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Crossing
My arms are trembling with the tension of the loaded bow.
I can feel Leon standing behind me, watching. Waiting.
Hoping.
‘I dare you,’ he whispers.
Cara has grown up in the shadow of the Wall, in a closed world of food shortages and high security. Her parents are dedicated to their secret work for the government, and it’s only a matter of time before her gifted younger sister follows in their footsteps.
It’s all Cara has ever known, until the summer she meets Ava and Leon. Ava doesn’t care about rules. Nothing will ever be the same.
I can feel Leon standing behind me, watching. Waiting.
Hoping.
‘I dare you,’ he whispers.
Cara has grown up in the shadow of the Wall, in a closed world of food shortages and high security. Her parents are dedicated to their secret work for the government, and it’s only a matter of time before her gifted younger sister follows in their footsteps.
It’s all Cara has ever known, until the summer she meets Ava and Leon. Ava doesn’t care about rules. Nothing will ever be the same.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
9 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Norton
5 books8 followersI grew up in more than one place – England first, and then a couple of cities in Australia. In Adelaide, where I live now, I went to an unconventional high school, where we called the teachers by their first names, toured plays we wrote ourselves, and went on three school camps every year. Then, for my final year, I went to the kind of girls’ college where prefects tell you off for not wearing your blazer or having socks the wrong length. It was like going to another country, and so it’s probably no surprise that my stories are often about people finding out how the world looks to someone else, or if they stand in another place.
I’ve wanted to write since I was very young (although back then, in the 1980s, I probably said I wanted to be an ‘authoress’). My room was always littered with bits of paper and there were usually half a dozen half-read books lying in and around my bed. I am still a person of many bookmarks.
By the time I grew up, I’d got it into my head that writing wasn’t something you could easily do as an Actual Job, so I spent quite a number of years trying my hand at other things, and travelling around the world. What I didn’t know was that, apart from reading all those books, trying new things and seeing new places and meeting all sorts of people – basically, gathering ideas for characters and stories – is the best writer training around.
It gets tiring, though, so after a decade or so I stayed still long enough to get married, have a son, and go to university, where I learnt all sorts of other useful, fascinating and necessary things about reading and writing.
I’ve also learnt that the path to where you’re going can often be circuitous.
And this: the more words you know, the easier it is to say what you mean. A dictionary can be handy.
I’ve wanted to write since I was very young (although back then, in the 1980s, I probably said I wanted to be an ‘authoress’). My room was always littered with bits of paper and there were usually half a dozen half-read books lying in and around my bed. I am still a person of many bookmarks.
By the time I grew up, I’d got it into my head that writing wasn’t something you could easily do as an Actual Job, so I spent quite a number of years trying my hand at other things, and travelling around the world. What I didn’t know was that, apart from reading all those books, trying new things and seeing new places and meeting all sorts of people – basically, gathering ideas for characters and stories – is the best writer training around.
It gets tiring, though, so after a decade or so I stayed still long enough to get married, have a son, and go to university, where I learnt all sorts of other useful, fascinating and necessary things about reading and writing.
I’ve also learnt that the path to where you’re going can often be circuitous.
And this: the more words you know, the easier it is to say what you mean. A dictionary can be handy.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 28, 2022
I enjoyed the premise of Crossing, with the idea of a family living within a community clearly reminiscent of East Germany post World War II. It was interesting to see what could happen in those circumstances. While enjoyable, I felt it could have done with a bit more action. Also, it was difficult crossing between two different times when the only thing to tell us the difference between the two was past or present tense, especially since the situations in both times were similar. I thought the ending was rushed, almost like there was a word count to stick to and the author had to hurry it up to conclude within that time frame. I would have preferred a bit more time had been spent on the resolution, but the story was engaging and I'm interested in the outcome of those characters whose storyline was not resolved in this book.
August 30, 2020
A perfectly succinct, well-written, and thought-provoking example of YA fiction with an honest and resilient female protagonist.
‘Crossing’ should rival ‘The Giver’ in sales, but seems to be little-known and out of print.
I highly recommend - if you can get your hands on it (especially for teachers out there looking for texts for years 7-9... and even more especially if you’re looking for texts with an historical tie-in).
‘Crossing’ should rival ‘The Giver’ in sales, but seems to be little-known and out of print.
I highly recommend - if you can get your hands on it (especially for teachers out there looking for texts for years 7-9... and even more especially if you’re looking for texts with an historical tie-in).
