Year 8 Inspired by Author Tia Fisher
Year 8 students were captivated by an engaging and thought-provoking author talk from Tia Fisher, whose novel Crossing the Line is part of the Read for Empathy collection.
Rather than simply talking about her book, Tia brought it to life by reading carefully chosen excerpts, interweaving her storytelling with opportunities for students to discuss the situations her characters faced. At key moments, she paused to ask the audience what they would do in the same circumstances, encouraging pupils to share their thoughts and consider the impact of different choices.
The talk began with the powerful question, “When was the last time you felt really safe?” This set the tone for exploring the novel’s themes of bullying, empathy, the choices we make and the consequences that can follow. Students were encouraged to reflect on how understanding another person’s experiences and circumstances can help us respond with greater compassion.
Tia’s enthusiastic narration, energetic storytelling, expressive performance and animated movement kept students fully engaged throughout. Her dynamic delivery brought the story vividly to life, making the characters and the challenges they faced feel immediate and real.
One of the key messages Tia shared was that empathy is like a muscle—the more we use it, the stronger it becomes. She described the library as an “empathy gym,” explaining that reading allows us to strengthen this muscle by caring about characters and experiencing the world through different perspectives.
The session was an inspiring reminder that books can do far more than entertain: they can spark meaningful conversations, encourage thoughtful decision-making and help us become more understanding, reflective and empathetic members of our community.
