ARC Review~ The Lines We Crossed

I believe this is a book that everyone should read. This book covers the current topic of refugees in an accurate representation from both parties; those coming into the country and those already living within the country. I know this book's setting is within Australia, however the issues addressed throughout the novel are definitely issues that occur in Canada as well. 

One of my favourite things about this novel was that the author chose to portray the POV's of both main characters; the main characters were Mina and Michael. I think this really gave the storyline a strong way to really have readers connect with the characters. Reader got to experience the stuff first hand and experience what each character was feeling during their disputes. I especially loved that because of the duel POVs we really got to witness the characters changes. Michael believes blindly  what his parents have instilled in him and hasn't formed his own opinions on the current hot topics in Australia.  He soon realises how discriminatory his opinion is after seeing Mina hurt by his misguided accusations. Whereas Mina is intelligent, passionate and not afraid to speak out against the injustices that are going on. She has been through a horrific journey, basically leaving the only life she had ever known to travel to Australia with her mother to seek refuge, only to be detained, and in the process looses some family members along the way.

Aside from the characters I also really enjoyed the storyline, it was definitely one that had a lot to offer. I found the writing was to follow along with. As well I found that the story flowed quite nicely from chapter to chapter. The author illustrates clear pictures throughout the text that allowed for me to really get vivid images on what was going on within the story. My really issues with the novel primary were focused on Michael, only because sometimes some of the things he did made me cringe. Though he was intentionally written in that aspect for readers to really see his development. Overall, the composition of this novel was brilliantly done.

In conclusion I would give this book a 4 out of 5 stars for its well done job at sustaining current topics within todays word but still having the appealing factor to any audience member. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking a good read on the subject matter of refugees, because though this book is fiction the events that happen within this story could very well be happening in todays world. 

Thank you to Scholastics Canada for providing me with an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect any of my opinions formed in my review.

~About the Book~

Title: The Lines We Cross
Author: Randa Abdel-Fattah
Publication Date:  May 9th, 2017
Publisher: Scholastics
Format: ARC copy provided by Scholastics
Description: Michael likes to hang out with his friends and play with the latest graphic design software. His parents drag him to rallies held by their anti-immigrant group, which rails against the tide of refugees flooding the country. And it all makes sense to Michael.

Until Mina, a beautiful girl from the other side of the protest lines, shows up at his school, and turns out to be funny, smart—and a Muslim refugee from Afghanistan. Suddenly, his parents’ politics seem much more complicated.

Mina has had a long and dangerous journey fleeing her besieged home in Afghanistan, and now faces a frigid reception at her new prep school, where she is on scholarship. As tensions rise, lines are drawn. Michael has to decide where he stands. Mina has to protect herself and her family. Both have to choose what they want their world to look like.