Not Going to Plan– at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Consent, control and unlikely friendships.
YA book title: Not Going to Plan.
YA author: Tia Fisher.
Genre: Teenage Fiction/ Real Life Issues.
Published by: Hot Key Books.
ISBN: 9781471418372.
Recommended for children aged: 14+ year-olds.
First published: Paperback August 2024.
This YA book is ideal for: teens who enjoy quick, accessible reads that tackle realistic and relatable issues without the sugar coating. Content warning: this book contains scenes of a sexual nature, discussions of abortion, and some strong language.
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Our review:
Not Going to Plan tells the story of Marnie, a rebellious student expelled from her exclusive school, who finds herself seated next to Zed, a perfectionist physics nerd, at her new school. Although they have absolutely nothing in common, the two teens form an unlikely friendship as they help each other prepare for their GCSEs, trading their strengths and weaknesses to the benefit of both.
What starts as a story about teenage friendship, academic pressure, and the inevitable fluctuation of adolescent relationships takes a darker, more urgent turn when Marnie has sex with a boy at a party who only pretended to wear a condom. Fisher fearlessly addresses the issue of ‘stealthing’ (non-consensual condom removal), unplanned pregnancy, and the difficult choices that follow, including the political topic of abortion, issues seldom explored with such honesty in teen fiction.
Fisher’s narrative verse makes the serious subject matter accessible without tapering its impact. The poetry structure allows for both intimate emotional moments and quick pacing that will keep teen readers engaged. Fisher’s use of verse enables the reader to gain a deeper insight into Zed and Marnie, their individual quirks, anxieties, and innermost thoughts, enabling the reader to create emotional resonance with the characters. Sensitive topics are handled with care and authenticity, never evading the complex realities of consent and teenage sexuality.
Our verdict:
Not Going To Plan is an essential read for young adults navigating sexual and platonic relationships and the issues of peer pressure, consent and social conformity. Important taboos are smashed in this novel, whilst comfort is offered within shared experiences and the realisation of others sharing similar struggles.
Teaching points and book club discussion ideas:
- Free resources and book-related activities for schools and teachers.
- Read a free extract.
Many thanks to Hot Key Books for the review copy.
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