This book was so cool!!!! i love it when peoples' lives intertwine in books! I think Lynne Rae Perkins did a wonderful job not only writing this book, but explaining teenage life! One of the best books I've ever read!
Tools for this page
Criss Cross
(2006, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Lynne Perkins)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Newbery winner has depth, but no plot; tweens+.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Criss Cross
Parents need to know that there is not much to worry about here. There is one instance of swearing, and a teen character uses chewing tobacco, which his friends find revolting.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the many little observations and insights in the book. How do people connect, or miss connecting? What are the moments that push our lives in different directions? Is there only one person out there for each of us?
Our Members Say
See all 8 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Criis Cross is GREAT!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
A truly wonderful work of literature
Set in the 1970s, the story concerns a girl and boy whose paths cross as they embark into adolescence. Two things stood out for me about this book. 1. The language is spare and perfect, and the voice perfectly captures the mind of a twelve-year old, trying to grasp the big picture from the handful of clues their brief life has presented them, so far. 2. For once, a story about tweens or teens in which none of the adults are behaving badly. No addictions, alcoholism, abuse, neglect, intrusion, etc etc. The parents are somewhat peripheral to the kids' lives, as is appropriate for their age, but they know they are there for them. There is an overall sense that life is confusing and plain weird sometimes, but in the end, things work out. Kids may be put off at first by the introspective mode of the storytelling and the somewhat slow pace (and alternation between narrators), but soon they will find themselves drawn into this world. Some readers (adult and kid) have complained initially that "nothing happens," but by the end you realize that a lot has happened. This is a wonderful book that will stay with any reader for a long time.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Great book about early teens finding who they are
This is a great book for ages 11+ it's a little confusing..but in the end it is worth it! I enjoyed reading this book and relating to the characters..great book.
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
i was mad!
This book sucked and isnt interesting and is all over the place i do not wish to reccomend this book to anyone im sorry if u have to read this!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
OMG I love this book
I love this book it is amazing how the power of love can trick you or amaze you i love this book because it is relateable to. I think this is what most teens think about love.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
