Tightrope

Tightrope follows Ashley, a teenager who witnesses a violent crime and must enter a witness protection program. She receives a new identity and relocates to a different part of England with her mother, forced to leave behind her former life. In her new town, Ashley struggles to maintain her cover story while navigating relationships at school and in her community. The presence of a mysterious stalker adds tension as Ashley tries to determine who she can trust. The story explores themes of identity, truth, and the psychological impact of living under constant threat. Through Ashley's experiences, the narrative examines how people adapt when they must become someone else to survive.

Readers describe this as a fast-paced thriller that keeps them engaged throughout. Many note it handles complex themes about terrorism and moral choices while remaining accessible to young adult readers. Liked: - Strong character development of protagonist Ashley - Realistic portrayal of family dynamics - Building tension and suspense - Clear, straightforward writing style Disliked: - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers wanted more background on secondary characters - Multiple reviews mention predictable plot points Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (219 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (16 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The moral dilemmas felt real and made me think" - Goodreads reviewer "Perfect pacing - couldn't put it down" - Amazon review "Expected more development of the terrorism subplot" - School Library Journal reader review Many school librarians report the book appeals to both reluctant and advanced readers ages 12-16.

The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd A brother and sister piece together clues to find their missing cousin who disappeared from a London tourist attraction.

Hacker by Malorie Blackman A teenage girl uses computer skills to prove her father's innocence in a bank fraud case.

Running on Empty by S.E. Durrant A young runner deals with family responsibilities and financial hardship while pursuing athletic dreams.

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman A Victorian-era girl investigates her father's death and uncovers connections to a dangerous mystery involving stolen jewels.

Storm Breaker by Anthony Horowitz A fourteen-year-old becomes involved with British Intelligence to complete his uncle's mission and stop a criminal plot.

🎪 Author Gillian Cross spent time with real circus performers to research the book's acrobatic scenes, ensuring authentic details about aerial routines and circus life. 🏆 The book won the Smarties Prize Silver Award in 1999, recognizing its exceptional contribution to children's literature. 🌍 The story's backdrop of war-torn Kosovo was highly relevant when published, as the Kosovo War had just ended in 1999, making it one of the first children's books to address this conflict. 🎭 The protagonist's experience as a tightrope walker serves as both literal plot device and metaphor for balancing between two worlds - her life in England and her connection to Kosovo. 📚 Cross deliberately chose not to specify which side of the Kosovo conflict Ashley's friend Olfi belongs to, encouraging readers to think beyond taking sides in warfare.