Crossing the Line is in the 2024 Read for Empathy collection and winner of the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice Award for Writing 2024. It has been nominated for the UK Literacy Association Book Awards 2024 (longlist), The Branford Boase Award (longlist), Dudley Children’s Book Award 2023 (winner), Southern Schools Book Award 2023 (shortlist), Cheshire Schools Award 2024 (shortlist), North East Teen Book Awards 2024 (shortlist), North Herts Schools Book Award 2024 (shortlist), the Bristol Teen Book Awards 2023 (shortlist), Wandsworth Schools Fabulous Book Award 2024 (shortlist), the Amazing Book Awards 2024 (longlist), and the Warwickshire Teen Book Awards 2023 (longlist).

Praise for Crossing the Line:

“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.

“Involving and important debut” -Nicolette Jones, The Times.

“A deceptively sophisticated and empathetic read.” –Children’s Books Ireland.

“It’s a familiar cautionary tale as the descent into murky world reaches a heart-stopping and potentially heartbreaking conclusion. A tough read at times, but highly recommended.” –Paper Lantern Journal.

“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.

“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.

“Tia Fisher’s powerful verse novel debut,  Crossing the Line, deal[s] with highly topical county lines exploitation of vulnerable youths.” -UKLA.

“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.

“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.

“A cautionary tale that deserves all the kudos.” -Lucy Bannerman, The Times.

“A gripping, deceptively easy read that raises and explores a number of key issues with a focus on the effects that poverty has on social cohesion and on crime in general. Fisher highlights the idea that the crucial question to be asked of any vulnerable, young person is ‘do you feel safe?’ and, in this context, it is difficult to argue with her. It is a well constructed narrative told with style, empathy… and a subtly underplayed sense of morality and hope. It will prove to be a very worthwhile addition to class libraries for both upper KS3 and KS4.” -John Hickman, Teaching English.