Tia Fisher, author of the “brilliant” (Brian Patten) Crossing the Line, has written a piece for LoveReading4Kids on her debut novel and the importance of verse.

In the piece, which you can read in full here, Tia writes:

“Verse novels are immediate and immersive. The distilled interiority of the verse format pairs so well with the emotional intensity of adolescence, putting the reader right inside the narrator’s head.”

Described as “innovative” (School Reading List) and “a gripping read” (Lucy Cuthew, author of Blood Moon), Crossing the Line is a stunning YA novel and a poignant story about seeking safety and asking for help in times of crisis.

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.

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

Follow Tia on Twitter @tiafisher_.