May 4, 2015
Crossing by Catherine Norton
Crossing is set in the shadow of a huge wall reminiscent of the Berlin Wall. Because it is no particular wall, the effect is startling and the novel has an interesting, stark tone or atmosphere, almost Dystopian. The novels feels suspended between breaths and gives the story a universal feel, which I can imagine is what the author meant to convey: what happens when human rights and freedoms are denied. Yet I missed the richness that a cultural background gives. Cara has no history or stories to tell. Even Ava and Leon who should have these don’t mention them. It made me pity them.
The structure of the book is set up to increase tension by letting out a secret bit by bit through flashbacks in past tense; without these there would be no mystery. These start at chapter 3 so we first get to know Cara and her sister Lilith; the flashbacks portray Ava and Leon and what happened to cause the present day rift, much like the wall itself. The reader soon realises the physical wall is not the only barrier in this story. Since there are no pointers at the beginning of chapters for the flashbacks other than a change in tense, I think the readership is upper primary and middle school as many kids of ten and under find flashbacks difficult. The tone of the language and the things the characters do suit this older age group too.
I enjoyed the writing style with the use of interesting verbs and images. After talk of the canal and possible drowning, the seesaw Cara is on ‘floated down, up, down, up’ (p. 48). When Cara shoots an arrow: ‘We run to the tree together. I know it’s going to be all right, then; the arrow has torn a hole in whatever was hanging between us’ (p. 71).
There is much to discover in this story and it will be an interesting book for discussion.
Crossing is set in the shadow of a huge wall reminiscent of the Berlin Wall. Because it is no particular wall, the effect is startling and the novel has an interesting, stark tone or atmosphere, almost Dystopian. The novels feels suspended between breaths and gives the story a universal feel, which I can imagine is what the author meant to convey: what happens when human rights and freedoms are denied. Yet I missed the richness that a cultural background gives. Cara has no history or stories to tell. Even Ava and Leon who should have these don’t mention them. It made me pity them.
The structure of the book is set up to increase tension by letting out a secret bit by bit through flashbacks in past tense; without these there would be no mystery. These start at chapter 3 so we first get to know Cara and her sister Lilith; the flashbacks portray Ava and Leon and what happened to cause the present day rift, much like the wall itself. The reader soon realises the physical wall is not the only barrier in this story. Since there are no pointers at the beginning of chapters for the flashbacks other than a change in tense, I think the readership is upper primary and middle school as many kids of ten and under find flashbacks difficult. The tone of the language and the things the characters do suit this older age group too.
I enjoyed the writing style with the use of interesting verbs and images. After talk of the canal and possible drowning, the seesaw Cara is on ‘floated down, up, down, up’ (p. 48). When Cara shoots an arrow: ‘We run to the tree together. I know it’s going to be all right, then; the arrow has torn a hole in whatever was hanging between us’ (p. 71).
There is much to discover in this story and it will be an interesting book for discussion.
May 18, 2015
I loved reading this book about 12 year old Cara growing up feeling safe and sheltered in the shadow of ‘The Wall’ with parents who work for National Security. But all she has ever known comes under scrutiny when she befriends another family higher up in her apartment building who have a very different view of the world – literally and philosophically. The story gently unfolds within a non-linear structure (the shifts from present day to flashback are sometimes hard to decipher) giving it an ominous undercurrent, and builds towards its dramatic conclusion.
The title of this book is perfect – it is about crossing on many different levels – crossing paths with people who become friends, crossing barriers of thought (‘don’t ever let them wall up your mind’), crossing the trust of friendship (with betrayal), crossing physical barriers and familial boundaries - all within that YA framework of crossing from a child’s unquestioning understanding to independent thought. It tackles difficult themes for a young readership with great sensitivity and without patronising.
The setting is reminiscent of walled-up East Berlin after WW11 yet with a familiar modern day feel, and a creeping sense of foreboding. There is nothing too dark or too brutal to distress young readers yet the oppressiveness of the ruling regime is felt - this is Norton’s skill. The characterisation is golden – written in first person through Cara’s thoughts, Norton captures the workings of a child’s mind superbly, and fleshes out the other characters masterfully. The writing is smooth with evocative imagery (‘His laugh is as bright as a balloon , one big enough and round enough to lift me over the canal’) and realistic dialogue. It was a pleasure to read. Recommended for both boys and girls in upper primary and beyond.
A beautiful, thought-provoking novel with characters and themes that will resonate long after the book is closed.
