The Bridge by Jane Higgins

The Text Publishing Company, 2011. ISBN 9781921758331.
(Ages 13+) Nik has always wanted to join the ISIS, but the problem is that it's not that simple. You can't just join; they have to pick you. The ISIS are the brains behind the army on the Cityside, fighting the war against the Hostiles on the Southside on the other side of the river. When the day finally comes, the day Nik has waited for his whole life, they don't pick him. Nik is desperate for answers, the ISIS pick the smartest people in the school usually and Nik is one of the smartest people in his year. Then the school gets bombed and so much is lost in the attack. Nik losses his best friend Lou. Lou's sister Fyffe and brother Sol are devastated by the loss of their brother and Fyffe, Sol, Jono, Dash and Nik also lose their friend Bella. The city has become unsafe, the Hostiles have taken the bridges and now control who goes in and out of the city. As a group they decide to leave the city to take Fyffe and Sol home, but it all goes wrong when Sol is taken by the Hostiles so to save him Nik, along with Fyffe, leave Dash and Jono behind and go across the bridge.
This book is amazing. I just could not put it down. I had to keep reading. The book just pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading. I would highly recommend this book, it has adventure and danger and it truly shows you how far friends and family will go for each other.
Tahlia Kennewell (Student)