Crosses is the book which launched Stoehr's career, introduing her major themes and narrative style. All her books since are related to many of the themes she explores in this novel. Nancy and Katie would fit quite well hanging out with main characters in many of Stoehr's other novels. Crosses is also related to other titles in the Delacorte Press' best first YA novel contest, in particular Center Line by Joyce Sweeney, one of the first titles to win the Delacorte award.

Finally, Crosses is related to many other "grim" titles which have become a huge trend in literature for young adults. Crosses was very much a forerunner in unleashing a new honesty in language and situation which paved the way for novels like Rats Saw God (Rob Thomas), When She Was Good (Norma Fox Mazer), and The Facts Speakfor Themselves (Brock Cole).