Crossing the Line

Gr 9 Up—A novel that creatively mixes the traditional YA genres of romance, comedy, and action/thriller. The story's two main protagonists, Ryan Hess and Dalila Sandoval, both 18, meet by a stroke of fate at a concert. Fate continues to throw them together despite their best efforts to stay away from each other. At first, it is purely for selfish reasons that they try to stay apart—but as the story unfolds things become serious, life-threateningly so, and they become each other's support. The alternating chapters showcasing the perspectives of Ryan and Dalila give readers a balanced view of the plot from each of the protagonists. Bits of comedy are also interwoven throughout the mostly serious book. Teens will appreciate how the relationship between Ryan and Dalila grows. The story contains scenes of sex and violence, but both play integral parts in the narrative. The setting is the border between Texas and Mexico, and the theme of drug-related violence will feel relevant and timely for some. Most of the characters, except for Ryan and his family, are of Mexican descent. The plot twists and turns until a satisfying conclusion.