As well as individual focus on characters, the novel is expansive, capturing the essence of being a teenager, evoking a world in crisis, and helping to open up the conversation of what is important to young people in this world. In telling such a story in such a creative way, Mann highlights the importance of every story to be told, for every voice to be heard, in a way that truly brings poetry to life for children. Sammy has fled his home and family in Eritrea for the chance of a new life in Europe. Every step he takes on his journey is a step into an unknown and unwelcoming future. A twist of fate brings them together and gives them both hope. But is hope enough to mend a broken world? About This Edition ISBN: Awards: Oates Winner; Jhalak Shortlists". Shelf Awareness. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 24 June 2022 . Retrieved 8 June 2023. a b "Awards: Costa Book Category, Aussie Prime Minister's Literary Winners". Shelf Awareness. 5 January 2022. Archived from the original on 5 January 2022 . Retrieved 8 June 2023.

There is Natalie, who lives in the UK and is part of a low-class family. She struggles with housing issues, the loss of her mother and the distance she begins to feel toward her brother, Ryan, who joins far-right marches and is full of hatred for immigrants. Natalie decides to raise money for refugees by swimming the English channel and this purpose gives her (and her dad who trains her) hope for the future. Thank you Netgalley UK and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for sending me an advance reader copy in exchange of an honest review.I loved Mann’s storytelling throughout The Crossing and both Nat and Sammy are such endearing protagonists that you simply fall in love with and don’t want to leave. The story is also so beautifully told in the form of poems that intertwine with one another which truly combines the two stories into one and creates a captivating narrative that you cannot help but be drawn to and devour (possibly even in one sitting like I did!). This novel is a fast read due to it being told in verse, so I always fear that I will not become attached to the characters due to this, even though I enjoy reading novels in verse. But I really became attached and invested in these characters, especially Sammy. This novel is so moving and gripping, with everything handled with care. How the characters are linked together and how this is written is really invented and beautiful. The Crossing of the title very powerfully links Sammy and Nat – each is aiming to cross the English Channel. If they succeed, it will change their lives. Best moment

The Crossing is a novel written in verse following Natalie and Sammy. Natalie has just lost her mother, who died of cancer. Her mother worked in refugee relief and always encouraged Natalie to be compassionate. Since her mother's death her family is falling apart, her brother is getting involved with anti-refugee people. Sammy is a boy from Eritrea, wanting to flee due to the forced conscription into the army where they abuse the soldiers. He wants to flee to the UK. David Almond introduces his new picture book, A Way to the Stars, a story about perseverance and finding a way to make dreams come true. walk down the high street. Nat is window-shopping while thinking about the homeless woman in a shop doorway and how close she is to this fate, while Mel is weighed down with bags full of the latest gear.

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As the plot carries you along you also want to know more about the plight of refugees and the horrific characters that exploit them in many many ways. Natalie’s decision to swim the channel to raise funds for the refugee charities creates a counterpoint in the narrative. The detail of her struggles and training plan seem an unlikely text for poetry - but it works! Her second novel, The Crossing, was published in 2021. It won the 2021 Costa Book Award for Children's Book [2] [5] and was shortlisted for numerous awards. I am always wanting to read more diversely and more about the refugee crisis; this was a great compassionate read. I enjoyed this more than Mann's previous novel, so am looking forward to what she writes next. a b "Outstanding Winners announced for the unique Awards from teachers!". United Kingdom Literacy Association. Archived from the original on 21 March 2023 . Retrieved 8 June 2023. Awards: CLiPPA Shortlist". Shelf Awareness. 21 July 2021. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022 . Retrieved 8 June 2023.