This is a wonderfully bold story with a strong and confident protagonist at its heart. Marnie is a rebel and, as the story develops, she becomes a rebel fighting for an exceptionally good cause: to rid society of coercion and judgement. The book unashamedly confronts issues of stealthing and abortion through its engrossing storyline. Marnie becomes a victim of stealthing after a rash drunken encounter at a party and, as a result, she falls pregnant. The big question then is…what should Marnie do?

The story is told as a simultaneous dual narrative from both Marnie’s and, her unlikely best friend, Zed’s perspectives. The two voices are cleverly paralleled, highlighting the pair’s polar opposite personalities but also their mutual appreciation. The emotions between the characters are tender and powerful throughout. Tia’s beautifully written verse ensures that you’re easily swept along by the emotions, feeling every pain and upset as well as triumphant satisfaction as conclusions are reached near the end. And her widespread creative use of typography that illustrates the story is visually exciting and highly attractive for reluctant readers.

This is a truly passionate story, innovatively told, that conveys phenomenally important messages for teens about consent and the freedom to make decisions. Yet another powerful book from Tia that highlights the importance of YA fiction as a tool for raising awareness and fuelling social change.

I was expecting a story about an unexpected pregnancy and having to make decisions on the future, which I did get. What I wasn’t expecting was the added element (which only really came in towards the end) of consent.
Marnie is an interesting main character, it’s difficult to condone her behaviour at school but you do understand why she acts that way. Her friendship with Zed seemed unlikely initially, but I liked the way it slowly developed.
It works well as a verse novel, clearly showing which character we are with. The creative layout on some pages help to illustrate the story.

After her debut Crossing the Line, @tiafisher would have been completely forgiven for taking years to write something as good again. Instead, her second novel is out already and it's another perfectly pitched heart-wrencher.

​N​ot Going to Plan deals with themes that are the day to day experience of our young people - the pressure of exams, the pressure to behave a certain way, the pressure to find a label and stick it on yourself with superglue, the pressure of social media in your face ​all the time. ​On top of all this, for some, there is more. Zed, for example, dreams of a sixth form scholarship. And for school newcomer 16yo Marnie​, there is the need to belong and be liked. Harry Borman (what a character name​!) is a boy who, it seems, will give her instant credibility. But when she has sex with ​him, it's not the type of sex she thinks she's consenting to.
​
​Abortion rights continue to be weak and further eroded in some parts of the world,​ and it's so important ​that books like this ​are written​, published​, and put into the hands of young people. Not Going to Plan will hopefully make it possible for a few more young people to take an informed and nuanced view of the practical and emotional fallout of unplanned pregnancies​. I think it will be another award-winner, but also that it will fly off the shelves and be read and read and re-read. I hope ​that grown ups and parents of boys are amongst the readers. The stealthing conversation is one every family needs to have.

​Main characters with alternating control of the narrative voice, Marnie and Zed are brilliant creations - they leap fully-formed off the page​ in deft, light verse, making me laugh and cry.​ I love Marnie's art project and Zed's beautifully precise ​expressions. The supporting cast have authentic, strong presence too, which must be hard to do in so few words. And I was particularly pleased that Jessica, who sadly reminds me of so many desperate teenage girls, gets an empathetic hearing in the end.

Thank you @tia_fisher_writes and @hotkeybooks for another potentially life-changing book.

#NGTP is out on 28 Aug. I read a @netgalley advance copy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLf0KdBI263/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=dGdmYTFqbHQ0bjdk

Once again, I'm in awe. Tia's writing for teens is timely, topical and, importantly, accessible. As with Crossing the Line, she uses well chosen words and playful formatting to deliver a powerful message but sealing the deal is her ability to create relatable characters a reader can root for and rally behind. Zed is a brilliant antidote to the toxic Andrew Tates of this world and, on more than one occasion, I wanted to give him a massive hug (even though he'd probably find that most uncomfortable!). Not Going to Plan should be a staple in every secondary school library.

Tia Fisher once again shines a spotlight on an important subject and spins a story around it with sensitivity, realism and humour in this powerful verse novel that explores consent, unplanned pregnancy, bullying and friendships. I enjoyed the dual narrative told by two very different, equally quirky voices. The more I got to know Marnie and Zed, the more I cheered them on as they navigated their way through challenging times. An ultimately hopeful, even triumphant, novel. Definitely one I will be stocking for my school library and promoting heavily.

After loving Crossing the Line, I was eager to get my hands on Not Going to Plan - and it did not disappoint. Told in verse through a dual narrative, the lives of two misfits as weaved together as they navigate personal struggles and an unlikely friendship.
This book tackles difficult themes - something that Fosher doesn’t shy away from - teenage pregnancy, abortion, the right to choice, and bullying - whilst allows showcasing the power of art to create change.
Loved it.