Crossing the Line by Tia Fisher
'Do you feel safe?' A powerful novel exploring how teenagers can be swept up into county lines. For fans of PUNCHING THE AIR and SPLINTERS OF SUNSHINE.While this novel is a work of fiction, it offers real insight into how children are groomed and coerced by adult criminals. * Claire Alldis, National Disrupting Exploitation Programme Manager for The Children’s Society *
This is an outstanding and important novel that should be widely read by parents and teachers as well as by the young people who will find it gripping, relatable, authentic and unputdownable. * LoveReading4Kids *
Crossing the Line is a fast-paced, highly readable novel in verse. This an exciting and growing sub-genre of YA fiction that tends to particularly appeal to reluctant or disengaged readers. The innovative use of different fonts and layouts in this case is particularly appealing and draws the reader into the narrative. The post-covid setting is very relatable and the murky world of drug dealing makes for addictive reading. * School Reading List *
Let's hope the young people who read this brilliant book pass it on to their parents. They'll learn a lot. * Brian Patten, poet and author of Monster Slayer *
A gripping read that packs a real punch. Compelling, gutsy and important, Crossing the Line is a stunning debut. * Lucy Cuthew, author of Blood Moon *
Moving and compelling. * Louisa Reid, author of Wrecked *
I loved every moment - I could not put it down. THIS is why verse novels are so brilliant - the atmosphere captured in so few words, the rhythm, the characters and the extraordinary content. Highly highly recommended. Eye opening, compelling, and with characters I deeply care about. This is a book that will make a real difference. * Zana Fraillon author of The Way of Dog *
Crossing the Line is a very exciting and engaging read...the book does a brilliant job exploring the idea of how one small choice can have a domino effect and spiral into massive consequences. Erik is a great protagonist, really feeling for him as he battles hardship after hardship, all in the hope of helping his struggling family. The writing is super accessible and the creativity in the shape of the poetry really makes this book stand out. It's a well-paced story that will make it all too easy to "just read one more page... I know this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, suitable for 12+ years -- Ruth Ennis * Children's Books Ireland *
I found myself totally immersed into Erik's world and the decisions he had to make. An incredibly powerful and poignant verse novel with themes of friendship, empathy, guilt & love. Totally compelling & engaging. * Jenny Hawke, Bromley Libraries *
An incredible book which focuses on county lines - definitely one to share with students, staff and parents. * Shorny Malcolmson, PiXL Reading. *
Urgent, intelligent and heart-breaking. . . would make a terrific graphic novel. . . I hope it will be widely read in schools up and down the UK. * Matthew Fox, author of The Sky Over Rebecca *
A fantastic YA verse novel that is brutally honest. * Book Riot *
A gripping verse novel that tells the story of Erik and how he gets sucked into the underworld of crime, drugs and county lines in order to help his family. I loved the playing with layout in this book and the sparse writing style makes it very accessible. Based on a true story, it is packed with voice and emotion. Ages 13+ * Irish Independent *
Fisher researched the issue of county lines thoroughly and her book pulls no punches in both educating and warning, helping to raise the profile of this callous exploitation of children * Books For Keeps *
Tia Fisher's debut novel is pure brilliance. * Just Imagine *
a memorable story...highly recommended * The School Reading List *
Involving and important debut -- Nicolette Jones * The Times *
Tia Fisher writes books for the rebel inside her. She spent her youth desperate to escape the boredom of a tiny village in Norfolk, writing poems of love and rebellion and reading indiscriminately through the shelves of the local library.
After being expelled from boarding school and dropping out of university, Tia had a bewildering variety of jobs - from TV presenter to ESOL teacher to artists' model - before finding her happy place working in libraries and writing stories. In her fifties she went back to university, and is now the proud owner of a master's degree in writing for young people. She recently moved back to Norwich and now she loves it.
Tia's debut teen verse novel, Crossing the Line, was the winner of the 2024 Yoto Carnegie Shadowers' Choice Medal and the UKLA 11-14+ prize, and is in the 2024 Reading for Empathy collection. In 2026 Piccadilly Press will publish Tia's debut middle-grade story, Operation Doodlebug, which is set in World War Two.
Tia's website is at tiafisher.com. Tia's socials can be found at linktr.ee/tiafisherwrites.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781471413049 |
| ISBN 10 | 1471413047 |
| Title | Crossing the Line |
| Author | Tia Fisher |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Hot Key Books |
| Year published | 2023-03-30 |
| Number of pages | 368 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |