The Crossing

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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: Mann's first novel, Run Rebel, was released in 2020 and received the Shadowers’ Choice Award for Carnegie Medal [3] and the UKLA Book Award for Ages 11–14+; [4] it was shortlisted for several other awards. She later adapted the novel into a play, directed by Tessa Walker and produced by Pilot Theatre. [1] Grief at the loss of a parent, bravery in a harsh world, and ultimately being forced to grow up too early are all expressed with heart and vivid clarity, connecting the teenagers who share common human experiences despite their wildly different circumstances. And in this, despite not saying it out loud, Mann, reminds us that "We're all built from the same dust".

Natalie decides to undertake the Cross Channel swim that her mum had always planned to do. Knowing she is keen to continue her mum's aim of helping refugees, she decides to raise money for a refugee charity. A chance encounter, brief and from the distance in a Calais refugee camp, sees Natalie and Sammy understanding there is a link between them. Natalie's world is in tatters after the death of her mother. Her father can't afford to keep up with rent on the flat and her brother seems to be being lured by a far right, anti-immigration group in their home town of Dover (a town on the south coast of England and right on the front line for incoming refugees.) He only way of managing her stress is swimming - something she and her mother shared a love of. The Crossing is as ambitious in its structure as it is in its intertwining storylines. It is a two-voice novel from two very different protagonists.Enjoy is hardly the right word. The Crossing is not an entertaining read. It’s a harrowing, unforgettable story about two young people who deserve so much better, and who strive so hard to achieve their dreams. The reader engages strongly with them both. 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. Once I had worked out how the story worked I was enraptured. I adore stories told in poetic prose and I also love stories told from more than one point of view... and this is both. Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood.

Knight, Lucy (16 March 2022). "Carnegie medal shortlist spotlights real-life stories of friendship in challenging times". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 29 March 2023 . Retrieved 6 June 2023. Mann started her career as an actress performing in many theatre productions, radio plays as well as minor roles on screen before turning her hand to writing. The Crossing is heart-wrenching tale of friendship and strength even in the most adverse situations.Tesfay, in his entire being, represents the hope that his name translates to, which Ryan's undoing cannot ever come close to. We are reminded that Ryan is not a bigot as he got his sister a rainbow cake to celebrate her coming out, but his actions really speak louder than words. Even in his redemption, Ryan is not given a voice, rather he speaks after being prompted by his father. If there was a sequel or a companion novel, I would want it to be from the perspectives of the 2 sibling: Ryan and his descent into fascism, and Sophia and her survival as a forcefully conscripted soldier. Awards: MWA Edgar Winners; Branford Boase Shortlist". Shelf Awareness. 30 April 2021. Archived from the original on 3 December 2022 . Retrieved 8 June 2023. I’d recommend "North Star Rising" an animated documentary short told in verse inspired by the true testimonies of four Eritrean refugees who fled their homes to make the dangerous journey across Ethiopia, Sudan and Libya to Europe. a b "UKLA BOOK AWARDS 2023". United Kingdom Literacy Association. 9 May 2023 . 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. rounding up to 5 stars. (If there was a genre for "important books", this book would feature on that list) 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. As they set out upon their journey, Sammy and Tesfay soon learn that their fears are to be realised; kidnapped and held to ransom, undertaking a horrific sea journey and then suffering indignity wherever they arrive, the path to Europe and then the UK is not a smooth one. Mann describes the harrowing details with both empathy but also clarity providing a hard hitting portrayal of a refugee's plight. Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark...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. Written in verse and from a dual perspective, the lives of Sammy and Nat seamlessly intertwine. The author cleverly toggles the points of view between the two characters within each chapter by using the same words at the end and the start of their perspectives. My daughter and I loved the use of this writing technique.