'Do you feel safe?'

A powerful novel exploring how teenagers can be swept up into county lines. Nominated for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024.

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.

Written in stunning verse, this is a poignant story about seeking safety and asking for help in times of crisis.

'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. LONGLISTED for the Yoto Carnegie Medal 2024.

About the Author
Crossing the Line is Tia Fisher's debut novel. In her spare time, she works in a children's library and has also completed an MA in Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. She has published poems in The Rialto and been longlisted for the Mslexia Children's Novel Award. Crossing the Line has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2024, the UK Literacy Association Book Awards 2023 and the Warwickshire Teen Book Awards 2023 and shortlisted for Southern Schools Book Award 2023 and the Bristol Teen Book Awards 2023. Tia lives in South London with her husband and two teenage children (who wish she'd stop mining them for source material).

Reviews
Just wow. Incredible voice, impeccably crafted - so funny, moving and terrifyingly real. A verse novel for our times. I read it, then read it again. So will you. * Finbar Hawkins, author of Stone *
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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781471413049
Author Tia Fisher
Format Paperback
Page Count 368
Imprint Hot Key Books
Publisher Hot Key Books
Weight(grams) 269g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 21mm