Crossing the Line is a novel in verse aimed at teenage readers; the story of a boy groomed to sell drugs for a county lines gang.
Hailed as “outstanding and important”, it won the Yoto Carnegie Shadowers’ Choice 2024,
The UKLA Award 11-14+ category, 2024
was Children’s Book of the Week in The Times and is in the 2024 Reading for Empathy Collection.
It was inspired by the true story of a friend’s son who became involved with a drugs gang.
More on why I wrote Crossing the Line .
My TEDx talk: We need to talk about county lines.
Crossing the Line is published by Hot Key Books, March 2023.
Praise for Crossing the Line
“A book which will appeal to teens who know about gang culture and is a window into that lifestyle for those who don’t. We think it should be in every school library.” Read for Good.
“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
“A visceral and brilliantly written and researched book that has led in class to some some incredible discussions about County Lines, criminal exploitation, belonging, identity, family, friendship, abandonment, corrective control, loss, grief and the life changing impact our choices can have. A phenomenal book with many uses that has the potential to have a huge impact on schools and the lives of our young people.” — Kevin Cobane, Teacher, FCCT NSIQ
“A gripping verse novel [. . .] packed with voice and emotion.” The Irish Independent.
”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
”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
"I was completely blown away by this book. I’ve given my copy to 3 teachers who all agree it is essential #reading. I’m asking SLT to approve it as one of our whole year group reads for ages 13+ in the school. If you are a parent, teen or work in a #school, get this book." Lucas Maxwell, SLA School Librarian of the Year 2017
Crossing the Line was written with the support of The Children’s Society, a charity working to help young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. It includes discussion questions designed for use in class or with reading groups.
If you, or anyone you know, is affected by the issues in this book, a section at the back gives some ideas of where you can go for help, or follow the link below.
Thanks to the amazing Andrew Bannecker for the stunning cover design.
