckle a bit when Erik was doing his paper round and was seen by Mr Anderson. The message I felt which was being conveyed, was the power teachers have, the power to change the turbulence, and make a difference (however subtle it may be), in a young person's life. Lastly, Fisher explores the theme of unconditional love, the unconditional love Erik will feel for his mum, his dad and Esme and Alice. Particularly for his dad. Even though his dad broke a promise of never leaving him, Erik broke the promise of never smoking. Technically, they're even. I think it's particularly powerful, how Erik frequently remembers his dad, and how he controls this grief. Overall, this was one of the most eye-opening and powerful books. Thank you Tia Fisher for the outstanding piece of literature.

Elysia

Holt Readers

This book was a real page turner and one that stayed with me long after I had finished it. The concept of county lines was new to me, I didn't know what it was. Crossing the Line really informed me about this and it showed how one bad decision can have the domino effect, and completely flip your life upside down. Tia Fisher writes in a really engaging way in the style of poems/verse, it makes this book easy to read, but also easy to understand as well. There were parts of the book where I felt quite shocked reading this as some of the situations Erik makes have a drastic consequence. There is an amazing graphic description of what Erik encounters in the flat, and I could picture everything Tia Fisher described in my mind. As well as being an amazing book, it also raises awareness about county lines for young people like me, who have never heard of it before and are naive to what is truly happening. This has definitely been one of my favourite books and I will always remember it for the immense effect it had on me.

Max

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line is about a teenage boy in England who lives with a single Mum. His Mum gets pregnant with twins and has to fend for her three children and herself on a low income. Meanwhile, Erik befriends the wrong crowd at school and ends up skipping school to hang out with his new mates. They introduce him to their gang leader who convinces Erik to deal drugs. Over time, he gets more involved with the operation and ends up transporting drugs across country lines. Finally, he rejects the gang leader after being told to transport weapons at his own risk. I didn't like this book because the typograph was occasionally experimental but this didn't add to the readerly experience - it just made it harder to read sometimes. The story was also very depressing.

Isaac

Perse Carnegians

I rate this book 9/10 because it had a gripping story line which I really liked.

Connor R

Ermysted’s

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a verse novel about a boy named Erik who is a target of bullies. Erik is a strong, relentless character who always tries to fight back, but it’s no use. When COVID-19 quarantine strikes, Erik is more than pleased to be “free” of his bullies however, he still isn't at the top of his mountain as when quarantine was introduced, his father passes away leaving him shaken. His mother had given birth to baby twin sisters, meaning Erik has an overload of necessities in his daily life: taking care of his sisters, and his mother and managing schoolwork all whilst living an extremely poor life. Fisher incorporates the hardships one may be facing at home and uses poetry to demonstrate all the feelings and emotions that are locked up inside the character’s head. Crossing the Line also raises mental health awareness so all that read will be either a bit more aware of the emotions a peer is feeling or relate and understand that they are not alone and they should always speak up.

Amber

The Bentley Woodlanders

I loved this book from start to end. It was a page turner that made me feel like I was in the shoes of the character and I really wanted him to do the right thing and succeed. I liked that the title on every page was the start of a sentence (like in The Door of No Return) but I didn't think that it was necessary to play with the words and make them go all around the page even though I didn't mind. The only part I didn't get was the ending, which is why I would give this book 9/10.

Hisham N

Ermysted’s

The verse style fits this book like a glove, allowing Tia Fisher to really push the boundaries of formatting, and delivers the story of Erik in such an engaging way. One notable example was text wound in a circle, again pushing the reader into unfamiliar territory as his life spirals out of control. Erik felt very real to me, and Fisher’s writing also skillfully crafted a narrative that brought the subject home realistically.

emilie

KEVICHG

'Crosssing The Line' is a novel about a boy called Erik whose world starts falling apart after his father's death. He is bullied at school and thus often gets into fights/trouble. Soon his grades go downhill and his 'new friends' are really friends. They work for a drug gang and before Erik realises he is dragged into it. The novel, told in verses, progresses with fast pace and therefore is really gripping. It shows how quickly one bad decision can lead to another. The author did a brilliant job explaining what makes Erik do these things even though he knows it''s wrong. The book helps to understand that Erik's story could easily be yours too. So I highly recommend it, especially to teenagers.

Eric

Beauchamp Champs 2024

This book was one of my quickest reads. While I don't normally read books in verse, I really enjoyed this book. I think that it was really effective how you could see how the character developed throughout the story and how he was bullied because of his ginger hair. I think the book ending in a sort of cliffhanger makes the readers very curious and I definitely want to find out what happens next.

Bracha

St Angela’s Reading Angels

Dark, deeply moving and troubling. A reader follows the protagonist every step of the way, rejoicing at his triumphs and commiserating with him at his moments of stupidity. Never before has the grim reality of London life felt quite so immediate and relatable. While, in my opinion, the novel does not gain very much from being written in verse, the gritty plot is nevertheless conveyed convincingly. I have no doubt that this is a literary classic to be!

Isaac

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I like this story, since it was very moving and I liked how the poetry was used and I understood it very well. This story is about a young boy called Erik, who was stuck between two worlds: one filled with gangs and guns and drugs; the other being his mum, his sisters and his best friend Ravi. I liked the drama added in this book, and I felt really moved by Erik himself and all that he is going through. I liked the theme of decisions running throughout the book and I liked the authors use of language. I also liked the build up to the climax, which was really smooth and well-thought. Although it was a short read I still liked the book. Overall, I'd rate this book 9/10.

Tanvi

Perse Carnegians

Crossing The Line is a book about a boy named Erik and in his life he has some ups and downs and he sometimes gets himself in a sticky situation. This is because his dad died and his mum wasn't that helpful. Erik's mum then had two babies. Erik then found himself in a world of drug dealing and violence. The style of the book was written in poetry which I found very interesting and kept me hooked to the book when I read it. It was full of adventures and there was never a point in the book when I wanted to stop reading it. This book was a delight to read and it was had a very powerful meaning. I loved reading this book and the book had a hopeful and very happy ending. I think it helped Erik realise he needs to seek help and talk to others about things he finds hard and I recommend it to young adults, who might enjoy finding out about how some peoples lives are much harder than others.

Imogen

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I loved this book, it made me feel so many different emotions throughout reading it. The relationship between Eric and Ravi was so heartwarming, because no matter what Eric did, Ravi still helped him out and was so loyal. I think this is a very educational read and has lots of details and that we can all learn something from this book. What impacted me the most was the dedication page where it says "To the real Erik-and all the others like him. One day you will feel safe again." it made me feel so sad, that what happened in the story actually happened and that is is still happening today.

Lena

Bookiewookiedoodaas

Crossing the Line is a fantastic book. It is about a boy called Erik who finds himself lost and falling into the world of drugs after his dad dies. The front cover of the book displays a road and a boy standing on one side. He looks like he is deciding whether to cross to the other side of the road. I thought this was good because it resonates with the theme of the story. Erik must make decisions throughout the book that will impact positively or negatively on his life. The first line of the book is a rhetorical question (do you feel safe?) and it drew me in straight away. My heart was thumping as I read the book,as every page was filled with drama and suspense. I thought Erik was often quite rude although I did admire his bravery. I also liked the character of his friend Ravi as when Erik went down a dark path he continued to be his friend encouraging him to make better decisions. He didn’t give up on him. The book is a reminder of how easily we can go down the wrong path in life and how difficult it can be to get back on track. The book shows us how important the support of family and good friends can be. I didn’t really like the cliffhanger ending as I wanted to know what happened next but I suppose this can be left to our own imagination and I am rooting for Erik!

Ruairi

Rebel Readers

I really loved this book. This book is about Erik, who ever since his father died, his life has went downhill. He has decided that he wants to earn easy money by joining a local gang. This book is written in verses, which makes it easier to read. However this book is very emotional. Nevertheless I really liked it.

Haniya

Plashet School

I found the way the book was worded and laid out very intriguing, as the words powerfully represented Erik's emotions, and action words actually doing the action. Personally, I wouldn't rate someone's life story since its their life and their reality , but I'd rate how it was actually represented a 10.

maryam

Walthamstow Reading Champions

Crossing The Line was an extremely enlightening and empowering book about how one bad decision can lead to catastrophic events. Erik is led down a bad path after the death of his father, and the choices he makes soon put his life at risk. The way that the book was written in verse makes us feel as if we are inside Erik's head, and helps us to understand him better as a person. I liked how Erik was shown, not as a criminal, but as a victim, weak and vulnerable. The stories of kids and teenagers caught up in drug dealing are not often told, so I found this story refreshing and informative as well as heartwarming. There is a lot of character development within this book, not just in the character of Erik, but how the people around him change due to their personal situations. His relationships with people and his past experiences strongly influence his decisions and we see his character rapidly changing and maturing. I would definitely recommend this book as it an incredible read and I really enjoyed it.

Hidayah

KEVICHG

When Covid strikes, 14 year old Eric is left without a father and after his mother’s boyfriend leaves her pregnant, two unborn twins. His situation weighing down on him, Eric is forced to make many decisions he regrets later on, involving him in the world of gang culture and drug dealing. This book leaves a huge impact on the reader and new understanding of the consequences of drugs and gang warfare whilst still providing an interesting read as the book is written in verse. This book would potentially interest anyone who wants a quick read full of emotion and new content not really well known. The verse writing provided a convincing representation of Eric’s stress from the pressure of the gang through building up the tension with various styles of writing and typography on the page. The emotive language put amazing emphasis on how Eric felt trapped and out of control in his life. However, I felt the ending did not have the right pacing compared to the rest of the story and made the book feel a bit rushed and unconcluded.

Ellie-Anna

Bookiewookiedoodaas

Crossing the line is a strong and powerful book that rings true to the reality of life and how even good people can make mistakes and bad descisions and it shows how life can not always be good. It also explains in much more depth about the reality of county lines and gangs and how hard it can be to escape and live a life after getting involved. It also explains really well how to escape and get help. I really enjoyed this book because it has a sense of reality and physicality that most other books that I have read don't manage to achieve. Overall this book is a must read and will bring you down to earth much better if you like realistic books.

Thomas

Perse Carnegians

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave a very vivid insight into the lives of people who experience the county lines and brings attention to the types of situations that can lead to children being groomed into the county lines. I appreciated the ending a lot because it was different to the typical resolution and reflected how real Erik's experience was.

Elsie

St Angela’s Reading Angels

This book was actually so good. Honestly, the poetry made it even better and usually, I don't like poetry that much. However, this time it was even better! The shorter lines made it more engaging and the storyline was much clearer to follow. The book was based on a boy called Erik and ever since the death of his dad, his life went downhill and he ended up getting involved in drugs and more illegal things. This was so intriguing to see because I personally love crime and it was like seeing a different person's view on a crime and how they may have been pressurised. Additionally, the way he gradually stopped caring about school and glided away from everyone else was nice to watch and overall the ending was really good! I really liked the fact that he decided to do something about it and it was so satisfying to read! I would rate this 9.5/10 and it is definitely the best book I have read so far!

Ghumaysa

Plashet School

Crossing the Line is the story of a teenage boy drawn into a grim world of drugs and violence as he struggles with pressures at home and in school following the death of his father. Described as 'unputdownable', it certainly was, and I read it in one sitting. The verse format leads the reader on at a pace and the powerful spareness of the writing makes it a compelling read. The text is laid out in an illustrative way, with words thrown about the page and formatted into shapes to reflect the meaning of the narrative. I was not convinced by the unsympathetic approach of Erik's school, but his spiral into gang culture and drug running is terrifyingly plausible. The unsettling but believable ending leaves things unresolved but finishes on a note of hope and positivity. Probably not my winner but very deserving of its shortlist nomination.

Harriet

Open Book

The story is about an 11-year-old called Eric, who is starting secondary school when the global pandemic strikes, which directly impacts Eric's family life. Life at school is not much better either, with bullies and bad behavior leading to crime and issues with gangs. All the while, Eric is trying to find a way out. For me, this has got to be one of the best books I've read. It's based upon a true story, which really shows how much of an ongoing issue 'country lines' is. The research alone to accurately portray the lives of these victims must also be acknowledged. The ending was perfect. By the end, I thought this was a powerful and moving book and I would recommend it to others - top marks! (***** Five stars).

Bahja

Rockwood Reads

I think this book is very eye-opening about what goes on in the real world. It tells us about how people who are less advantaged go through. The layout of the book is also very interesting and unique. The way the worlds are sculptured also tells the story. The words are used as an illustration.

Saba

Malvern St James

I really enjoyed the book because of how the structure is. It is easy to read and the sentences are short. The grief, getting in with the wrong crowd, drugs lies, and consequences are showed in the book and it makes me feel bad.

Lydia

Malvern St James

i think this is a really interesting book it has an interesting format. it is very eye-opening about what goes on in the real world. The words are used as an illustration. It has a really good story line.

Alesia

Malvern St James

To be honest, i didn't really like this book. At All. It was too boring for my liking and the way it was written was not really likeable. I did like the ending though and the overall meaning to it was quite nice.

Chiziteremiheoma

Beauchamp Champs 2024

Mylie

Cathedral Crew

I really liked crossing the line, not only because the message behind it was great but also the style of writing was really unique as well. In comparison it was much shorter then some other books but that made up in emotion within the story. It shows Erik's life before and how it was a bit of struggle already but how it got worse as well. Erik has a slow descent into bedlam in his life and how even though he knew he was in the wrong he still struggled to break free of the grip K1 had overt him. Overall I think it was a very good book and was very engaging and really kept you attached to the story, not a dull moment.

Owen

Bookwizards

I think this book is amazing. I really love the writing technique use for eg. when a paragraph was used to outline a cat while talking about a cat. And I also really like the storyline and how the main character gets out of the trouble at the end.

Vaishnavi

TCOLC Perfictionists

I found it so nice that even after his best friend discovered about what he was doing he still helped him out regardless, and that Erik is able to talk to people and become safe once more. Everyone in that situation deserves to be safe too. A really good book loved they unique writing style :)

Liana

Ullswater Readers

I liked the story line and all the characters in it.

Lily

KES Readers

This book was very moving, and gave me insights into a problem people face that I didn’t really know anything about. The way the words were set out made the book more interesting and helped to make what was happening clearer. I liked the ending as it was realistic, the book didn’t just end on a completely happy ending, but it did indicate things got better for Erik. The only thing I would change is some parts didn’t make as much sense to me, such as what SIM cards was he talking about at the end? 8/10

Eleanor

High Storrs Carnegie Shadowing Group

This book is about a ginger teen that has to face lots of different challenges in his life. His story is, in my opinion, a very powerful one. It emphasises the grief of a lost parents and how it can affect one's life. It also explains the suddenness and extreme danger of gangs. Overall it is an educational story with a intriguing ending. I would definitely recommend it as an exciting read to all that are interested.

Hannah

SCD Pageturners

The fact that this book had poetry instead of the regular words made it more powerful and reflected something I'd seen before: The less you say, the more powerful your words are. This book shows a side of society that a lot of us at The Perse are unfamiliar of and brings it to light. I think each character in a way adds their own impact to the story. However, at times, I struggled to stay engaged, but it may be because I read this late at night. Overall, I thought this was a beautiful piece of literature, and I do recommend this a lot.

Zoe

Perse Carnegians

This book court me off guard with the mature themes. I was never really interested in books that are close to real life and that was the same with this book. I found it a bit of a chore to read and would recommend to people with a bit of spare time. Just because I didn't like doesn't mean everyone will. With a lot of potential for that genres enthusiasts this is a good book just not for me.

Emma

Burford School

Maddison

BFS Umbra

Suzy

The Lotus Readers

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher is a powerful and gripping story that delves into the emotional turmoil of a teenager named Erik whose life is completely turned upside down after the sudden death of his father. As Erik struggles to come to terms with this devastating loss, he finds himself spiraling into a tumultuous journey of self-discovery and healing. The author expertly portrays the complex emotions and inner turmoil that Erik experiences. His mother got in a relationship where she ends up having a kid, soon after she broke up with her boyfriend. All the responsibility is now on Erik as he has to take care of his to twin sisters . Fisher navigates the themes of grief, loss, and coming of age in a raw and honest way, capturing the essence of Erik's pain and confusion with poignancy. He has to choose everything by himself. He is helpless. "Crossing the Line" is a compelling and touching novel that explores the depths of human emotion and resilience in the face of tragedy.

AZA

Reading Rats

I thought this book was great! It's very similar to what actually happens in real life and many teenagers can probably relate to Erik, the main character, in some way. The book explores Erik's life, from living in poverty and dealing drugs to grief and friendships. The layout of the book is similar to poetry, and you can see how Erik's thoughts can spiral out of control at times, which I thought was amazing. Overall, I really liked it and i would probably recommend it to a friend.

Piper

LSST Library Shadowers

"Crossing the Line" is a poetic insight into the dangers of bad choices. Erik, the main character, is a young and impressionable person who falls on hard times and turns to drug dealing to try to escape his situation. As the book progresses, Erik learns the dangers of the life he has chosen, and we, the readers, see his choices spiral out of control. The book is interesting on many levels. For one, it is a story told not in regular prose but through poetry, which makes it engaging, easy to read, and more layered. This format allows us to easily see into Erik's mind. On another level, the book is compelling because of its believable characters and narrative. It serves as a lesson to anyone to be careful with their decisions. Erik is a fictional character based on facts, and this is shown through his everyday struggles and successes, which eventually drive him to try to escape his bad choices. This book has many layers to unpick and explores very adult themes such as grief, anxiety, and loneliness, making you root for Erik all the way through. These are not easy things to face, but I highly recommend that you follow Erik's twisted journey through this amazing book.

Rory

The Skinners’ School Page Turners

This book was okay. I found that for the first few chapters it was just Erick moaning about how is life is terrible, his life gets worse here, this is when he made a bad decision, etc. the rest was good, I would have preferred it if the twins were in it more, they were a nice refresher from the dark and gloomy plotline. I get why other people might like it but I am just not one of those people. I would recommend to readers who don't like happy endings.6/10

Elijah

VISTA Academy

I found the book really interesting and down to earth, i found the book was really good at portraying emotions and shows the reality of how people get involved in gangs and illegal activities and how difficult it may be to escape them, overall if i had to rate it, 10/10

Xaviera

TDS Book Clubbers

I really enjoyed Crossing the Line because it was an exciting all-action book where you could never guess what was happening next. The verse novel structure works really well to keep the reader excited and wanting to keep reading. I really enjoyed all the characters but especially Eric's friend Ravi who displayed incredible friendship by saving Eric even though Eric has lied to Ravi multiple times about what he was doing. I think that the moral of the story is these large offers of money from drug dealers come at a big price and just don't get involved in them.

Thomas

Team Berko

Lois

Ashcroft Avids

Amelija

Ashcroft Avids

Beau

Ashcroft Avids

I really enjoyed this book even though it wouldn't have been my first choice as I am a person who judges a book by its cover :( I actually enjoyed the action based theme, the characters and the plot as well, since it was unpredictable. My favourite character was Eric just because I felt that I could empathise with him the best about the situation. I did knock off a mark for this book however because I would've liked the ending to have more of a solution instead of, 'running away from your problems' , quite literally... Overall I liked it more than I thought I would :)

Beatrix

Team Berko

The short story is about a young boy who starts secondary school and gets bullied for having red hair. Then his dad dies and he joins a gang that gets him into lots of trouble. This was a very powerful and moving book and I think the author making it in verse emphasised the important themes of the book. I would definitely recommend it to others. It really showed how a good person can make bad decisions when they're in a tough situation and the book is very realistic o real life experiences of these sort of gangs and drug violence.

Lois

Ashcroft Avids

The story is about a ginger teen in a poor family, living with his mum and two younger sisters (baby twins). He needs money so he joins a gang while also doing running for the school. How can he do them at the same time? I enjoyed how the book was layed out and how it was easy and enjoyable to read. I also liked the diversity of the characters. I would definitely recommend it to others, it was a really good (true to life) story. Themes: threat (life threatening living two separate lives), betrayal (mother, Eric and his best friend got betrayed), fear, secrecy (decisions - really hard decisions to make for Eric's life). My feelings: nervous for him, sympathy for him.

Amelija

Ashcroft Avids

I really enjoyed this book because it was very clear what was happening. The main character Erik, a 14 year old boy, gets into drug dealing and he starts to lie. The plot is simple but the way the book is written (in verse) makes this book extremely interesting. I am excited by this book and hope it is a start of a book series because the book ended on a cliff hanger. I feel that more books can be created on this storyline.

Sebastian

Team Berko

I liked this book as it was gripping and there were lots of plot twists. One thing I would have changed/didn’t like was the ending as it was very anticlimactic and kind of ruined the book, but doing what he did at the end was a very important message to other young people struggling with drugs and gangs.

Izzy

St. George’s Dragon Readers

This book is very thrilling, and it accurately portrays the life of a teenager caught up in gang life to help a family member. It shows the very lengths someone would go to help somebody they love, even if it means doing something considered bad, such as selling drugs. It also shows how the gang life is not good, as it can distance you from your friends and family, and most of the time, they are extremely difficult to get out of. This book was a really good read, and I would really recommend it.

Kaya

Winchmore Carnegie Group 2024

I found Crossing the Line to be such a good book. It is so nice to read and the poems and the structure made it so easy to follow. I loved the story line and it is so easy to follow.

Darcy

TMHS:PageTurners

Crossing the line is a verse book about a boy who gets involved with the wrong people whilst at school, it is really interesting and, while sad in parts, carries a great message about how to choose your friends and is probably my favourite Carnegie book so far.

cara

Somervale Carnegie Team 2024

I think that this book is very relivant and important. Unfortunately I feel that the people who really need to read this book, are the people who never will, and they would really benefit from it. I found it very sad watching him dig deeper into drugs, however the end was cautiously hopeful. It is very realistic and young people should definitely read it.

Matilda

Broadland Bookworms

This book was extremely depressing. I think that the message would have been portrayed better if there were some happy moments. The characters were well written and it was a well paced story. The message is very important, and the book was very realistic. 8.5/10

Harry

Broadland Bookworms

Many months ago, I would have not thought about reading a book based on a topic outside of what I am used to, but this novel makes me view a genre like this in an entirely new perspective. Picking the book up at first, the concept felt vague. I was not ready to be flooded with information on a fragile topic. The words on each page were structured in a way that felt disconcerting and misleading. As I progressed through the first dozen of pages in the story, I started to feel more comfortable with the way it was written, suiting my standards significantly. All the characters seem to slot seamlessly into the progressing plot, seeming realistic in the situations that arose in each section. Every scene (eventually) became pushed to the apex of tension and action. It is an exceptionally written novel about the heightened theme of self-worth among teenagers in modern-day society, revolving around the dangers of violence and vulnerability. If this book was addressed in schools to allow others to understand the consequences of gang activity, this book would become a vital help in supporting teenagers, mentally and emotionally. In summary, Crossing the Line is an exquisite book that paves the way for aiding those in struggling scenarios, with such a hard-hitting concept, it stands out from the rest.

Oliver

Bethany Shadows

This is not an easy book to read. I read about one third of it and put it away with no intention of going back to it. I didn't like the language and the theme. Books about crime, drug dealing, violence make me feel anxious. I didn't enjoy the plot at all. The contents is rather disturbing and I am not comfortable with it. I really disliked when Erik described his mum as a 'lipsticked woman, all done up like a welcome doormat."

Tali

SLS Carnegie Shadowing Book Club 2024

I like this book since it gives us a real life scenario of people who struggle with drug dealing and how they might feel trapped into it, just like Erik. This book is full of tension which adds to the life threatening situations. It helps us understand how some fight their way to stop drug dealing and how difficult it could be to be messing around with bad people. I would high recommend this book.

Mia

Camden School for Girls

This book is telling you to not do drugs.

abdul m

Ermysted’s

crossing the line is an amazing book . it is articulated very well . the writing shadows the word , an example is when it says drop the words will drop . the plot took an unexpected turn and it impacted me by creating a sense of pity in my heart .

aysha

TCOLC Perfictionists

I think Crossing the line should win the award. My reasoning for this is that although I don't really like books, I actually read this whole book and enjoyed it alot. I think Crossing the line can relate to many teenagers and even help/inspire them to get themselfs out of any trouble their in. Tia Fisher has really put a lot of thought in this book, allowing the readers to really understand the suffers of Erik. Another thing I would like to mention is that the writing in the book is not like any other. Instead of just words along the page, Tia has placed them in different ways; spirals, boxes, stairs, circles. This is very eye catching and makes reading much more enjoyable in this way.

Emilia

TDA readers

Crossing The Line is a very engaging and breath-taking story. I LOVED the relatable life style of the teenage boy- Erik. I really though like I was there, feeling the sorrow, pain and emotions presented in the amazing book. Its a book I loved and still think about today. I couldn't stop turning the page! I really hope this book wins and Tia Fisher receives the award as this book is unbeatable and she has worked really hard on it, putting lots of thought and care into EVERY word. I LOVED the placement of words on the pages; spirals, boxes, stairs, shapes and forms making the reading sooooo fun. I really enjoyed it. A great story to explore.

Kaila

TDA readers

This book was very gripping and will hook the reader until the end. It will also make you feel sympathy for young Erik as he goes through hard times of grief, mourn and spur of the moment decisions alone. Overall, in my opinion, I would recommend this book greatly and would advise people to read this so as to be aware of the dangers of drug dealing, gang life and county lines.

Nicole

TDA readers

It was a very good book and I felt pity for Erik as he was only 12 and got lured in to unpleasant actions.

Hibba

TDA readers

Really great book, very emotive and pulls at strings in your heart. Talks about difficult subjects but in a way that you don't feel overwhelmed. Overall a brilliant read, would 100% recommend!

Charlie

St Kaths

I found the book truly wonderful. I thought the central theme of ‘county lines’ was portrayed accurately and showcased the brutal reality of what many younger people endure and suffer from. I was able to build a connection with the character Erik and sympathise with him. The structure of the text and the way the words were scattered across the page representing his continuous, rapid thought process was especially effective and I found that intriguing as a reader.

Ethan

TMHS:PageTurners

This is a very poignant novel that deals with the current issues of county lines (as the title suggests). I found this a fast-paced and tense story that was uncomfortable to read in parts because of knowing how it would turn out for the protagonist. This is a must-read for all young people to understand how easily and quickly they too could be in the same situation, what to do to avoid it, and how to seek help. A whopping 9/10 for me!

Mrs Eaton

Weavers Inklings

This tale will leave you addicted with its injection of gang crime, drugs ,and poverty. Fall into the trap alongside our protagonist Erik ,whose dad has recently passed away, as he fights not to end up on the streets whilst dealing with his emotions. Despite the struggles of our protagonist, his mom is always there to guide him along and encourage him to follow the right path. One day his mom goes on a date and ends up pregnant with twins. The twins' dad abandoned them to fend for themselves. Whilst Erik attempts to save his family from the streets, he also has to accept the fact he is the "new man of the house" and he grapples with a mature decision that will hoist him out of his childhood and set him up on a tumultuous new path towards a future of crime. In my opinion this book is pure ecstasy and a clean dose of reality. I also liked the thought that this book had a huge impact on the reader to understand the consequences of drugs. I think the way it is written in verses may make the reader more inclined to read because it doesn't feel as though you are reading as much . The only downside of this addictive book is that I feel there are not enough female characters or heroines. Apart from this, it is an intoxicating book and supplies the true meaning of what drugs can do to a young person's life. I would 100% recommend this book to someone who is either battling with the same issues or perhaps just wants a book to sink their teeth into. You, yourself may need rehab after dabbling with this book as it will leave you craving more and more !

Bella

Lost in Pages

I am writing a review on the book “Crossing the line”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as it deals with many subjects that I am very interested in. Firstly, I love the way this book is structured. It is written in verse, which I find very easy to casually read. The verses are also written in the shape that suits it best. For example, the word “trapped.” Is written as a square box to emphasize the fact of being trapped inside. Secondly, the protagonist, Erik, is well described by the author, Tia Fisher. I feel she is a very good author as she is very creative but that she is very good at making the reader enjoy a dark story, which other authors may not be able to do. When Erik’s father dies, his mother falls into very bad financial difficulties. She soon meets a new man and has twin daughters. Erik then turns to bad ways and joins a gang involved in drug dealing because he thinks it is an easy way to earn some money for his struggling mum, but this ends up turning into a living nightmare. When his twin sisters' lives are threatened, he is forced to “Cross the line”. Finally, the author’s language choices are incredibly effective because when she repeats words ten times it really gets the point over to the reader. Furthermore, the use of rhetorical questions is very interesting as they are written scattered across the page. They are also metaphors for Erik’s feelings. In conclusion, I feel this book is very well written with great structure, Language choices and an amazing plot. I recommend this book to anybody. It is very eye opening, and it has urged me to try and stop county lines.

Henry

Barny bookworms

‘Crossing the line’ is a fabulous book with a lot of emotions. It showed me the dangers of getting pulled into county lines and made me even more aware of how easy it was to be pulled into them. The way the book is written is wonderful and made it much easier to read. I found the plot extremally enticing, and it had the perfect mixture of sad and funny. I was so invested in the book that I read it in one night. I found that the saddest part of the book for me, was when the dog had been poisoned and I started to tear up. The dynamic between Eric and his family was sad but equally wholesome. I would most definitely recommend this book to people who struggle to keep focused on a book since this one keeps the reader’s mind attached because of the interesting and fun writing structure. It is an amazing book and if you haven’t read it yet, then I would suggest that you sit down with some food and a drink and get to reading.

Ella

Barny bookworms

I liked Crossing the Line because it shows the reality of this world even though it is fiction. Sadly, every book has its own errors. In this book I felt uninterested and wondered why my friends liked it so much, different opinions I suppose. I feel the cause of this is that I don’t think the author poured their heart and soul into their work meaning it didn’t reach its full potential, which I would love to read. With minor improvements this book would be perfect. Though as it is I am so glad I got to read this book.

Daniel

Larkmead

Crossing the Line captured the difficult situation that Erik is faced with after the death of his dad. His behaviour spirals at school, as he is faced with more adult situations like providing for his family. And later he falls into the wrong group and starts dealing drugs. I think the book accurately represented the chaos of Erik’s situation, and how removing himself from the situation just isn’t possible in some cases. However, I wish the author developed the ending more, because there didn’t feel like a definitive end where Erik was able to improve his situation and resolve his problems.

Manyan

Perse Carnegians

Crossing the line -Tia Fisher-review Crossing the Line is a book about a teen boy called Erik who struggles after losing his dad to covid.While he is at school he starts acting up and meets some boys who are involved with drugs.As he is struggling he decides that he is going to join them and starts dealing drugs.Erik has got to realise that things are going to be different without his dad and he has to deal with the consequences of his actions. In my opinion I thought that this book was good but I personally would not read it again as it was difficult to relive covid.It was interesting to see how life could have been for other people during covid.I think it gives people an insight into how other people may have had to go through something similar.It also gives awareness to how people sell drugs and how dangerous it is getting into selling drugs. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about something that they have been around for and want to read about current situations rather than something you cannot relate to in any way at all.I think that if you were affected by covid then it would still be a bit too soon to read it but eventually it would be a good thing to read so that you know that it is not just you going through it all and there are others in the same position.

Millie

Glossopdale Readers

Crossing the line - review Crossing the line is a story following the teen life of a boy called Erik, following the death of his father and a new relationship between his mum and man who mistreats them. In school he doesn’t have the best experience and finds himself getting brought into the world of drug dealing. He has to deal with the consequences of his actions and protect him and his family from the ‘friends’ he has been making and his actions. In my opinion this book is interesting and it helps you to understand what it's like for people to go through these things and it also gives a good perspective of the friends and families who are related to people involved in drug dealing. It also helps to show people what it was like to go through these particular times whilst also living in a pandemic. However I personally wouldn’t choose to read this book again as it is written in an interesting form which isn’t the easiest to follow. I would recommend the book to people who can relate to the situations like the ones written in this book and to the people who would like to understand someone's point of view and why these things happen or how people can easily become involved.

Jasmin

Glossopdale Readers

I enjoyed the plot and the style of writing. Very well written. Score 8/10

Pierre

Cake a Book Club

It is a very nice book. It started with a kid in a normal life but things changed. In this book is something we can all relate to like a lost dad or having a friend that eventually drifted off. I like how the story is about struggles a boy went through and what his "friends" got him into. It has quite a few shocking factors but if you read to the end it is indeed good.

Mylie

Cathedral Crew

Anna

Pride and Paperbacks

Ellie

Ashcroft Avids

Introduction: crossing the Line by Tia Fisher was an amazing book The story started well and by the end it was amazing. I loved how the story was educational and fun making it more exciting. in conclusion, the book was a great read and I would recommend

Caspar

The Marlingtonians

I loved this book. The use of language and formatting gave me a great understanding of what had happened to the main character (Erik) and how he got trapped in a world of drug dealing and lying. I also enjoyed how the author kept on comparing Erik's decisions leading up to the drug dealing as 'dominoes toppling over'. Over all I thought this book was amazing.

