Crossing

First published in 2014, Crossing is an award-winning novel for readers aged 10-13 about propaganda, division and what it means to think for yourself.

11-year-old Cara has grown up in the shadow of the Wall, in a closed world of food shortages and high security. Like a good citizen, she keeps her eyes open for Suspicious Acts-fighting or protesting in the street, reading or writing anything that criticises the government or anyone in it. These show a lack of respect, says her dad, and that is a clue to deeper misgivings, like a speck on the skin of an apple that is rotten to the core.

It's all Cara has ever known - until the summer she meets Ava and Leon. Ava doesn't care about rules. Nothing will ever be the same.

With a setting inspired by the former East Berlin, Crossing explores themes of freedom of thought, courage under oppression, and escape.

Critical acclaim for Crossing:

• Joint winner of the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature, NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2015
• CBCA Notable Book 2015
• Shortlisted, Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature 2015