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.

Erik's life has been falling apart ever since his dad died. Homework and being good at school stop feeling important when you're the new man of the house. When Erik's bad behaviour attracts the wrong crowd, he's sucked into a terrifying 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 sisters' lives are threatened, Erik will have to cross one more line to save them.

Genres: Poetry, Young Adult, Contemporary, Mental Health, Crime, Coming Of Age, Teen

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 30, 2023

About the author

I’m an author from south-east England, writing from middle-grade to YA in prose and verse. I love exploring important issues: writing gritty, realistic fiction for young people; accessible fiction that opens conversations.

Crossing the Line, my debut teen verse novel about a boy who gets caught up in county lines drug exploitation, won the 2024 Carnegie Shadowers’ Medal, the 2024 UKLA prize, was in the 2024 Read for Empathy collection and was one of The Times and Sunday Times’ best children’s books of 2024.

Grab yourself an early read of Not Going to Plan, a YA verse novel about teenage sexuality, consent, and the right to make choices without shame or blame. https://lnk.to/NotGoingToPlan

Reviews

[Lis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a librarian at a state secondary school, I’d heard about county lines, but I didn’t really know what it meant. This book opened my eyes, in rich and vivid verse, keeping me turning the pages right to the end. It’s a story of tragedy - of terrible consequences for terrible choices - but there are layers of hope, of love, of family, and of friendship. Every word has been chosen with care and every line matters.

I cannot overemphasise how important and excellent this book is. It’s a must read, both for children and for the adults that surround them.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on my summer holidays now so will hopefully be reading a lot more!!

I think this is the third verse novel I have read and I have come to absolutely adore this format, I find it such an engaging way to tell a story, especially in this case with the creative formatting and using the novel in verse format really keeps a fast pace which is really effective for a story about this subject matter. Obviously this wasn't a particularly light read but definitely an important and informative one. I think that this is a key text that should be embedded into as many PSHE/Citizenship curriculums as possible as I believe it could help so many young people.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really amazing YA novel written in verse 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. The lies he tells, the situations he finds himself get more and more twisted and dangerous. Really stunning read, I’d recommend it for ages 15+.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look, am I optionally reading this book or a variety of others that will follow?
No I was strong-armed into doing the Carnegie Book awards by my Librarian.
Nonetheless, I was expecting worse from a YA poetry book, so I guess screw judging a book by its cover and my elitist taste in literature.

[Judith McAteer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for youngsters about county lines and the associated dangers. Not condescending and written in verses make it v suitable for target audience.

[Ulrika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading for Carnegie

I love a verse novel, always like the style and rhythm of a verse novel read. This one was beautifully presented and I love the words arranged in shapes, it really adds to the reading experience.

This book is about Erik, a Y9 boy who through a series of bad decisions end up in the grip of a county line gang. Well written, giving an insight to the 'business' of county lines and shows how easy it can be to get yourself tangled up in situations and end up in the company of people you know don't have your best interest at heart.

Strangely hopeful in all its darkness.

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading for Carnegie

[Ellie (bookmadbarlow) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blooming brilliant YA free verse, I love this format and read it a lot, so when I say this one is up there as one of my favourites, it means go pick this up!

Erik is grieving for his dad, covid has happened, his mum doesn't have a great job and they are struggling for money. His mum has just found out shes pregnant and the father is not interested. He feels alone, he is befriended by two boys at school and starts to make some not great decisions.

Gosh, this book is powerful, I had to put it down a few times because I didn't want to know what happened next, but at the same time I did. I just didn't want it to be bad!

I loved Ravi as a character, his family and his love of old school music, I loved how he supported Erik. I won't say too much more as I don't want to give spoilers, but I highly, highly recommend this one.

[Camilla Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly Brilliant.

Can’t tell you just how amazing this book is. No wonder it’s winning every award going because not only does it tell an incredible powerful and important story of how Erik gets sucked into running drugs, every word is perfect.

I love a book written in verse and this flows seamlessly throughout. The verse is beautifully presented in creative formats adding impact to the already powerful messages.

I was lucky enough to meet Tia and have my copy personalised but have since soaked it accidentally with a leaking water bottle. It’s drying out after I carefully read each fragile water damage page. I’m watching it curl and warp as it dries. A beaten up copy of a very special book.

A keeper.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping
Emotional
Dreadfully dark but also incredibly hopeful in a dark dark way.
The hopelessness that is the trap of extreme poverty that so many folk live within, trying to find a way to survive and attempt to have a life resembling the “normalcy “ of our own privileged existences

[Charlotte Exton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so powerful, and real. It broke me, recommend children read this book but also those that work with them.

[Livvywivvy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an engaging book, beautifully written in verse with a main character you can’t help but root for. Moving, funny, dark. I couldn’t put it down.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This verse novel is quick to read. After his father dies and he starts secondary school, Erik is bullied and falls in with the wrong crowd. Once he gets into trouble for the first time for fighting, it's a slippery slope! He's not a bad kid but even while his conscience (and his best mate Ravi) are telling him he's making bad decisions, Erik is digging himself in even deeper. There's a pervading sense of danger and building tension that will keep readers hooked. Recommended.

[poppy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried hysterically at this about 10 times. So so important to read (especially if you work with young people, but even if you don’t). I think this did such an excellent job of explaining county lines and also showing how easy it is for kids to get wrapped up in it and by the time they realise they want out it’s too late

[Aubree Warburton. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book🩷. I thought it had a tense feeling about it while I was reading it. Crossing The Lines by Tia Fisher has a strong vocabulary choice and shows that Tia really thought about every single word she was putting in this book. It’s a definite read for me🫶

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could have done with being a little shorter but I liked the way the story evolved.

[Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kids don’t want to read a worthy public safety PSA that provides absolutely zero hope or support for kids in an incredibly grim situation. Absolute nightmare fuel

[Samantha Bunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very graphic but enjoyed this book.

[Kiera Falcus]

Read for work. All goes towards my 2025 reading goal !!

[Matt Skene · Rating 5 out of 5]

damn. hard-hitting & poignant. required reading for all educators & parents!

[Ella Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing in verse is definitely the way to go for YA fiction. A book about county lines written in a series of poems shouldn’t work but it does 🤷‍♀️

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with the free verse but it was immediately accessible and I liked the pace. 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, it opened my eyes. This is a great book that YA and schools should have on their list.

[Faye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for the Carnegie shortlist. Although I thought this was an important book, it just seemed so depressing without any moments of joy whatsoever. Can’t really see myself recommending this to other students.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Pulls no punches. Distressing YA realism showing the spiral of a bad decision.

This became darker and darker as the story progressed. But in doing so, the reader got see how Erik goes from grieving son to desperate enough for his family to start dealing in drugs and being unable to extricate himself from a very dangerous situation.

This was a very short novel, felt like a Melvin Burgess book at times, and became more brutal and graphic than I was expecting.

Erik has friends, a talent for running, reasons to stick to a path that would keep him out of trouble. But his home life means he now considers himself the man of the house following the death of his dad, and needing money, the 'easy path' presents itself. Though it doesn't take Erik long to work out that it's not easy, not pretty, and not possible to walk away from.

It was a rather upsetting read as a parent, seeing a son taking on the burden and worry of an adult, and then seeing the awful situation he puts himself in.

Erik and his friend, his teacher, are all memorable and visual characters. His world is also all too real and writing the book in verse works very well for the genre and character - it gets across the plot without needing to take time over more. It felt immediate and dark, and I have read many recent books in this style that take you swiftly through a plot with description and depth and losing nothing by taking out the prose.

Powerful, dark and one that hits home. For ages 13 and above.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Denise Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sent an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review and i am so glad i read it as i have never read a book that covers this very important subject before. I actually found myself googling for more information about what county lines actually were and its pretty scary stuff!
This is the story of Erik who is grieving his father and trying to help his Mum as she struggles to feed and clothe him and his sisters all whilst keeping a roof over their heads! Its a story about the importance of feeling safe and about the choices we make through necessity and the consequences these can have on us and the people around us and most importantly the importance of asking for help when you relly need it.
This novel told in verse deals with county lines which is a term used to describe the act of carrying drugs across county lines. Often these criminals use young people or those who are vulnerable as it allows them to go undetected and is classified as a form of grooming, it’s also a real problem in this country. This novel is brilliantly told and well researched and is sure to have you on the edge of your seat as well as make you think. It had me so engaged that I felt my heart break just a little at the last page! Highly recommend this for teenagers and adults alike! Show less

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out 30th March 2023 - thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

In the ever changing world of working in a School Library as I do, you so often look to books as a way to build a bridge and highlight topics that some young people may not want to discuss/not know how to discuss - such as County Lines.

In this debut release, Tia Fisher expertly uses the free verse form to present Erik's journey. He is endearing, relatable and you can totally see how he slips into making some very bad decisions. It was also a joy to read at the end of the book that the author has worked with specialist national charities to ensure the authenticity of Erik's story.

This should be an essential part of any Secondary and above Library upon its' release. This is an issue that is so widespread that this book needs to be discussed and shared at every opportunity.

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

We don't have enough YA free verse on our bookshops, this one is amazing.

This is the story of Erik, Young Erik who is finding his teenage years and his world is changing fast, too fast. As the new man of the house he starts to sink into some bad behaviours which are noticed by a local gang and soon he is sucked into a world of impossible choices.

The verse is not separated into chapters but reads like short poems all making up the story. Some if it is shaped, some scatters across the page, so much though has gone into not just the words but the layout of the verse to fit with the story. Brilliantly conceived and perfectly told.

[Paul Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a well structured, thought-out book this was. Crossing the Line has a message for us all. This is harrowing but uplifting, contemporary but classic, funny but sad, and all written in a way that smacks a punch between the eyes. The words flew off the page, and watching from the outside, I found myself screaming at the choices the young protagonist makes all the while understanding the reasons why he made those. Working in a secondary school I can totally relate to.
Well done, Miss Fisher. I hope this is read in all schools across the country and by all parents as a wake up to how easy things can spiral.

[AMANDA ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossing The Line by @tia_fisher_writes
Published by @hotkeybooks

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review:

From the very first poem, 'A question for you', when our protagonist Erik asks the reader "Do you feel safe?", I was completely hooked!

Crossing The Line is an unputdownable YA verse novel that I devoured in a day! The novel highlights the dangers of 'county lines' and just how easily children can be drawn into this dangerous world of gangs, drugs and violence. It's about the choices we have but also those we feel we don't have. It's about grief and how this can leave us completely adrift when what we most need is connection. After his father dies during the COVID pandemic, Erik struggles with his grief, with his mum who is also struggling with her grief and

Tia's writing is well researched and packs some almighty punches! Many times, I felt heartbroken for the child Erik should have been. The places he is taken, both emotionally and physically, by the plot made him seem so much older than the 14 year old boy that he was. Tia certainly doesn't shy away in her descriptions of the desperate and menacing situations Erik encounters within the gang, who become like family to him. Yet, she still draws the reader in effortlessly, to stand beside Erik, to feel empathy for him, as his life spirals downwards and he makes increasingly bad decisions.

I don't want to give away any further plot points as I want you to feel the breadth of raw emotion that Tia's writing and Erik's story creates. It's both powerful and poetic, highly charged and hopeful.

And yes, despite the subject matter, there is hope in the novel as Erik does eventually find his 'way out' and back to his family and friends. There are also helpful information resources at the back of the book for any young person, or adult concerned about a young person being involved with county lines, drug dealing, gang violence and other similar situations.

I am a huge verse novel fan as the format makes for a more accessible read. And Crossing The Line is a story that EVERY young person and their adults need to read, if we accept the safeguarding premise of "it could happen here".

This book is truly one of my outstanding reads of 2023, and I'd urge all secondary libraries and classrooms to have a copy and use it as an opening for discussion about these issues.

[Olga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in free, one of the most striking things about "Crossing the Line" is the language, so rich and vivid that the reader can almost see Erik's world come to life, even when it is heart-breaking to do so. You cannot read this book without feeling Erik's grief and loneliness, his failure and despair. As he copes with a troubled family life, the loss of his father, a struggling mother and a growing sense that the world has nothing better to offer him, the reader is forced to acknowledge that that is how life is for many young people in our world today.

Each word is carefully chosen, each line forms a part of a picture, which in itself is an integral aspect of a wider narrative, and the reader becomes addicted to reading - unable to put this one down.

The subject matter is dark and there is no escaping that throughout the book. It would be such a grim read if it were not written with such care and empathy for the characters of Erik and his friend Ravi. In fact, it is in some of the bleakest situations that the narrative offers us hope as well as despair and we watch as the boys find resilience in the face of these terrifying unknowns. The characterisation is moving and realistic and the problems that the young characters are facing are as much a part of real life as being disciplined by a teacher or falling out with our best friends.

The actual format of the novel, the way the words have been arranged on the page serves to support the reader's journey through the story and adds a musical rhythm of another sort. There is a beat and a flow to reading "Crossing the Line" which makes the book easier to read and yet incredibly addictive and even more evocative.

This is such an important book to read, I highly recommend it to parents of teenagers and children 13+