Pherabe

TPS Carnegie Collective

A powerful and moving book, with an incredibly important message. The title captivated me, and I did have my predictions of this relating to County Lines and Drugs. This is a salient topic as of recently, and whilst learning about it during PSHE lessons, the true, stark reality is lost within the education system. Crossing the Line did an excellent job demonstrating how easy it is to fall, or be pushed, down the slippery slope of the drug world. Erik, the main character, is portrayed as having a challenging home life. His mother is a recently single parent, with twin daughters that are taking a strain on her. Erik is asked to step up, having lost his dad to the pandemic a few years prior. At this time, the main character is also beginning secondary school, and heading along the path of choosing his options and making decisions about his future. I can see the storyline being extremely realistic to many people, and I think it demonstrates well the struggles. The book acts as an insight to readers, and allows you to grasp the reality of the situation. Exploring home life and constant confliction, pressure from peers and other parts of everyday life. Guilt is also a prominent feature, and the choices Erik makes can be perceived as wrong: as outsiders, it's understandable to assume we know how we'd deal with the situation. But the book and the narrative voice of Erik explores the feelings of unsafety and the immense lack of choice in his decision making. This was eye-opening to me; I think many people are too quick to cast judgement and make assumptions before knowing the full story. Loved the formatting behind this book: the poetry format was intriguing and made for a quick and easily digestible read. I definitely enjoyed this book- 5 stars.

Lucy

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

Crossing the Line is a brilliant book! It is full of powerful emotive poems, arranged in beautiful ways with a hard-hitting storyline. It covers the dangers of gangs and drug-dealing. The ending was great and the overall book shared a positive message. This book was very gripping and I couldn't put it down, I would definitely recommend it to all 13-14 year olds!

Emily

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

I think that it had a good plot and the way it was displayed made the reading experience more interesting and made you focus on the book more.

Max

Sidcot Shadowers

I wanted to read this one out of them all from when we saw them, it looked so cool. the storyline was wonderfully wrote showing the life of Erik and his bad choices plus his journey. my 2 favourite things about it was the start and ending lines being the same. the second thing I loved was he it was wrote, the different ways helps tell the story better than a normal book! overall I loved it and would recommend it fully.

Hayden

Carnegie Festival

Crossing The Line wasnt my kind of book, but it was good regardless. It follows Erik's story and the bad decisions he makes, digging himself in deeper and deeper, getting himself in with bad people who make him transport drugs. My favourite part of the book was the ending, because it was really good.

Kaya

GreatB00ks

It was a very good book that is very informative about the difficulties of young people when something important in their life goes wrong. This book tells us that talking to someone, even if it isn't an adult, can help you through your difficult times.

Ellie

SuAS Shadows

'Crossing the Line' is an insightful book that highlights the issues that teenagers face around gangs and drugs. The creative verse layout is a good idea as it keeps the reader engaged. I would recommend this book to anyone over the age of 13 because it covers some difficult topics but it is a very good book.

Ruby

LGGS Shadow Questers

Crossing the line is a really good book! It is all about a boy called Erik and how he suffers during his time at high school and then gets caught up in trafficking drugs. It really describes how Erik feels when he is most panicked and scared. The book is written a bit like a poem and each page is a bit like a drawing because the words are spread out nicely . I think that this book should be the winner because it encourages children like Erik to speak out and ask for help and also explains what certain things mean such as grooming. I would recommend reading this.

Sophie

To Read Or Not to Read

This book was a great and important insight into prevalent teen issues - it addressed the reasons people might have for getting involved with drugs and humanised those people, whilst highlighting the troubles and hardships that will follow. It was realistic and entertaining and a worthwhile read in my opinion.

Rosanna

KEVICHG

I think this is one of the best written books in this shortlist. Firstly, the book being written in verse makes it somehow more easy to read (content wise) as you could take it bit by bit. I enjoyed how this made the book more poetic and it definitely makes more of an impact than I think it would if the format was just normal text. Also, I like how the poems are sometimes written in shapes (like when he is describing bullying and being shoved into locker and the text is in the shape of a person crouched down like it is described). Secondly, it was realistic and makes Erik's journey seen like it could happen scarily easily to anyone - especially if you're around his age. I did like this though as it made his character easy to sympathise with and not as unlikable as I would have thought of someone had explained the plot to me. The author does an amazing job at showing not telling as Erik goes down a slippery slope and I feel like the ending was realistic too (as heartbreaking as it was).

Bea

Novel thinkers

"Crossing the line" is an extraordinary book ,originally written and full of suspense and secrets .I loved this gripping book as it conveys us the feeling of sympathy towards victimes of the terrible world of gangs .Moreover ,this book is incredible as I can feel Eric(the main character) inside me .Even thought this book is quite short ,it is full of details and emotion .I totally recommend this book.

DamianPMC

4Shadowers

A compelling read. The author has done her research. The structure of the text being in verse made it easy to read. The author writes about bullying and how a child can get drawn into the nasty world of drugs. Also, what is good the author gives details of where to go for help in situations like this. I would also suggest that this read by adults.

Michelle

Shaftesbury School Shadowers

Erik is a boy who has lost his dad. He's having trouble at school with his behaviour and he gets pulled in the local gang. He's forced to sneak out of his house to supply drugs to others. When another boy in the gang, is put into hospital (by a rival gang), Erik realises that him and his family are in danger. Erik and his family move houses because of this and, Erik hasn't heard from the gang in a while. One day, Erik's dog is poisoned and he gets to know, the leader of the gang was killed. Will Erik ever be safe? I found this book relates really well to what is happening in real life. I would rate the book 4/5.

Aditya

Beauchamp Champs 2024

I normally do not like poem-based books but this book is beautifully presented with words arranged in shapes, enhancing the reading experience, which made me enjoy it quite a bit. SPOILERS: The story follows Erik, a Year 9 boy, who, through a series of poor decisions, becomes involved with a county line gang. The writing offers insight into the gang's operations and shows how easy it is to get entangled with dangerous people. Erik's life is complicated: he's grieving for his dad, struggling with COVID-19 impacts, and his mom, who is newly pregnant, has a low-paying job. Feeling alone, Erik befriends two boys at school and starts making bad choices. The book is powerful and gripping, sometimes so intense I had to pause reading. I hated how Jonny left Erik's mother in the beginning after finding out she was having twins (I mean, what was the problem with having twins ?). In contrast, I loved Ravi, a supportive character with a passion for old school music. I highly recommend this nicely-paced and thought-provoking book. I would give it an 8.5/10!

Sivithi

Plashet School

I really enjoyed reading this book as it was very unique and had a gripping story. This book was written in verse, which made it more enjoyable as it emphasised the important parts of the story, without making the book too long. It was interesting to be able to read a story like this one from the point of view of the main character as it helped us to better understand the things that he was going through. Furthermore, this book was not too detailed, which meant that there was always some form of action. This is good as it makes the reader want to keep reading.

Salome HG

4Shadowers

Out of all the possible Carnegie winners my top favourite so far is Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher. I personally like the fact that it’s written in verses. It makes the book more engaging to read and it differs this book from others. The story is set in 2020 during lockdown, and it’s written from the character’s point of view. The plot is very interesting, and it allows the reader to discover many different themes. For example, the theme of bullying as well as the meaning of friendship is explored throughout the story. While reading it the reader processes many different emotions such as sadness and empathy for the main character. Overall, this was an excellent book that I highly recommend!

Martina HG

4Shadowers

In my opinion I really enjoyed crossing the line. Personally, I found it very engaging and exciting to read, as it escalated extremely quickly which created a lot of tension. I thought the way the words were not shaped in the standard and normal layout (prose) but instead shaped to express their meaning through their unique form was incredibly clever and unique . In my opinion, I thought that the book was very realistic as it is something that real teenager's struggle to go though, so it creates a lifeline and understanding for the readers. The use of the repetition in the adjective "safe" was very effective as it presented the theme of security as crucial to the story, which became vital as the novel progressed. Personally, I liked the twist at the end where it is revealed that the reader has been listening to the story, not reading it as part of a book, and therefore is important to the novel`s end. Overall, I really enjoyed reading Crossing the line and I would read it again.

Hannah

Tractor

Crossing The Line, a brilliant but really depressing story. This book really took me by surprise because most poetry books I read sometimes bore me as they repeat the same kind of stuff. However, this book was truly fantastic it drew me in on every page and kept making me want to read on. This was the last book I have read in the Carnegie Book series and it was a very good book to end on. something that I really liked about this book was the structure of the poem and how some sections were put into a pattern based on what was happening at that point in the book. Furthermore, something else that really made me love this book was the song references. Ravi (Erik's best friend) loved old cheesy music which really made me laugh. Some songs referenced were 'Baby Don't Cry' by INXS, 'Summer Holidays' by Cliff Richard and 'The Eton Rifles' by 10CC. In conclusion, this was a wonderful book and It has made sure that I will read more poetry books.

Evelyn

Fortismere

This is the story of Erik. The first thing we find out about the book is that Erik, the main character, is asked if he feels safe. Then we are told all about his story and again at the end he is asked if he feels safe and words speak for themselves. He tells them everything, about his Dad, the money troubles, how wonderful running makes him feel, what he has been doing for the past few weeks, Jonny, his Mom, the twins and how he feels. And for the first time in a long, long, long time he feels like things are going to get better.

Anna

Cathedral Crew

This was a book that I found ok, I enjoyed reading it however personally would not re-read. It started out quite boringly and remained that way for approximately half of the book however for the second half, it got quite interesting and became an enjoyable read as the main character gets more involved in illegal activities which became unputdownable by the end and made me feel sorry for the main character. Overall, it started boring but got better, a good book

William

Beauchamps Bookbusters

Crossing the line is about Erik and after the loss of his father, struggling with money and a tough home life, he finds himself joining a local gang. The story is written in verse which i think helps appeal to a wider audience and less confident readers. I liked how different words were written in different artistic ways and how some sentenced were made into shapes. I found the book very gripping however throughout the book i felt empathetic towards Erik. I believe crossing the line is an amazing book to spread awareness of people affected by gangs and to help prevent people from joining a gang.

emma

BFS Umbra

Crossing the Line is about a boy named Erik who is taken advantage of by a drug gang to become part of an inter-county drug model. He is tasked with dealing, and transporting drugs, as well as hiding weapons and money for the drug Lord. This novel takes on a real-world problem of drug gangs use children to smuggle drugs, in the UK alone there are 27,000 children who are being exploited to traffic drugs, 4,000 teenagers in London. Vulnerable children are targeted just like Erik when his family was in a financial crisis. I found this book to be very interesting as it tackles a real-world problem occurring in our country. I found this book to be even more shocking after researching the problem Erik goes through. This book gave me a sense that this had actually happened, like some form of written documentary. It left me feeling concerned for Erik as the book made you question what would happen to him and his family next, as well as if he could ever escape this seemingly bottomless pit. I think that the author is trying to convey that there is nothing worth enough to be involved with drugs. However, that is easy for me to say as I have never been in a situation like Erik has. Though I could see why Erik resulted to this, as he desperately wanted to relive pressure from his mum, so that she could take a job opening. The structure of the book itself was greatly intriguing as, just like the previous Carnegie novels I have read, the words are structured in small paragraphs like poems. Though what made this book unique was how it would actually use the words as a physical image to represent what they are talking about, for example the word ‘invisible’ is printed in the lightest of ink making it barely visible to the reader. This was one of the reasons I liked the book. The language used within this book is very visual, conveying a perfect picture within our minds, I also found the way the author wrote to really grasp the readers brain and picture these awful scenarios. This further deepens the reader’s understanding of the novel as well as allowing the reader to clearly picture everything Erik experiences. The dedication at the front of the novel becomes more emotive once you have a deeper understanding of the book. ‘To the real Erik – and all the others like him. One day you will feel safe again.’

Theo

Bookwizards

It was a really good book. I read it in two days and couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend

Jessica

The Page Turners

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book and I did not want to put it down, but when it got to the end it wasn’t really that good. I wasn’t a big fan of the writing font and how it was set out.

Sarah

Open Book

I enjoyed this book it was full of twist and turns. This book did not become my favourite because it had a few swear words and disturbing content that I am not comfortable with. This book, depending on age range, is suitable for 15+. Even 15+ children might not like it but I like it because of how the main character fought all of his battles to help his family.

Deborah

St Anthony’s Sunderland

Crossing the Line was an interesting and absorbing story, about making good and bad choices. Erik (the Viking) is a believable character making the best of the hand he has been dealt. He is led into a world he would have been better to avoid, but in entering that world, he takes us along, and we are able to learn about that world. The verse (which is never my favourite type of writing) was imaginative in structure!

MrsMidge

Balcony Bibliofans 2024

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a verse novel about the dangers of county lines. I enjoyed the way it was written in shapes and it made me feel sorry for Erik. I didn't get all the way through but I would like to finish it. I'm glad he had a best friend like Ravi.

Mabel

UoBS Bookworms

Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book the entire way through! The plot was completely unique to anything I have read before and intimately told a story about a significant and more wide spread issue than I had ever thought before - county lines. Furthermore, I could thoroughly appreciate the writing style and how it reflected Erik's thoughts and, in parts, were completely scrambled to also reflect how Erik's initial idea of the business was crumbling. This, I also found unique and also loved this aspect. Overall, I really did enjoy this book, particularly as the characters felt very vivid.

Lucy

TMHS:PageTurners

Really enjoyed it. It's relevant to modern teens and young people and really pulls people in. All the characters felt very real. Loved the physical structure of the writing.

ella

TMHS:PageTurners

Crossing the Line is a very clever verse novel that explains the danger of getting caught up in drug dealing (specifically county lines). I loved the creativity and structure of the poems. I would recommend to people who are interested in writing verse novels.

Oli

TMHS:PageTurners

'Crossing the Line' by Tia Fisher is an interesting and enjoyable book. It is about Eric, a teenage boy, who faces many problems and challenges which some young people may also be facing. I really liked how this book was set out like one whole poem. I would recommend this book for pre-teenagers and teenagers.

Jessica

LGGS Shadow Questers

I really enjoyed the beginning of this book - I did not want to put it down, but when it got to the end it wasn’t really that good. I wasn’t a big fan of the writing font and how it was laid out. But I would give it a 7.5/10

Sarah

Open Book

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher is an engaging story about the ups and downs of friendship and love. Fisher creates believable characters and a plot that keeps you interested from start to finish. The story moves at a good pace, making you care about the characters as they deal with tough choices and feelings. Fisher's writing is clear and expressive, helping you connect with what the characters go through. Overall, "Crossing the Line" is a touching book that looks at the complexities of relationships in a relatable way.

Alicia

MCM Shell Readers

‘Crossing The Line ‘ is a book about a 14- year old boy named Erick who became the new man of the house after his beloved dad died . Balancing school and home life has been very tricky for Erick . Ericks behaviour and attitude for school has gotten worse , to a point where he is begins to take part in a gang . Erick gets sucked into a huge mess by his awful decisions. Overall I rate the book 4.5/5 because throughout the whole book , there were many different scenarios to keep me engaged through the whole book . The structure and the layout of the book is quite peculiar but unique. I love the relatable topic that sets the tone of reality for teenagers and how society can be for young adults . The story could be improved from the last twist in the book about Ericks sisters but overall the storyline is clever and interesting.

Paula

Lionheart24

This book follows Erik and his struggles with County lines and drug dealings. It dealt with the concept very well and used the poetry style to add a twist to a much used idea. I felt very close to Erik as his emotions were portrayed very well and in keeping with the storyline. Although the storyline was very good and the characters easily sympathised with I struggled with the ending as it didn't come to full finish and I would have liked to see a happy ending to Erik's story. Ultimately, I quite liked this verse novel as I felt quite close to the setting and character but felt it lacked a complete ending.

Amy

Page Turners24

I thought this was a beautifully written book and could provoke so many emotions. I did feel the ending was very sad after what had just happened but overall I thought it was an amazing book.

Eliza

Eltham Hill Book Club

I think this book is good for anyone over 13 as it contains drugs, abuse, and some upsetting family history. On the other hand, if u are a light reader this book is suitable for you as it only takes half a page (its like a layout of a poem). Overall, I can agree that i think This book is okay.

Sophia H

BFS Umbra

This verse novel is about how main character Erik's bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd causing him to get mixed up in a world of drug dealing. Life is difficult for Erik - his family is falling apart and when the opportunity to earn some easy money comes along, he takes it without thinking of the danger that lies ahead. I liked the part where Erik remembers his father's words "vaer modig" or ‘be brave’ since it felt like this gave Erik security. The story holds your attention as Erik's list of lies keeps getting longer and you want to find out what will happen. It is an engaging, moving, funny book that I would recommend to friends. I would rate it 5/5.

Evelina

TCHS Carnegie Group

This book is about a boy named Erik, who stops following school rules after his father dies, and somehow gets caught up in gang life. He chooses to join a gang in order to make some money but ends up learning about the difficulties and violence of drug dealing. My favourite character was Erik's best friend Ravi - I like how he motivated Erik to stay out of trouble and helped him whenever he needed it. I found the book quite sad, mainly because of how realistic it is for everything to go downhill in life and just how Erik's father's death was so poorly dealt with. I found the ending quite frustrating since it felt a bit like a cliff hanger by making me wonder if Erik will ever feel safe one day.

Esther

TCHS Carnegie Group

Crossing the Line follows the story of Erik, who is groomed into county lines drug trafficking. The book is written in verse and is a stark reflection of how young people’s lives can be so quickly influenced by drug gangs. Reading Crossing the Line had me really gripped and I couldn’t put it down. I felt like I could see the path Erik was going down early in the story, and it was easy for me to pinpoint key moments where he could have made different choices with a better outcome, but as he began to be groomed, it was easy to feel empathy for him. I found the ending quite difficult to read, because of course not every story should or can have a happy ending, but I love that this is a book that could make some young people feel really seen, and hopefully be more confident at identifying grooming tactics and the behaviour changes victims may experience.

Mrs Sirrelle

BFS Umbra

I feel that this book was very well written, and the structure of the text was very well thought out. I enjoyed reading this book and it covers how easy it is to get trapped in gangs, but how hard it is to be freed from the running and hiding constantly. This book was an amazing read, I really recommend it.

Caitlin W

VISTA Academy

Lefteris PMC

4Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book. It has a really great way of showing what can really happen to kids and the ways to deal with them. The author really wrote it in an intriguing manor. However the format was not the best.

James

SHS On The Same Page

I enjoyed this because of all the decisions that the main character Erik had to make. However, the decisions he makes aren't the best. This makes it enjoyable because you want chaos in a book with twists and turns. Therefore, I would highly recommend this book to everyone who prefers a book that has ups and downs.

Rhys

Kingdown 24

This book was really good but it was just a bit sad that this kind of thing is happening in the world now. I liked the style of the text aswell it was in short snippets like a poem but the words weren’t like a poem. This book was very good and I loved it

Saul

Ermysted’s

I enjoyed this book as it was full of action while giving us insight into the hardships that Erik has had to face, from his dad dying to, being ginger. However on a deeper level this book shows what its like for the many young people involved in drug smuggling, and how this path only leads to violence and time in prison. Overall this was a good book with lots of action and drama in between. 8/10.

Paul

Bookwizards

Jon

County Shadows

This book was really fun to read and I enjoyed the use of verse and poetry to tell the story. It was a powerful novel that explored this themes of gangs, crime, family loyalty and mental health well.

Daria

Riverside Readers

Really good book. Like the way the text is out on the page to show meaning. I found the book quite clever and it’s a good way to show how it’s not good to do bad stuff. Good book. 3/5.

Will

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Safiyyah’s war was a very good book that I enjoyed reading. I particularly loved this book because it is talking about a forgotten subject of history. Indeed, everybody thinks that Muslims and Jews have always been rivals in history. Whereas, in reality, they were allies during WWII : the Great Mosque of Paris played an important role by helping the Jewish community and saving a lot of them from death. Saffiyah’s war is a book of hope with an amazing message .

Carlie

4Shadowers

Out of the three Carnegie books I read (Crossing the line, Safiyah’s war and Away with words) , Crossing the line definitely was my favourite. I found this story really heartwarming because it talked about an important subject nowadays. The main character of this book is Erik, he is bullied at school because of his orange hair. His dad just died, he and his mother are left with two baby twins because her last companion abandoned her. They are struggling financially because his mother can’t find a job and there are 4 mouths to feed. Suddenly, Erik finds himself involved in drug traffic in the local gang. Making bad decisions over bad decisions, he doesn’t know how to get out of his burden. This book is an amazing book talking about an important subject and teaching teenagers as well as adults how to get out of trouble quickly before it’s too late. Readers of Crossing the line feel concerned about its subject especially because of the kind of things we can hear on the news nowadays.

Carlie

4Shadowers

This is a brilliant masterpiece of a book and an emotional one. It gives you messages on belonging and how doing work for gangs can wreck your life. Furthermore, the main character, Erik, faces all these challenges when his Dad died of Covid. I would recommend this book for kids who are really struggling or are worried about their family.

Hannah

UoBS Bookworms

Crossing the Line is a great written verse novel about a boy who got involved in dealing drugs because of unfortunate events in his life. The book really made me focus on the storyline. I like how the author makes different shapes with words, it made me understand the feelings of the character. Crossing the Line is a book that talks about a lot of different topics that eventually led Erik to be pulled into a world of drug dealing and violence. This book is for people who like a bit of crime and an interesting plot.

Maria

UoBS Bookworms

This is a really amazing verse novel about peer pressure, violence and finding your way in the world. I love the plot line of this book with Eric starting off living a normal life and feeling upset about his dad, but then he gets sucked into this hole of drug dealing and threat. Overall a really good read that kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through! I would recommend it for readers of 14+ Enjoy! :D

Ada

Stockport Academy Book Club

I found this verse book very interesting and gripping. Even though, the subject treated was difficult, a teenage kid dealing drugs in a gang, the way Tia Fisher wrote in verse made the subject and plot easier to understand. The book was a quick but impactful read. IT made the reader feel conscious that this is sometimes normal in a teenagers every day life. I loved this book but was slightly disappointing that it had a sad ending. Still I really liked this book. My favorite Carnegie book for the time. I really hope it wins.

Pietro HG

4Shadowers

Svetlana

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

'Crossing the Line' is an enjoyable read for various reasons. I parlicularly appreciate the fact that it is written in verse, which I find refreshing. In addition, at times the shape of the verses did not conform to standars. Instead, they took a different shape, often emphasising a point or emotion. The character's feelings are also conveyed effectively with many similies and metaphors. Thanks to this, the reader is able to accurately picture the protagonist's thoughts; making the book all the more engaging.

Olivia (HG)

4Shadowers

We are all agreed that this was an amazing book. Looked like poetry (initially off putting) but read like any book. What an emotional rollercoaster and an educational journey (county lines running, cuckooing). Clear depiction of how a set of circumstances can alter a life course. Word of mouth saw it passed from staff member to staff member and we have all been blown away by this informative, emotional and heart wrenching tale. A winner for us.

Olney Campus Admin department

Ousedale Olney

Louise

Book Busters

Wow! This is a book for anyone who needs to know the effects drug dealing and County Lines has on young people. We are taken from the vulnerable Erik who has recently lost his dad to what looks like a good friendship and gifts at the right time but is actually a grooming period before the involvement. Erik's main passion is running and he has a sensible friend called Ravi he likes to hang with. Initially Erik is happy with low key drug dealing locally and amused that one of his 'cats' is the posh mother of a school friend. However the bar is raised when he is taken to a coastal town for a couple of days and there are repercussions. In the background there is Erik's mum struggling not only as a single mum to Erik but twin babies from a subsequent relationship. Their lives could be in danger too. Written in verse and shape poetry the tension stays with you throughout as Erik is drawn into the world of County Lines and there are good friends like Ravi trying to pull him back.

Mrs. P

Cake a Book Club

I loved this book. It is my favourite one so far. The way the author really portrayed the characters and you could vividly imagine the scenes.

Ffion

St Mary’s RC High

I liked the way the book was written and the storyline was really interesting. Although I didn’t like the violence, I liked this book and will give it a 4/5.

Jola

Beauchamp Champs 2024

Shreya

Perse Carnegians

This enthralling story is a short snapshot of the effects and willingness left on you in desperate times. Erik ages from an average schoolboy to an outrageous teenager caught up in the business of county lines following the death of his father. His world crumbled in front of his eyes after this loss and then the trouble began, will he ever be able to leave.

HD

EDA Book Legends

This was an amazing book about some of the struggles and hardships of a teenager's life. It showed how easily teens can get caught up in the wrong stuff and how hard it is to quit/ leave.

Sophie

Winchmore Carnegie Group 2024

Crossing the line provides a shocking insight into the world of drug dealing and how it sucks you in. The book starts off relatively slowly, however gets into the meat of it soon. The ending of the book is quite smart, although I didn't really like the final page as a meta perspective.

Dhiren

MTS Northwood

Do you feel safe? Definitely not after reading this book. I thought the narrative of this book was excellent. In the first chapter I was instantly transported back to my own first day in senior school and it seems not much has changed. I have to admit that I had decided before reading this book that Erik would be a bad character getting involved in drugs. I was wrong, he was such a likeable character and it made me feel so sad that due to circumstances he became caught up in a world that just shouldn't exist. I was lulled into a false sense of contentment in the final chapters that everything would work out ok - like it's supposed to in a book. I have to say that I am glad I was wrong, the sad ending stayed with me much longer than a happy one would have. I give this book 10/10.

Mrs Harris

Itty Bitty Carnegie Committee

I really liked the poetry format of this book and the way shapes and different text styles were used to express Erik's perceptions of the storyline. I thought Tia Fisher conveyed well how easy it was to fall into the path Erik takes. I also thought that the way they incorporated Norwegian words was interesting.

Lily

Fortismere

I really enjoyed this book and learning about people in this experience. I also really liked the format of this book.

Lara

Fortismere

When Erik’s dad dies, he makes a promise to him that he will step up as man of the house and take care of his mother. However, not even a year later, his mother gets into a relationship, falls pregnant and is abandoned again, leaving the growing family poor and torn apart. Wanting to prove himself, Erik ‘befriends’ two boys who promise him a life of riches and comfort in exchange for selling drugs for a mysterious gang leader named K1. He decides to take them up on the offer, but the situation soon spirals out of control and the young boy finds himself in desperate need of help. But who can he trust? This book is an incredible insight into the unimaginable dangers of gang life and the decisions that lead up to it. To some, young people that get into drugs are entirely to blame and difficult to understand, but Fisher challenges these stereotypes with a clear narrative and relatable characters. She makes it very easy for people who have never been involved with gangs to understand how terrifying they are and how difficult they are to escape. raising awareness for those who may be considering getting involved or who may have a loved one at risk. The reader really feels the emotions along with the characters which creates empathy, raising awareness for those who may be considering getting involved or who may have a loved one at risk. When I first started this book, I was concerned that the fact that it is set out in poetry would make it difficult to follow, however it actually made it a lot easier - I genuinely struggled to put it down as I was so involved with the story! I loved the creativity of the layout of these poems; it made them very engaging. Additionally, the plot of this book was really thrilling and is bound to leave readers on the edge of their seats. I would rate it 4.8 stars out of 5 and would recommend it to people who enjoy being excited by stories, especially young adults, as it is a book that many will relate to.

Emma

Glossopdale Readers

Sarah

UoBS Bookworms

I think that the book was good. I enjoyed reading it. The book was about County lines and a boy who gets involved in the wrong crowd. County lines are a huge thing all around the UK. It definitely put things in to perspective about how big the county line group actually are and what they do to young people. It was a good book. It is a powerful book. In this book you can definitely feel Erik's feelings and how he felt in the situation that he was in during the book. It is a emotional book because you realise how much we take our lives for granted. Overall I liked the book.

Jemima

Bredon Readers

It was a vey good book I felt like I was Eric while reading this book.

Humera

Winchmore Carnegie Group 2024

Crossing the line was a thrilling book and it was hard to put down. It was very fast paced but also sensitive about Erik's situation. But one problem I had with it was it felt as if the book was cut short and that there was more to the story. At the end it felt forced and had lost some of its momentum.

Martha

Fortismere

Anna

Pride and Paperbacks

“Crossing the line” uses structure really effectively to illustrate the character’s thoughts and emotions. I particularly liked where the words are divided into boxes to show how he keeps his thoughts separate to try to control them. I really enjoyed reading this book because of the unusual style of writing: it is written in a form of poetry and each page is organised differently. The structure of the book makes the character more relatable because you feel as if you are in his brain and can see his thoughts. The writer, Tia Fisher, uses different sized fonts to show the small voice at the back of his mind and thoughts that he does not want to acknowledge. The use of spacing between words and the way they are arranged on the page is also effective; another page I liked was where the words are written in an oval as he runs around the track at school. This could also symbolise his circular thoughts at this moment and throughout the novel. Through the use of language and structural devices, Fisher creates engaging characters, which are relatable to the reader because of the Covid pandemic and shared motifs in our lives. The novel tells a believable story of a young boy who is led down a path of drugs and gang culture, displaying the clear message about how wrong decisions can build up and create a huge problem. This book is not something I would usually read but I found it captivating because of the unusual structure and believable characters. I would definitely recommend it to someone else.

Isabelle

Holt Readers

This book exploits the harsh realities and the childhood that some children have to go through. I understood a lot of what was written as the artist had used simple language to represent this. I really enjoyed the style and how simple the writing was but how odd the structure of the words were. For me, that had made the book much more interesting and engaging.

Syuen

MCM Shell Readers

Bach: crossing the line is a book about a boy named Erik, who is very good at making bad decisions. He’s a student , who lost his dad in lockdown. This book follows Erik and his student’s life with a messed up family. I like the character development of Erik from when he lost his dad and when his mom had twins. Furthermore, I love the design of the book; the way they printed it, the book layout is unique and interesting and also relevant to the narrator. Later on he becomes friends with a character (no spoiler) who later influences his development as a kid who just started secondary school. I didn’t like the pace of the book because some parts of the book are slow: the story doesn’t progress and the plot just kind of stops for a while. In conclusion, I like this book's story. The layout of the book is exceptional but the pacing kind of drags it down.

Bach

The Lotus Readers

Tia Fisher’s “Crossing the Line” is a book about how events can spiral out of control from fighting back against a bully to being sucked into the cruel world of violence, gangs and drug dealing - a world where you question your safety at every turn. This story highlights how the wrong choices can tear apart your life; dominoes falling, tearing apart your friendships… tearing apart your family… tearing apart your life. “Crossing the Line” follows a boy, Erik Andersen, who’s life turns upside down after his dad dies during lockdown when he was only 11, and only 1 year later his mother becomes pregnant - the father being her boyfriend, Jonny, who leaves her after they get the news that they are having twins. Plunged into poverty, the Anderson’s family struggles to survive with two more mouths to feed and only one job to feed them all. Until two boys tempt Erik to skip school, giving him free fish and chips, bribes that suck him into into the world of gangs, who although funding the whole family, couldn’t care less about Erik’s life ( or death). Overall, I would give this book an 8.5/10! An insight, written in poetic verse, into the lives of children sucked into County Lines.

Hope

The John Mason Shadowers

Crossing The Line by Tia Fisher depicts Erik, who lost his father to COVID during the pandemic. Meanwhile, his mother becomes pregnant but is abandoned, causing Erik to make bad decisions. I like how this book exposes the true reality of society that young teenagers face. Erik's character is very believable and helps you sympathise with him to see how hard done by his life seems. The book is written in verse which makes it easier to read, and the word imagery helps bring the story to life. It is a very gripping and thrilling book which kept me reading and at times I couldn't put it down! I loved the emotional and mature side of the book and would definitely recommend it to secondary school students. I would rate it 5/5.

Ella

Faringdon Community College

The plot of this book was really good. I usually don't like poems, and I thought the book would be boring but it was really captivating and made me eager to read more. It showed how bad people influencing you can make you do things that you normally wouldn't. I also liked the characters, like Eric, who was willing to do more to save his sisters. I rate this book 7/10.

Rohana

Plashet School

this book is about a boy that goes to school but then his dad dies and it all changes. He gets into a drug gang and gets loaned money to buy stuff from K1 then has to pay him back later. after a while he gets into a running competition. Soon he has to go away inside the rival gang’s territory to sell drugs to the rival gang . They eventually catch him ,just before he was going to give the money back to K1, and steal all his money.K1 lends him money but makes sure that he knows that he owes him. One person from the gang gets stabbed in the thigh so K1 makes him deliver a bag that he gave long ago to another member. But then his friend Ravi says "Why do do you thinkhe told you not to open the bag, I mean its not like any of us haven't seen drugs before". So he checks the bag with scissors then hears them clang against something metal and both of them know that its a gun. Then he thinks to himself I know I don't deserve a guy like Ravi but I'm not a murderer. The next day he has to deliver the bag and go for his running competition at the same time. So he gets on the train to deliver the bag and makes sure the person that's there to check he's on the train sees him. He jumps off the train behind someone just before the doors close. Now he only has a few minutes to get to his school and decides to take a dark path there but gets stopped by Ravi's dad and the dad picks him up in his car and takes the blame for him being late so he can still stay on the team. in the competition he gets 4th and in a toilet cubicle he writes to K1 that he's had enough and wants to leave and he's got his prints on the gun with the sim card. He then has to move houses for safety measures and gets a dog but he ties him outside a shop since dogs aren't allowed in but when he comes outside the dog is lying on the floor and he rushes the dog to the vet the vet can save him but finds a note in the collar that says "give me the sim card or your sisters are next. So Ravi tells him that he can talk to people so he messages the FBI (you) and you say hello! like you know how the boy is feeling then you ask Are you feeling safe which refers to the very beginning of the book so the view of who he is talking to changes from the reader to the FBI. then finally he ends up telling you everything which is everything that the reader has just read about his life

Rajanp

Ermysted’s

When I started reading Crossing The Line I was at first confused and lost as I have never read a poem book before this however as I got further and further in I couldn't put the book down. This story is one of my favourites. I like the way the poems were layed out and written. I would highly recomend this book to many people!