The title of this book is perfect – it is about crossing on many different levels – crossing paths with people who become friends, crossing barriers of thought (‘don’t ever let them wall up your mind’), crossing the trust of friendship (with betrayal), crossing physical barriers and familial boundaries - all within that YA framework of crossing from a child’s unquestioning understanding to independent thought. It tackles difficult themes for a young readership with great sensitivity and without patronising.
The setting is reminiscent of walled-up East Berlin after WW11 yet with a familiar modern day feel, and a creeping sense of foreboding. There is nothing too dark or too brutal to distress young readers yet the oppressiveness of the ruling regime is felt - this is Norton’s skill. The characterisation is golden – written in first person through Cara’s thoughts, Norton captures the workings of a child’s mind superbly, and fleshes out the other characters masterfully. The writing is smooth with evocative imagery (‘His laugh is as bright as a balloon , one big enough and round enough to lift me over the canal’) and realistic dialogue. It was a pleasure to read. Recommended for both boys and girls in upper primary and beyond.
A beautiful, thought-provoking novel with characters and themes that will resonate long after the book is closed.
September 24, 2015
Rating: 2.5
This was an interesting read, one that I would only very loosely class as a dystopia. It is more about identity and beliefs than rising up against the government, which I found refreshing, but the story didn't really captivate me, and I didn't find the main characters interesting enough.
This was an interesting read, one that I would only very loosely class as a dystopia. It is more about identity and beliefs than rising up against the government, which I found refreshing, but the story didn't really captivate me, and I didn't find the main characters interesting enough.
October 1, 2014
A story set in a possible future. Cara has never doubted her families' life behind the wall. At least not until she meets Ava who asks why they should believe in their government.
A great story to make children think about and question the world around them.
A great story to make children think about and question the world around them.
February 6, 2026
CROSSING by Catherine Norton
After reading, and loving, this author’s other two books — Fortunemaker and Hester Higgins and the Falling Stars — I was very excited when Catherine reached out and asked if I would like to read a book she had published in 2014 that is being rereleased in March due to renewed interest because of its subject matter.
It’s about a girl who lives with her parents and younger sister in the shadow of the Wall (think Berlin Wall and you get the idea). Cara and Lilith queue for meagre food supplies every day before school and Cara wonders if her worn-out shoes will ever be replaced. Security is high and the citizens are ‘encouraged’ to be on the lookout for Suspicious Acts and report them to the authorities.
One summer, she meets Ava and Leon. Ava is the opposite of the law-abiding Cara. She doesn’t care for rules and when Cara hears her saying things that constitute Suspicious Acts, she reports it to the authorities, and nothing will ever be the same again.
I enjoyed the dual timeline, Then and Now. It created tension and a page-turning urgency to find out what happened to who.
Another thing I loved was that the story was told from the pov of the rule-abiding citizen, not the rebel or the disillusioned, dissatisfied character trying to break free from an oppressive regime. Cara is a product of propaganda, spouted by her parents and teachers. She is the good girl trying to do the right thing. In another story told from a different pov, I guess she’d be the villain. But here she is merely another victim.
When this is rereleased on March 1, I highly recommend grabbing yourself a copy. It has already won a couple of awards and it wouldn’t surprise me if it earned some more.
At 180 pages it suits both confident and reluctant readers. The subject matter is relevant and timely.
Set in current times it is a cautionary tale, a ‘learn from history so you don’t repeat it’ story.
5 ⭐️
August 1, 2021
I loooovved this book the whole story idea with the wall and stuff was so my thing and reminded me a bit of divergent. Although I feel like they dragged it on a bit in some parts but yeah. Also I had an idea for a sequel it could be called outcasts or something and it’s about living in secret on the other side of the wall. So Catherine Norton if you’re reading this take that into consideration.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, much more than I expected in fact. It is gripping and has you on the edge of your seat the whole time. I like that you have to infer a lot of the understanding. I could read this book again and get something totally different from it. That’s what I love most about it
February 26, 2017
About living in a city split by a wall- similar to East Germany. This could be used to help students examine how this type of control works- or doesn't work. Topical at the moment.
December 6, 2023
This was an enjoyable dystopian for the young middle grade reader. Enough plot progression to keep you going, and some nice character development along the way.
February 2, 2017
Today We Did
Cara has lived behind the Wall her entire life. She knows nothing but food shortages, and responsibilities beyond her years. When Leon and his family move into the top floor of Cara’s apartment building, she gets a glimpse of how things could be different.
