Caught in the Crossfire [Paperback]

Alan Gibbons (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2006

Set in a northern town where right-wingers are determined to stir up hatred and racial prejudice, six teenagers' lives are woven together by a series of shocking and tragic events. A British Muslim brother and sister, two Irish brothers who take different sides, and two lads out looking for trouble: all of them get caught in the crossfire. Inspired by the Oldham riots and the events of September 11th, this is a chilling account of current events in Britain, but written with humor and understanding.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 9 Up–British author Alan Gibbon has written a novel (Orion, 2003) dealing with the universal themes of brotherhood and acceptance. Rabia, a British-Pakistani Muslim, and Mike, an open-minded British Caucasian, become friends, although each has a radical, prejudiced brother who doesn't want the two cultures to mix. These difficulties are fueled by a neo-Nazi group which is trying to gain power in their town. Tension builds gradually until the tragic climax. Several references to West Side Story foreshadow this end. Most British terms and slang can be understood in context. British actor Chris Hoban's voice adds realism to the telling, and he reads quickly and changes pace frequently as the story progresses. His tone is expressive and his accent is clear and easily understood. An excellent multicultural choice for mature students.–Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Review

"Gibbons' writing often addresses worrying issues of social justice but never as powerfully as in this novel...There's a slice of real life in this book, and the writing - short, sharp pieces that take us into the mind of each character - is accessible and compulsive." -- Wendy Cooling The Bookseller, 19 November 2002 "...what engrosses one is the behaviour of the characters in the novel, who are so real, so human, that one could excpect to meet them at any time. As the complications, the animosities and solidarities develop towards the outbreak of the riots it is difficult to put the book down. The Ending is a dramatic climax." Socialist Review "Gibbons is a writer of great conviction and integrity." The Herald "...my 13-year-old son read the book obsessively through the night and was so deeply moved that he woke me at 3am to tell me. To keep a teenage boy awake all night , Gibbons must be one amazing storyteller" -- Sarah Johnson The Times, 19 February 2003 "pertinent...topical and tightly written" The Observer, 2 March 2003 ..a fast, intricate narrative that cuts skillfully from one group of people to another...The story rattles along, building up suspense and complexity without ever becoming confusing" -- Gillian Cross The Guardian, 12 April 2003 "Serious themes indeed, in a story well told, giving much to think about as the stones begin to fly. The book is pacey and written in short episodes." Booktrusted News (Booktrust), Spring 2003 "Returning to the episodic style that served him so well in The Edge, Gibbons turns his attention to small-town racial tension, festering in the aftermath of the World Trade Centre attack...The West Side Story/Romeo and Juliet motif provides the heart for thie challenging and plausible story." -- Lindsey Fraser The Guardian, 1 July 2003 "In unsparing detail this outstanding novel charts the build up to the race riot in a run-down northern town...At its heart is a touching Romeo and Juliet story of lovers from opposing sides...but its real strength is in the portrayal of of political manipulation, of wretched lives given a malign focus...Fast moving, unputdownable and frighteningly relevant" -- Jan Mark Carousel, Summer 2003 "I would recommend this book to anyone of any age just looking for a good read!" Teen Titles, Summer 2003

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Orion Children's Books; 1St Edition edition (October 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842550969
• ISBN-13: 978-1842550960
• Product Dimensions: 1 x 5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,693,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Amazing Book!, September 9, 2005

By 

Hiloani Kialeta "Hilo Kia" (Hawaii USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caught in the Crossfire (Paperback)

This book has to be one of my all-time favourites.
Gibbons writes with such passion and it shows on this book.
The characters are amazing and so well structured.
It is sad and action-packed.
This book is flawless.
Nothing short of stunning!

4.0 out of 5 stars Gibons strikes again!, March 29, 2004

By 

Daniel (wales) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caught in the Crossfire (Paperback)

Well what can i say about this book? Plenty of modern issues are caught in its pages. Definately a good read if you are looking for something differant. It looks through the eyes of several people all with a differant view of the events happening in their small town. The story is woven together with great skill but its contents may not be to everyones tastes.

4.0 out of 5 stars Superbly great!!, March 11, 2004

By 

mUsEd (Malaysia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Caught in the Crossfire (Paperback)

alright...on 1st impression..i totally agree that this book superbly great...to be frank...this book brought up many things in which many people misconstrue about other races...especially the asians (based on the book)....and yet...gibbons knows how to read beyond teenagers' mind...which i think it's brilliant...readers who havent read this book should grab one...seriously...i would rather say it's A MUST!!