Annabel

Tractor

Crossing the Line is a book about a boy named Erik and the local teen gangs. This was an extremely engaging book and I found the structure interesting and innovative. However, all books have their flaws and Crossing the Line lacked a satisfying ending. Also I found it to be a very depressing book, similar to When Shadows Fall which was on the shortlist last year. Overall I found this to be a gripping and engaging book and would rate it 8/10.

Simon

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Eleanor

Pride and Paperbacks

Eva

Pride and Paperbacks

Crossing The Line was a very engaging read; I felt invested in the characters and Erik's story. I think that Tia Fisher captures the desired audience with relatable thought tracks and I enjoyed how the ending was not too good to be true. 8.5/10

Eva

Pride and Paperbacks

This was an eye-opening book to the dangers that young teens face and how sometimes life is hard... The morals of the story were....quite interesting? There was a lot about drugs and peer pressure can have upon the younger generation. I really enjoyed the book and I think it is a fantastic book for people that might want to "poetry"

Anna

Pride and Paperbacks

This was a very gripping and dramatic book! I felt sorry for the boy as he had lost his dad from covid and then struggled in life as his mum met someone new and that someone left her with more children. This book really helps you connect with characters...

Jennifer

GreatB00ks

I absolutely loved this book! I particularly enjoyed the format/layout. It's a tough read in that the subject tackles very real issues for some of our young people today. It portrays a very vulnerable person who gets embroiled in a dark world, through desperation and poverty. An unsettled and poverty-stricken home life leads to him seeking alternative means to earn some cash. All the time reflecting on his wrong decisions by thoughts of his late father. It is a sad scenario that many of us will be familiar with through reading and watching the news and social media. I really wanted Erik to escape the drama and dangerous life he'd got himself into!

Mrs C

Somervale Carnegie Team 2024

Sophia

BFS Umbra

The very first thing that I noticed about this book is the layout, when Eric was talking about how he separated the thoughts I his boxes the words were placed around in squares. I enjoyed the plot of this book and how Eric realises that what he did was not worth protecting his family. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery, action book. I hope Tia Fisher writes another book or even creates a series.

Emaan

The Bentley Woodlanders

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher was a spectacularly written novel about an innocent young boy caught in the sticky spider web of county lines. The storyline was well thought out and very carefully planned. I love the way words were emphasised and it made it feel less like a boring book with every page the same. It is very unique and taught me about dangerous gangs where every step is a step too far. My favourite characters were Alice and Esme. I think at the beginning Erik only thought of them as burdens but at the end he truly cared for them, no matter who their Dad was. I have never read a book like this and enjoyed it alot. I would recommend this book to young teens - 12 and on - so they can learn about these fiendish flytraps without the need for first hand experience.

Chloe

UoBS Bookworms

This book was okay; overall I did not like the context of drugs and county lines. Although the book was interesting it did not have enough description and so this book wasn't really for me.

Luke

Tenbury Page Turners

I think it was one of my favorites yet it is also good because you can read it very quickly because it isn't in full lines across a page. and it is just a good plot and story in general.

Luca

Bennett Memorial Book Club

This book is ok. Not the greatest out of all the rest of the books but its fairly fine. The books takes forever (and im talking FOREVERR) to get into it. Its just plain boring at the start. It's set in the format of poems which i think is nice but again like 'the door of no return' and 'choose love' its very cryptic. Sure the book does have a moral of the story ( a very good one too) its just soooooooo boring. The book is nothing like genre I like to read so maybe thats why. The book only gets good after you get nearly half way through it.

Ayyub

Beauchamp Champs 2024

I really enjoyed this book as it is not like many teen books, it is about things that really happen and really impact people around the UK and the world.

Libby

Bishop Bookworms 2024

Crossing the Line was definitely my favourite out of all the books. I felt that it was really powerful and I could not put it down. Erik's personality and views seemed real, and the story line was unpredictable at times. I don't have any improvements to point out and I rate this 10 out of 10.

Ankita

Bishop Bookworms 2024

Crossing the line is a good book and is about a 12 year old boy called Erik. When father dies and his mum gets a new boyfriend things are really bad for Erik. Then his mum has twins and her boyfriend leaves her. Erik is involved in a lot of crime after this and his life goes down hill. He almost loses his best friend as well. Even though I would not normally read this book, I enjoyed reading it and and would rate it 3 out of 5 stars. It is written in a cool style in which the letters are positioned in different ways based on the text, to create an imaginative and poetic feature. The book is all featured around one question. Do you feel safe?

Ashwin

Lionheart24

5/5 Out of the 4 shortlisted books I have read so far, this was definitely my favourite. Tia Fisher tackled the issues of gang violence, grooming, and drugs head on, as well as other themes, such as loss and friendship. The depiction of Erik's descent into the dangerous, alarming world of drug dealing felt accurate and empathetic, which clearly showed Fisher's dedication to thorough research - talking to boys with similar experiences and co-operating with charities for advice (as it says in the back of the book). It was especially effective that Erik was presented as a safe, healthy, considerate boy with strong connections to others at the beginning of Crossing the Line as a contrast to the scared, traumatised character at the end. The fast-paced poetic verse was so gripping that I found myself turning the pages rapidly in anticipation of the next plot twist. I also liked the idea that the first line was 'Do you feel safe?' which was echoed at the end when a charity worker on a helpline asks Erik the same question. As I closed the book, this brought up some interesting ideas: was the whole book Erik's retelling of his experience to the person on the phone (he addressed them as 'you', suggesting it could be)? Was the 'Do you feel safe?' at the beginning asked by Erik or someone else? Finally, Fisher conveyed the power of friends, family, and teachers (Ravi, Erik's mum and Ravi's parents, Mr Robinson) when pulling a loved one out of a difficult situation. This was done subtly, without the need to tell the reader, only show them. Crossing the Line is a thoughtful, essential, realistic book that provides enjoyment but also an important caution.

Alice

Book and Biscuit Club

I loved this book! I am impressed by the fact that you never get bored in the book, there is always something interesting. Furthermore, I love how the main character lives a life that very few people live, and therfore that we get another point of view. This alows us to better understand the difficulties some children suffer and be more tolerent. It also means we know how they feel and consequently react appropriately to the situation. Thank you for this book!

Vassilis PMC

4Shadowers

This book would not usually be something I would choose to read. I didn't realise it would be such an interesting and eye-opening story before I started reading but it got more enthralling as it went along. It is about a boy called Erik that gets caught in the dangers of drug dealing and accidentally puts his family in danger. It shows how some teenagers may get trapped in gangs or why they would feel the need to join them. I especially liked how the words were written in shapes in relation to the story.

Harriet

Weald of Kent Sevenoaks

Crossing the Line was a sad but beautiful book to read as it opened you up to some of the dangers that young people face. It was also very powerful as Erik was only fourteen which showed me that even at such a young age there is still dangers out there that people have to be warned about and helped to avoid them. The book was written incredibly and I really didn't want to put it down on many occasions. I would definitely recommend to people who are slightly older though as some of the key topics are quite grown up. Overall I would give this book a 9/10

Jemimah

KES Bookworms

Crossing The Line is a great book. I didn't know that much about county lines so this book gave me a real insight into the dangers of it. Erik is a very complicated character, well put together, with love, grief and greed. The layout of the paragraphs was really fun and different, a bit like David Walliams but more mature. It made the book easy to pick up and finish.

Rose

Tenbury Page Turners

I surprised myself with this book. I didn't think I would like it much because of the style it was written in however I loved going with Erik along his journey through crime. This has got to be my favourite book yet because I feel it was written so you could easily understand it whilst portraying a very difficult yet important message.

Izzy

Tenbury Page Turners

'Crossing the Line' is a unique book because Tia Fisher has used the words to create literal images within the book (you'd understand if you have read it.) Not many books are written in the same style as this one; most books are just chunks of text. I found it an interesting and fun way to read and would rate it a 4/5.

Dylan

The Marlingtonians

I want a sequel that's how good the book was like the whole plot is so good it goes so smoothly well the story isn't actually smooth its full of twists turns and i usually end up hanging from a cliff but yes read this book its so interesting and enjoyable. :)

Ira

Denbigh Shadowing Group

It is a very fun and interesting book. I would say it suits the newer generation more because of the language and style, the age guideline is definitely correct, no children under the age guideline should read it as it is quite graphic. I love the way it is written and the format it is in.

Alexander

Farleigh bibliomaniacs

I loved this book. The verse novel really worked for the plotline. The development of different characters was immense. I really loved the character of Ravi's dad. It was really nice when he gave the funding for trips leaflet in the supermarket to Erik. I felt a lot of empathy reading this book. It was really sad book but it had a kind of hopeful ending.

Amber

Fortismere

I think Crossing the line was a very interesting book, which made me realise just how had it is to escape from the holds of gangs. The book was extremely depressing, however, somehow this made me enjoy it more. I was very addicted, and couldn't stop reading, as i wanted to find out what happened next. I really hope the dog was okay!!! :D

Lyra

CGS CAKE Club

This book is by far the most hard hitting.Its use of shaped poems help to further convey its emotion.It tells a sad but true story about county lines.It manages to convey the feeling of being trapped and the desperation that drives people to get involved in county lines.

Sayuru

Ermysted’s

This book is a fast paced amazing book that makes you feel like screaming and crying at the same time. It is on the theme of county lines, a topic we have talked about at school and it really shows how things can spiral down in someone's life. I would suggest this book for teenagers who enjoys slightly darker books. I would deffenetlly give it 5 stars.

ottilie

Sandroyd Bookivores

Erik's life at home hasn't been the same ever since his father died. He is finding that getting good grades and following school rules is difficult, as he deals with his grief. What I liked about this book is that it is relatable to kids and it has a lot of drama in the story, which I found quite gripping. What I was not too keen on was the use of strong language, and some of the books themes (gang violence and drugs) - I think these were a little distressing. Overall, I thought it was a good book for older readers. (Three stars out of five).

Hafida

Rockwood Reads

If you absolutely love poetry, this book is for you! It's a book written in the format of poems but tells a story. There's a boy named Erik and his life has gone upside down ever since the death of his dad. Now because the table has turned for him, he holds a responsibility of the household and starts to shift away from school and being his young self to earning money the wrong way. For those who love to read a crime story, you must borrow! For me, as a person who really doesn't like poetry, it changed my view so I would rate it a 8.5/10 and I love more mystery than crime.

Samarah

Plashet School

‘Crossing the Line’, written by the author Tia Fisher, is a novel which has a recurring idea of the good and bad decisions we choose from at some point in life. The plot focuses on a teenage boy with ginger hair who has constant challenges in his life. We are told of the event of his father’s passing early on which is a big factor when it comes to the reasoning of the bad decisions the boy makes. Main characters in this story include his childhood friend Ravi who is a kind and supporting figure in Erik’s tough life. The layout of this book is very radical as the structure and font of the words often relate to their meaning which is different from most books a reader would come across. For example: when there are the two words ‘up’ and ‘down’, they are positioned at different heights on the page. Overall, I like this book because of the plot that is gripping in every aspect. However, some parts of the language include swearing, which you might expect from the type of people associated with Erik’s bad decisions. Additionally, readers should also be aware of the grown-up themes in this novel, which include gangs and drug-dealing. Nevertheless, this book was extremely entertaining and enjoyable to read despite the ideas which are best suited for more mature children.

Alex

Bookwizards

Crossing the line was a very sad but interesting book. Erik's father died in lockdown (Covid-19) and ever since then he has been very traumatised. He goes to Holland Road Secondary, and they bully him for having ginger hair. He usually doesn't care but when it annoys him too much, he decides to fight back and ends up with an injury. Meanwhile, his mom has fell pregnant and the father of the babies has run off leaving Erik and his mom in debt and Erik's mom eventually gives birth and she is terrified. Erik ends up getting involved with the wrong crowd of drug dealing after trying to help his family get more money. His life is on the line and his sisters, so he gets help from his best friend, Ravi to help the situation not get worse. Overall, I rate this 5 stars because it is very interesting.

Amira

STCCG Shadowing

This book was very well writen. It had me wanting to shout at the protagonist not to agree to something, or not to make the wrong decision. It had me nearly in tears, or furious at some of the characters. I think any book that can make you feel that many emotions deserves some kind of award. The only issue I found was that it doesn't really end, it just sort of leaves it open. I would also not reccomend it to younger readers, as it includes some serious topics.

Jack

The Marlingtonians

This book was an amazing read with twists and turns that made my heart race. This book ticks all the boxes; it has action, drama, suspense and even a bit of mystery. Personally, I had to adjust to the way the book has been written and even that did not stop me from wanting to read this book. Although I did feel that the ending could have been a bit clearer and give the reader a bit more information so they can assume what has happened. Still, this was an epic book, and I would give this a 10/10!!!

William

Wymondham Book Wizards

Crossing the line is a very emotional book. The way it is written is very powerful. It put all everyday problems into a perspective. I couldn't put the book down. I definitely recommend it.

Elin

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

Daisy L

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed reading this book and i would definitely recommend it. Definitely not for younger readers

Sammy

Ermysted’s

This was so good, and I couldn't put it down! I found the way Erik kept making wrong decisions by accident slightly relatable, and I loved the fact that Ravi was always there for Erik, even when it seemed like he wasn't, and how the family was so kind even after what Erik had put them through.

James

CGS CAKE Club

Crossing the line was an incredible book about real life problems in the world. As somebody who reads and enjoys books like these, I really enjoyed this book, it is definitely my favourite Carnegie book. I love how the words have been laid out. I found the book incredible and thought-provoking. If you like realistic crime novels like cherub then you will love this book. Highly recommended.

Tomo

CGS CAKE Club

this book was very powerful and brought tears to my eyes showing the hardships of life and how easy it is to get caught up in all this mess of country lines and drugs

ruby

LatLit

I have recently finished reading Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and it really made me want to read more. I really liked the way it was written in poetry; I've never read a book written in this way before and it was nice to try something different. I found the storyline really gripping and terrifying at the same time. When I was reading it, I really felt like I was in the story and in Erik's shoes. I found it genuinely real and lifelike. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger and I think it was the perfect way to end it, letting the reader imagine what happens to Erik. I was a bit frustrated at the cliff hanger at the end, but I think that is because I really enjoyed reading it. Overall, I would give Crossing the Line a 3/4 stars.

Anabelle

Burford School

Amy

BFS Umbra

I think that crossing the line is a book that really highlights the problems of our modern society. It follows the story of a teenager who is pulled into a society known as county lines. You watch as his ordinary life falls away into a void of despair that cannot be fixed

sam

Ermysted’s

This is a powerful novel that explores how teenagers can be swept up into county line. I found this book very different and unlike many other books I've read in the past, not only for its thematic content but also for its innovative narrative style. Prior to reading this novel, I had never know what "county lines" were. The book prompted a realisation of the significant harm it inflicts, particularly on teenagers. I highly recommend this relatively fast-paced book to anyone (specifically teenagers); beyond serving as entertainment, this novel reminds us of harsh realities and the importance of asking for help when needed (whether or not our struggles mirror those depicted in Erik's journey).

Niran

MCM Shell Readers

I found this book very complicated to read because it has a lot of slang in it and the way it's written is very confusing for me. It was very hard not to get distracted by the patterns and form. I thought main character Eric was such a nice boy but was making all these wrong choices and not thinking of what could be the result of it. He needed help from someone but wasn't getting very help, sadly, but from these bad people who were not actually helping him but placing him in a lot of danger and his sisters.

Isabel

Fortismere

This book gives you such a sense of how a person feels when they are caught up in a gang. Of how terrifying and abusive it is. At first, Erik thinks it is easy money, but then he learns that a small favour can become a huge debt. All of a sudden, his little sister is threatened, and only he can save her. This story has multiple impossible choices. It is such a raw and relatable book. However, I would only recommend this book for 13 and above as there are some very violent scenes in it. Overall, I would give this book an 8.5/10.

Shreya

Perse Carnegians

“Crossing the Line” was a powerful and emotional book, focusing on the effects of bullying. This book was insightful and raised awareness of how bullying can lead to negative consequences. This book also shows single parenting and the challenges that single mothers face. This represents an important aspect of society. Overall, I found this book meaningful because although it was depressing, it told a unique and valuable message.

Sophia

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

I thought this book was a great book - I love the way it is written and the layout of the text but I thought this was a sad story that something like this can happen to the people around us and it showed the dangers of the world and getting involved with drugs and what it can do and it makes me appreciate being safe. This book has made me aware of how bad it can be to be in Erik’s position. Overall, I would give this book a 9/10 because I read the book in 2 days, I was very gripped to read and read and read and this book was written in a relatable way ( not about the drugs) about the way it was written a teenage boy who has a lot going on in his life, and who wants to care for his family. Gradually through the book, k1 at the start is really casual, saying no pressure, etc but through the book you can see he gets controlling and finds ways to control Erik. But overall, I found this book very gripping and interesting.

Chloe

Herts and Essex

An extemely powerful book.Erik is a believable character caught up in the world of drug dealing on the streets after the rest of his life becomes out of control after his father's sudden and tragic death. It is written in narrative verse and it totally grasped my attention. It is clearly structed nicely with fits the theme perfectly. Very well researched. This is a book that is worth reading, whoever you are to better understand sections of the society in which we live.Erik was a really intriguing character, and many of the things that happened to him, are things that will also have happened to other people, so bringing them to light is amazing. Even though, this was a tough one to read, it was well-written and it is captivating. It is a one-of-a-kind book. Overall, I would give this book 7.5/10.

Vinshu

TDA readers

Erik, a 14 year old boy, is struggling after his father dies, and within a year his mother is impregnated and abandoned. The family faces financial struggles, as his mother has twins, and Erik, trying to make some money to help his family, becomes a drug dealer. He is happy that there are some people who seem to be his friends who deal drugs too, but having to lie to everyone becomes too much of a burden for him. He tries to pull out, but his employer knows where he is and will kill Erik if he tells the police. With the help of his best mate, Ravi (who has not known up to now about Erik's dealing), his family move to a different part of the city. The book ends with Erik talking to a charity about how he was exploited. Some of the art with words that was used, like spirals, was very original, but the reader constantly had to rotate the page. I liked how the book came full circle, with the "Do you feel safe?" at the start, and the "Do you feel safe?" at the end. This book was much more realistic than some of the others. My main issue with the book was that there was no "and" in the book; they were replaced with ampersands ("&") every single time. 4/5

Benjamin

Perse Carnegians

Crossing the line is a great, eye opening book. It combats real life problems, expanding peoples views on what is going on in the world. I thought that it had a really great story line, and it really intrigued me; what would happen next? The ending was super annoying, making me want to know what would happen next. I would recommend this!

Evelyn

SHSK Shadowers

Wow! Fantastically written book that highlights just how devastatingly easy it is to be drawn into a harrowing world with impossible choices. This book would make a good choice for reading and studying in secondary schools; a relevant subject with a verse format and varying styles of text make for a more captivating read.

Miss Berrow

Appleton readers

An amazing book that shows you different walks of life. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger so I do hope there's a sequel. I would really recommend!

Emily

St Kaths

Gurman

Lionheart24

I liked the cover which is simple yet hints at Erik's vulnerability. Crossing that diabolical line into the world of the county lines was foreshadowed early in the novel, at Erik's first day at school. So poignant to see his decline from that point into the terrifying world of drugs and child exploitation. The novel shows how easy it is for a sensible, joyous child to be dragged into the mire where fear becomes their dominant emotion. Sympathetically written with a ray of hope at the end.

Jacqui

Weavers Inklings

it is a very powerful book that shows how dangerous drug crime can be and how easy it is to get caught up in it.

Ben

Broadland Bookworms

Crossing the Line was a great book though I found it was not aimed at younger readers. Crossing the Line is about a boy called Erik . Erik's dad has died leaving his mum and him in the lurch. Later Erik's mother gives birth to twins. In desperate need of money Erik finds himself in the world of drug dealing, trap houses and violence. I felt overall the book was not suitable for 11 year olds, I discovered that it was very sad and his situation kept getting worse. Though I do get what the message that the author was trying to get across.

Lila

Broadland Bookworms

It was a fascinating book following the story of a boy who too many young people share experiences with. I believe it is for Year 9 + at the minimum.

Sarina

The Hart, the stag and the Rufus

Crossing the Line is a book which helps people to understand how easy it is to get involved in the world of drug dealing. It will help family members and friends who know someone involved in drug dealing to partially understand what the child is going through. I found this book very hard to read as it was really depressing and I believe it is meant for an older audience than people of my age.

Eliza

Broadland Bookworms

I really liked this book and the fact that it is based on a semi-real story it just gives it more nostalgia. But I wouldn't recommend this book to Year 7's. I would say 14 and up because there are a lot of drugs involved.

Leah

The Hart, the stag and the Rufus

I think this book is for people older than me because they talk about gangs and drugs. The story is good but it goes on for too long

Nina

Camden School for Girls

This book was very exciting and suspenseful for me to read. I really liked the build up to the climax because it got me genuinely anxious and tense. I liked the main character because he was relatable; when he felt guilt or anxiety, I felt guilt and anxiety. The verse format made it quick to read, but it was effective - the short but lovely sentences often hit harder than the long, tedious ones. I loved the language used, it was easy to read yet deep and meaningful. At some points, the things that happened were vaguely described and hard to follow, but even this added to the suspense of the book.

Amahra

Camden School for Girls

I think that this book had very good formatting the book was set up like a text message and the text formed a shape depending on the story. It also had a very good plot line and could technically be real life. The only fault I think was -for me- that it ended on a cliffhanger so unless the author is planning to write a sequel, it was a bit not for me but other than that it was quite a good book ! =)

Elinor =)

Camden School for Girls

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher was a heart-wrenching, but beautifully written book. This book is a message for people that there is always help, you just need to seek it. It was so hooking that I read it one day! However, I wouldn't recommend this book to younger readers due to its distressing scenes.

Yusra

KEVICHG

This book is an absolute classic to read as it shows us some of the people in the modern world ( reflects ) as it mentions how ordinary teenagers can be led to illegal activities such as drugs. On the other hand the teenager’s mum had trouble as well , she had to take care of three people the main character as well as the newborn babies , due to the irresponsible father and one who sadly passed away. This book is also a reminder that we should seek help if need. Overall I would give this book a 10 out of 10 . I would recommend this book to teenagers who need help themselves .

Anthew

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

For me, this is a very important book to read. It makes the seemingly distant issue of county lines become realistic and a problem that could affect anyone in any vulnerable position. The author does this very well by using relatable characters in realistic situations. I also enjoyed the verse-form it was written in. It meant there was an easy to follow pace that kept you reading but also gave you time to think about what was happening.

Arthur

DCGS1624

I found this book incredible. It really gave me an understanding of the way that teenagers get involved in gangs. I really liked the structure of the book. It made it more interesting and the use of emotional language just made the book more realistic. The layout of the book makes it easy and engaging to read.

Talya

Fortismere

This was definitely my favourite Carnegie book! I loved the different points of view and how it didn’t end on a happy note like most books. It was a huge success and i hope there is a sequel!

Maya

Herts and Essex

This poem boom is inspiring and a brilliant read, It's a fast paced book with different text styles and very engaging, even if it is short, still incredible. 9/10.

Ollie

Ermysted’s

i think that this book is as much a great read for the younger audience who don't know much about county lines as it is for a person who understands or has been part of county lines. the writing style of the book is not one i frequently encounter being a story written like a poem. but i feel like this kind of book has been repeated a lot on the shortlist in books like choose love. the main theme of this book county lines was shown to be a bad thing to experience, and the main character's emotions were very well expressed when the writing changed shape.

Avaneesh

Ermysted’s

Crossing the Line is a book about family, crime, and passion. The book focuses on 14-year-old Erik Andersen who gets caught up in a risky life of crime after he suffers the loss of his father. The story is set shortly after the covid-19 pandemic. After facing struggles at home school becomes tough even with friends, his behaviour and grades drop and soon he is tied to the wrong groups of people who, deeper in the book, take him down a route that used to never be a choice. As The family struggle with money Erik sees no harm in making some extra money especially if it could mean a better future. The risk now becomes a bigger threat every day we see how one wrong decision can turn into something much more in a brief time. What this means for Erik could be life threatening and not just for him. In the book crossing the line we follow and start to understand Erik's story that explains and stands for many others, it helps us understand that not everything is intentional and that anyone of us can be sucked into the wrong type of crowd, that simple decisions can turn into lifetime regrets.

fayah

Consett Academy

This was an eye-opening book to the dangers that young teens face and how desperation can overwhelm the senses. The morals of the story were great and had lots of power. It demonstrates the impact that drugs and peer pressure can have upon the younger generation. I really enjoyed the book and I think it is a fantastic easy read for teens of all reading ages.

Khadija

Sharples Shadows

I think this was a great book with an amazing story. It made me feel quite sad as it mentioned in the book that things like what happened in the book happen to real people around my age. I think it really helps to raise awareness about things that are mentioned in the book.

Jayden

Sharples Shadows

This book is about the main character, Erik, and how his bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd. Erik is caught in a new world of drug dealing, trap houses and violence. Making money feels good but Erik soon learns that a small favour can become a huge debt. And when his newborn twin sister's lives are threatened, Erik will have to cross one more line to save them. This book is very touching and creates a contrast between the harsh reality of life of those struggling and not so fortunate. This writing style is unusual but allows more flow and creativity with the fonts and decoration. The fun fonts create a contrast from the sad story given. It allows the reader to paint a image in their head. It addresses the harsh reality which not many writers can do, and really makes you think about life. In my opinion, the chapters that really stood out to me were: when the drug dealer gives Erik a supply of money after he got jumped and lost his. It shows that even ‘bad people’ have sympathy in such a hard time. Another chapter was when Erik started to slowly loose his friend just by hanging out with the wrong crowd. Overall, I think this is a really powerful book that many should read to educate themselves on the story that many have experienced but not so many stories are heard about it.

Georgia Ms Egan’s class

Sidcot Shadowers

I have now read all of the books on this year's list, and this was my clear favourite. Erik is a believable character caught up in the world of drug dealing on the streets after the rest of his life becomes very messy after the loss of his father. Although it is written in narrative verse I did not find that this hindered my reading or understanding of events and it had clearly been very well researched. This is a book that is well worth reading, whoever you are to better understand sections of the society in which we live.

Mr Jurd

Herts and Essex

I really enjoyed this book, it kept me captivated. I especially loved how it was written (in lots of different ways). The book "Crossing the Line" is about at 14 year old boy called Erik. Erik's dad passed away during lockdown and Erik was left with just his mum. A few months later his mum had a new boyfriend, they then had twin girls and Erik was not happy to be a big brother -yet-. Erik got involved with the wrong crowd and ended up quite unhappy, he got sent away to do a big job where he had to go away to the seaside. Erik was a drug deliverer. The ending was very mysterious and I definitely think there will be another book to follow.

Grace Mrs Egan's class

Sidcot Shadowers

For the Carnegies book review I read ‘Crossing the Line by Tia fisher. The book is about a boy named Erik who loses his dad due to the Covid pandemic and his mum finds a new partner who Erik dislikes. Soon his mum finds out that she is pregnant with twins and the mums new partner leaves her leaving the mum and Erik with extremely little money and two more children to take care of. Due to the poverty that they are in, Erik soon turns to gangs and drugs to get money and gets into trouble with some of the people in the gang. My opinions of the characters in the book were positive because they were very realistic because they said exactly what people in real life would say and the plot was also very realistic, and the storyline was interesting and easy to follow.

Tabitha Mrs Egan's class

Sidcot Shadowers

I Loved this book and how it shows a sad reality of what can happen to young people who aren't careful nowadays in areas such as London, as the book goes on he does start to realise what is happening to him and he does try to get away from it to succeed but not by much when the ending comes with a twist and uncertainty. This was definitely my favorite of the books so far

Felix

Ermysted’s

‘Crossing the line’ was written by Tia Fisher. It’s about a boy who suffered the loss of his father during COVID and his life gradually became worse and worse as his grief made him make one bad decision after the other. The entire book is written in a variety of poems and is often very visual. I would rate this book 5/5 stars because it gave us another view of the people who live in the same neighbourhood as us. This made me aware of how easy it is to find myself in an impossible situation to deal with. It was very dramatic and I was constantly wondering what would happen next since it is a part of society that I am not very aware of. I also had an opinion about the character rather than just reading about a random person. Throughout the book they would talk about the ‘safe’ which made me think about my safety and the privileges that I have being in a safe environment even though at times it doesn’t feel like it this shows that I have never been in that much danger. The book also gave a message to those who might need help by saying that there are people who they can talk to. So being a reader with a few personal issues yourself might benefit when reading this book.

Clara

Euro Bookworms

Crossing The Line was a tough one to read. It explored concepts I wasn’t really aware of, and I think it is, and will continue to be, a really important book in showing the way we can make bad choices sometimes because they feel like they aren’t choices, or it is already too late. Erik was a really intriguing character, and many of the things that happened to him, are things that will also have happened to thousands of other people, so bringing them to light is amazing. Despite, as I already said, this being a tough one to read, it was well written and interesting.

Susannah

SHSK Shadowers

This book was very intense. I really enjoyed reading it. The emotional rollercoaster that the protagonist experiences is very captivating.

Sophie

Dallam Bookclub

Do you feel safe? This book is the story of Erik, a teenage boy who gets swept up in drug dealing. The story explores him trying to navigate this shadowy world and try to make his way out. I really loved this book because it was an insightful look into the darker side of urban life. It is written well and engaging for the reader. Although I was unsure at first, I came to love the poetic style of writing that the book has: it sets the book apart. Overall, this is one of my favourite Carnegie books this year. I love the gripping narrative and the well-chosen language that come together to make this book exceptional. I would highly recommend this book to older readers who love more mature books and I'm sure it will be one of your favourites too!

Owen

Larkmead

I didn't really enjoy this book as although the text was presented very uniquely, the story itself wasn't very exciting to me.

Sania

Plashet School

I am reviewing Crossing The Line. I really enjoyed Crossing The Line. This book is certainly one of the best books I have read all year. I really loved this book because of the mix of poetry and story line. 14 year old Eric's father has died making things in a sticky situation. His mother has married a new man and they have twins. This then leads Eric into the wrong path of drug dealing. What I loved reading about this book was what Eric did and how to hide from his mother that he was drug dealing. This really kept me on my toes and wanted me to read more. Eric found a few friends that then lead him to the path of drug dealing. I felt that this book was emotional and had a plotted storyline. Overall I loved this book.

oliver

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Fantastic!!!!!!!!! I give this book 6/10 because it is in my top three books so far. I really recommend this book because I really get to understand about drugs and drug sellers . And I really like that Erik tries to fix his problems about it.

Chloe

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

One of my favourite things about this book is the little sentence on the cover saying 'This is the story of Erik... He's very good at making bad decisions'' which instantly grasps my attention however still giving that comical sprinkle as well. This book also covers the theme of impossible choices which was a strong aspect of this book which made it really special as many books don't have this effect. The structure of this book was really interesting however it still kept up that element of uniqueness across many books. I enjoyed it very much. 8.9/10

Shara

Plashet School

I really enjoyed reading 'Crossing the Line'. It is a tragic and lively story written in verse , which maintains a fast and exciting pace throughout. It sometimes created shapes and images with the words that relate to the story and uses different fonts, sizes and layouts to extenuate key words. The style was very enjoyable and easy to readand makes me wonder why I have never read a verse novel before! Despite this, I found the writing style a little lacking in description for my taste, but then again, one could argue that it keeps a fast pace and fits with the style. This book tackles a really difficult -- and frankly under-represented -- theme of youth drug running, trap houses, cuckooing, bereavement, poverty and especially grooming of young people. I think that this book shows a really important message: in most drug dealing cases involving young people, they are the victim and it is very difficult to avoid once put in these situations. I thought that most of the character building was great, although i found Erik very irritating sometimes, and I often found myself getting frustrated at him for being so nonchalant and unempathetic towards his mother. Overall, the plot was quite exciting-- and certainly heart breaking-- and had me gripped from the beginning. On the synopsis, it says that his sisters' lives are threatened, but they are only threatened in the last few pages, which I was a little disappointed about! I loved this book as it was written in a unique way, tackled a difficult topic and was just exhilarating.

Lucy

BSG

I quite liked this book. I did however find that the poetical structure made the emotional connections with the characters harder. I personally feel that the story was very heartfelt and I loved the creativity with word pictures. I throughly enjoyed reading this book.

Ava

Dallam Bookclub

3/5. I think that this book was OK. I liked the characters and the idea and thought that they were brilliant, but I feel like the book was a bit average. I liked the storyline and thought it was good. I liked Erik but thought that he made very stupid decisions. I liked Ravi and the book itself was hard to put down, but mainly because I was just waiting for a happy ending. I also liked that the book was in verse, as it helped emphasise with Erik. The book was a bit sad and the language wasn't the greatest so I would recommend it to people aged 12-13+. Overall, it was an important book to read and I don't regret reading, but I wouldn't read it again, maybe because I'm not a fan of these kind of books.

Sulayman

Perse Carnegians

An eye-opening book that’s about a young boy dealing with the peer pressure of substances and violence. I would recommend this for older readers due to the language and content. This book was based on real events and did a good job of raising drug awareness. Overall, this is a good book to acknowledge what can happen and how to get help/support if it happens to you.

Isabelle

CTA Book Club

This book spreads awareness to the gangs exploiting children to sell drugs which is a very good way to make young people aware of problems like this. I love how the story starts with ‘do you feel safe’ which is a nice rhetorical question to start a story. As Erik’s story continue he is constantly put it situations that makes him feel unsafe. This shows how drug dealing can lead you down a twisted road. This story teaches you about a problem and has a unique way of telling it which makes this book amazing.

Phoebe

Herts and Essex

Personally,I loved this book as it talks about real life problems that are quite sensitive but important to shed light upon, The main character had been torn into two risky choices that would drastically change his life.It talks about his trauma with his dad dying,his stepdad leaving,him having to become a man and a provider at such a young age.I also liked the layout and style of the book and how uniquely it is presented, It really indicates that the complexity of the layout also foreshadows the complexity of his life

Razin

Ermysted’s

Gripping book that was extremely well written as it felt realistic and accurate whilst shining light on an important issue in the UK

Samantha

I Forgot the Name of the Group

Crossing the Line is a book based of the character Erik, who’s life starts to take a downfall after his dad dies. Good grades, detentions and following school rules start to feel unimportant as he starts misbehaving which catches the attention of a local gang. As he takes on tasks for the gang, he starts to realise this life isn’t for him which leads him into a lot of trouble. What I like about this book is how it illustrates the behaviour and troubles of being in a local gang which shows us how much danger young people put their lives into just for some quick cash. This book also showed me how tough it is to leave as once your part of a gang, the members have all eyes on you. My favourite character in the book would probably be Ravi as he always by Erik’s side even when he needed help leaving. However, I didn’t really like Erik’s mum at the start of the book as she seemed a bit neglectful once Erick started to fail at school and started wandering out of the house. Overall, I would rate this book a 7.5/10 as there is a cliffhanger at the end when I really wanted to know what happened, I would recommend this book to those 13 + as there is some harsh language and I think people who would like an insight of the life of local gangs would really like this book.

Esi

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Crossing the Line is an immersive story that deals with some serious and heavy themes in an engaging way that allows us an insight into what Erik is experiencing. The start of the book is successful in setting the scene and immediately grabbed my attention and I was continuously engaged throughout, my interest not faltering. I thoroughly enjoyed the characterisation of particular characters such as Erik, who simply got himself into a bad situation but shows undoubtedly a caring nature for his family. His character contrasts drastically to the likes of K1, a rough character who lives a life shrouded in drugs and mystery. The correlation between Erik’s running as a sport, and, the running away from his problems was an interesting aspect of him, showing a paralleled meaning for him. I felt the climax of the story towards the end, where Erik had enough of being under K1’s order and decided to break free or ‘cross the line’, this part of the story particularly left me on the edge of my seat. The last few pages of the book shocked me immensely when Erik’s dog was drugged and a note was left saying for Erik to hand over the SIM card or his sisters were next, this created a sense of danger and an ominous tone that left me wanting to know what truly happens next. I additionally found the book to be a fairly easy read that made it a perfect book for those who do not have much time to read or just want a book that is simple!

Grace

Rebel Readers

This book has really deep messages. I love how it is written in poems and I feel like it helps me understand the book more. How the stanzas in the poems are presented is also very creative. What happens is that Erik's father passed away, leaving his mother desperate for someone to help her go through the pain. However, her new-found boyfriend abandoned her, leaving her pregnant with twins. Erik experiences poverty, and the grief and the loss of love was too much for him. His grades go downhill, and is often bullied because of his ginger hair (this is really depressing, how he gets unwanted attention because of his appearance). When Erik joins a gang that deal drugs, he knew he had to get out of it. His best friend Ravi supported him throughout year nine (that for me is shockingly young for boy to be in a gang) and eventually his mum, Erik, and the twins moved to a different city. However, trouble still followed them there but Ravi recommended Erik to go on a helpline (not sure if it's correct) that support kids like Erik who got into drugs and need help escaping. An improvement to me would be Erik actually telling the police and the process after it because it will be more realistic. I've read a book that is similar to this, but they needed to do community service to make up for the crimes. I would recommend this book to others.

Mila

Beauchamp Champs 2024

I think crossing the line has a really nice storyline and a good moral. I would definitely recommend the book to people in their teenage years like me.

Ananya

Herts and Essex

I think that this was a very thoughtful and required book in our library as I did not know that this happened before reading this. It shows you just how terrifying drug dealing is and how ‘easy money’ can quickly become a death sentence. It was fascinating and also reinforced my beliefs that babies are annoying. It also showed me how it was like to live in poverty and one thing I especially liked about the book is the change in format at key moments. It made the book slightly harder to read but it made it much easier to understand and empathise with Erik.

Konnie

DCGS1624

This book was telling a story of how people can get into things that they shouldn’t be in so it made me realise that some people suffer from doing things they didn’t want to do. It told quite a suspenseful story. I rate it 4/5

Bella

Herts and Essex

Crossing the line is a very powerful book with the message that brings. It gave me a better understanding of how crimes will come with consequences. It highlights the danger the world brings. Would recommend.

Elin

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

I thought this book was incredible because it managed to pull me into the book and showed emotion in the book. I also liked how when Erik tried to cross the county line because the way that he did it involved things from earlier in the book ,such as his mums phone number. I would give it a 10/10.

Ben P

Ermysted’s

Crossing the line is an interesting novel, another one written in verse, which addresses the problems with drug use and violence. This book raises the issues with single parenting and the controversial phenomenon of the absent father. Fisher follows the life of a boy, Erik, as he grows up though secondary school makes new friends that aren't necessarily good for him and ends up taking the fathers role in his household, this in turn causes his grades to drop and he starts acting up in school. Erik then becomes friends with the school bullies who introduce him to drugs and he then ends up becoming a dealer to get enough money to help himself and his mother. One thing I liked about this book was how visual the poems were, some were in obvious shapes and some were abstract, and how most of them were free verse. I would definitely recommend this book as it is an easy read and I will be getting it for myself, 5/5.

Aoife

Euro Bookworms

This book is awesome as it shows the dark business of county lines through a more friendly way. I would vote for this book but I think the door of no return is an atom bit better. And it tells young people to don’t get into this business.

Ming

Ermysted’s

I really enjoyed reading "Crossing the Line". Although I haven't experienced most of the challenges Erik goes through, I could find myself really empathising with him and understanding the decisions he was making because of his circumstances. My favourite parts of the book were the pages where concrete poetry was used. I especially liked the pages with the boxes made of words. I'd probably rate this book 9/10. It had a bit of a slow start but after the first 30 pages I really got into it.

Jozefinka

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

Overall I really enjoyed reading “Crossing The Line”. Sometimes I got a bit lost with all the characters but I eventually figured it out. I like that at the beginning it starts with a question. ‘Do you feel safe?’ I like how it got me thinking. In this book, I could really empathise with Erik and everything he was going through. I loved the description throughout the book especially during the scene when he was being attacked and on the train when he thought they were following him and that they were coming to get him. I also really liked how the format of where the words were placed also painted a picture and gave lots of effect.

Hannah

The John Mason Shadowers

'Crossing the Line,' is an easy book to read, I like how it is written like a poem. I love how it makes me feel that I am actually there in person. I love how on the chapters name pages, are like dominos. It really makes you think how delicate life really is. This book I think would be more suitable for teens, rather than primary school children. I love how at the end of the book has points for discussion. I rate this book 8/10.

Ailise

Rebel Readers

"Crossing the Line" captivates with its gripping narrative, drawing readers into the intense world of urban turmoil. What distinguishes it is its unique format as a verse novel, infusing each line with lyrical potency. Through succinct yet powerful language, the author paints a vivid portrait of life on the edge. This innovative storytelling not only engages but also deepens the impact of the protagonist's journey through temptation and redemption. "Crossing the Line" stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst the chaos of urban existence.

Marwa

The Bentley Woodlanders

This is a story about Erik, whose family experiences turmoil after his Dad dies and his mother’s new boyfriend leaves them with no money and two extra mouths to feed. Erik gets pulled into a world of criminality, drug-dealing and violence and then has to save his two, younger sisters from the terrors of this world. The action is set in and around a large, shadowy city where Erik encounters Travis and Ben, also students at his school, but known for their absenteeism and trouble-making. This is not a good place for Erik to be. Set during and immediately after the recent Covid pandemic, this is a novel about the recent past. The tension builds throughout the book and reaches a climax when the gang leader sends Erik on a mission through another gang’s territory. The mission fails. Erik is left wounded, scared and owing money. Although the plot is far from most readers’ reality, it reads like a believable truth. The author pulls the reader with engaging descriptions and the dark story-telling. This story is also written in verse which is set out as pictures throughout the book, giving the reader a sense of what Erik is feeling. This novel is one of a kind. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy reading tragic stories which have a splash of adventure and lots of suspense.

Gabriel

Euro Bookworms

The book is high quality, well written and highly realistic. It brings awareness to major issues in this world & reveals the pipeline of ordinary student to a gang member. It shows people in similar situations how to ask for help, which isn't often spoken about.

Iwan

Beechen Cliff

A very interesting premise exploring a less known aspect of life. A good debut by Tia Fisher

adam

Beechen Cliff

Crossing The Line was once again, another book written in verse. However, it stood out from the others with great usage of word art and having it turn into different fonts, different sizes and different levels of opacity to bring to life the feelings that the protagonist felt. For me, the book seems more like an adult attempting to write a child rather than from a child's perspective which does seem a bit tacky to read sometimes. However, the many heavy themes written in the book are written correctly and are portrayed very accurately. The main characters best friend is probably one of the most realistically written individuals out there - I liked how he dealed with the protagonists issues. However, the ending of this book is probably the worst ending I've ever read. It was rushed, and seemed a lot more like an advert for helplines that was added in at the last second. More plot happened in the last 10 pages than in the whole book. I would probably give it a 5.5/10

Alana :)

RLS Readers

What a fantastic read. After being recommended this by other Librarians (of course along with it being on the shortlist) I was inspired to read straight away. It's hard-hitting and emotional throughout, with quite mature content and themes but I love how you really feel as though you're following Erik's journey in real time because of how it's written. This was the first verse novel I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It didn't take long to read as I was gripped from the start. Highly recommend, perhaps to Yr 9 upwards.

Mrs Jones

WCSC Carnegie

It is a good book for various reasons, one reason is because it guides the reader throughout the book, making the reader feel different feelings using the font and how it is formed. It is also about drugs which raises awareness. Lastly it is easy to read and it's quite a quick read, taking around 3 hours to read it from start to finish.

Dylan

Beechen Cliff

I am currently reading crossing the line and so far I have enjoyed it. I really like the way the author writes in poems. I have never read a book using this method before and it’s really nice to try something different. I think the topic in this book is really hard hitting and so far I have found this book really good. When I’m reading it it makes me forget about what’s going on and I am fully focused onto Erik’s story. It really feels like I’m in the story and I think that’s a really good characteristic for a book to have. All the best books make you actually feel something and make you forget about you. So far I am really enjoying this book and I hope to be able to write an equally wonderful review when I’ve finished it.

Anabelle

Burford School

Wow, this book simply amazing. Relatable and relevant. Hard hitting but very human at the same time. I love the structure and layout, the use of varying text styles. The pace of the narrative is just perfect!

Mrs Parr

Appleton readers

Crossing The Line was a delight to read, the plot was amazing, the characters were delightful. The writer wrote it in such a creative way. I don't like reading poetry but this was structured in such a special way that I got interested. I love how it shows that even when Erik is under the influence of the people he's dealing with he is still willing to save his sisters and he does not mind crossing the line.

Esther

Plashet School

This is the story of Erik, A boy who is very good at making bad decisions. When his father dies of covid-19 he and his mother are distraught when she finally meets someone new she becomes pregnant then is sadly abandoned. When the twins are welcomed into the world Erick must become the man of the house. But the meeting of two older boys causes Erik to be caught up in gang work. To make money is a difficult task for him and his mom with his two sisters and Erik’s schooling to consider. The sight of money makes him join without a second thought. That was the worst mistake he ever could have made. At first things are great. He's making money and living the life until he realises, he was not made for this lifestyle. The young boy is told to give drugs and many other suspicious and dangerous things to people. Erik must leave for not only his safety but his precious twin sisters and his hard-working mother. But it's not as easy as you may think. Gangs are malicious and once you’re apart of it there's no escape. Erik must find a way to escape as soon as possible, or else things could get very ugly very quick. This book is amazing it explores topics that teachers usually gloss over thinking you don’t need that type of information but really you do gangs are seductive and make fake promises you can’t turn down. But as soon as you give in there is no escape. Gangs, selling drugs, poverty are more are a harsh reality for children this book puts all the facts out there, like this is it its your choice if you want to be involved or not. Overall, it was a great book and I recommend this book to people of 12+.As some topics can be very sensitive but overall, I love the way the book was set out and written it really gave you ash insight into Erik and his struggles.

Isabel.S

Larkmead

Crossing the line - GREAT BOOK 10/10 First of all I just want to say that I REALLY liked this book - it was a great very engaging read albeit a bit short. highly recommend

Eli

Chiswick Carnegie

Crossing the line is a descriptive and beautiful piece of work. Real life issues of peer pressure, gangs and drug dealing weigh heavy on Erik's shoulders as he tries to navigate life after it has been blown off coarse by his father's death. After his twin sisters are born, results of a horrible and short relationship of his mothers, he must find a way to provide for them as he is the 'man of the house'. Beautiful characters and a relatable story to many teenagers in the modern world. The story carries the word many children and teens have spoken over the years, in a perfect fast paced format. Truly beautiful.

Taira

Chiswick Carnegie

Crossing the Line is a fast-paced verse novel with lots of things happening. I really liked the brutal honestness of it as it exposes the dangers in the world through a story. I felt it was very possible that this could happen in real-life as it is a very realistic story where things pile on top of each other until it gets dangerous. I would change the role of some of the more minor characters that are kind to Erik to show that he is not entirely alone but that he is still in danger.

Chloe

SCD Pageturners

I only got to around page 52, it's an alright book but took too long to start up so I lost interest. Nothing really stands out about it. It's not bad but it's not good either.

Aidan

OLSB Shadowers

I absolutely loved this book, the cover is the reason I started it and Erik was the reason I finished it. the fact that it's written in verses is the cherry on top. Erik wasn't the only person i cared about, Ravi was also one of my favourites. I almost read it instead of doing horse ridding but changed my mind last second. 12/10 impecable

Yasmine

EJM Carnegie Crew

Crossing the line is an interesting book about Erik and his life since his father died. He eventually catches the attention of a local gang and gets trapped in the life of drug dealing and violence. Its a great book and i would recommend it.

Molly

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

I loved Crossing The Line.It was easy to read as it was in verse and it was a subject that I had never read about before.It was interesting to read about Erik, the mistakes he makes and how he fixes them.It's a a bit difficult to understand as you don't really know its drugs until the end.It uses metaphors instead of drugs to mention it.So far I'd one of my favourite books as I really couldn't put it down at all. 11/10 stars!

Rani

EJM Carnegie Crew

This book is very realistic in both the way the story unfolds (I presume - it is certainly plausible) and in how much it evokes the emotion portrayed in it. This story will stay with you for a while, as the characters are deep and worth caring about, and the situation is nightmarish but also believable. The verse, to me, is written really effectively, accentuating the events but almost, at times, being so fluid you barely notice that it isn't written in prose. This makes the book a very quick read, which is perfect for the spiralling situation the protagonist finds himself in. I'd give this book a 7.75 out of 10. Even though it isn't what I'd usually read, I really enjoyed reading it and found it very interesting.

Matilda

The Abbey Readers 2024

I greatly enjoyed this book because I found that it conveyed emotion extremely well. The use of repetition to emphasise the character's feelings was incredibly effective and made it greatly enjoyable for me. I found it interesting that the whole story was made of poems but still had the feel of a non-verse novel. I hadn't gone through any of the things the character had gone through but I still felt as if I had. Overall, this is an immersing story that will make you feel emotions as if they were first-hand. I give it 9/10.

Gabrielle

The Abbey Readers 2024

A very good book that describes how easily young people can be groomed, especially if they are experiencing issues in their lives. It has very nice metaphors, both in the text and visually by twisting the words into shapes. It is a wonderful way of describing how trap houses and gangs work to people who don't know what they are, as well as describing, towards the end, what you can do if you feel threatened as a young child. On top of all of this, the way the story is told is incredibly relatable to anyone's lives, whether you are a teenager or an adult.

Thomas

Open Book

Crossing The Line was an interesting book and something I would definitely recommend. The book is about a boy called Erik who dad has died and mum has been left with two twin baby girls, they are low on money and Erik gets into drug dealing to support his mum and there financial struggles. Crossing the line is an easy read and would recommend to someone who isn’t a keen reader.

Honor

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I found the arrangement of the words to actually form pictures really fascinating and the story was so captivating and heartfelt. However I wish there could've been moments from the perspective of other characters in the book, especially Ravi watching his best friend slowly drift away from him and become consumed by all his problems with the county lines. Or maybe even his Mum reflecting back on how happy Erik used to be around his Dad. Regardless, it was an absolutely wonderful book and I would definitely consider this for the winner.

Ava

SPS Book Clubbers

Niam

Lionheart24

I really like this book and how it raises awareness about drugs and violence and how to avoid it

Leighton

OSSMAORATORS

An amazing book covering some very serious topics. I highly enjoyed 'Crossing the line', and pondering deeply about the thought-provoking ideas and story line. However, due to the serious ideas that are covered in this book, it is not something you can easily recommend ('Oh, hey, you wanna read this book about drug dealing? Don't worry, it's fictional based upon a very true story!'). Despite saying this, I would say this is the most action-packed, nail-biter I have read in a LONG time. Overall, this was an amazing, eye-opening book that I would DEFINITELY re-read. Thanks Tia Fisher!

Niam

Lionheart24

This book taught me about the dangers of drugs and violence and how they all have consequence's.

Diana

OSSMAORATORS

Don't judge a book by it's cover! At first I thought this was a book of poetry and did not want to read it. It was more like verse and it read like a book. I did not think the font and word lay out on some pages helped me understand the story- it was more annoying. The book was very fast paced and I experienced so many emotions- especially fear. I was so worried about Erik and his family. It was hard to read and such a sad tale but it was clear how easily Erik fell into a world of drugs, which was so well portrayed. I loved how the relationships changed- Erik and Ravi being so close, then falling out, then Ravi to the rescue. I loved how Erik's love for his twin sisters grew. If it had not been for the running then I think the outcome would have been very different for Erik- so realistic that some people falling into drugs do not have an anchor. I LOVED this book- the story, the relationships, the emotions. Definitely my favourite.

Inge

Ousedale Olney

My Book Review – Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher. Crossing The Line is written in verse and is a book based on a true story. It made me realise how lucky I am to have the attention I need and that I have it easy compared to what some people go through in life. (Not to give any spoilers!) But it is about a young boy (Erik) who goes down some bad roads and finds himself a bit stuck until... This was an AMAZING book to read. I love the way that Tia Fisher incorporated humour in her book when it is such a difficult topic that it’s about. It is not really like anything i have read before (in a good way) and it really took my mind off their life and how tricky things must have been for him, his mum, and the twins. The book really expanded my view on life and the troubles people can have. I 110% recommend this book for people who like books a little bit on the dark side! For the language used in this book I think it should be an 11+. Finally, I really hope this book wins!

Ella

TPS Carnegie Collective

The book started with a metaphor about dominoes (first few chapters). I thought this was a brilliant idea because throughout the entire book, I had a feeling that a domino fell down each chapter as the the chapter numbers are represented as dominoes. Despite his cheesy taste in music, I think Ravi is one of my favourite characters because he is always helping his friends even if it puts himself in danger- this is seen towards the end. The fact that it turns innocent to scary and then to sad so quickly makes me want to read more and more. Something that annoys me is that the book ends on a cliffhanger - we never get to know if all ends well. I really want to know what happens. I would rate this book 4.5/5 I would recommend this book to slightly older readers because of the strong, offensive language and the topic of drugs.

Lianghan

SHSK Shadowers

I quite enjoyed this book. It wasn't as dark as I expected but there were still some moments that I wasn't sure about. Crossing the line had a really important message that I think everyone should learn about. I really liked the ending of this book and overall it was far better than I expected.

Hannah

Killy Krew

Crossing the Line is a great book. However, it is a bit different from the books that I normally read. It did make me think a lot about how to avoid drugs and violence. It also taught me that having a strong friend group is a good thing. I highly recommend this book to older readers.

liv

SHSK Shadowers

Crossing The Line was a very interesting read, it made me appreciate the life I have and show me how some people can make the wrong decisions. It was very enjoyable but it pained me to see Erik make the wrong decisions over and over again. What made me think was that none of Erik's choices would have happened if his dad hadn't died, because of this he got involved in drug dealing and violence. I think this book might be more appealing to an older audience.

Sebastian H

Ermysted’s

An absolutely brilliant book with a beautiful storyline that has my vote because I normally don't like verse books but this one made me want to keep reading and not want to put it down. It talks about some issues that we all face today in such a way that makes this book one of the best I have ever read. 11/10.

reuben

St Augustine’s Challenge

The book, Crossing the line, is a very interesting and educational story about specific moments in the life of the protagonist called Erik. It talks about someone called Erik who gets chosen by a local gangs Chief(K1) because he needs money and because of his bad behaviour. This book is written in verse and starts with the title of that moment as the first sentence. I think that it is important that the majority of kids read this book as it will educate them and prepare them for these sorts of situations. Overall, I recommend this book to anyone, either in this situation or knowing about someone in this situation.

Kobe

Bennett Memorial Book Club

I enjoyed Crossing The Line as it was impactful and meaningful as well as being enjoyable. The book is about a boy named Erik who gets caught up in County Lines. At first it is just easy money for him, however he begins to feel unsafe and is made to do unreasonable things. This book shows the dangers of being caught up in County Lines operations and is very meaningful. It is also entertaining. This book is written in verse, which makes the book fast and not too descriptive. There's never a dull moment because of how quickly and efficiently the book gets through everything (however it's never too fast or not descriptive enough) in an entertaining way. The way it experiments with art from words and fonts to convey story is unique, original and fun. Overall, this book is great!

Toby

Readershadows24

I am a bit hit and miss with this book as I like it but it is a bit dull so I don't think it is one I would read again but I would recommend if you are a slow reader because there aren't that many pages and the book is not one that you could just read in one sitting no matter who you are. In conclusion I think that Erik is a cool character but some of the things he does is very stupid.

Lily

SHS On The Same Page

I would give this book 5 stars! I think it is a brilliant verse novel. Gripping novel and very topical for teenagers.

Christy

TDS Book Clubbers

This was a very interesting book. It taught me a lot about how to avoid drugs and violence. It also shows the importance of having a strong network of friends around you. I highly recommend this book to older readers!

Bee

Chippy Chapters

Crossing The Line: Crossing the line is a very moving story written in verse based around Coronavirus Pandemic and how drug dealing is a wormhole of bad decisions. The main character is a student, at the age of 14 named Erik. Erik is scarred by his father's death in 2020 at the beginning of lockdown and is constantly struggling financially as his mother has new-born twins. With all of this going on Erik’s schoolwork starts to become worse and worse and he hides it all behind countless detentions and bad attitude. But when Erik gets sucked into the wrong type of ‘family friends’ he must fight for his and his family’s lives. This book is a great representation of what can happen to vulnerable young people when put under pressure, especially financially. It really proves how scary situations like this can be and how once you are involved in drug dealing it is a never-ending loop of fear that is complicated or even impossible to escape from. Overall, this book is a very captivating read and forces you to read on, making it quicker to read than you would think. It is one of the most dramatic and suspenseful books I have read and that makes this book a memorable read.

Mila

SHSK Shadowers

There are boring parts like in every other book. The main story line is really gripping and doesn't let you go until the last line in read. I would highly recommend this book.

Matteo

ICS London’s Literary Lounge Crew

I liked this book and think it is important to read about such subjects to get an understanding of worlds outside our own, no matter how difficult some topics can be. It is a novel in verse about Erik who, in trying to support his mother and his little siblings, gets caught up in County Lines while just trying to be a normal teenager. It was shocking to see just how fast one can get trapped into dealing drugs and how difficult it can be to leave; although it was good to see how Erik escaped with the help of his friend.

Daisy

Wyedean School

Crossing the line is an absolutely heart breaking and amazingly well written book. It is a depressing story about the truth of crime in big cities like London. The book follows Erik, a young boy and his struggles with gang life, and ends on a not so happy ending. Why? Because real life doesn’t end with a happily ever after.

Emilie

Euro Bookworms

I thought this was an exceptionally eye-opening and gripping read. The book followed a fantastically written, but tragic tale of a secondary school aged boy that lives in poverty. It was extremely heartbreaking to read about the sacrifices Erik was making to save his family from poverty, without anyone knowing. However, one of the first things I will point out about this book is that it's quite violent - in terms of language, imagery, and the general plot. However, I think the book portrays a subject frequently pushed away from the spotlight - poverty within the general public and exploitation of one's weaknesses. I especially enjoyed reading the tough decisions Erik had to make in a viewpoint that's often classed as 'irrational' or 'naive'. This book shows that not all bad decisions are made because of poor judgement; peers, family, money and other hidden factors can take a serious toll on someone's decision-making. I loved the poetic style of writing, conveying powerful messages in the minimalistic amounts of words. This book does an excellent job on advocating for better lives for young people in Britain and demonstrates that through a tragic and violent life that some may go through without anyone knowing.

Muadh

Ermysted’s

When I read 'Crossing the Line' by Tia Fisher, I felt worried and scared for Erik because of the risky situations he got into and the lies he told. He was bullied for his hair colour and faced dangers on his own. His family was also struggling, with his dad gone and his mom dating someone new. Erik had to step up and take care of his siblings. Despite the challenges he faced, I loved the friendship between Erik and Ravi, and how Ravi supported him even when things got tough. If you enjoy books like 'Fighting in a World on Fire' by Andreas Malm, you will like this one too. I recommend this book to teenagers and families because it includes important topics like friendship and overcoming tough situations.

Giselle

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

'Crossing the Line' was an intriguing book, touching on a subject common in everyday life just hidden behind the scenes where no-one talks about it: Gangs and drugs. I enjoyed it in many respects, good plot and a considerable amount of twists making it enjoyable to read. My criticisms would be that it is WAY too fast paced, rushing through three years in just one hundred pages, and also I found myself reading pages a few times to get to grips with the plot. I would give this book a 6/10

Rory

KES Bookworms

This book was so engaging. What started as a boy venting about his struggles in life slowly evolved into a mind consuming plot. Every page awaited a new surprise, and you just could not keep up with Erik's unpredictable character. The writing structure, the language, the perfect depiction of a teenager and their mind, all of it was just flawless. This book was far from a disappointment, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Isabel

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

Throughout the novel, Tia Fisher portrays Erik's internal struggles with authenticity and vulnerability, creating a relatable and compelling narrative for readers. "Crossing the Line" explores the human experience, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself even in misfortune. I like it because it shows how hard life can be, making the story realistic, its use of verse helps the flow of reading the book, but it can also make it hard to read in some scenarios.

Isaac

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a good book. However, it is quite different from the books that I normally read but it was very eye-opening about the struggles in the world.

Grace

Faringdon Community College

I found this book gripping and has many twists and turns. The book conveys the message and impacts of country lines extraordinarily well. The use of shapes in the verse helps visualize what is happening. My favourite part is at the very end where everything has a relatively happy ending. I would not advise this book for people who are in year seven and below. I rate this book 8/10.

Ambrose

Chippy Chapters

Crossing the Line, by Tia Fisher, is an interesting verse novel about change. Erik, who's dad has died and lives with his poor mum, is getting into worse and worse behaviour at school. Eventually, his terrible behaviour attracts a gang, he is introduced into a world of terror. I liked how Fisher made the different characters unique, and how she made the entire story very believable. Also, I enjoyed the structure of the poems and how they were like a story when put together. However, there are extremely sudden events in the book which I do not understand, and I do not get how they happen. Overall, Crossing the Line is a good read with a fascinating topic, but the plot can be very confusing. I would recommend this to someone who likes adventure books, and enjoy true stories, as this can happen in real life.

Zachary

MTS Northwood

Crossing the line by Tia Palmer portrays the life and challenges for 14-year-old Erik who has struggled with his dad's death for over a year. Erik thinks his life could not get any worse, until Mums new boyfriend comes along and then abandons her when she discovers she is pregnant. Eriks feelings of hate and anger towards mum's ex-boyfriend grow as he is thrown into poverty, and unable to get out, with his pregnant mum. At school things seem to be getting better though as the cool kids start paying attention to Erik. What he doesn’t know is that he’s just a part of a bigger plan that forces him to choose between the right choice and the wrong choice. This gripping thriller by Tia Palmer will hand you a rollercoaster of emotions, from heart-wrenchingly upsetting straight to breathtakingly, beautiful reunions. I thought that this book was very appealing and the whole aspect of the book was exquisite. Sit back, relax and let Tia Palmer whisk you away to another world.

Emily

Larkmead

I thought this book was incredible. It moved me greatly. It really allowed me to explore some of the struggles teenagers have and understand a bit more about gangs. It let me sympathise with Erik and understand people like him a bit more. I really like the structure of the book; it helped make the book more interesting and made it more realistic. I thought this book was incredible and I would definitely recommend it.

Juna

Fortismere

Crossing the line was my favourite book so far. At some parts of the book my heart was racing. It is a very unique book raising awareness for the county line drug dealers and it was really engaging. The book had a lot of little twists and it was very fun too read. I would 100% recommend this to someone who enjoys reading.

Ashley

VISTA Academy

Crossing the line is a great book, filled with hardships and love, losses and triumphs, while exploring how children all over the uk are being forced into difficult situations in poreder to help for their families. So, this book raises lots of concerns for the state of our sociaty, showing just what some children have to go through at such a young age. This is an amazing book, which I recommend to Year 8 students.

Hugo

Sandroyd Bookivores

This is one of the best books I’ve read so far. It has so many relatable scenarios and is very easily understandable. The book delves into the issues young people face in today’s society which will be very useful to raise awareness of the dangers.

Janelle

Riverside Readers

I think that "Crossing the Line" was a very good book; through it's use of verse, it makes the book flow with interesting and believable characters, and 'all too real' plot. However, this book has some very heavy themes that for some people (like me) wouldn't be their first choice. I would still really recommend "Crossing the Line" to someone who wants a book that is closer to home than others would dare.

Dylan

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book is about a boy who has to make some decisions but makes bad decisions. He had quite a hard time as a young child, but he has to try and find a way to make good decisions again. I liked this book because of its interesting format, as it was quite unique. I would recommend it to 11+.

Georgia

LSST Library Shadowers

I really liked this book because of its great plot and layout. The layout of the book makes it easy and gripping to read. It's fast-paced which means you don't want to stop reading it. It is almost all in verse so it is quite a quick read. It is about a 14-year-old called Erik and his story after his dad died in Covid.

JJ

Fortismere

Izma

Lionheart24

The story of Erik, a boy who is very good at making bad decisions. A young, happy boy with loving parents starts his first year at high school unaware of the dangerous, frightening story a head. The joyful smiles of the close family come to a heart breaking end when the passing of a loving father destroys a once happy family. Erik who is broken can't bear to do anything without his wonderful father until his mother becomes pregnant with twins and welcomes them into the world. Now, Erik must step up and become the man of the house but it's going to be tough when your just a kid. His declining behaviour in school allows him to pave a deadly path. The meeting of two older boys causes Erik to be caught up in gang work. To make money is a difficult task for him and his mom. The sight of money makes him join without a second thought. That was his biggest mistake. At first things are great. He's making money and living the life until he realises he was not made for this life style. The young boy is told to give drugs and many other things to some people. Erik has to leave for not only his safety but his precious twin sisters and his hard-working mother. But it's not as easy as you may think. Gangs are malicious and once your apart of it there's no escape. Asking to leave could result in a beating or being killed. Erik has to find a way to escape as soon as possible or else things could get real ugly real quick. I really enjoyed this book. The message was wonderful and perfect for teenagers to read. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. The reason I haven't given it full stars is because of the way it's set up. I usually love when people do different things with their pages but with some of the pages in this book I had to turn my whole book in a circle to read it. This was a bit difficult since I would sometimes lose where I was. But overall it was a great book and I definitely recommend this book.

Elece

Lost in Pages

A flawless read. Brilliantly witty and still an incredibly moving plot, well presented in the form of one of the most interesting structures I have encountered. This book is almost unnervingly relatable, as a high school student and even more so, perfectly illustrates the harm that county lines can do to children of Erik’s age. It also presents, in a gritty, realistic way, how easy it is to be consumed by this sort of activity as an impressionable, inexperienced child.

Noà

Holmfirth High Yoto Crew!

I enjoyed this book, however not enough that I would read it again. Crossing the Line presents an insight into the world of drug dealing that is both fascinating and saddening. It shows how not everyone has the choice to say "no", or at least some have less of one.

Evan

MTS Northwood

Crossing The Line follows 14 year-old Erik who, because of his bad behaviour after his father's death, gets involved with drugs and crime. This book was new for me because it was written in verse and therefore I thought I would have trouble reading it. To be honest, I didn't have any problems with reading it (although sometimes I had to literally turn the book upside down to read the writing), but I found it a difficult read at points because of how vague the book was. There were points where I had to re-read sections of the book to figure out what was happening, as it was too 'metaphorical' with the writing. I understand that the author intended to write the book like this, but it was confusing nevertheless. I also found that the author left out quite a few plot holes in the story. There were sections of the book that weren't even mentioned, especially after Erik made a big deal about them earlier on. This only added to my confusion and I also thought that the author couldn't seem to work out the target audience for their book. At some points it was a kid's book, with minimal graphic points and at other times there was language and foul play. Even so, I still enjoyed the book. I read it incredibly quickly and I never wanted to put it down. The ending was fulfilling and the characters were animated. I loved Ravi, and his old (but brilliant) music taste, and he was a really good friend for Erik. The story was believable and the author helped captivate what it's like for someone like Erik. Overall, I'd give this book a 6.5/10. I think if the author changed this to a Young Adult/Adult book, filled in some plot holes and added details into some scenes, this would a brilliant book. And even so, I still recommend this book if you want a quick, enjoyable read.

Ela

KES Bookworms

Crossing the Line was an interesting, tense book about real life issues that both gripped and amazed. The story was tense and I found myself on the edge of my seat for most of it. The fact that its written in verse makes this book snappy and there's never a dull moment. It's going along quickly, without taking too much time to describe things in too much detail. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Toby

Readershadows24

This book shows what it can be like for kids who are left vulnerable in their lives. It shows that it can be a small thing that leads to a big issue. While this book won’t be my favourite, I do still admire the way it’s written and it was a book that kept me reading with interest. This book deserves its nomination for this award in my mind.

Greta

HAEC Carnegie Shadowers

This book is extremely well written. There is some really heartbreaking scenes. This book is really powerful. Crossing The Line is a very important book, especially in today's world. It teaches older children and teenagers the dangers and importance of staying away from drugs. My favourite part of this book is when the book starts of with "Do you feel safe?" and ending with this line too. I loved how in some pages words formed and image, and the dominos signifying if you make one bad decision, a lot goes wrong. The way this book is written in verses, makes it so easy to read and definitely is a quick read. I have no problems with this book, therefore I rate it 10/10!

Jennifer

Rebel Readers

I was drawn into Erik's story, as he became drawn into a world of drugs, lies and crime. It was frightening how with each decision he made, he seemed to sink further into this life of drug supply, and at each turn, he made it harder and harder for himself to escape. Each time he was faced with a decision to turn his back on the gangs, I really wanted him to say no but he kept choosing the wrong path. Circumstances conspired against him at the beginning; the death of his father, his mother abandoned to raise twins alone, problems at school. He seemed unable to find a way to deal with these problems, and then turned to those people who did not care about him. This is a frightening stories that shows how easy it is to become entangled in county lines drug supply, but with an important message, that there is always hope, no matter how bad things seem.

Mrs Small

Watford Girls

2.5/5 star read. It’s a very slow paced book that in my opinion doesn’t have an interesting plot. The story is all about gangs and drugs which doesn’t really interest me.

Olivia

Riverside Readers

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher was a great book and would really recommend. It was interesting right from the beginning. It is about a boy named Erik who is struggling with losing his dad, fake friends and trying to get out of the repeating drug cycle.

Gracie

Carnegie Festival

Crossing the line is a poetry book that explores how teenagers can be swept away in violence and drugs. The way that the story is shown with its format is really intriguing and made reading the book a really nice experience. While I do think that this book is well written, the outlook it has on the drug world itself should be noted that it is only one outlook. However, the outlook chosen is well written.

Somi

Burford School

To be fair I didn't really enjoy it. I found it boring. I know that it happens in real life but the way it was written I didn't like it.

Anastasia

OLSB Shadowers

I felt it was a bit depressing and hard to read at the start, but I felt by the end that this didn't just completely spiral down into one sad event after another or slow down the story. Instead I think it kept an engaging story , and actually use the events and emotion to really push the final message at the end. Overall, I thought it was a bit sad, but it used this really powerfully to make a point.

Edward L

Ermysted’s

I believe this book will be the winning book even though I haven’t read all of them. I really enjoyed this book it was so intriguing and had me needing to finish it, resulting me to read it all in one day. This book is really good and feels very similar as many people around me have unfortunately fallen down this path. It makes young people aware of how hard it is to get out of gangs and how easily you can fall into that life style, so you need to be careful of who you chose to hang out with. No matter how much you’re going through you shouldn’t or how desperate you are don’t resort to gangs. I loved this book so much especially the way the format of the text, it made it much easier to understand as I usually have trouble understanding and have to read over it multiple times. I will recommend this book to my friends and family.

Lilly

Riverside Readers

It was a very interesting book about county lines. A gripping story line. I found this book very informative on how the drugs industry works and how they take teenagers and attract them to deal drugs with the prospects of new clothes and phones. One of the best plot lines out of all the books I have read.

Sachin

Ermysted’s

Overall, an easy read and found myself on the edge of my seat during the majority of the book due to tension. A powerful, eyeopening story and I would definitely recommend. One bad thing about the book is the way it's set out.

Aaliyah

Sale High Readers

I really enjoyed Crossing the Line because I liked the way it used slang without being too heavy with it. It escalated quickly drawing the reader in and creating an interesting plot. I really liked the themes of peer pressure and how people escape the life they don't want anymore. One of my favourite scenes was when he starts to realise he actually loves the twins because it shows that you can start to love someone without even realising it. I would highly recommend this book.

Libby

Tractor

I personally really enjoyed crossing the line. It was a very engaging book and got me hooked and wanting to read more. It displays some of the struggles that people deal with and how they succumb to peer pressure from others. I would definitely recommend this book to others. It is not something that I would normally read but I'm really glad that I have come to read it through the Carnegies. I thought it was very clever how the words were placed to emphasise the effect of the words or sentence.

Leah

Tractor

I was surprisingly very invested in this book, and found it a quick and gripping read especially considering that it was almost completely written in verse. Crossing The Line tells the story of a 14-year-old boy named Erik who gets involved with the dangerous world of gangland crime and drug dealing. Though there were several unexplained inconsistencies such as his affinity towards anger and the death of his 'house leader' for closure, it is written very simply and effectively, with the addition of unique text art to help readers visualise Erik's thoughts and feelings.

Lara

PGHS Shadowers

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is an attention grabbing and emotionally captivating book about 14 year old Erik's dark descent into the criminal world following the death of his father shortly after covid, I like this book as not only does it shine light on serious problems that too many of the youth have to deal with but its also up to date as in the story-line is set in a period we have all lived through. Overall great book, great storyline and great characters so I definately will be reccomending this.

Luca CI

4Shadowers

Reading this book was really enjoyable for lots of reasons, I really liked every aspect of how the book was written. Erik as a character for me was a really good design, a kid in high school who doesn’t have loads of friends but is happy, who when faced with difficult challenges in life, makes some really bad decisions, gets involved with the wrong people and the wrong things. I really like the plot of this book because it is realistic, how some kids would have to go through parents dying, getting bullied, being in tricky situations, having to move country because of threats and how Tia Fisher has put this into a book is really interesting. How the book is displayed on the page is really where I start to get a bit annoyed because it is such a good book but then it being difficult to read just adds an unnecessary distraction from the actual story, for example on page 55 there was a huge circle of words which was impossible to read. Overall I found this a really exciting and interesting book left on an intriguing cliffhanger and I definitely want to read a part two. I would Highly recommend this as a quick and fun read, and I would rate it 9/10.

Josh

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the line is a fabulous book to read with an important message to deliver to teenagers. The message is about the dangers of drug use and gangs where danger can quickly rise up. This book is important for teenagers because it shows you what not to do so the readers don't make the same mistake. It uses the use of language well because the words stayed in my mind after I have read this book. Overall Crossing the line is a great book to read and to learn the dangers of drugs.

James

Bramcote College Bookclub

The 'world' that the book was set in is not at all unfamiliar. It is in a city in England in modern times. In this city there is a noticeable 'bad' and 'good' side to it but is, otherwise, a normal city. Eric's life took a drastic change since his dad died when he was in year 7. His grades dropped, he and his mom were in poverty, heartbroken and he started making very wrong decisions. He secretly started drug-dealing with some 'new friends' to earn money but before even realising how far he had gone, he was in the middle of a dangerous drug business where weak, young people like him were being manipulated into doing deadly missions. This book introduced me to a very interesting bond. Unlike Eric's 'fake' friendship with his new friends, it was clear that Ravi (his old best friend) always wanted the best for him and kept Eric together. He tried to guide him to better choices in life and when they started distancing from each other was when Eric made his worst decisions. Without Ravi I felt that he was lost. Whilst reading this book, I felt pity for Eric as he was at a time of his life where he was unstable, weak and vulnerable. The gang took profit of this, which was atrocious and disgusted me. I was quite annoyed when Eric's mother moved onto another man (who she only met online) not long after her husbands death and made her share of mistakes, leading to her and Eric having twins with no father. However, the ending of the book reassured me as I learned that that no matter how deep in trouble you are, there is almost always a way out.

Federico43FS

4Shadowers

I think the use of verse writing made a hard hitting, important topic approachable for readers

Stirling

Ermysted’s

This is an outstanding book. It contains some strong language and at times can be a tough read but is hard to put down at times. This book spreads awareness about gangs and drugs as well as sharing advice. Overall I give it 4.2/5 stars. I highly recommend this book, however at times it can get emotional.

Miya

Plumites

‘Crossing the Line’ by Tia Fisher is a powerful and fast-paced verse novel exploring how teenagers can be swept into county lines. The verse format makes it easy to read and the concrete poetry images are good at engaging the reader while dealing with serious topics. I really enjoyed reading this and gave it 4.7/5. Highly recommend and a must-have for school libraries!

Athena

St. George’s Dragon Readers

I loved this book. The way it was written in verses was a really cool and original idea. It made the book more enjoyable than it already is. This book is a good example of the dangers of drugs, gangs, poverty, county lines and making the right choice. It was sad to see Erik go through all the drug dealing and threats and the sheer amount of stress he went through. All throughout he had no help other than Ravi since his Mom told him to tell everyone he was fine and didnt need any help. That was truly heart wrenching. The writing is excellent! The fact this story is based on what the author’s friend's son had to go through, is just shocking to me. I have two younger brothers and would hate to see them go through that. So overall, a brilliant, brilliant book.

Thomas

Rebel Readers

This is the story of a young boy called Erik who, entering secondary school will quickly find himself in a spiral of violence, putting himself and his family in danger. I loved this book as it talks about real life situations, is sometimes relatable and is very easy to read. I strongly recommend this book for people who like action books packed with suspense.

Aaron CI

4Shadowers

This was a great book, cleverly set out in verse, yet still easy to read. I think that the author did a great job of portraying Erik's feelings in this book, and conveying the true terror of the drug world. When I read this book, I got genuinely terrified for Erik when he got caught up in both his drug life and normal life, which were starting to overlap. I also found it interesting how he called the drug buyers "cats." It's a good metaphor to use, as cats typically do their own thing, before coming back for food. Erik's mum however, really annoyed me. Obviously it would have been really hard for her, but as well as Erik making bad decisions, his mum also made some awful ones. The fact that she expects Erik to put up with her is really quite annoying, but towards the end of the book, I did start to feel more empathy towards her. Overall, I thought this book was an amazing read and super cleverly written.

Nikita

SHSK Shadowers

Crossing the Line is about a boy called Erik whose life goes rapidly downhill after his Dad dies. At first it is only his grades getting worse and not listening in class but as he becomes involved with a gang of older kids it is not long before he is massively out of his depth. I really liked this book because it was so interesting to learn about poverty, drugs and the dangers that you could face if you get involved with them. It made me think about issues I haven't come across before. I really liked the ending as it ended on a massive cliffhanger that made me wish for a sequel. I would really recommend this book because in my opinion it has a great story line and is really interesting.

Nat

Larkmead

This book was quite amazing but it also had some very upsetting moments, written in verse on a topic a lot of people may have to deal with throughout their lives. As the book continues it gets more and more twisted and dangerous, however at the very end of the book we see the author's clear message that help is always out there. I’d personally recommend it for ages 15+.

Irem

KEVICHG

Crossing the line A question for you: What did you think ? Think. Like opening the school gates & just walking in, Like not sniffing the air for curses, Checking Page 1 page 2 Page 3 page 4 Cautious as an adult Checking their kids first books. Think Like a map of your story Isn’t riddled with swears Of Gods name in vain No-go choices Where your life’s Not worth living. Think Like saying your last goodbye & not thinking The next time she sees you You may actually need her help. You know. Those kind of thoughts. It’s not been so long Since I’ve read a book like this People making drastic mistakes And wishing life would come to an end I am so… I reckon the last time I felt Really Really Really Comfortable With this book was right at the end. Holland road secondary Was Where all the trouble started. Bullies started interfering. And lunchtimes became town time. Erik’s life had been. Very hard. Since his dad… Had left him as the man of the family. He was constantly missing school. And getting into more and more trouble. And his mum had no idea of it all. his mum met a new man. And she became. Pregnant. Her partner left her alone. When he found out. About the twins. Erik’s life only gets worse after this. He is threatened. The people who love are in danger. And even on the brink of poverty, this game is making his life terrible. Why didn’t somebody warn me? About the source of language in this book. Its very. Nowadays. I think. That it is to honest about. Current life And where Covid. Left a lot of people. I would’ve enjoyed it more. If it had been written. Without more grown-up language. The first morning. That I sunk my teeth into this book. I didn’t understand what it will be about. But further in I understood. Where it was all going. Some things. We’re little bit too “cool“ for my school experience. And I struggled to understand it. I would recommend. This book. For anyone. Who is interested in crime, reality, and how to . Take steps away from that sort of lifestyle. Ages would be. 10 to 17. As the language was a bit grown-up and inappropriate. For younger people. I would rate it. 6 out of 10. As I didn’t like it at some points. But I found the ending really good. And that sort of made up for it.

Flo

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Crossing the line is a very exciting and engaging read. The book explores how one small choice can set off a chain reaction with massive consequences. The protagonist , Erik, battles hardship after hardship , all in the hope of helping his struggling family.Tia fisher's storytelling grips readers , emphasizing the impact of decisions and the interconnectedness of lives. Erik,despite his many bad choices, remains a likeable protagonist with good intentions but poor judgement.Overall i enjoyed reading this book. 8.5/10

Raya

Fiction Addiction

Erik's life was never the same again after his dad died. His mother gave birth to two baby sisters from another man when they already did not have enough money to live. Erik's mum stopped caring about Erik after the twins were born, so Erik started going down the wrong path to earn money for his family, He doesn't stop until he has gone too far, and then he finally realises that he can't stop... or can he? The storyline is compact and interesting to read, but I could not find myself to empathise with Erik's mum. Why give birth to children whose father had run away from the great responsibility? Why give birth to children when you know that you do not have the money to raise them? Not only that, but Erik's mother had stopped caring for Erik, and made him take care of his sisters when he had lots of schoolwork to do. She was always crying, and was always whining to Erik about not having enough money when it's all her fault! In one way, she is the cause of making Erik go down the wrong path.

Hanming (Sophia)

PGHS Shadowers

This book is a good read for pretty much anyone, but there are some violent moments in it which makes it very much 12+. It follows the life of Erik, a schoolboy who quickly gets dragged in to a gang life, but when he wants to call it quits the gang boss starts targeting his family. The character of Erik at first is a relatable schoolboy trying to fit in with his best mate Ravi. But when his dad dies, he changes and does anything for money and spurns Ravi for gang members Travis and Ben. At the end he comes to regret his decisions and is in constant fear that something might happen to his family. Ravi, however, is a somewhat awkward kid with very unique taste in music. Overall I think this book deserves the Carnegie medal because of how it takes on a serious topic but still adds light comic relief.

Adam

Corsham Shadowers

Liana

Perse Carnegians

I enjoyed reading this book a lot. Crossing the line is a book about Erik, who has ginger hair and is bullied at school because of it. His dad dies of covid, and Erik’s behaviour changes massively. He is then pulled into a world of drug dealing and fear. I think the book was great because you could really feel a sense of everything spiralling out of Erik’s control through the clever use verse poetry. This book does have some serious topics in it such as death and drug dealing, so I would recommend it to people over 12.

Liana

Perse Carnegians

This book was very intriguing I was able to read it in two days. The story was very interesting and had me wanting to read more, I don’t usually enjoy reading for long amounts of time but this book was different. It had a very strong feeling of familiarity because it’s relatable to a lot of people around you and it makes us aware of how serious county lines are. The layout of the text was very different in a good way it made the book so much easier and helped me to understand the book more. I will be recommending this to a friend as it was just that good. It really just shows us the sad reality of how easy it is to go from an excellent student to being twisted up with gangs.

Lilly

Riverside Readers

It was a very good read and it was very relatable. It kept me on the edge of my seat and it didn't take me long to finish. I would definitely recommend this book .

Erin

Forest Reading Rebels

I think this book was really sad because after when his Dad died, it all went down. His grades went down and his life as well.

Zak Dad

Ermysted’s

This is a very impressive verse novel! The author shows clearly how easily a young person can get caught up in criminal exploitation and how quickly things can spiral out of control. I felt very connected to the central character, Erik and found myself really worrying about what was going to happen to him. I was almost shouting at the book, 'TELL SOMEONE ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON!' I particularly enjoyed the inventive use of fonts and layout. It is fast-paced and very gripping - I couldn't put it down!

Ms Bov

Chippy Chapters

I really enjoyed this story and learning Erik's story.I think it is quite a good insight to life on the railroads and how young people get roped into it.This book can perhaps raise awareness on the problems young people have to face and the causation on a life of crime.It may help people evaluate their roles in the issue and start helping people in similar situations to Erik.

Gabriella

Library Goblins

Crossing the Line is a thrilling read that had me hooked from start to finish. The suspenseful plot, well-developed characters, and atmospheric settings make it a must-read for fans of mystery and thrillers. Highly recommended!

Isabella-rose

Riverside Readers

Tia Fisher's writing style of choice - narrative verse - makes Crossing the Line an easy and sometimes playful read but the county lines subject matter makes it a dark, challenging, and at times, deeply uncomfortable read, too. Although Crossing the Line is disturbing it is also compelling and by the end of the story there is hope and light in the darkness. Tia Fisher's debut novel is a carefully crafted, important book.

Mrs Eastwood

Free School Readers

This book has themes and descriptions which definitely aren't suitable for younger readers; however, it's a powerful story, and very, VERY well written. Every single page was gripping, and the structure of the text made it an even better read.

Rachel

Carnegie Carnage

I read this book in approximately an hour and a half as I couldn't put it down. In my opinion it was very gripping as I was very engrossed in it. I liked the way Eric was doing something bad, but for a good reason, to earn money to give to his Mum. I loved the ending of the book, as Eric stood up to the dealers he was involved with. I also liked that some of the words were put into shapes, such as a person. In my opinion it was very clever and artistic. This book showed me how lucky I am that I live in a stable home and that I don't need to be forced into doing something that I don't want to do. I really recommend this book.

Casey

SPS Book Clubbers

I read this in one sitting as I could not put it down and it flowed quite nicely, it was amazingly written. Using the words "cats", took me a while to understand, however I love the ending and how the writer rounds off the story and leaves you thinking.

Maryam

SPS Book Clubbers

I really enjoyed this book even though it was quite a tense theme about gangs and drugs. It was all about a boy called Eric who lost his dad and he really didn’t think school mattered anymore. His mum was struggling with work and he joined a gang which he thought would earn him some money for his mum. But the gang really just put his life in more danger. This book shows that gangs are very dangerous and you can’t rely on them for money. It was also written in verse which I found was a lot quicker to read. I would recommend this for older readers. I would give it a 3.5/5.

Amara

Horsham BOok HUNTers

This book is about a boy who gets dragged into the world of drugs and trap houses. His name is Erik and a few years ago his dad died leaving him to be the man of the house. His mom met a guy but he walked out. Not much later his mom had a pair of twins. Soon all the responsibilities of two new people fall on his shoulders and he is not sure how to cope. With their money quickly dropping he must find a new way to earn some cash. I liked this book because it was written in verse and was a good example of how some teenagers get drowned in the world of illegal dealing. However I didn’t like how it didn’t leave another opinion on the world. I recommend this book for 13+ and would rate it an 8/10.

Eloise

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book was filled with action from the start. The characters, the decisions and the story itself all worked amazingly well together. They each played a role that was realistic in his life. This made the reader feel that they were Erik and that his bad/good decisions effected you.

Stanley D

Ermysted’s

'Crossing the Line' is a funny, dark, and brilliant verse novel. The story is engaging and sadly all-too real. With an engaging protagonist and tragically compelling story, I would highly recommend this as a YA verse novel.

Lara

Carnegie Carnage

I found that this book was impeccably displayed and that I enjoyed the composition of the words. At first, I found that reading this was quite difficult for the reason that it was quite complex and perplexing. However, upon further reviewing it, I gradually immersed myself in the book and began to extremely enjoy it. This was particularly due to the reason that the author beautifully and meticulously described the feelings and thoughts of the protagonist, which allowed me to truly empathise with the character. I truly recommend this book to others who are interested in picking up a more advanced book and those who enjoy compelling yet authentic reads.

Aryanna

OLSB Shadowers

One of the best books I have ever read! I have never read a verse novel before this and I now love them! The plot is amazing and has you hooked from the first page! You can't put the book down!

Lola

Weald of Kent Tonbridge

I couldn’t put this book down. I really enjoyed the pace of the book and I loved how the words danced their meanings on the page through colour and shapes. The story was compelling; I was frustrated, angry and alarmed at how quickly the situation escalated and entrapped Erik, and I loved the powerful emotive language that brought the story together. This is easily one of my favourite books and I definitely recommend this.

Lora

Fortismere

Crossing the line, by Tina Fisher, is an unforgettable-novel about a 14 year-old boy who gets swept into the terrifying world of drug-dealing, violence and most importantly, losing control... In the earlier chapters of this book, we learn that Erik lost his dad to covid during the pandemic. As he learns to cope with this terrible loss, he must get used to his new life and make space for Jonny, his mum's new girlfriend. However, once his mother gets pregnant with twin girls, Jonny storms off, leaving Erik and his mother alone once again, with near to no-money and two extra mouths to feed. As his family sinks into despair, Erik finds a new , dangerous way to make money... He gets sucked into the local drug-dealing gang and before he knows, it's too late to back out. However, once Esme and Alice get menaced from this threatening world, he must find a solution. In the end, he and his family are forced to move houses and start a new life elsewhere. However, a chilling note manages to find its way to their new city, and Erik finds professional help. I enjoyed reading this novel as I think it really made me understand how Erik felt and why he joined this gang. I also really liked the way Tia Fisher used shapes and words to create amazing calligrams that made the story more vivid and different from others. The final thing I liked about this is how it explains problems of today such as gingerism ( an actual term describing discrimination against ginger coloured-hair) and how to solve them ( at the end, she put a list of websites to find help if you are in the same situation as Erik). However, I thought that sometimes the story didn't really explain what was going on and the plot could be repetitive. In conclusion, I think this was a good and innovative novel but could have had a bit of a better plot and more things going on.

Léonie

Euro Bookworms

Crossing the Line explores the dark themes such as county lines, grief, and discrimination. The book follows Erik, a teenager with red hair, who loses his Dad. In him and his mum's grief, they both make bad decisions, and as Erik is ruthlessly harassed and bullied, he finds himself with the wrong crowd, skipping school, and ultimately endangering his family. The book is about the dangers of bullying, and the problems that are caused by lies.

Chimpie Alex

Sidmouth Insiders

I quite liked this book. It was very good. I wasn't expecting the ending and it suprised me a bit. I was glad the dog recovered

Isobel

Sidmouth Insiders

This has to be one of the best books on the shortlist, whether it be the format, choice of words or just how the words flow throughout each page. This was a great book to read.

Tyler

Kingdown 24

I think this book was incredibly clever and the style is very unique, portraying the story in a very effective way. The character development was realistic and relatable and the plot was interesting. I like how it touched a subject that is either not spoken about or joked about, with the right mix of informality and seriousness. I would definitely recommend it.

Olivia

Kingdown 24

I thought it was a really great book. The plot was very good. However didn't like the page font as it put me off the book a small bit. Other than that it was a great engaging book.

harrison

Kingdown 24

I really enjoyed that it was in verse because it made it really easy to read .It was interesting to see a story that is probably real for a lot of people as well.

Hazel

Henry’s Heroes

I really liked the layout of the verses, and I liked how the writer set the story over several years. She wrote about the issues that could and do happen to teenagers, so it seemed quite realistic even though it wasn’t in a traditional writing form.

Hannah

Henry’s Heroes

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is book about the serious topics such as the drug business, which kids around the world are forced into. This book is very emotional, with minimal to no development of the environments in which the characters interact; but in this sacrifice, we gain some deep insights into Eric's mind, his thoughts, feelings, and perspective on the world he is in, his love of his parents and sisters that forces his hand into a life of crime. The writing style is also used to emphasize the impact of certain scenes, with enlarged, stretched or malformed sentences to show how Eric feels, which is something people misunderstand, the book is in Eric's mind, The writing is from his perspective, which is why as the book ends, the writing style becomes more formulated and proportioned due to the new direction of his life. I do have a few complaints, I will warn you because there may be spoilers, while i was happy about his acceptance of his dad's death, I was annoyed profusely at the lacklustre ending of XXXXX, whose death, while accurate, did not fully allow closure for the reader, as XXX death felt loose ended for Eric's story, I also thought that most characters do not get much character development, they mostly act as plot devices for Eric's endeavours. And one more minor complaint is that this book as a very slow start but since the book is so short it is easy to finish and get to the juicy meat of the story. To summarise, the book had a great main character, the side characters needed more development (and not just a paragraph slapped at the end of the book to explain their future) and there was almost no setting description. But I was happy with the plot, not elated, happy, while the book doesn't have many bad bits, that does not mean it has any excellence ones. Characters 6/10 Main Character 8.5/10 Setting description 2/10 Plot 6.5/10 Antagonist 7/10 30/50

Evan

SCD Pageturners

An educational book warning those of the dangers of county lines and how hard it is. A heart-warming tale of the importance of family and grief. I quite liked this book as it was short, had a nice message and shows how people can do the wrong thong for the right reason. However, the poetic structure doesn't make much sense and sometimes there are characters that just show up and I have no idea who they are.

Lily

Chiswick Carnegie

Crossing the Line was quite good and linked to current events ( mental health, extremism ) and used a good example of people falling into a gang after a loss of family and overwork. A very good book.

angus

Chiswick Carnegie

I felt like the start was very good and portrayed what the characters were going through very well, but the end seemed to drag on a bit for me, personally, so I don't think this is my winner this year.

eve

Beckfoot Oakbank Carnegies

I personally enjoyed the experience of reading this book on how he survives his time when starting secondary school which was a very emotional moment for him as we have all experienced this when we started. It was set out a bit like a poem and gave me that vibe however, a very strong language book. I felt sorry for Erik as he had a hard time at school and at home whilst being the man of the house. Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and made me eager to read more.

Hamza

Ermysted’s

This book was by far my favourite, putting a crisis into perspective. The story was original, with a few twists. However, I liked that not all the twists were big (like some other books). The ending felt a bit like it was telling you to go to a charity for help, which felt like it was just put in so it was educational. Otherwise, I loved it.

Aashaz

Ermysted’s

crossing the line is a book that i read a couple of years ago but still empowers me today. I cannot remember very much of the story but whatever was in it was undoubtedly the best story i have ever read

sam

Ermysted’s

Crossing the Line is a great book that dives deeper into how children can get tangled into drugs and how they try to get out of it. I really enjoyed this book and I would like to read another book by Tia Fisher.

Tilly

HAYES BOOKSTOPS

At times I found the way the words were displayed on the pages to be difficult to read, although I believe this to have added to the reading experience opposed to taken away, as it felt though the reader was in Erik's mind or diary. I enjoyed how open the ending was allowing the reader to decide for themselves how they want Erik to continue through his life. I found that the subject matter was interesting while still being treated with the respect necessary for a book of such a serious topic.

Isabella

Carnegie Festival

When Erik's dad died his life changed forever his mum was sad they became poor then his mum found this new website on dates and found 'Jonny' meanwhile Erik is getting involved in drugs. Then they have twins and Erik comes how to find Jonny dumping Erik's mum because he is too overwhelmed.....apparently..... He then gets a big drug selling sort off mission he goes there and does it then comes back and K1 the leader of the drug dealing wants him to do another job and he does it. He does a race does well and then thinks its all over then bam he gets caught up in it in the headline drug gang leader stabbed to death news title. He then hides in his friends house then they lock onto him again. The to the shop leaves his dog outside next second he comes out and a lady is praying over his dyeing dog he then rushes to the vet and finds out he was poisoned then he gets a note in the post the next day saying act, give me the sim cards or your sisters are next. Then he phones the cops and ChildLine and it is all sorted out. Arthur 7C

Arthur 7C

Bookwizards

When Erik, a boy who lost his father only a year ago, finds out that his mother is having twins with a man, who then promptly leaves Erik and his mother with two new babies in the house, and crippling debt, he starts to ignore the rules, and this leads to joining a gang, who make him transport drugs, in return for money and debts owed. When these “jobs” lead him into life threatening situations, he wants to pull out of this life, but when his family is threatened, will he be able to make the choice? Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a perfect blend of raw emotions and heart pumping action. I really enjoyed the character development of Erik, from an angry but innocent child, pulled into a world of knife crime and drug trade, to a more mature person, who learns to accept help from those around him instead of pushing them away, and also how to come to terms with the loss of his father. I thought that the style that the story was written in really helped to convey the idea of the story being told directly to the reader by someone who is only 13-14 years old, and that the twists throughout the story and the cliffhanger at the end, really give the story a sense of realism: in reality, these things aren’t clear cut good and bad, where the good guy defeats the villain, while also ending on a somewhat hopeful note. In conclusion, I would really recommend Crossing the Line to others, as I found it riveting and heartfelt, whilst at the same time telling the story in a fascinating style.

Alexander

Perse Carnegians

Crossing the Line is about a fourteen year old boy, Erik, who lost his Dad following Covid 19 and the behaviours he turned to. This book is a great example of what loss of a close family member can do to a person and how they suffer and experience life. The verses were short but sweet and they made the message effective in a way writing in paragraphs cannot acheive. It is very tragic and serious and the use of drugs in the book would prevent me from recommending it to anyone younger than 12. But overall, a very good book and it was definitely worth reading.

Joseph L

Bookwizards

This was fantastic, it shows so much about what living in a city can be like. Crossing The Line is a book that I would read again and recommend. I love verse books.

Kaitlyn

Ullswater Readers

This was a beautifully emotive book that I couldn't tear my eyes from when I began reading. It hooked me from beginning through to the end and portrayed a very realistic story in society. It was credible in detail and engrossed me in the emotion between Erik and the demons of his past, the haunting reality he was living in and the future he couldn't see. The atmosphere was sinfully capturing and was well-paced. The themes and heavy topics were wonderfully portrayed, alongside the complex emotions and personalities of all the characters. To summarise, this was a wonderful book that has opened my eyes, immersed me and educated me.

Zaynah

Bookiewookiedoodaas

Crossing The Line is a verse novel about a boy called Erik whose dad passed away and it shows how he gets manipulated and involved in county lines and drugs. I liked how Erik developed as a character. It also shows the danger of drugs and how county lines effect children in the UK and how his family was put in danger.

Felicity

Brooke Weston Book Busters

'Crossing The Line' is a book that deals with sensitive subjects such as drug dealing, poverty, grief, and murder. It follows the journey of a boy who has just lost his dad and is manipulated into selling drugs. He agrees to partake as his family is struggling for money and his mum has just given birth to twins. Eventually, his must escape but in doing so he puts his families lives at risk. It shows the effect drugs has on your life and how it affects those around you.

Chloe

Brooke Weston Book Busters

It was good because it showed an instance as to what could happen when you're a teenager and the consequences of those actions. It also showed that once you're in that situation you can’t quite escape, unless your're willing to risk something. The quote”do you feel safe”suggests that not everyone has the chance to feel safe and feel normal. It also shows that everyone is vulnerable to being pulled into a gang and doing bad stuff e.g. selling drugs or carrying weapons. I will admit that it is a sad book, however at the end it has a list of websites and phone numbers to call if you think someone you know or yourself if you are in that situation.It also shows what bad decisions can do to your life.

Sophie

Greenford High CSG

This book is simple but impressive. It fully describes the struggle of the main character , 14-year-old Erik. He have made 'wrong' choices one by one , until he couldn't escape from the consequences. (well once he made a wrong choice , there wasn't many he could control) Problems and struggles , lies and danger , all being well presented in about 345 pages. The end is kind of symbolic , though. The call to support Erik (represented by 'you' in the book) symbolises everyone who can help teenagers like him. I like his best friend Ravi the most . Although Erik have made many wrong choices , Ravi still supports him and gives him advice. His compassion and attitude towards Erik really impresses me.

Victor

Stockport Academy Book Club

'Crossing The Line' is a very interesting book because his dad died which is sad, Eric's bad behaviour catches the attention of a local gang.Eric has made a lot of bad choices but all these bad choices resolve him into doing horrible things like drug dealing and violence. At first, it was easy money - but Eric learns that a small favour can become huge debt, hi sisters' lives are threatened. You all should read this book because it is very interesting story.

Eliza

More Readers

crossing the line is a fantastic book with lots of emotions in it. i would read this book one thousand time over, this has to be my new favourite book!!!!! this book has lots of bumps Erik has to get over like: money,grief , drugs and gangs

eva

Stockport Academy Book Club

This book is about a boy called Eric and he just started Year 7 in a new school. He lost his Dad, and get's bullied because of his red hair. It is a powerful story which has loads of meaning into it. I really enjoyed reading. It's for all age groups so go on and have a read!

