The Crossing

Gary Paulsen’s The Crossing is a young adult novel published in 1987. This realistic work of fiction highlights the hope and opportunity Manny, a Mexican teenager, envisions waiting for him in America, and the desperation that propels him to attempt the border crossing from Mexico into the United States.

Paulsen (1939-2021) was a celebrated author of middle grade and young adult fiction, best known for writing the award-winning Hatchet series. His work often depicts wilderness settings, explores themes of survival, and features young men coming-of-age. When Paulsen was awarded the ALA Margaret Edwards Award for his contributions to young adult literature, The Crossing was among his titles selected as indicative of his career.

Other works by this author include Northwind, Masters of Disaster, Woods Runner, and My Life in Dog Years.

This guide refers to the 2005 Scholastic Edition of the novel.

Please be advised that The Crossing includes depictions of human trafficking and alcoholism.

Plot Summary

Manny, 14, lives alone on the streets in Juárez, Mexico, a town on the US-Mexico border. He struggles for survival every day, fighting bullies, outrunning street gangs, and begging for money to stave off starvation.