The Times has reviewed Crossing the Line, the “funny, moving and terrifyingly real” (Finbar Hawkins) debut novel by author Tia Fisher, as part of its round-up of shortlisted titles for the Yoto Carnegies 2024.

In the review, which subscribers can read in full here, Nicolette Jones writes:

“Tia Fisher’s involving and important debut Crossing the Line uses free verse and concrete poetry to tell the story of a good-hearted boy whose family circumstances get more difficult after his father dies, and who is groomed into a county lines drug-smuggling network. Sport, a nerdy friend, responsible adults and helpful organisations may show a way out of danger.”

Find out more about the awards and see the full shortlist here.

Crossing the Line is out now. Grab your copy here or, better, via your local bookshop or Bookshop.org.

Follow Tia on Twitter @tiafisher_.