Written in free, one of the most striking things about "Crossing the Line" is the language, so rich and vivid that the reader can almost see Erik's woWritten in free, one of the most striking things about "Crossing the Line" is the language, so rich and vivid that the reader can almost see Erik's world come to life, even when it is heart-breaking to do so. You cannot read this book without feeling Erik's grief and loneliness, his failure and despair. As he copes with a troubled family life, the loss of his father, a struggling mother and a growing sense that the world has nothing better to offer him, the reader is forced to acknowledge that that is how life is for many young people in our world today.
Each word is carefully chosen, each line forms a part of a picture, which in itself is an integral aspect of a wider narrative, and the reader becomes addicted to reading - unable to put this one down.
The subject matter is dark and there is no escaping that throughout the book. It would be such a grim read if it were not written with such care and empathy for the characters of Erik and his friend Ravi. In fact, it is in some of the bleakest situations that the narrative offers us hope as well as despair and we watch as the boys find resilience in the face of these terrifying unknowns. The characterisation is moving and realistic and the problems that the young characters are facing are as much a part of real life as being disciplined by a teacher or falling out with our best friends.
The actual format of the novel, the way the words have been arranged on the page serves to support the reader's journey through the story and adds a musical rhythm of another sort. There is a beat and a flow to reading "Crossing the Line" which makes the book easier to read and yet incredibly addictive and even more evocative.
This is such an important book to read, I highly recommend it to parents of teenagers and children 13+ ...more
"The Door of No Return" is like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the heart of an incredible journey through Africa's history, culture "The Door of No Return" is like stepping into a time machine and landing right in the heart of an incredible journey through Africa's history, culture, and spirit. Kwame Alexander masterfully weaves verses into a poignant and beautiful tale that touches the heart and mind. Despite being primarily aimed at children and making it to the Carnegie Medal longlist, I have mixed feelings about whether many children would choose to read it. As an adult, however, I can confidently say that I was deeply moved and captivated.
The story tackles the incredibly important topic of African heritage and folklore, shedding light on the history of the Atlantic slave trade. While the book contains graphic and harrowing scenes that may upset sensitive children, it's precisely these moments that add authenticity and depth to the narrative, leaving a lasting impact.
At once vivid and simple, lyrical and surgical, expressive and exacting, "The Door of No Return" takes readers on a profound journey of resilience, hope, and the enduring power of dreams. It's a story that resonates deeply, regardless of age, and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding and confronting difficult chapters in history....more
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