One True Way

One True Way follows twelve-year-old Allie Drake as she navigates life in a small North Carolina town during 1977. After moving from New Jersey following her brother's death, Allie joins the school newspaper and meets Sam, a basketball player who becomes her friend. The story centers on Allie's growing realization that she has feelings for Sam, which conflicts with her Southern Baptist upbringing and the conservative values of her community. Allie must confront reactions from family, friends, and church members while trying to understand herself. The middle grade novel addresses themes of identity, acceptance, and the intersection of faith and sexuality in the American South of the 1970s. Through its historical setting, the book examines how societal attitudes have evolved while highlighting the timeless challenges of staying true to oneself.

Readers appreciate the book's gentle handling of LGBTQ+ themes for a middle-grade audience, with many noting it serves as a good introduction to historical discrimination and acceptance. Parents mention using it as a discussion starter with their children. Liked: - Age-appropriate treatment of first crushes and identity - Historical 1970s setting provides context - Strong friendship dynamics - Positive adult role models Disliked: - Some found the pacing slow - Religious conflict resolution felt oversimplified to some readers - Several noted the writing style was basic Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (100+ ratings) Notable reader comments: "Perfect for kids questioning their identity" - Goodreads reviewer "Would have meant everything to me as a middle schooler" - Amazon reviewer "Needed more depth in the religious discussions" - School Library Journal reader review

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📚 The story takes place in 1977 North Carolina, during a time when Anita Bryant's "Save Our Children" campaign was actively promoting discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. 🎤 Author Shannon Hitchcock drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in North Carolina during the 1970s, though the story itself is fictional. 🌈 One True Way was one of the first middle-grade novels to address same-sex attraction in a historical context, helping fill a significant gap in LGBTQ+ literature for young readers. ✍️ The book received recognition from the American Library Association and was named to their Rainbow List, which identifies quality LGBTQ+ books for children and teens. 🏫 The story explores not only LGBTQ+ themes but also tackles issues of religious conflict, as the main character Allie must navigate her feelings while attending a Southern Baptist church that condemns same-sex relationships.