Zara

More Readers

This book is probably one of the most relatable and easy-to-read books I have ever read. The boy, Erik, and his journey as he goes through secondary school really touches me because I can relate to it a lot somehow. The structure of the book is easy so I would recommend this book if you want to read something with an easy-to-follow structure. However, the book contains strong language and violent scenes as shown at the back, so I would say people aged 11 and over should read it. Overall, amazing book! We need more books like this around the world. It makes you think about people differently since you can now have a bit of an understanding as to what other people go through and how those experiences result in terrible consequences.

Sarina

More Readers

I found this book really hard to get into at first but it had a gripping storyline and was definitely my favourite book I’ve read so far.

Unknown

St. George’s Dragon Readers

Crossing the line was a really unique book with a lot of quirks that made you want to read on. First of all the way the book was written. Crossing the line was written in a unique poetry style that at some points was interactive and you had to turn the page to read the writing. The unique poetry style made it so when a line that was about falling down, the writing was literally falling of the page, which made it really interesting. The main character was about a young boy in year seven named Eric, and unfortunately like many main characters he has a tragic life with trauma from his father unfortunately passing away and his mother barely being able to support him or spend time with him let alone his twin sisters. This causes him to fall behind at school and then gets convinced to start skipping school by some older kids that have access to things like drugs and money. He is convinced to take the drugs, and has bought a brand new phone and shoes. He then wants more drugs and is in (county lines) so owes money to higher ups in the county lines and has to struggle through trying to protect his family and friends. Crossing the line is a gripping tale following Eric along his journey and then seeing him finally succeed and escape the messy trap he got into but in the processes nearly losing everything. I would recommend this book for 12+ or year sevens as it shows important life lessons but also handles very deep and pressing issues, that many other young vulnerable children have to deal with. I personally loved everything about it and I would definitely read it again.

Caitlin

Library Goblins

this book was very enjoyable but i found it hard to bring myself to open it up to read because of how much i disliked seeing erik make such bad choices and seeing him get trapped in his own choices

noah

Ermysted’s

This book is about a Y7 boy, Eric who has ginger hair. He gets bullied. He makes friends with Ben & Travis, who buy him Fish&Chips after school. He also has a friend called Ravi, who he shares a paper round with. Ravi is trying hard to get fit to impress his girlfriend Betty. Ravi and Eric are really bad at the paper round, and get sacked. Ben & Travis introduce Eric to K1 as they tell him that K1 could get Eric a new job. K1 gives Eric a job - to store some drugs for a week....which he gets paid well for. K1 give Eric a new phone too. Over time K1 and his crew become good friends with Eric. K1 has a job for Eric, and introduces him to Fritz. Fritz and Eric work together for a week, staying at Fritz's grandmas. Eric makes LOTS of money in this week, but on his way home he gets run over by a motorbiker, who steals all his money - K1 is not happy about this, and beats Eric up. K1 asks Eric to do one more job, which is to hold a mysterious package for a while. He is told NOT to open the package....but, of course, he does. It is a GUN. Eric is a good runner, and is signed up for a running tournament - which is at the same time as the last job. So, he goes to the running competition, and leaves the gun package on the train. After the competition, Eric & his mum go to Ravi's house to celebrate their performances. Eric tells his mum about the way he has been making money. Erics mum is shocked - so they move house. All was well for a year - but trouble returns, as it always does - like a bed penny. :(

Oscar

Ermysted’s

This book is a book that will stick with me for a long time, I feel as though this book is a novel that most teenagers could relate to at some point. The cover design creates an eerie entrance into the work of fiction; the writing “This is the story of Erik…. He’s very good at making bad decisions” makes the reader ask questions for example, who is Erik and what bad decisions has he made? We follow the protagonist (Erik) through his school life where he faces struggles with identity, friendships, and just personal life struggles. Erik also begins to experience more problems with encountering secrets, betrayals, and challenging decisions. The author has created a perfect balance between keeping the book interesting and ensuring an interesting storyline. Fisher’s writing has captures the voices of adolescence brilliantly with an honest manor; this helps the target audience relate to the story which helps them remain engaged. Overall, ‘Crossing the Line’ is an amazing book which will help many people going through their teenage years develop a different perspective on their life and assist them into relating with how they feel whilst also giving them a few valuable lessons in empathy and resilience along the way.

Charlie

Bookwizards

I think this book was very good and an easy read. I do not read books a lot but I really got into this book and enjoyed it. It was very interesting, I liked how the words were put in this book as it interested me and made me want to read more. I liked how the words were in different places and sometimes in shapes. I would recommend this book to friends as I enjoyed it a lot.

Rosie

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

9/10: This book is about a boy called Erik, who got mixed up with gang members after being in detention many times. The gang first gave him money and treated him well, but then exploited him for dangerous jobs such as smuggling firearms and drugs. When Erik tried to quit the gang, the gang's leader K1 beat him up and threatened him and his family to keep him working for them. In the end, K1 nearly killed Erik's dog by overdosing it and threatened to kill Erik's twin sisters. This book is written in small verses similar to poetry, which is unique. This book explores the themes of crime, poverty, and exploitation really well. Unfortunately, the book ended on a cliffhanger, not showing what happened after K1 threatened Erik's sisters. I would really recommend this book to anyone interested in crime stories.

Herman

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I think the book was very good and interesting. I really like how the main character is ginger because I don’t read many books with a ginger main character. The part that I did not like as much was when the words were all over the page in different patterns and sometimes upside down, even though it was a clever idea. I like how it was written in a poem style as i found it easier to read that way because there were less words. Overall a really good and promising book.

George

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

'Crossing the Line' by Tia Fisher talks about how bad drug dealing, trap houses and violence are in life and how small problems can quickly turn into massive issues. I like how Tia Fisher portrays K1 when Eric sees him for the first time, he has a gigantic scar which potentially shows what his job is like. In the book Eric was an easy target for people to hire him as his dad has died and his family has money issues when he has newborn twins in the family. I personally really love this book as it shows as how one bad thing can make a domino effect and then there will be a lot of issues. The message which Tia Fisher has made is don't misbehave as it will later make you go into a worse position in life 9.5/10.

Mauri

Bookwizards

Crossing the Line, by Tia Fisher, is a meaningful book about a boy called Erik who is going through a hard time as his dad dies. They are running out of money and his mum is dating someone else. Suddenly Erik is shocked as his mum is pregnant with twins. He enters a terrifying world of drug dealing, and violence, however he is getting money, which leads him into him being captured and becoming involved in something he had not wished for. The book kept me guessing, as the story progressed, I was intrigued as to what would happen next and if he would survive. My favourite character was Ravi he was kind, clever and helped a friend in a time of need. I didn’t really like how some of the words were upside down or sideways because it slowed the story down and interrupted the story line. I would recommend this book to someone who is struggling with life, and it might give them hope. I would rate the age for this book between 12- 18. I would rate this book an 8/10.

Annabelle

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The book 'Crossing the Line' was an enjoyable and easy book to read. I especially liked the unique structuring and creativity of certain verses in this book. Sometimes the lines create images that reflect what's happening or the emotions that are felt. Because the book is written creatively and in verse, I was always interested and eager to know what would happen next. A few times I was confused about what was happening, but as I read, I understood. For example, at the end of the book, a new character is introduced and his name is Trygg, There wasn't any heads up that he was their pet so I was confused about who Trygg was when the text stated that Trygg would follow the main character wherever he went. In conclusion, I think this is a fascinating, fun and enjoyable book to read.

Bassem

ICS London’s Literary Lounge Crew

A powerful and important YA novel told in free verse about poverty, crime, drugs and county lines and how a few bad decisions can have a domino effect on a young person’s future. It was easy to empathise with Erik who is vulnerable and an easy target for recruitment as he is grieving for his dad and has money worries at home. Fast-paced, gritty, and gripping, highly recommended.

Mrs Mann

Brooke Weston Book Busters

One of my favourites as it can show how someone can be trapped and escape.

MuyangD

Ermysted’s

“Crossing the line” by Tia Fisher is a story about a teenage boy, Erik as he gets sucked into the terrifying world of county lines. The book is written in a poetic form which I actually quite enjoyed. I felt that it added to the book and helped to emphasis moments in the story. Towards the end of the book, the action got quite intense and I was captivated by the storyline. However I did feel that the storyline its self was very dark, and the heavy topic is not really my type of thing. Despite this I am glad that I read this book as it contains very important messages, and I would recommend it to someone who likes these type of stories.

Eaden

Marshland Readers

Crossing the line can be dangerous and that is exactly what happens to 14 year old Erik when you open this book full of confusing twisted lines ,swirls and boxes of all desires dive into the life of a child who grows into the man he thinks he should be and crises the line into the sad underworld of county lines as he tries to drag himself out of poverty

Mariama

CTA Book Club

'Crossing The Line' is a book that takes the reader into the world of drug gangs and how harmful being a drug dealer can be. The choice of using poetry adds an aspect of depth in the way you read the book. It allows the reader to create a connection with the characters. I really liked the way the book ended since it symbolises that if you do not feel safe there are always people that will help you no matter the situation.

Lucia

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

I really enjoyed how the author made the main character have two lives from his running life, which involved his coaching Mum, and then his drug dealing life, which included K1. I really liked the ending because it came out of nowhere and thought it was a very good plot twist. Another thing I enjoyed was how him and his friends managed to get round the problem at the very end with the gun. I thought it was very clever.

Dylan

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

This is one of the weaker books so far but it is in no way the worst as the main attributes (plot and characters) are well fulfilled. The reason it is not higher up is due to the extremely slow part in the middle which ruined the entire book as that was the only section in which I put the book down out of pure boredom. Apart from that segment, there were no further mistakes or stand out parts at all, just some solid chunks of writing and some captivating moments. One thing I particularly enjoyed about Crossing the line, was the introduction to the county lines which I had no previous knowledge on and proved to be quite interesting. The running implement was completely inconsequential and could have been left out with no immediate affect on the plot. I found that this book sort of turned into an anti-drugs campaign at the end which was slightly amusing. Overall, I found that this book was relatively average with nothing particularly impressive about it but a good book nonetheless. Score: Characters:16/20 Plot:16/20 Inspiration:15/20 Total:47/60

Sevan

Ermysted’s

Erik you’ve crossed a line that can’t easily be uncrossed. You’ve started a path, and the start has disappeared. You're losing all you know you need to find the confidence to say NO. 14-year-old Erik has been lured into the world of drug dealing and making money the wrong way. Under all the pressure of school, being bullied because he is ginger, poverty and the loss of his dad (the man of the house) Erik feels like he needs to step up and after some terrible things that happen to his mum, he is needed more than ever. I liked this book because it showed people what life at school can be like for some people and how it comes to this. On the other hand, I thought it was scary to picture that some people may have that happen to them. I also thought I wasn’t able to connect with the characters as the circumstances were so different to what I know. Overall, I would rate this book a 6/10 as I felt it was interesting but not the type of book I wanted to read. I think this book is suitable for ages 13 or 14+ because of the use of violence, drugs and bad language.

Holly

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book was very heartbreaking. I hated how Erik felt pressured to be the man of the house because of sexist stereotypes. Erik was understandably anxious, and honestly, the whole book I just wanted to give him a big hug and tell him that everything will be ok. Also, it is very childish to make fun of someone just because of their hair colour. I mean, how pathetic must you be if you think that insulting someone's hair colour will make everyone else inferior compared to you?

Shaan

Mansell Library Reviewers

The plot of Crossing The Line was quite good but I would have liked a few more surprises or twists to make it exciting. The ending however was left on a nice cliff hanger. The main character, Eric, was a teenager struggling to help his mum, school and friends. This could be relatable to readers of that age. Overall, I would give this book a 7/10 and recommend to anyone wanting an interesting, quick read.

Toby

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed reading about Erik's journey as he struggles with county lines and grooming. I felt myself get strangely attached to Erik as I followed his experiences and rooted for him to somehow get out of the situation he landed in. The layout of the book being poetry made Erik's account of what happened feel more personal and definitely helped me feel more compassion for him hearing the story from the person firsthand experiencing it then if the book was third person. The one thing that I think could've been done slightly better is the ending as, personally, I think a few things could've been cleared up instead of ending abruptly like Tia Fisher decided to end it. Apart from this I think everything else was done really effectively and I would definitely recommend this book to a friend!

Rachel

Fiction Addiction

This was the first book off the shortlist that I read and I chose it because it’s about a teenager that gets caught up in drug dealing, which I think is quite a dark topic that isn’t written about enough. It was very predictable but I think it needed to be to make it realistic. I also liked how relatable the main character was because I think that added to the idea that this happens to lots of teenagers who, if they were in another situation, would never even consider drug dealing as they know it is a bad idea. That’s why I think this book is sad but necessary, because it shows how a lot of teenagers who get roped into situations like Erik don’t want to be in them but feel like they have to deal drugs to survive or support their family and then get trapped, whereas, a lot of other books that involve drug dealing often portray teenagers like Erik as the “bad guys” and don’t really explain their side of the story.

Jess

Weald of Kent Tonbridge

I thought this was an interesting book with relatable characters. This book mached the descriptions we were told at primary school

Amelia

GreatB00ks

It was good and I liked how it was sometimes written so the words made different shapes. I also liked how it referenced actual laws (e.g county lines) .

Sophia

GreatB00ks

I personally really enjoyed this book, I actually loved it for many reasons. For example, the texture of the front cover felt really smooth and nice and some people enjoy some textures over others. I also really enjoy how in different parts of the books the text changes to fit the scenario or issue during that part and how the text forms different shapes or spirals off as it's really cool, I personally like this book as it talks about some of the serious issues in modern day society like duplicitous people and gangs or drugs and how to deal with it and not what to do. It also touches on aspects of bad decisions made by Erik Anderson (the main character) and how he can identify the bad decisions that he has made throughout the chapters of the book. It also touches the aspects of some friends can be face or have bad intentions that can lead you down the wrong path in life and you should look out for the signs. As much as I love this I think this book isn't as good for some of the neurodiverse people of the world for example dyslexic people, the words are quite close to each other so it could be hard for them to read.

Kaitlin

OSSMAORATORS

I personally loved this book for the importance of influential behaviour and how to conquer it. Additionally, I loved this book because it's relatable to the audience reading it and how it's set in modern day society. Also, I believe the importance of drugs and gang violence should be educated more in schools so this book really helped with the understanding. I also loved the fact that the author changed fonts throughout the book to portray certain feelings or events. However, the fonts could affect the reading of neuro-diverse people and change the understanding of the book for certain perspectives. Overall, there were no imperfections for me and I absolutely loved the book.

Lydia

OSSMAORATORS

This was a very sad book. His dad dies, his mum gets pregnant and the father runs off, then he gets bullied and starts selling drugs. Oh, and someone is trying to kill him. However, it was still a good book and was very gripping and hard to put down. Once you started reading, you couldn't stop. I rate this an 8/10.

Elliott.H

Ermysted’s

Crossing the Line was a great book. It drew the reader in and wanted me to never put it down. The build up drew me in so I under stood Eric and his issues. I wish the mum would understand poor Eric like we did. Instead she just punished and judged him. So did his teachers. No one asked him questions and he had no where to go for mental help. I have never read a book written in this style before and it took a bit of getting used to. But when I got used to it, it really made me feel his emotions. I could literally see what he was feeling and it made it really powerful even though there were less words. The subject was something new to me and made me realise that some children have to go through really difficult situations. The characters were mostly believable but I couldn’t really relate to the mum and she frustrated me. Overall I think it was a great read, really different to anything I have come across before. I would recommend it to people who want to try something different.

Herbie

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book and how it was written the structure made it feel like a really quick read. What made it very enjoyable and exciting for me was that the main character is about the same age which made it a lot more relatable and realistic which had me sitting on the edge of my seat for some parts of the book. Overall I thought it was a good book the only downside for me was that the ending seemed rather anti climatic which is not what you want coming to the end of such a great storyline but apart from that a very pleasant read.

Max

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I enjoyed the plot of the book and how the writer highlighted the effects of a family loss. With the book being in verse at first I found it difficult to grasp the story. This book is a great read for slightly older children.

kayleigh

Bramcote College Bookclub

This book is about a young boy called Erik. Erik’s dad died when he had just started high school. Erik stops trying to do good at school and begins following a gang around. This gang is ,unknown to Erik, extremely dangerous and terrifying. At first Erik is only doing them favours for the money as his family is struggling at home. They soon turn from small favours to huge debts which can put him and his family into danger when they are threatened. My favourite character in this book was Erik’s best friend Ravi as even though Erik has been through so much, Ravi and his family have been there the whole time. I really enjoyed this book as it explored real life issues and was based on a real life person. I also liked how this book was structured as it was poems. In some places the structure reflected what was happening in the story which I thought was very interesting.

Jyoti

HHS

I personally like this book because I found it relatable and engaging. This book is about a boy named Erik who goes through a difficult time struggling with family and poverty, which leads him to some bad decisions regarding drug dealing and violence. The author conveys troubles with pressure and being overwhelmed well especially when he begins hanging out with Travis and Ben and attempts to act natural when smoking for the first time. The fact that the book is quite fast paced resembles how much he had changed over a short period of time from a regular Year 9 boy to one involved with trap houses and drugs. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would recommend it to people of my age group because it involves a lot of issues everyone can relate to such as peer pressure and money problems.

Bethany

STCCG Shadowing

Amazing book about a boy who does the wrong things and need to make it right 9/10

Artie

Macaulay Book Club

I really enjoyed this book! It wasn't something I would normally chose, and I wasn't sure if I would like it, but it proved me wrong! The way the words were written on the pages made it really engaging, making it all the more difficult to put down. It was quite sad, but it's a survivor story, meaning the ending left me feeling that Erik, the main character, was going to find his way out of his previous mistakes. 9.5/10, would definitely recommend.

Florence

Wyedean School

I loveee this book. It is so gripping and dark which I really enjoy! It is written so nicely and creatively especially in the layout.

Elsie

Eltham Hill Book Club

Crossing the line is a heartfelt story and makes me feel bad for the character and makes you hope you can work everything out in the end. It is sad story of a boy who just lost his dad and is struggling at home. I would recommend this book to people who make bad decisions but try to make good decisions. I would rate this book 9/10.

Amelia

Skipton Shadows

Crossing the line is an epic tale about a 14 year old boy called Erik. Erik's life is a mess: his Dad is dead, he's failing school, Erik hates his mum, his family are broke and his newborn sisters are not helping his situation. One day Erik is hanging out by the "Flo" and gets sucked up into a life of drugs, violence and danger. Mixed with fruity language and an incomprehensible feeling of excitement which keeps you addicted to turning the page. I believe that Crossing the line is a masterpiece. 12/12

Sim

Macaulay Book Club

I enjoyed reading crossing the line. It features a unique writing style , where the story is composed of short poems. It was a great read to learn from, following the story of a young teen who feels trapped into making bad decisions and as a result gets caught up in a drug dealing business. It was an engaging and informative way to educate teens on making good decisions and to give a realistic example of what could happen if you get caught in the net of dark drug dealers. The book is set in a realistic and relatable environment, where the reader is able to sympathise with Erik whilst also pointing out his errors and mistakes. The book was short, fast paced and engaging and I read it all in one sitting. However the storyline was fairly predictable (until the bit right at the end with the note about his sisters: I was not expecting that), and I think that it might have been even better if the author had thrown a few plot twists or some more action - heavy scenes to constantly keep the reader on their toes like my favourite book authors do. It would also have been nice to have seen some more emotional scenes, but that may come down to personal preference. I think some points could have been made a bit clearer, I know it was more based on implying things but a lot of readers (including me!) probably won't have sufficient drug knowledge to understand some of the references made, I certainly had to stop and puzzle over it for a while. Use of profanity might have been a bit much, I think it could have been toned down a bit and still be realistic and suitable for the audience. Overall, it was a nice read, recommend for anyone looking for a short, fast paced book to get them out of a "reading slump". The unique writing style was quite enjoyable. However this is definitely not a book I would put on my favourites list. It's good but could be better.

Delana

Perse Carnegians

The book Crossing The Line depicts Erik a fourteen year old boy who is dragged into a world of drugs and gang violence. Erik finds himself unable to leave this world due to the support the money he makes gives his single mum. The prose is imaginative and doesn't feel forced whilst the plotline keeps the reader engaged. The character development is exciting and keeps the reader interested. The book whilst only a story shows the horrible choices many children are forced to make and is a good cautionary tale of a few simple mistakes.

George

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line is written in narrative verse, meaning it is easy to read formatting wise (although there are scenes of violence and strong language included, at points). The themes explored in the novel made me feel uncomfortable at times: Erik becomes involved in drug dealing, whilst struggling with poverty, baby sisters to look after and mourning the recent death of his Father. He experiences bullying before being swept into a dangerous group he can not escape from. Once half way through, I felt discouraged about finishing the novel (although I did manage to), for although I did find myself getting rather engrossed at times, I found Erik a difficult character to like or relate to and I felt vexed that he continued to make bad decisions throughout the book, even after discussing that they were wrong. That was until I discovered, the tale is based on a true story, which then meant I began to realise the power of the novel more. My rating would be 2/5 stars: I would never usually have read a book like this one, and although I discovered it to be an eye opening experience into how lucky I am in my life, unlike Erik, I felt uncomfortable about having to listen to Erik discuss his horrible experiences and about the drug market in general. It made me feel as if, by reading the novel, I myself was also performing appalling actions. Despite this, it was an interesting read.

Verity

Norwich High School Bookworms

The book ‘Crossing the line’ (to me) was a strange experience. I don’t know if it was because I read it in one sitting just before going to sleep, but it was just confusing. One moment the boy was at his house, the next thing and he’s running from a drug-dealing-maniac. It was certainly a great book and definitely worth the shortlisted Carnegie, but to me it was a bit too much of a strange book. I especially enjoyed reading the last part because it joined the entire story and the blurb, together. Finally, to me it was quite slow to read and understand , so I don’t think I got the entire story nailed down but I managed to make a slight summary in my head. 9/10 Suitable for year 9+ (not nine year olds) because of high drug use and language.

Charlie

HHS

Crossing The Line is one of the few books that I truely adore. The unique patterns of the words on the pages made it enjoyable to read. Erik was a well written character and his story was interesting. Tia Fisher managed to make me cry, laugh and scream all at the same time. She is an incredible authority and I would like to read more if her books. Overall, Crossing The Line is a beautiful book that I will hopefully read again and will definitely recommend to friends and family.

Kitty

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

This book is really good, and definitely shows the dangers of being dragged into the life of dealing drugs. It also shows the dangers of what happens if you deal with a dangerous drug supplier ad what they could threaten and do if you stop doing as they say or lose their money. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone in years 7 and above, since it does have violence and drug use, but it is only used to illustrate the bad things about it.

Alex

St Martin’s Bookworms

I think that this is a good book. It tells the reader about the boys life and how its like a stack of dominos. the book had good details and I could tell what was going on. it also had an unusual way of writing the text out but by doing that it showed that if was rough and when the writing was neat it wasn't hard or difficult times for the boy in the book. the only thing that would be bad about this book is knowing what word to read next since it is all scattered. but overall I think it was a good book

kacie

KES Readers

I found this book to be very good. It was gritty and emotional. I found the verse style that it was written in to be unique and interesting. Overall a very good book and I recommend it to anyone, as it is quite easy to read.

Yusuf K

Ermysted’s

I really enjoyed this book and loved how it was written. The storyline had me hooked from the start and the way the characters were written were amazing. I loved the poems and the writing style which fitted perfectly with the book.

Charlotte

Marvellous Minds at Manshead

This book was amazing. The plot was very interesting and kept me wanting to keep on reading. I like all the characters’ personalities, like Ravi's.

William B

Ermysted’s

I thought it had a good message and I like to look into the life of others. I found it a great read as it was very hard to put down. It was a emotional story that had great vocabulary.

Skye

KES Readers

This book was eye-opening and helped readers to understand how young people like Erik can end up in these situations. It was also an engaging read, with an interesting format and enjoyable poetic style.

Polly

Eltham Hill Book Club

I have given this book a 5/5 star rating and so far my number 1# fav! I only have song walker and the door of no return left to read. I cannot say how much I loved this book. A powerful story about Eric (the protagonist) who has joined a gang and made very bad decisions. This book is about gangs and family. It showed Eric's life at home and at secondary school as a year nine. This book also shows how hard it is living a life like this. This was written in verse but the writing was like a novel and I liked it when the words were either dropping down or in a circle because it helped me understand the book more and it made it easier to read . It was a really sad and touching book and at times I would drop a tear or be surprised at what decision Eric had made. The bit I mostly enjoyed were the flashbacks because it tells you a bit about Eric and his life. I have nothing negative to say about this book and I think the author should be proud of the masterpiece they have created and maybe they should share more books with the public, because this one was great. To me this book should be the winner of the awards.

Summaya

The Reading Queens

This book has it all, from moments of pain and devastation to liberation and joy, ‘Crossing the line’ really took me to another world. Tragic, tense, defeated yet powerful this book demonstrates the true definition of a captivating story. We begin with the protagonist called Erik starting secondary school, which I think definitely accelerated it for me because it makes it more relatable and feels a more personal experience. Sadly, he resonantly lost his father and his Mum is struggling with finance and relationships. She meets a guy who seems lovely, however she soon finds herself pregnant and gets abandoned. In days of desperation as a big brother and the now the man of house, Erik turns to a gangster group for support, but things start to spiral rapidly. Tangled in knots he can't untie, Erik begins to question everything he's ever known. Surprisingly, my favourite character is Ravi as he is a kind, loyal friend always there for the highs and lows of life and I think everyone should have a Ravi in their life. I would 100% recommend this book, although I'd personally rate this a 12+ due to the mature content and language. I’d give it 10/10, totally loved it from start to finish and I look forward to reading more of Tia’s books.

Amelia

The John Mason Shadowers

I really enjoyed reading this book and felt like the topics explored within it were portrayed in a realistic and intriguing way. At the beginning, we are introduced to the protagonist (Erik) and his inability to feel safe after his experience with drug dealing. Then, throughout the book we start to see the events in his life that led him into it, which included his dad dying and then falling into poverty. It is formatted in poetry, which really helps to convey the sense of urgency in his situation and how the different stages of his life pass by so quickly that he finds himself in such dangerous situations. In the end, it introduces themes of redemption and hope, when Ravi, who Erik previously dismissed as being too studious, helps him to overcome one of his biggest struggles yet. In addition, he competes in a regional running competition, where he performs well. Despite this, not all of his problems are eliminated by the end of the story, and it has quite an enigmatic ending. This shows that the story isn’t quite over and relates the book to real life. Overall, I found the book really interesting to read and thought that it had an important message about friendship and asking for help in times of crisis.

Isobella

LSST Library Shadowers

Dylan - It was overall a good book but sometimes I found the word shapes hard to read. Samuel - I found that the book was really good and fun to read and it showed us how easy it is to be brought into things and that we need to be careful.

Samuel and Dylan

Waddesdon Shadowers

"Crossing the Line" by Tia Fisher is a book that captures the difficulties and hardships that so many young people have to go through. The book follows the life of Erik as we explore how poverty and unfortunate circumstances can draw young people into the life of drugs. The book is written in poetic form which, at first, put me off. Yet as I read on, I found that the rhythm and way the words were placed on the page aided in telling such an important story. My only criticism of "Crossing the Line" is that the book almost feels unfinished. We get a happy resolution but there is still a big BUT. I think it should take more than a few pages to conclude such a complex narrative. Maybe this book could benefit from a sequel or a longer epilogue. However, "Crossing the Line" is still such a compelling read that really puts the reader right in the middle of Erik's life and explains just what an impact county lines have on individuals.

Emelia

Marshland Readers

I liked the book but in the beginning I thought that it didn't really make sense because to me it feels like I was starting a book half way through, but as I read on I could understand what was going on and I think that many people can relate to Erik's story. Crossing the Line was a good book overall but I would have liked it even more if at the end they would continue it or have a second book so we could find out " is it safe for him?" " what will happen to his siblings?"

Manu

Chiswick Carnegie

Crossing The Line was a very intriguing and fast paced book. It constantly had me wondering what would happen next and consequently, I didn’t want to put it down. I found this book very relatable as Tia Fisher started the story with a normal boy's life in which things happen to him that happen to us everyday, and showed how easy it is to get trapped in situations that you can’t get out of. Although the climax of the story was exciting, I felt that the ending could have been tied up better as I was wondering what would happen to Eric in his life next. But overall, this book was really exciting and I enjoyed reading it.

Grace

Chiswick Carnegie

This book is very unique, with constant issues in life occurring, and real problems that we all face are included. It has a very artistic style to how it is written, and the storyline is practically flawless, with no part leaving you bored. There are constant plot twists and it flows smoothly with highpoints, and a LOT of low points. This book is a reminder of the struggles of life- like Erik hating the spelling of his name, or his mum being deserted upon news of twins. This is important for young people, to encourage them to keep going when the going gets tough. And that family can help you in ways you hadn't even thought they could.

Ralph

Bookwizards

Scarlet

The Sherbies

I like reading real life based stories and this story is based on a real life person. This book is informative in many ways and also explores the dangerous world of county line crime in which young vulnerable children are groomed to enter than exploited in horrific ways and put through distressing circumstances. That people are able to seek help signposted in the book paved the road to the 'light at the end of the tunnel' from which anyone tangled up in this way can find a way out to safety. A powerful verse novel of our times, highly recommended.

Mrs. Vyas - Librarian

Lionheart24

I really enjoyed reading the book and thought it was written really well. I enjoyed the plot twists and the drama that happened during the book. I also really liked the climax and I couldn't put it down.

Ava

Bibliomaniacs

This was the first book that i read and what not a huge fan of this book even though i have read it all i did not catch on really. i don't know if this is because of the writing style or the fact of the story that went with it but i would give it a second chance if i could because i thought at some points i think they was deeper meaning than i read I do hope other people enjoy this book due to the fact just because i didn't i hope you do as it helps with knowledge and something i think people should read

James

Bibliomaniacs

The book is full of emotions and dives head-first into a rare book topic but they convey it really well and get people on the main character's side. It is full of emotions and sheds light on the fact people can easily get sucked into a world of crime and do things they might not want to.

Max

St Kaths

Crossing the Line is about a pressured young boy called Erik. Facing poverty and sanctions at school, he is suddenly drawn into a world of abuse and drugs. Making more and more bad decisions can Erik finally make a good one? Written in verse and with a powerful captivating story I really enjoyed this book. In so many ways, it showed me the life changing decisions young people are pressured to make. For me, it highlighted how lucky I am to live in a stable home, with no problems financially. My favourite character in this book was definitely Ravi. A loyal and brave friend, he always believed in Erik, and heavily influenced the way Erik felt and behaved. Additionally, another issue this book conveyed was bullying. Erik, who had ginger hair, is bullied for it and this showed to me that multiple people in the world can get put down by their small differences, yet actually they should be proud of them. I would rate this book 12+ due to strong language and the older topics this book is based around. I would rate it 9.5/10.

Orla

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I actually really enjoyed this book. I have read a few books in verse before and really enjoy that genre. At the start it took a while to understand what was happening, however fairly quickly more of the main plot started building up and it got a faster pace. 4.5/5 :D

Amelia

Horsham BOok HUNTers

Crossing the Line - Tia Fisher ‘Crossing the Line’ is a verse novel that tells the story of Erik as he starts secondary school while dealing with the loss of his dad. This all results in Erik becoming involved in dangerous drug dealing and violence, meaning he has to make some difficult decisions in order to protect his family. The first thing that stands out in the novel is the interesting formatting of the text. Throughout the novel, the text’s format reflects the content which made it a fairly quick read for me. I think this also made the book more engaging because the text didn’t follow one train of thought that was broken up by chapters, it created a sort of break as if Erik’s thoughts had been interrupted which also sort of made it feel like a conversation as it was written in first person. An example of this that I like is on pages 154 and 155 where Erik builds a visual of his mind where he uses Ravi’s idea of ‘compartmentalism’ and he splits all the elements of his life into boxes and shows the reader how he is trying to contain them and not let them mix. I think Tia Fisher wanted to make it obvious that Erik’s grieving over his father is the root of all the problems with the family. A key quote that shows this is: “Dad broke his promise too, didn’t he? He said he’d always be there.” Erik’s inability to communicate his feelings and needs with his mum which leads to Erik needing to cut off most of his friends in order to keep them safe leads back to the fact that he wants to help them because his dad no longer could. This is how he justifies things to himself and others even if they have a bad consequence. By saying it would benefit the family. The main thing Erik tries to solve is the money problems. To begin with it is just for himself so he doesn’t feel like the charity case while with his friends but then it expands when he needs to make more money to help his mum get a new job. The way he gives this money to his mum is by pretending he found it in the shed and saying that his dad saved it up before he died. I think this represents the desperate need Erik has to fill his father’s shoes which then links back to the point that his father’s death, while obviously being traumatic for him, results in all the problems he creates while trying to help. I think that some of the metaphors used throughout the novel were very subtle, such as the domino illustrations at the start of each chapter being used to represent how each bad decision makes Erik’s life topple like dominoes. However, I found that the decisions Erik made were very predictable in the sense that the choices he made were obvious, otherwise the novel wouldn’t have any plot so it all relied very much on Erik choosing the worst path to continue the story. Although the plot is based around Erik being involved with county lines, I think it might have been interesting to see some different character’s lives or perspectives such as Travis and Ben and how they got involved with K1 or what happened to them after Erik moved. I know as it is a verse novel that may be difficult but formatting other character’s thoughts could create some interesting visuals for the reader and be a good way of representing the uniqueness of people but also show how similar the effects of the drug dealing could be on Erik, Travis and Ben or the effects it has on, say, Erik’s mum. Overall, I enjoyed the experience while reading ‘Crossing the Line’ as it was engaging due to the formatting and it brought to light some very important issues, nevertheless I would still have liked to see some more of the effects Erik’s choices had on his family and friends. Particularly Ravi’s home life, the reason being Ravi is my favourite character but also because I think it would be interesting to see what it was like for him hiding Erik’s connections to the drug dealing from his family and still managing to be loyal to him. In conclusion, I would recommend this to a friend because it is a very intriguing debut novel from Tia Fisher and I appreciated the unique writing style and the unusual discussions it could bring forward and therefore I would rate it 3 stars as I think Tia Fisher could explore more similar themes in greater depth whilst still experimenting with the verse novel style.

Ava

Tractor

I really liked the way this book was written. The author made me really feel for the characters and the challenges that they faced. I liked that it was a verse novel and the word art added a lot to the book. I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is interested in learning more about county lines, gangs and how to get help. Overall I really liked this book and the way it was written.

Isabella

Bookiewookiedoodaas

The book was good though the ending was good but thought provoking. The opening line was spine chilling I loved it. would recommend to Year 7-10 boys. The only problem is how Eric and Avocado Face became friends so quickly from being enemies.

Gregory

Bramcote College Bookclub

Crossing the Line is an emotional and compelling story about grief, influence and family. The layout is unique, portraying the main character Erik's thoughts in a distinctive way as the book progresses. It covers the heartbreaking - and often brutal - lives of many young teens all across the country, as well as providing support for those struggling with anything similar. It is a relatable and realistic book that I would recommend to my friends who enjoy reading, at once.

Lola

Bramcote College Bookclub

Overall quite a good read! The layout of words was unique, interesting and fun to follow. I think a lot of boys around years 8-10 could relate to this or find some sort of hope from this book. Crossing the Line is a very moving and deep story told from the perspective of 14 year old Erik Anderson after he gets into gang and drug problems, trying to earn some cash. I loved the constant twists and turns throughout the story's plot, leaving me on the edge of my seat. I like how the cover depicts the plot in a metaphorical sense. I think the only thing I didn't like was the ending, it felt a tad bit sudden and kind of too good to be true. But overall, I recommend!

Tia

Bramcote College Bookclub

I found this book very interesting as it is a story similar to those whose lives did take a bad turn and how they recovered. I think that this book portrayed a message which was to take comfort from what you do best. An example of this is when the main character Erik takes to running with his friend and then competing in competitions. There is also a slightly scary aspect to this book as it is based on reality, and it has happened to children before. I think that there should be a sequel to this book as it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. This book was written similarly to The Door of No Return as it wasn’t written in paragraphs but in sections. The only thing I don’t like about this book is that it is slightly misleading as his sisters are only threatened at the end, so you don’t find out his reaction. Also, it is a very short book as it isn’t written in paragraphs, and I think that there could have been more action in it. Other than that, I found that it was a really good book that I would read again.

Liam

Bookwizards

Crossing the Line is an emotional and truly eye-opening read following the story of Erik and his struggle between the line of good and bad after the passing of his father. With his increasing reputation he catches the eye of a local gang and is dragged into an underworld of violence and drugs. While this was a enjoyable read it's not for younger audiences as the writing style may be difficult to understand. Furthermore, it has a few adult themes such as drugs and violence. 7/10

Isla

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I thought the storyline was really good and I liked reading through and seeing Erik's character development and the impact his surroundings had on him.

Jess

GreatB00ks

This book was written fantasticaly. It really showed me how easily you can get dragged into the world of drug dealing, along with how easily and quickly things can go wrong and how hard it is to get out. This also opened my eyes to how cruel the world really can be

Daniel

Ousedale Shadow Chasers

Good book, could be a but more writing on a page.

Amy

Herts and Essex

This was a book about a young boy called Erik who is bullied for having ginger hair and then is lured into a world of drugs and county lines. This book is very good and the only negative is that it is quite dark and scary but that adds action . Also I think they could and should make a sequel 9/10

IsaacJ

Ermysted’s

This book is quite a dark but sad book as it dives into gang culture and we find out about trap houses and drug dealing. I enjoyed this book.

Finn B

Ermysted’s

It was ok, but I think it could have been better if it had been worded differently and it was clearer who was talking when. I also think it was a bit more grown-up than the books I usually read.

Angelina

Norwich High School Bookworms

I finished this book in 2 days. Although the book was quite short it was so captivating. One this I noticed about this book was that the plot was fast-paced and it was almost like I wanted to jump in the book and stop Ericks situation before it went any further. It shows how easily a young person could be painted as a “bad kid”. It’s a familiar cautionary tale as the descent into murky world reaches a heart-stopping and potentially heart-breaking conclusion.

Eniola

STCCG Shadowing

"Crossing The Line" is a unique story including themes of drug dealing, pressure and providing for a family at a young age. The story follows protagonist Erik Andersen, a 13 year old boy living in Great Britain set in recent years. When Erik's mother falls abandoned and pregnant, Erik is taken in by a local gang and deals drugs in an effort to provide for his family but soon learns the effects of pressure and debt. I think that Erik's character is relatable to teenagers in Britain, especially those that face bullying at school. The story is typed out into many layouts- across the page, in circles and in shapes and patterns depending on the mood of the plot. I think that this was a rare but exceptional choice and complimented the story well. The plotline is slow to unfold and there is definitely a sense of build up as Erik gets further into danger with the dealers. The ending was satisfactory and well structured into the plotline. Overall, "Crossing The Line" is a gripping and stand-out story.

Ava

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed the book I think that it is really important because it raises awareness on issues that aren't commonly spoken about openly. The book had lots of twists and turns making it an enjoyable book to read never getting bored. I liked how at the end it gave you a year later update on the characters.

Amelia

Plumites

'Crossing the Line' by Tia Fisher was a gripping book from start to finish and its unique way of writing makes it even more enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend this book to teenagers because it highlights issues that some young people will be facing and shows you that you are not alone when going through it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has seen it.

Beyla

LGGS Shadow Questers

I think that the plot was good at the start but then it just got too fast-paced and, if I am honest, I did not understand much of the book. At the start Erik portrayed a youthful, young boy but that changed. I think the style of the writing interesting as I felt that some of the word choices, including swear words, did not need to be mentioned and the way that words were presented was peculiar. I felt myself reading upside down, sideways and all over the book, which is not good if you are sitting down to read. I didn't really enjoy this book. I am looking forward to reading my next book.

Louie

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line opens with a question for the reader: “Do you feel safe?” This sets the scene for the dark and unsettling story ahead: this is no casual read. We are taken on a journey with the main character Erik, who gets caught up in selling drugs. At first he does it to support his family, thinking he can just get out if he changes his mind: but he soon finds out that’s not how it works. I enjoyed seeing how Erik’s mindset changes throughout the story as well as his relationships with the other characters; they were presented very realistically which helped to bring them to life. This book is written in verse which can deter some people from reading it, but the verse is utilised by making the words have different sizes or patterns to further present Erik’s feelings or how he perceives things. This made the story easier to follow and gave us a break from the dark topic: I think if this had been written normally it would have been an even harder read than it already is. The main themes explored here are peer pressure, drug dealing and difficult choices: I think this book did a good job at tackling them and showing us that not all drug dealers are mindless criminals, some of them are just scared little boys trying to become men. The main character chosen was also a very good reflection of this, as he had motives for his actions and also had a moral compass which, although sometimes shrouded in doubt, always pointed in the right direction. No character really stood out to me though because I feel like not many of them were very developed: a lot of potential was wasted here, knocking my rating down a bit. Overall I would rate this book 3 out of 5 stars: the plot, although well-handled, was pretty linear and could have used more development. Although I did enjoy some parts, I think a lot could have been either cut out or expanded on to make the story more interesting. I would recommend this to anyone whose friends or family members have gone through something similar or someone who would like to educate themselves more on the topics presented, but in my opinion this is not a good casual read for a wide audience.

Tatiana

Rebel Readers

Crossing The Line by Tia Fisher Crossing the Line is one of the most astounding books I have ever read. Crossing The Line follows the story of a young teen called Erik and his slippery descent into a life of drug dealing and crime. Erik has good intentions of helping his family, but he makes a lot of bad decisions on the way and before he knows it is stuck in a violent and criminal lifestyle. It is a blend of suspense, funny moments, and unexpected turns. It has been extremely well designed in terms of the text's layout and written chapters. I love how the words in the book are presented in patterns, pictures, rhymes, and much more. The formatting of the words makes you read at a certain pace, so you feel like you are living the characters life in real time. Sometimes it can be quite hard to read because of the formatting of the text in swirling patterns rather than the standard layout of a fiction book. This book is perfect for people 11–15-year-olds because it portrays what life could be like now days. Many people get involved in drug dealing at a youthful age, and this book could open children's eyes to how easy it is to accidentally get involved in crime and the consequences that follow in the real world. It is written in a unique way to capture the reader’s attention and hopefully make it more accessible for people that do not normally read. The pace of the story makes you hungry to keep reading so you finally find out what happens to poor Erik and his mates. I could not put the book down.

Teddy

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I enjoyed reading this novel because it was interesting and revolved around a kid having to make decisions. There was one thing that I was worried about, I found there were quite a few swear words which might upset other people. Over all I would rate this book 8/10

JUDAH

Killy Krew

I would recommend crossing the line to older readers because it talks about mature topics such as drugs and murder but does so in a way that educates. I think that the story remained genuine all the way through and I really enjoyed reading it.

Daisy

Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

Crossing the Line is a fast-paced novel that shows what can happen when a young boy goes down the wrong path by simultaneously making bad and stupid decisions. Throughout Erik’s time at school he has been cruelly bullied for his red hair. He continues to be called rude names such as ginger ninja, carrot top and so many more, all related to his ginger hair. The first lockdown hits and Erik is relieved the bullying will stop. However during the lockdown Erik sadly looses his dad leaving him as the man of the house and his mother grieving for the loss. After a year of sadness, Erik’s mum finally decides to find another man. That man was Jonny, a disloyal man who shortly abandoned Erik’s mum, leaving her stranded with three kids. With three kids and a low paying job there family were very tight for money. School starts again and Erik shows a passion for running however due to a series of misbehaving, Erik has received many detentions in several lessons. During his time in detention, Erik meets his former bullies - Travis and his skinny little sidekick Ben. Instead of continuing to bully Erik, they welcome him into the world of drug dealing and a “new family” lead by K1. To Erik this was his idea of “easy money”. His loyal, intelligent best friend Ravi who’s known for a bad taste in music, desperately tries to drift him away from the drugs. After multiple drop-offs he is offered a serious task, he must go to Fritz’ ( a bear-like man ) where he meets Mikey, a young year six kid and his mother Maria. Erik was reluctant to go however he feared if he hadn’t K1 would not be happy. On his way back from Fritz’ Erik received a disturbing message and is robbed of K1’s money, K1 was not pleased and brutally beats him to a pulp. But then lets him go with the money he offered because he needed it for his family. Upon arriving home Erik has to lie to everyone about where he has been and get ready for his massive running event coming however another task from K1 appears. After placing 4th in the running event Erik tells everyone everything about what he has been doing and eventually he and his mum comes to the conclusion of moving to there old house to escape K1. In my opinion, crossing the line very fun to read and Is written for readers between 12 and 18. It’s written as a poem with very little words on each page making it easy to read for reluctant readers. This book is completely unique in the way it shows a visual representation of the words such as steam - the word steam is repeated with each word slowly fading off the page. This easily keeps the reader engaged. The characters in crossing the line are written brilliantly especially Erik a relatable young boy trying to provide for his family by any means necessary. This makes it an interesting and heart-breaking portrayal if what life can be like for a child growing up in poverty.

Charlie

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

This book was great, from the first words of the book "are you safe" immediately drawing me into the book. The story of young Erik who got caught up in life between drugs and family was a perfect storyline based off of todays world. Erik had to create a balance between the good and bad but it didn't always work out for him - important events came up at same times but Erik knew he couldn't fail to deliver otherwise he would or could be in danger. This changed when he made a big deal but "the North Street" saw Erik on their turf and stole the money when Erik's boss found out he beat him. Erik had to help his mum who was in a poor financial state so he stayed in the business he got a package from K1 his boss, Erik and his friend were skeptical so tried poking through it, it was a gun and Erik had to find a way to get rid of it.

Ben

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher, is an amazing book and a fantastic read. I would suggest that readers of this book should be 13 years of age or older, I believe this because the book is centred around themes involving drugs, and the writer has chosen to use explicit language. Tia Fisher has enhanced the secretive, and ominous mood of the book with the use of explicit language. Often, books with the inclusion of drugs, the mood is secretive because the life that drug users live are stereotypically lonely, and dark. I find that the situation that Erik is in, is very different to the "normal" childhood, because he only has one parent and doesn't have enough money, for the essentials in life and, is having a hard time at school. So he resorts to drugs and the perceived help of bad people. This book is very engaging and constantly has you guessing what will happen next, and makes you want to keep on reading. Tia Fisher has done an excellent job creating such a brilliant book and fully deserves her place on the Carnegie book shortlist of 2024.

Toby

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved it because of the intense feeling of suspense and ambience throughout the narrative. I also enjoyed reading this book because it is written in free-verse. I think this book is a very poignant and effective way of spreading awareness about County Lines. It has opened my eyes to the awful dangers faced by young people and others who have been involved in the far-reaching tentacles of modern drug dealing. I think this book is a strong contender of the Carnegie Medal.

Kitty

Ossie’s bookworms

Crossing the Line is an absolutely brilliant book and highly recommend it to any teenaged or young adults who enjoy a bit of a dark book. Firstly, I thought the way the author layed-out the story on the page was genius and added another dimension to the book. The author based the position, shape and style of the words on the characters feelings or the current mood of the story. This made the book more entertaining and helped to clarify what was happening at that moment. The book included current issues such as bullying, loneliness and struggling with friendships. However the main theme of the book is county lines, which is a terrible issue which can have devastating effects on the victim and it is a problem which isn’t discussed a lot, and it is quite rare for it to be the theme of a book which means it is hard to learn about it. Crossing the line outlines and explains all of the problems and consequences that occur when involved with county lines and teaches the reader about it. The story is based around events that unfortunately happen every day without being noticed. The book journeys through Erik’s battle between his passion, running, and the merciless county lines group he has got involved with. Throughout the book, I developed quite a strong connection with the main character, Erik, and I felt like I experienced the story alongside him.

Lucas

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a really well-written book that I just couldn’t put down (literally). I read it in under a day and enjoyed every minute of it from the start to the end. I think this book is brilliant for spreading awareness of country lines and the ways people can easily be exploited by gangs and criminals. One of my favourite things about this book is how, even though Erik became closed off with his friend, Ravi still managed to help him in the end by involving others who could help him get out of the situation. I think Tia Fisher has a very unique way of writing her stories, as they are in verse, and especially with her use of her fonts and play on words, because it gave the book a sense of unease as you had to keep turning it this way, which I think made it more exciting and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to older audiences because of the language used and the topic, but I also think that younger people should know about gangs and country lines and how they are a real thing that could happen to them if they are not careful or mix with the wrong people even by accident. I would really like to see a second book about this and more about Erik’s life after everything. And I would rate this as solid. 9/10.

Tilly

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I really enjoyed this book because it seemed very realistic and something that could happen to a teenager. I really liked the way that the writing was presented on the page to add effect. for example, to show something is fading away they deleted the words and gradually got fainter off the page. I found the story of Erik’s life very interesting and emotional with the struggles that he faced and it made a very good book to read!

Louis

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

At first I didn’t really enjoy reading this book because lots of unnecessary bits in the book I couldn’t understand but later when I was halfway through the book it got a bit better and a bit scary. It’s not really my type of book I would only recommend it to people who like books that have violence in them but other wise it was still quite good.

Naomi

Herts and Essex

I really liked this book as I thought it was very interesting and had a lot of plot twists. It also tells the dangers of joining a gang and the dark side of hat life, and was hard to put down once I picked it up. The layout of the verses was very original and how the words made shapes. When reading it, it was like an emotional- rollercoaster and I really felt like I was in the book and wanted Erick to make the right decisions. Overall, it was a very good book and would recommend it.

Amelie

PGHS Shadowers

Crossing the line is a book written by an author called Tia Fisher. It is a book about a teenage boy called Erik who at the start of the book is a bit of a wimp. He gets beaten up at school, and is bullied. When his dad dies during the COVID-19 pandemic, his life starts falling apart. After a while, Erik’s mum gets together with another man who after impregnating Erik’s mother, promptly leaves Erik and his mum to fend for themselves with twins coming soon. Erik and his mother have no money, and school is getting harder. When the twins are born, life gets harder for Erik, as there are more mouths to feed. After a while, Erik becomes desperate for money and gets caught up in a scary world of drug dealing, violence and death. Erik begins to lose everything he cares about. He tries to back out of it, but then his sisters are threatened. This is an amazing book with a deep story, and extremely well written characters. It also has a very playful and interesting layout of how the story is presented. It is presented like a shape poem, and this adds a very fun touch to this exquisite book. The characters are amazing, as is the plot. The author really captures what it feels to be stressed out and what it is like to be a teenager which is something that is difficult to do. This book is a great read and it wouldn’t be surprising if it won the Carnegie book award.

Richie

Euro Bookworms

This book was exceptionally well-written and imparted valuable life lessons that are essential for both teenagers and adults. It presented these lessons in an engaging, entertaining, and enjoyable manner.

TJ

Aldridge School Readers

This was a very good book that taught lots of valuable lessons on the dangers of gangs and drugs that many teenagers and adults need to learn but it presents the lessons in a fun enjoyable and engaging way

TJ

Aldridge School Readers

I found the book quite enjoyable as the plot was quite emotional at times but at points I found it hard to read due to the layout on the page. I enjoyed how it felt sort of like poetry but not completely like poetry which helped the plot almost flow between points or places.

Robin

Ermysted’s

This has to be one of my absolute books of the Year; I read it in one sitting. Gritty. Sensitive. Cautionary. This brilliant verse novel was a hugely compelling read. Absolutely 5 STARS!

MISS DJ

Holmfirth High Yoto Crew!

Overall I loved reading Crossing The Line, it was gripping and enticing. The style it was written in makes it very easy to understand and creates a fast but nice read. Although I really enjoyed reading this book, I do think that in the first few pages, I got slightly confused and didn't get stuck into the book as fast as I thought I would. Even with this minor issue I ended up loving it and I think that it was very creatively made. I do believe that it is sharing lots of awareness while also creating an amazing story.

Violet

The John Mason Shadowers

This review is written about the Carnegie short list book Crossing The Line. Crossing the Line is a book about a young boy called Erik struggling through poverty with his mum after his dad passed away suddenly. Just under a year before Erik's dad passed away his mum begins to date another man called Jonny who Erik despises for replacing his father. Later Erik finds his mum in tears and she says she was pregnant with twins and Jonny had left them. With Erik and his mum struggling to even feed them selves and the twins, he ends up being pulled down the dark hole of the world of drug dealing to support his family. Erik in the book is described as a troubled student who is frequently bullied and has a short fuse. He is constantly in trouble and has poor grades. At the climax of the story Erik eventually escapes the claws of the antagonist the drug lord K1 but soon after the family has relocated to escape from there town they find an ominous note by his dying dogs collar stating they know were and they will try to kill his twins next. Overall Crossing the Line was a great book and I thoroughly enjoyed it but some of the topics covered would not be understood by anyone under the age of twelve, so I think anyone around the age of 12-15 would really enjoy it.

Liam

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really thought this book was good. It wouldn't be my cosy favourite given the the theming but it was action-packed and I couldn't put it down. The story was full of bad language, and was probably meant for someone a bit older than me, but it taught a lesson and told a powerful story to me. The bit at the end was unexpected but also a bit unsatisfactory. Overall, a good book for older, thoughtful readers.

Aidan M

Ermysted’s

Crossing The Line is an amazing book all about a boy called Erik who gets tangled into a world of bad when his mum and dad divorce and his mum is left pregnant with twins from her new boyfriend who has now left the same way Erik's first dad did. I love the style of the book as it isn't just line after line after line, the words immerse the reader as they show physically what is going on and it help with imagining what is happening in the book. In my opinion crossing the line is one of the best books I have ever read in my life!

Ozzy

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a very gripping and fascinating story, that I must admit, I read very fast but only because of how much I enjoyed it. It's theme is to do with getting through tough times, and it also has a recurring coming of age feature. The book follows a boy called Erik, who is dealing with the recent trauma of losing his dad, which has affected his home life and family greatly. At first I didn't think it was my type of story but seeing Erik's life progress from year 7 to much further on, I came to realise that there is an emotional side to this story, and he is misunderstood by others in some way, and I think his actions were a way of taking his mind off the loss he experienced. If I were the author, I think the thing I would change about the story would be its ending, and although I understood where the writer was coming from, I would have liked to know what happened next. But aside from that I thoroughly enjoyed Crossing the Line as the way it was written in verse and the way the characters' lives merged to create friendships and betrayals really created a suspenseful but intriguing atmosphere. I would highly recommend Crossing the Line.

Olivia

Skipton Shadows

Crossing the line is about Erik . And he makes very bad decisions. I loved this book because while very deep , it also has friendship and loyalty . What I also like is the fact that it’s free verse ; I think everyone should read a free verse book once in their life . Finally , I would give this book a 4/5

Holly H

VISTA Academy

This book was very well written and interesting. I especially liked how the free verse writing style affected the reading experience, and I found the book to be very immersive and detailed. I found that the characters were believable and realistic, and on the whole I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

Rose

Orpington Library Younger Teens Group

Tia Fisher illustrates many difficulties In Crossing the Line; Narrated by Erik Andersen, A boy struggling through his Teenage years, His main goal: Make his late father proud. However, one thing leads To another and soon enough, Erik is wrapped up amongst Drugs and violence, Trying to salvage the boy He once was. This down-to-earth, Harrowing story Shows that every decision counts, And one wrong step could mean Crossing the line forever. A similar tale to “When Shadows Fall”: A shortlisted book in 2023, Crossing the Line shares this Bleak, troubling storyline Appearing popular with Most audiences over Around 12 years old. Although, this fast-paced Book contains small Highlights of hope to Fade out the darker areas.

Bethan

The Fitzharrys Shadows

"Crossing the Line" is a novel describing the ongoing issue of teenagers being involved in gangs, drugs and county lines. This novel spreads awareness of how quickly you can dig yourself into a hole after doing one "favour" for a criminal. The first line "do you feel safe?" immediately had me gripped and the the fact that the book ends with Erik not being safe, just emphasized how quickly a life can change due to exploitation. This novel had me gripped from the very start, with the unique font and prose style used throughout. I love the fact that this story was based off of truth, as it really made you wonder what so many young teenagers may be going through and we just don't realize. The fact that Erik's mum is always occupied with work and the children, makes you wonder if she was the reason Erik made these bad decisions, or if really he was doomed to fall into trouble after his dad died and he felt the need to take the place of the "man" of the house. Although this book was incredible, I think if Erik's dad's death had something to do with gang violence and that was why he always felt the need to apologize to his father for the trouble he gets into, it would have made the ending even more shocking for the reader. I loved the character of Ravi in the novel, as he was an inspiration for many young teenagers who know they have a friend in trouble. He showed that even if your friend is doing something wrong, you must help them feel safe and get out of the trouble and guide them towards the help needed, even if they don't think they need that help. The idea of having the "credits" at the end like a film was a bit useless and I think it moved away from the idea of the book being serious and having a big impact on the reader, as it made it too comedic and almost as if it was all fake when in truth the story of Erik is very real for many young people. Although this book wasn't perfect, it was definitely the best read out of the ones I've read so far. It was very hard to put down and I think I enjoyed it more because it was aimed at older readers and focused on harder topics. I would rate this book an 8/10 and would recommend it for ages 13+.

Lola

PGHS Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a gripping and meaningful book about a boy named Erik. We follow Erik as he makes his way through high school. At the start of a pandemic Erik's dad sadly dies leaving just Erik and his mum at home. Soon Erik's mum has twins with a man called Johnny. Soon after, Johnny abandons Erik's mum. Erik and his mum are in a tough financial state so Erik ends up in a world of drug dealing to make money for his family but he ends up putting his life and his family and friend's lives in danger. I think that the characters in this book are very well thought out and realistic. An example is Erik's eccentric best friend Ravi who is always there for Erik and trying to convince him to do the right thing. I really like the fact that this story is written in verse because it is nice to read different styles of books. Overall I thought that this book was a brilliant and entertaining read with the right mix of funny and serious.

Noah

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

I really enjoyed this book and found I really sympathised with Erik's story. The book captures his feelings really well in a way that draws you in and immerses you in the story. The use of verse really added to the meaning of the book and kept the pace lively. I found that the book covered more adult themes that I didn't expect for this book. Overall this book is very engaging and I would recommend it to other people to read.

Benjamin R.

Ermysted’s

'The Boy Lost in the Maze' is a fantastic verse novel and a retelling of the story of 'Theseus and the Minotaur'. A hugely enjoyable read with some fantastic illustrations too. I loved how the ancient 'villains' were reimagined in a modern context!

Mr B

Holmfirth High Yoto Crew!

The story is about how Erik's life goes wrong as he makes the wrong decisions for money. He stops following rules and he doesn't get good grades. His life becomes a struggle as he tries to get away with everything by lying. I really liked how realistic this story was, showing how a normal person can go from being a 'good' person to a 'bad' person for money. The emotive language used in this book really allowed me to imagine everything that was taking place in the story. However, I did find some of the chapters dragged on with the same topic and became a bit boring (perhaps these could have been edited?) although I wish the story as a whole had been longer. Overall, this book was great and I would read it again (four out of five stars).

Romeesa

Rockwood Reads

very good book has a wonderful plot and changed my view of verese novels forever but it was way too dark and incredibly stressful 5/10

Katherine

John Masefield

I loved this book because the way that Tia Fisher managed to use detailed formatting and poem style versing was very gripping and made you want to read the next sentence! I admire the way that while the subject of the book is quite important and heavy, Fisher manages to keep it light and at times funny and entertaining. I believe that this book is a perfect read because it keeps you engaged with all of the fun features but can teach you a lot at the same time

Mattia

Fortismere

I really liked this book, it had an engaging plot and due to the stanza-style format, it was an enjoyable and addictive read, which I finished the day it was given to me!

Clementine

Tractor

When I first started read Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher, I thought I understood the meaning of this book, that even if life gets tough you should not give into bad temptations even if you think they will help you. However, after reading and finishing the book, I have realised the meaning is much more significant than that. This book begins with Erik’s dad dying and he and his mother being stuck with twin babies to take care of. With all of these problems at home, Erik’s school life takes a bad turn and he ends up hanging out with two older troublemakers called Ben and Travis who introduce Erik to the world of gangs and drugs. One by one Erik gets more and more involved with all of these gangs until he cannot take it anymore and quits but the notorious drug leader K1 will not let him go so easily. In my opinion, I feel extremely empathetic for Erik, his mother is always with the twins and his best friend Ravi is with his new girlfriend Betty. As a teenager myself, I understand why Erik had to take these drastic measures because Ben and Travis were giving him the first sense of hope he has needed for a long time. I believe this is good example for young teenagers to see into the mind of another young teen and see why he made all of those bad decisions. So now that I have read Crossing the Line I understand the real meaning of this book. It shows the harsh realities that young people have to face and how you can get manipulated into to doing something without even realising it. It also shows how your whole life can turn upside down within a matter of weeks, months or even years.

Elif

Fiction Addiction

Crossing the Line is an extremely thought-provoking read that made me feel very lucky to not have such a tragic life like Erik's. The book deals with subjects such as poverty and grief but the writing brings hope and beauty to a novel all about despair. I think all students from age 11-14 should give this book a go. They will not regret it!

Noah

Fiction Addiction

In my opinion this book was really good and it really gripped my interest I have read it 2 times over the Easter break. I would definitely recommend this book to someone in my year or above because it has some really emotional topics about what anyone could be going through in life.

Tiolu

STCCG Shadowing

Carnegie Book Review Of Crossing The Line by Tia Fisher This book is about a boy whose father dies at the start of the pandemic and his mother is abandoned with baby twins. He is being bullied by people at school for his hair colour and he is annoyed, so he starts being rude at school. He meets these older boys who are not the nicest and they become friends. These boys set him up with a drug dealing job, and everything goes downhill from there. Can he recover it in the end? Story: 8/10, Characters: 8/10, Enjoyable book overall.

Estlin K

Ermysted’s

This book was amazing and very intriguing. I really enjoyed reading this as it’s all written in poetry. I think it’s a great way of showing that not all bad decisions were with bad intentions. The way the book is written ( in poetry ) is so easy to read and truthfully I couldn’t pull me eyes away from the page once I had sat down with it . Poetry is so nice to read as it’s easy to understand the story. Throughout the book there are a few parts of the poem written in an image like style. For example as boxes, spirals and even a gun.

Zofia

The Bentley Woodlanders

Crossing the line was a very interesting book with a different structure to most. it was a compelling story of a boy dragged into drug dealing which i feel is relevant nowadays. i appreciate the realism of the book and the helpful view and story of the creator at the end and i very much enjoyed reading it despite its headache inducing structure. however i believe it could be improved as all can be. 7/10

anekin

Ermysted’s

Crossing the line is a book about a 14 year old boy called Eric who is dealing with the grief and loss of losing his dad. He then gets involved with drug dealing and county lines. First the leader of this scheme called K1 gives him a new phone to make up for one that Eric recently broke, however he says that Eric must give packages containing "weed" to other drug dealers while for Eric this is only one favour however he soon finds it very hard to get out for the fear that these dangerous people could find him and hurt him or worse. Soon this gets very serious as he finds himself spending time in drug dealing houses or trap houses. Soon he finds himself having to go to a totally different part of the country to deliver drugs all while not letting his mum know about his plan. This book was really good and well written however I would only recommend it to 13+ because of the intense situations and the language involved.

Seren

The Fitzharrys Shadows

Crossing the Line is a book about a 14 year old boy called Eric who is dealing with the grief and loss of losing his dad. He then gets involved with drug dealing and county lines. First the leader of this scheme called K1 gives him a new phone to make up for one that Eric recently broke, however he says that Eric must give packages containing "weed" to other drug dealers while for Eric this is only one favour however he soon finds it very hard to get out for the fear that these dangerous people could find him and hurt him or worse. Soon this gets very serious as he finds himself spending time in drug dealing houses or trap houses. Soon he finds himself having to go to a totally different part of the country to deliver drugs all while not letting his mum know about his plan.

Seren

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book is about a boy called Erik. At the start of the book he is just starting secondary school but by the end he is finishing year 9. His dad died when he was in year 5 and when the book begins his mum is dating another man. Soon after, he has twin sisters and the man abandons them. He starts to have more and more responsibilities as the twins grow up but his family is losing money by the day. He gets a job with his best friend but they get fired soon after. After some time he finds another way- drug dealing. He knows that it’s wrong but his family is struggling so much that he no longer cares. He starts regretting his choices and tries to back out but they don’t let him. He threatens to expose them if they don’t leave him and his family alone. After almost a year, he’s finally starting to think that they’ve gone. But have they? I didn’t really enjoy it but I found the use of verse very interesting. It is definitely a book for older readers who are at least 12 due to foul language and the subjects. It is a fictional story about something that often happens in real life and is roughly based on the life of the ‘real’ Erik. I would rate it a 6.5/10.

Hannah

The Fitzharrys Shadows

I thought that the book had really good story telling and a brilliant plot. There was lots of inference in the book, so it may be harder for younger readers to read. Also the book had very grown up themes that involve drugs and murder. The placement of the words was also quite confusing as they slanted on the page (though this did add a personality to each word). In all, it was a very good book and I would read it again.

Alice

Lionheart24

Crossing The Line is about a teenage boy called Erik who is struggling to cope with the recent death of his father, the birth of two new baby sisters and the financial struggles his family are facing. So he turns to drug dealing to find money for his family, but ends up putting his life- and the lives of everyone he loves- in great danger. I liked how the structure of the book was similar to poetry because it made the book unique and eye-catching. Some words were also shaped differently which was very interesting. I also liked how Erik’s complicated thoughts and feelings were written in a way a child or teenager could understand, which is important so that people in similar situations can see themselves reflected in Erik and his story. I think all teenagers should read this book, especially those who need the support, but also those who are worried about a friend or someone they know, so they can do the right thing to help them. Even parents should read this so they can make sure their child is feeling safe and mentally healthy. This book has made me want to read more of this genre and about this topic, because I feel it is important to know how to approach situations like this whether I will need it in my personal life or not, because there is always someone in a more difficult situation to me and I want to be able to help them.

Annapurna

Woking High Flyers

This book presents a compelling and educational narrative that imparts valuable life lessons in a format accessible to both children and adults. I highly recommend this book to individuals of all age groups, as I personally found it to be an enjoyable and enriching read.

TJ

Aldridge School Readers

Crossing the Line was a very emotional book about a lot of real things that some people may go through and it helps others understand the situations that some people are in. Overall, it was a great book and I definitely enjoyed reading it.

Holly

Paulet Readers

Crossing The Line By Tia Fisher was a very enjoyable book, very brutally honest, however I didn't understand one or two terms. I really like verse novels, so I really loved this. This tells us all about the struggles from being connected to gang life, and about what it is like for some people in poverty.

Elsie

St Kaths

I did enjoy the book very much, it was a very compelling read, although some aspects of the language put me off, There were s few swear words. It took me on a journey of how when you do the wrong thing, there's often quite horrible consequences,. At one point Erik was attacked by someone with a knife because he was in the wrong territory of the drug dealing world. At the start Erik was very careless and silly, but he was in a rather difficult position at the time. He didn't tell anyone, and he was untrusting of others. As the story progressed he got caught in a web of lies making his situation even worse. He didn’t want to admit he was doing wrong or scare his mother. Towards the end of the story, he manages to stand up to his oppressors, when he receives a death threat for his twin sisters and this frightens him. Erik then makes a wise decision to contact a support group for children involved with drugs. At the end you're not clear on whether he's safe or not, you are left to come to that conclusion yourself. I think this book is good for creating empathy for children caught up in these situations and it may give courage to someone who is going through this. I would reread this book because it is a very engaging story and I like crime based novels.

Rosellen

Rebel Readers

'Crossing the Line' by Tia Fisher is a beautiful bildungsroman book that follows the story and of young Erik. The story is a verse novel which I personally found made the book harder to read due to the poetic structures. None the less, the plot is most enjoyable and guides the reader through an emotional roller-coaster. I would recommend this book to verse novel enjoyers.

caitlin

Brooke Weston Book Busters

I thought this book was very good and easy to read. The only parts that were difficult to read was when the text went into shapes. I felt like the book showed the dangers of becoming part of a gang. The book was showing how if you talk to the wrong people you could easily be dragged into something you never thought you would do.

James W-B

Ermysted’s

I really enjoyed this book. It's well written and makes you empathise with Eric and see how someone could get themselves in the situation he does. The one thing I disliked was how it was formatted but that's more of a personal preference. 8/10

Isobel

Eltham Hill Book Club

Crossing the line is a great book which tells the story of a teen who gets forced to work for a gang and help them fight in the gang war and he has to do it otherwise his family may become homeless. One of my favourite bits in this book is when he wins a running race for his school and becomes the new favourite to try escape from the gang. It is a great, gripping book that will keep you wanting to read it with a great plot and storyline. In my opinion, I would recommend this book to Year 9's to Year 11's and teen's that are interested in real life themes including gangs. Overall, I believe it is a great book and deserves to be on the Carnegie List.

Bulent

Fiction Addiction

I personally loved this book, I loved its storyline the way the characters are shown and the hardships and struggles that it presents. The main character is a boy called Eric who lost his dad at a young age and his family struggles with money. He makes a lot of bad decisions which lead to a lot of trouble including taking and selling drugs. However when his little sisters get threatened things change.

Emma

Bookiewookiedoodaas

This book is very powerful as in the way in some parts of the book you could feel Erik's pain. I really enjoyed reading this book there were some topics that I didn't really know about before but it kind of shows you more about how taken for granted some peoples life's are. One of My favorite moments was when Alice (one of Erik's little sisters) falls asleep on Erik it sort of shows the start of there relationship. In this book some parts I feel like Erik is a bad kid but when you see how he's just doing it because he wants to help out his family I really do feel sympathy he's just a kid and trying to help out his mom trying to be the man of the house but you can see how he's struggling. But you cant help but feel so horrible after seeing what he has to go through I cant imagine being in his place it shows how much you take for granted. I found this book very powerful, emotional and wonderful. I think everything bad that's happen builds up and up until something horrible happens and that's what happens in life you have to know the consequences. Overall I think this book is really good it has a lot of messages about some peoples lives. Those who cant share there story it shows you how lucky you are and how thankful you should be for where you are know. So I personally really enjoyed this book some parts where a little bit uncomfortable to read but in the end it pulled together and ended up being great.

Nora

Bredon Readers

This is an amazing book which keeps you hooked throughout the story. It gives you an insight to what some people's lives are like and what they've had to face.

Amelia

Reepham Readers

I really liked this book. I found it interesting, and once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I really liked the fact that there was lots of drama, and it was very tense at times. overall, this was a good book, and I would rate it 8/10.

Dylan

TBGS Readers

I thought it was a very good book because it kept me wanting to read on and I started to forget that I was reading it for a homework and I was just reading and reading for enjoyment. The writing style and font kept me wanting to read and I have never read a book like that before. But in my opinion the mum could have had a bigger role in the storyline. That is the only thing I would say the author could have improves on but otherwise the book was fantastic and taught you lots.

Jack

Norwich School Carnegie Shadowers

Really enjoyed this honest and very emotive journey. Loved the style of writing too, the verses and the style of the writing of the verse is just brilliant! A little eye-opening to be honest. Beautifully and honestly written. A book every senior school child should read!

Mrs Allsopp

The Reading Queens

This is such a great book. Erik is such a passionate character. His decisions are heavily impacted by peer pressure which is like real life. Tia Fisher makes the reader feel sorry for Ravi but also question his decisions. I'm still a bit confused about the ending. Did he get help in the end?

Hanna

BSG

Erik has been having a hard time because his dad died. His mum met a man called Johnny. Johnny left them because she had twin sisters. Erik has been making bad decisions

Michelle

VISTA Academy

Crossing the Line is about a boy called Erik whose dad died due to covid. His life is turning upside down when his mum gets a new boyfriend who dumps her when she is pregnant. Ravi is Erik's only friend at secondary school until he goes to a playground outside of school and meets Ben and Travis who earn a lot of money. Over the course of the book Erik finds himself in sticky situations he must try and work his way out of. Since his dad died, he and his mum are poor and cannot afford the things they used to. School is a large challenge Erik must face with a brave face because since his dad died, he doesn’t care about grades just earing money. I liked that the ending is a bit of a cliffhanger and that as the book progresses tension builds up. Never did I think I would like to read a book written in verse. Giving that it had a bit of violence and a lot about drugs I enjoyed it. This book is a great book for people who like gripping books that you cannot put down. Here Erik is really good at making bad decisions. Like a race it is impossible to not want to finish it. I would give a rating out of five it would be 4. Negatives about the book are hard to find but if I had to do one thing, I would say is that I personally think it may have had a lot of characters that make it hard to remember who is who. Evidently, in some parts of the book you may feel like crying but others like jumping for joy.

Sophia

The Fitzharrys Shadows

This book is amazing. the detail is great and it is written in a style so passionate. This is a interesting, want to read on book that has the exactly perfect plot line and is very suitable for people my age. it is very fun to read and I cannot wait to finish it!

Hanna

BSG

Reading crossing line was a great privilege as it was such a filled book . Every chapter left me wanting to read more and the authors creative writing added a new interesting twist to literature. Not only was it creative it also showed the reader the true hard facts about what does happen in life and how they can affect you. As you go through this book you begin to learn more about the character, his feelings, his friend and his family. Although , the one little thing that could be improved was that fact that through many off the songs Erik’s friend would play songs that many children would not know or listen to nowadays and this might have a slight effect on the reader . Overall this is a great read and would really recommend.

Georgie

Waddesdon Shadowers

Crossing the line is a book about a boy called Erik who has quite a difficult life. Erik goes to Holland Road Secondary. His dad dies early on in the book and his mom’s boyfriend dumps her leaving her to look after Erik and his new born half-sisters, Esme and Alice. In the book, Erik, in order to make some money so his mom can afford babysitting, results into delivering drugs for a person called K1 after boys older than him, Ben and Travis, tell him to do so. I did not like this book a lot and didn’t really enjoy it. This is because I first didn’t like how the book was written as it was a verse book. For example, some words were arranged in a circle making it hard to read and can strain your eyes from time to time. However, I have mostly read normal structured novels and this is part of one of the few verse novels I have read so maybe I am just used to reading normal novels. As I’m shadowing this for writing, I don’t think this book is a worthy candidate. The book keeps going ahead of time in a short span and it was hard to keep up with the pace of the book. Also, I didn’t appreciate the abrupt ending and I did not understand it at all due to its fast pace. On the other hand, I liked the fact how the author starts the book with a question for you adding the personal touch to this book and it makes the reader feel important to the author. Therefore, I will give this book 2 stars particularly because the book was rushed and I didn’t like the format of how the book was written. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 13+ as this book contains sensitive topics.

Manas

MTS Northwood

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great insight into the dark daily life of children going through this and how I can help. I was gripped from the first page and I could barely put it down for the entire book. It is very different than books I usually read but it was still amazing.

Pip

Herts and Essex

As I was aware this is based off of a true story, while starting I questioned if the writer would be capable of showing a true point of view and while the start is slow from then on I felt fully immersed believing it had been written by the boy- incredible props to Tia Fischer! There are many different points for people of any background to relate to, whether it be poor, a close ones death, anger, bullied; they are all written with the emotion of having experienced them ,making it all the more relatable and recognisable. The writing style of free verse is congenial to young audiences looking for a short yet stimulating story. Coming from a bad off background, it felt so relieving knowing that situations similar to mine could be reflected in ways not just for pity but to understand and reflect. Overall, this is a book I can confidently recommend to those wishing for a realistic look into a true background and riveting writing. I rate it a high 8/10.

Sarah

Fiction Addiction

It's a sad book, but also a beautiful one! It shows real life struggles and things people have to go through daily. Its descriptive and good with words; the things that happen in the book may hit home for some people, or make others sad. That's how good it is. Its powerful and thrilling, sad and beautiful. I would recommend. 10/10!

Meredith

Kingdown 24

I really enjoyed this book, specifically the portrayal of Erik and Ravi's friendship throughout. Ravi's continuous loyalty added a touch of hopefulness to the plot, especially towards the end. I enjoyed the structure massively, it definitely peaked my interest as this isn't something I usually see in the books I read and I thought the layout was incredibly clever. The characters were well written and easy to picture in every day life. The ending was surprising, although I enjoyed it and it flowed nicely with the story. Would definitely recommend.

Abi

Kingdown 24

I really enjoyed the plot of this book. It is about a boy grieving for his father who gets caught up in county lines drug dealing. The layout of it frustrated me though because it feels like the author is just trying to make a smaller book bigger by making the lines smaller and some words vertical or translucent. Overall though I enjoyed the book but it is held back by the layout

joe

Kingdown 24

I really liked this book and I think that it was interesting because if Erik hadn't left the school with Ben and Travis then none of what happens would have taken place. I also like the structure of the poems and how they were laid out as it made it more interesting to read. My favorite structure of a poem was the poem that was shaped as a gun. I think it touched on some very important issues and I really enjoyed reading it.

Emily

Kingdown 24

I like the book but I felt like it jumped from side to the other when he got involved in stuff he shouldn't've .

Jess

Kingdown 24

Another great book written in verse! The way how the sentences were laid out like in the bit with the gun and the word were made to shape like a gun made it nice to look at. I really like how Ravi, Erik the main characters best friend, never gives up on Erik even after he gets pulled into gangs, drugs and smoking. Really good book. Definitely recommend. 4.5/5 stars.

Ethan

High Storrs Carnegie Shadowing Group

It is crazy how many kids get roped into doing county lines, and get injured and even KILLED along the way. Doing the wrong thing for the right reason, still makes it wrong. I am still a bit confused at the ending, does he call services and tell them about the drug dealings? Or does he leave it took nervous to do anything. I cannot believe they traced him down and poisoned the dog. The threat seems scary because his sister's would be hurt next.

Mahiba

The Reading Queens

I really enjoyed Crossing the Line. It is a novel written in verse, using the themes of complicated family ties, bottled up feelings and criminal influences really well within it. I liked how the words were set out to picture the ideas that were being conveyed, as well as them being described. I also think the book helps people to understand that it is really hard to get out of a situation like that once you are in it, and that seemingly harmless events can lead up to danger.

Mabel

High Storrs Carnegie Shadowing Group

This was a really great book with a good reference of linking back the question of feeling safe at the beginning and at the end. I loved the setup of the verses and that the story is based on real life situations. Although,reading it was a bit hard since some text was swirled around in circles and I had to turn the whole book around.

Emma

Fiction Addiction

This book was very well written, and, at first, the use of verses put me off, but a few pages in, and I no longer noticed. The layout of the verses is really cool, with the words forming shapes. I really got stuck into this book and really didn't want to put it down.

Juliette

GreatB00ks

I really enjoyed reading this book as previously I had quite a closed view on verse novels but I was blown away by the complex and sometimes brutally simple language to portray the emotions of a young boy struggling to support his family and to stay alive at some points it nearly brought me to tears I would say that it is a must read. :)

benjy

Fortismere

This literary work stands out as an exceptional and profoundly relatable piece, offering invaluable guidance to young individuals who may be grappling with the recent loss of a loved one. It serves as a beacon of hope even in the dark, showcasing ways to navigate away from the shadows of adversity, whether it be the challenges feeling drugs and impactful situations or the trials of poverty and loss. Through its succinct yet impactful narrative, the book not only sheds light on these struggles but also conveys crucial lessons on resilience and empathy. The book's short yet interactive structure enhances its accessibility, providing an engaging reading experience that surpasses many others. Personally, I found its approach both refreshing and enlightening, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fellow young readers seeking advice and understanding many peoples backgrounds. In my evaluation, this book receives a commendable rating of 7 out of 10.

Angela

Fiction Addiction

I really enjoyed this book and I loved the way that it used different font, sizes, shapes and spaces within the pages to portray the story. I think that it's a very well written and entertaining story to read. I would definitely recommend this book to a range of ages and think that it would be an enjoyable read for many people. I loved this book and think that it is a brilliant story.

Ellie

GreatB00ks

I really enjoyed this book and the way the text was presented. It was quick read but really enjoyable. Would definitely recommend.

oliver

Gartree Carnegies

The book was extremely good. The use of formating emphasised the words on the page very well. The story was excelent and the author gave all of the characters a lot of realism and relevance. It was also very exciting and a gripping, quick read. Overall, an amazing book.

Ben

Fortismere

This was a very good book, the use of verse was a very interesting choice for a book about gangs. It was written in a very realistic way that actually shows how people get drawn into gangs. It was very exciting and explains some of the misconceptions about gangs, like how some people think that you can just leave and say 'no', or that gangs are full of really mean people.

Huxley

Fortismere

Written in poetry form on a topic a lot of schools and families deal with unfortunately. Erik’s family is falling apart and he gets mixed up running drugs and county lines. The lies he tells, the situations he finds himself get more and more twisted and dangerous. Really stunning read.

Ruth

Oxted Carnegie Group

Such a moving book, beautifully written in verse with a main character who completely draws you in. Emotional, funny, and dark at times, I couldn’t put it down. Definitely aimed towards the slightly older pupils in our school.

Mrs McA

Killy Krew

I thought the book was very good and highlighted a great lesson about the dangers of drugs and selling them too, and about the dangers of gangs. I thought it emphasised very well the amount of people that use drugs as is shown by the use of the scenario of Jordan ikes' mother getting cocaine from Erik. Therefore, this is a largescale problem in society. The dangers of gangs were shown by how Mike got stabbed and how the package Erik had to look after for K1 was a gun. Overall, I think it was a good book that taught some important lessons.

TJ

Aldridge School Readers

Erik is a Year 9 boy who falls on hard times with his family. Trying to make some money to help his mum and his sisters, he makes some bad decisions and falls in with a gang, led by adult criminals. This story is a tough read at times, made even harder by the fact that it could be a true story about what’s happening to children in cities throughout the UK. This book is rated 13+ because of its violence and some bad language. There is also reference to drugs. I enjoyed this book and was gripped from the start. I think parents, teachers and other people in authority should read this. It’s an important book.

Ms Taylor

Bredon Readers

Crossing The Line is a meaningful novel that commonly explores county lines, written by Tia Fischer. After the death of Erik's father, his life starts to crumble and fall apart. Throughout the book, Erik starts joining gangs and making terrible decisions. Even so, the money he makes feels great. But soon, he learns that favours can come with a debt. Crossing one more line might save both him and his sisters.

Selin

Fiction Addiction

A wonderful read that really sheds an in-depth, personal perspective on a scarcely spoken about topic that deserves more discussion. With this dive into the experience of county lines, I find it easier to empathize with victims and what they are going through in comparison to the detached view I had of county lines from what I've learned in school before reading this. The well written emotions really helped with this—it was easy to feel what Erik was feeling, the tension, the suspense and the fear. Everything. I also really enjoyed seeing all the different shapes the text took and how it correlated to what that particular bit of the story was about. The domino motif was also super interesting to me, of bad decisions and choices stacking up and eventually toppling over. Overall, a brilliant, enlightening read that I would very much recommend.

Gabriele

Ernulf readers

Crossing the Line is a novel in the first person, which describes a boy called Erik going into the dark world of drug dealing to make some extra cash. It is very tragic and was a moving read, describing his feelings and school troubles. The format was interesting but I think it added to the first person view of this situation. Overall, I enjoyed this book!!! I recommend it to teens as there were some unexpected mature topics.

Rana

Fiction Addiction

Crossing the Line is a powerful and compelling story that explores peer pressure and other hot topics. Erik is bereaved after his father’s death and feels lost. His mum meets a new partner and unexpectedly has twins, sending their lives into crisis. Suddenly, Erik is thrown into a world of terror – drug dealing, trap houses, violence – when he accepts an offer by a local gang. At first, it seems easy, and he is earning a good sum of money for his family, but he comes to realise that this was more than he bargained for and, just like he says, he may be ‘crossing the line’ again… I quite enjoyed Crossing the Line! I think it demonstrated a really strong and important message that there is help out there: it separates itself from other books by the fact that is very different and unlike anything I have ever read before. I thought there were points in the novel that were more captivating than others, but I did feel hooked from the beginning as the author was alluding to something big and terrible happening; generally, I thought it was an interesting read. The single thing that I think stood out and surprised me the most, was how easily things can get out of control. The story, particularly the ending, made me feel quite emotional. My favourite character is Ravi because I think he is the perfect example of a loyal friend who is always there for you through thick and thin. One thing that I really didn’t like about this book was the structure. Although I thought the style was a creative and original concept, I just found it very annoying to read around and I felt it was unnecessary that it was written in verse because it had no relation to the actual story. It was particularly frustrating on page 55 when the writing curved around into a circle and at the beginning of the chapter, Boxes. Overall, I think Crossing the Line is a pretty good story that is powerful, unique and gripping. I would recommend this book to readers aged 13+, as it goes in depth about some sensitive topics.

Lucy

The Fitzharrys Shadows

The Yoto Carnegies, 'Crossing the line' by Tia Fisher I devoured this book, Crossing the Line . It was one of my favourite books; it was so gripping and I didn’t want to put it down. The way it is set out as poems is interesting but I found it made it easier to read in these little chunks. The story line is moving and at points I really felt for the characters, ( such as when Erik’s mum found out the truth about her son). I think the author was very talented in that sense . On page 344 the poem is very cool as it represent what it means . Another way of feeling connected to the book is on the final page as they address to the reader and they use the phrase “do you feel safe.” Which Is one of the many thought provoking phrases in the book. And finally I think the title is there to be interpreted because the boy is crossing county lines but he is also crossing the line of truth. I would really recommend this book.

Ava

The John Mason Shadowers

This book is incredible. It is so realistic and takes the reader on an emotional rollercoaster as you follow the story of Erik, the young boy who is sadly swept up into county lines. Teenagers will really understand so many aspects of this book and it definitely spreads awareness of gangs, drug dealing and county lines. Unfortunately, so many young people will be able to relate to this in some way, either with the county lines and drugs, or with poverty, or with difficult family life, or with the death of a loved one. So many difficult topics wrapped up into one book. In the end, it shows love, and how family and friends are most important. Erik has always been friends with Ravi, then suddenly he doesn’t think Ravi is cool enough for him, says he’s a nerd, says he’s weird, and Erik becomes friends with the wrong people. Erik’s very good at making the wrong choices. He will become friends with Ravi again though, so it’s ok in the end. I loved how the book doesn’t completely sort itself out and the problems don’t disappear, because real life isn’t like that, but Erik gets help and the reader realises that Erik (and anyone in his situation) isn’t alone and there is help out there. The ending being like that made the story way more realistic. Yes, it does have strong language (lots of swears on lots of pages) and there are violent scenes, but these make it way more realistic. I finished this book in under 24 hours, it was that good. Also, the way the book is formatted like poetry is really different and makes it more interesting. It shows poetry can really be many things. I rate this book a 9.5/10 and the only reason it isn’t a 10/10 is because it is quite short when you realise there aren’t many words on each page, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing!

Beatrice

LSST Library Shadowers

Crossing the line is a really thrilling and exhilarating book, although it contains strong language, violent scenes and drugs.But despite all that it is a brilliant book which involves Erik telling his life's story. This extraordinary book has a gripping story line and is really with reading it. I recommend this book to all ages above 13 and give it a 4.5 stars out of 5. I hope this review will help you out with "Crossing the line"

Gabo

Macaulay Book Club

Based on a true story, Erik's life has become difficult following the death of someone close to him. Struggling to deal with his own grief while attempting to help his family he makes a number of bad choices and finds himself, and those he loves, in a situation with no good choices left to make. Brilliantly written, the fast-paced verse narrative perfectly matches how quickly situations can escalate out of control. A dark tale of county lines, choices and consequences, Crossing the Line also highlights that even in the darkest moments finding the courage to ask for help can provide hope and a way out of seemingly impossible situations.

Mrs W

SCD Pageturners

"Crossing the Line" is an incredible debut novel. Fisher experimented with structure and format, and created an excellent book written in concrete poetry. The book explores the theme of drug dealing really well, and creates a believable character that narrates the story wittily. I really enjoyed this book: I finished it in 3 hours, and fell in love with the plot. "Crossing the Line" is one of those books that feels authentic, and I really enjoyed immersing myself in Erik's story.

Ruby

Fiction Addiction

I really enjoyed reading crossing the line. despite the unusal layout that I didnt expect to like. The plot had lots of twists and turns however the author didnt over-do it. It was easy to pick up and read in small sections as it had small vesres, wich was useful at school so that I could quickly read a few pages and then put it down when needed. the theme wasnt the sort of thing i would often read however this didnt stop me enjoying the book. i felt like i could really understand what Erik was going through becasue of the way the book is written. the use of metaphors aloso enhanced the experince. overall, this was a very intresting and unique read.

mae

Fortismere

I found the story to be really interesting and progressed at a good rate but one problem was the book differed from the normal book layout (e.g each line was about half the page instead of the whole page like usual and the words bended off the rows) which bothered me while I read it but you get used to it pretty quickly. Other than that the storyline was great, you could understand the relationships between the characters and it really showed the harsh reality of getting tied into things like this.

ava

Fortismere

The book is an incredibly good read and goes in depth into the struggles and hardship of poverty and coercion. The fact that it is in verse only adds to the beauty and contrasts the stark reality of crossing the lines. It also serves as guide to how to stay away from this horrific enterprise. I would rate this book a 9/10.

Ethan

The John Mason Shadowers

Crossing the Line is a very interesting, exciting book about a boy called Erik who wants to make some extra money. He decides to get involved in gang life and works for a man called K1. This book uses strong language to show how roadmen and gangstas speak. Overall, i enjoyed reading this book and would like to read more of the author’s books.

yusuf c

Ermysted’s

I read the book called Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher. It is a story written in verse, which for the concept of the storyline was really effective. It is set in modern- day England in a struggling family. At the start of the book, Eric’s dad had just died, and he was angry and sad all at the same time. His mum didn’t have a job so there was no one to provide for the family. After a little while, too soon for Eric’s liking, his mum had found a new boyfriend. Eric did not like him. Soon after, his mum is pregnant again but she and her ‘boyfriend’ got in a fight, and he left. Again, no one to provide. Soon, she gives birth to twins... An extra, unexpected mouth to feed. Eric knows he must do something, but he makes the wrong decision. He began to enter a world of crime, drug dealing. Eventually, after a time of close calls, life or death situations and a gun, he says, 'NO!’ My favourite thing about the book is that it is quite inspiring, and it gives out a message, ‘If you are in a tough spot, you can always get through.’ I would recommend to readers 12+.

Zack WF

Ermysted’s

This is a gripping book about a boy, who we can sympathise with or relate to which makes you feel involved in the book. It is page-turning and the format is unique, making the reader excited and engaged. I recommend it to anyone who wants an engrossing book which tugs at your heartstrings.

Kenza

Fiction Addiction

'Crossing the Line' is an incredibly moving book which tells a story which needs to be told. I enjoyed the poems which could have used a bit more structure and I love the way the writer weaved in a tiny bit of comedy in the right places. I love Ravi’s kindness and that he’s always there for Eric. I found it bleak and scary at lots of points in the book and it made me feel happy that I wasn’t in Eric's position because I feel it could have happened to anyone. Although I think it’s important that we explore and have happy endings, I would’ve liked to know a bit more about what happened to Eric and whether he was safe in the end. I love the addition of the twins and of Stern Mr R who all added something in their own ways. I didn’t understand what was happening in some of the bits as I thought the poetry was going a bit too fast but overall it was a beautiful book told in a beautiful way which I loved. 8 out of 10 stars.

Seb

The St. Bede’s Literary Critics

I devoured this book within 24 hours and was completely blown away by it! It’s very clear that Tia Fisher has researched this subject thoroughly by using first-hand accounts and consulting with organisations who support young people and their families who have, unfortunately, found themselves drawn into this violent, frightening and ruinous world. As I was reading Crossing The Line, I felt I could trust the authenticity of the tale being told as one that is lived by real young people and their families and I was really invested in Erik’s tale – it was shocking to see how easily someone’s life can change and the draw of the “opportunities” offered to them to “improve” their circumstances. The book provoked a range of powerful emotions for the different characters, especially hatred for the dealers and gangs who find the weaknesses in people and so move in to take over their lives and then rule with fear. The control they have over others (young drug runners who then turn on each other, the vunerable people whose homes they have taken over, the families who are so scared of repercussions etc..) really makes you realise that once in this situation, it takes a courageous person to get away from it; it’s virtually impossible without the right help. The timing of everything that happened in Erik’s life left him wide-open to being groomed into this seedy, violent and frightening underworld but it also helped me realise the importance of teachers, friends and families who should notice and be curious about each other’s lives. As an educationalist, I was disappointed by the fact that Erik’s teachers weren’t curious enough about what was causing the change in him because this is key to keeping our children safe. The prose style of writing lent itself well to the first person voice leading us to think like Erik and ask yourself as a reader what YOU would do in that situation. It got straight to the point by using the language of the situation – it didn’t need to explain, it made assumptions that the reader would “catch on”, which we did. A powerfully written message that I think all staff in schools should read for safeguarding purposes. I loved this book and it’s left a lasting impression on me which, with the amount I read, is rare. Thank you.

Claire

Woking High Flyers

I really enjoyed Crossing the Line. It was a clever verse novel that highlighted the issue of children being exploited in gang crime. It was an easy read, but very gripping with a good storyline nonetheless. I also liked the quirky way in which it was formatted, with many different fonts and interesting calligrams. It really breached the idea of "What is poetry?" I thought it was overall a very good book with a good plot about a serious issue.

Max

Fortismere

I think the storyline of this book was very good. Sometimes it was a little hard to understand what was going on because of the way it is written out. I would still recommend this book and I thought it was very good.

Henry

Ermysted’s

This was a fascinating story about County Lines and how easily you can get dragged into the drug trade. It was very emotional making me feel worry and relief for the character at emotional times, however I would have liked a better ending to the story as it was left on a cliff hanger instead of an absolute ending. While this may be liked by some people as it gives them a chance to use their imagination however I would much rather a certain ending.

Tomasz

Ermysted’s

Crossing the line is a cautionary story about the journey of Erik as he is drawn into a deal of easy money, he soon falls in with the wrong group and struggles to free himself. I think that this is a really good book and I like that Erik can always find a friend in the (slightly geeky) Ravi who never gives up on him. however, I did not think that the roll the credits bit where the dog was killed is needed it didn't add anything to the story. This book is written in verse, which I think is a brilliant way to convey the story.

Caiden o

VISTA Academy

"Crossing the Line" was a well-thought thriller, me being scared of what would happen every time I turn the page. It was a sad reminder of not only that county lines exist and affect teen students, but also that modern literature is usually tragical and usually written in verse, which is (in my opinion) a modern cliche. But other than that, the plot was very good and definitely is in the mix for the Carnegie Writing Award.

Yuvan

CRGS Book Society

"Crossing The Line" was a great book which spoke about deep and important issues within society in a way most books would not be able too. In terms of the plot, I enjoyed it very much however the ending ended up being a little bit anti-climactic, leaving me feeling like there was all this build up that just didn't go anywhere. However, the book still left me wanting to know more about Erik and his friends and family. The whole story was very well written and incredibly engaging with twists and turns along the way. There is one message I would like to tell the author after reading "Crossing The Line" and that is, please don't write books where dogs get hurt, thank you.

Jess

Fiction Addiction

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a thrilling adventure that had me hooked from page one! It's about two best friends who stumble upon a hidden cave and embark on the journey of a lifetime. The story is packed with twists, turns, and unexpected surprises that kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved how the characters faced challenges together, strengthening their bond along the way. Fisher's writing is so vivid; I felt like I was right there with them! Overall, Crossing the Line is an epic read that's perfect for anyone who loves action-packed adventures!

kieran

Fiction Addiction

This is a novel written in verse; the placement of the words on the page are as important in telling the story as the words themselves. A lot of the themes in this book are quite complex and dark, with the story dealing with Erik as he falls in with a bad crowd and starts to find himself feeling trapped in his situation. I was rooting for Erik throughout and hoping he would be able to turn his situation around; running seemed to be a bit of a lifeline for him. Sadly, this story is underpinned by the knowledge that there are so many real teenagers in similar predicaments.

Ms Gilchrist

High Storrs Carnegie Shadowing Group

Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher is a novel written in verse which uses interesting presentation, a believable storyline and three-dimensional characters to engage the reader. I found the development of the story realistic and interesting and Erik was an unlikable main character whist still allowing that reader to root for him and hope he can get himself out of his situation. The solutions and lies spiral in a way that makes the reader empathise with Erik and the presentation of the words in order to create pictures that add to the story rather than accompanying it. 9/10

Eleni

VISTA Academy

This was a very interesting read. It's not the type of book I would usually read, but I found it a book I would read again. It was quite hard going topics, and quite sad in places. But I thought it was also sweet and funny. I really think this could win. I liked to poems, they added a lot to the story. The book made me think. I think it was sad as well as frightening in some places. The book was brutally honest and eye opening. I will definitely read Fisher's other books now.

Grace

Ossie’s bookworms

I liked this book because it portrayed character development because it shows a kid going into drugs and dealing but after a while he and Ravi managed to get out of this situation I rate this book a 7/10

baasim

Ermysted’s

Meet fourteen-year-old Erik, who mourns for his father and is now the new man in the house until his mum finds a new lover. When she gets pregnant, it is up to Erik to find a way to keep his family safe. When Erik makes his own choices, everything builds up to where it reaches the top. Read this book to join Erik and his everlasting decisions, which lead him to trouble.

Afreen

Skipton Shadows

A fascinating story that sheds light onto the struggles of life. The use of county lines in the book brings to light the damaging effects it has on the children it exploits. Would definitely recommend.

Sam S

Ermysted’s

An amazing and illuminating verse novel about manipulation of young people in drug dealing and how hard it is to escape. It also discusses providing for a family and bereavement as a young person. I would definitely recommend this book as it absolutely gripped me!

Eve

St Kaths

Crossing The Line is written by Tia Fisher. It is a powerful story about impossible choices. This book is written for KS3 students and could really impact their future actions against other people. This is the story of Erik Andersen, who is excellent at making bad decisions. His bad behaviour in school, caused by his father's death, catches the attention of a local gang and Erik is pulled into a terrifying world of trap houses, drug dealing and violence. Each chapter is more exciting than the last one and the language is very realistic too. The author thought about how different types of kids speak and used those words to portray different characters and their personalities. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys real-life situation kind of books. It's an inspiring novel and you get to witness the kinds of struggles people go through.

Yagmur

Fiction Addiction

The lines were all wavy and weird which messed up my brain. The plot was ok. The book cover was very nice.

Rudra

Orpington Library Younger Teens Group

I found this book to be very similar to life skills lessons on the subject but I enjoyed the fresh perspective and story that is often underrepresented in mainstream media. Also, I liked that Erik’s thoughts and decisions were articulated in such a way that it made it clear to see how and why people in real life might get into a similar situation so easily. However, I find verse novels difficult to process, so did not particularly like the style it was written in and I found the plot predictable and reminiscent of similarly-themed films, books and, unfortunately, life skills videos. Overall though, I quite liked the book and especially the pertinent messages it contained.

Rosie

Bookiewookiedoodaas

This is one of the best books I've read so far. Erik slowly falls into a path of drugs and gets caught up in very nasty business. At the end of the book the way he and Ravi manage to get out of that situation is very smart. The layout of the text in this book just makes it so much more enjoyable to read aswell. I would recommend this to 13-18 year old and rate it a 9.5/10.

Bassit

Ermysted’s

An incredible book. Moving, gripping, thought provoking. I think this is an early contender for the medal. One for older/more mature readers

Mrs C

Ossie’s bookworms

I think this book will win the award, it was a gripping tale where Erik had to make a choice whether to stay poor or get involved in drug dealing, violence and trap houses. This book shows that whatever lies you tell, the truth will eventually win. This book was brilliant, I recommend to any older reader.

Ben

Ossie’s bookworms

The progression of this book was really good, with Erik starting off sad and angry at his dad, then falling into a spiral of drugs and dealing, then recovering through sport, friends and family. It was pretty good despite it being a poem book.

Aaron

Ermysted’s