Crossing was a fast, captivating story of a different life. The city in the story is nondescript, and could be anywhere in the modern world. However, the Wall is reminiscent of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and the lifestyle also had elements of socialist Russia during the Cold War. Everything about the city made me think of the colour grey; the clothes, the streets, the buildings, even the sky. The city felt defeated, along with all its residents. Their lives were full of hardships, but the loss of freedom felt particularly oppressive to me, especially when observing the view over the Wall from Leon’s apartment.
Growing up with such restrictions and deprivations was tough enough, but Cara also had to cope with her parents’ mysterious work trips, and the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, Lilith, during those times. Even when her parents were home, they didn’t appear to take much interest in Cara anyway, with most of their focus on Lilith, as she showed promising aptitude for computers that would make her useful and valuable for the government. Cara was quite isolated even within her family unit. I felt quite sympathetic towards Cara, and I was glad that she found a friend in Leon.
The story jumped from past to present quite a lot, and it was sometimes not clear when the time had changed. Otherwise, the story was good. It did end a little faster than I had expected, and I was left pondering a few unanswered questions, which is not necessarily a bad thing. This can be a creative opportunity for the reader! Overall I liked Crossing.
Crossing is most suitable for upper primary school and lower high high school students. My fifth grader read Crossing in one sitting, and told me afterwards that it was a good read for her. She felt that she read about a life vastly different to hers, and it made her appreciate her own situation and family more.
Cara has lived behind the Wall her entire life. She knows nothing but food shortages, and responsibilities beyond her years. When Leon and his family move into the top floor of Cara’s apartment building, she gets a glimpse of how things could be different.
Crossing was a fast, captivating story of a different life. The city in the story is nondescript, and could be anywhere in the modern world. However, the Wall is reminiscent of the Berlin Wall in Germany, and the lifestyle also had elements of socialist Russia during the Cold War. Everything about the city made me think of the colour grey; the clothes, the streets, the buildings, even the sky. The city felt defeated, along with all its residents. Their lives were full of hardships, but the loss of freedom felt particularly oppressive to me, especially when observing the view over the Wall from Leon’s apartment.
Growing up with such restrictions and deprivations was tough enough, but Cara also had to cope with her parents’ mysterious work trips, and the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, Lilith, during those times. Even when her parents were home, they didn’t appear to take much interest in Cara anyway, with most of their focus on Lilith, as she showed promising aptitude for computers that would make her useful and valuable for the government. Cara was quite isolated even within her family unit. I felt quite sympathetic towards Cara, and I was glad that she found a friend in Leon.
The story jumped from past to present quite a lot, and it was sometimes not clear when the time had changed. Otherwise, the story was good. It did end a little faster than I had expected, and I was left pondering a few unanswered questions, which is not necessarily a bad thing. This can be a creative opportunity for the reader! Overall I liked Crossing.
Crossing is most suitable for upper primary school and lower high high school students. My fifth grader read Crossing in one sitting, and told me afterwards that it was a good read for her. She felt that she read about a life vastly different to hers, and it made her appreciate her own situation and family more.
July 8, 2014
The Wall has been erected, separating two towns. Ava lives with secretive parents and a highly gifted sister in a town of food shortages, high security and enforced rules.
Life changes when Ava meets Cara, a teenage girl bought up in the country who is skilled with a bow and arrow and questions the governments authority.
This is an interesting read, reminiscent of what life may have been like throughout history for those living in a walled off community with a yearning to escape their restrictive lifestyle.
Life changes when Ava meets Cara, a teenage girl bought up in the country who is skilled with a bow and arrow and questions the governments authority.
This is an interesting read, reminiscent of what life may have been like throughout history for those living in a walled off community with a yearning to escape their restrictive lifestyle.
November 1, 2015
I found this book slow and hard to get through. I am not usually a picky reader, but I just struggled to get into this one. Time seems to jump without warning during the novel and I found myself constantly questioning when an event was occurring. I often had to look back to check to see whether the author was writing in the present or past.
July 27, 2015
A well-drawn insight into life in an oppressive regime. Perhaps the main character's parents were a little flat... however this was perhaps in keeping with who they needed to be. A very good read, on the whole.
February 8, 2016
Engrossed from start to finish. An interesting reflective exploration of the corruption and discord that can develop in human society no matter how long we spend on this planet. For my full review be sure to swing over to Boomerang Books Blog http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au/aut...
August 17, 2015
Nice simple story. Suitable year 4 onwards. Lots of parallels to the Berlin wall on which this story is based on an actual escape attempt.
Want to read
November 29, 2018at niddrie campus
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews