Reviews

One True Way by Shannon Hitchcock

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mugglebornofoz's review

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

morgithecorgi's review against another edition

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informative lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

stefaniejane's review against another edition

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4.0

Ugh, great primer to sexuality and crushes for the younger middle school set. Economically written budding romance in a small town where being gay is not a thing. (Yet thankfully there is a lesbian couple in town or we'd really be SOL) Diplomatic volleying regarding religious unacceptance... a lot of back and forth with ministers, etc... could totally be set now instead of historical fiction (but I say that about all recent historical fiction for children).

jujuly72006's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

inkstndfngrs's review against another edition

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2.0

This book was...fine. I was drawn in by the idea of a historical LGBT middle reader. I hoped it would be remincient of one of my favorite vintage YA novels. It wasn't. At all. In fact, I hate to say it, but this was kind of boring. Nothing happened. And okay, yeah. They're 12 year old girls. But I just felt like it was missing something to make it actually "exciting" to read. Kind of blah. Not sure I'd suggest it to anyone.

mindfullibrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

ONE TRUE WAY is an accessible and relatable look at a 7th grade girl's realization that she is gay, and the surrounding homophobia in small town America in the 1970s. Hitchcock's prose is sparse, and due to its hopeful story arc, this fairly simplistic slim novel will be just what some children in our world will need at some point in their lives - access to books like this is crucial for today's youth, whether for teens who are coming out themselves or for friends of teens wrestling with this decision.
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I don't necessarily see this book as having overwhelming literary appeal, but the message of the story about self-acceptance and the struggle to come out in a Christian family is a welcome one. The inclusion of an adult lesbian couple and differing opinions from religious leaders add depth to the story, as does the contrasting messages regarding counseling. The author's note explains that although this is not an #ownvoices story, she did have a number of sensitivity readers who helped shape her work.
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Recommended for middle school libraries - grades 5 and up. The content does gravitate toward the younger side, but I am unsure at this time whether I will be purchasing for my elementary school or not. I will be purchasing for my combined middle/high school library upon publication.
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Thanks to the #kidlitexchange network for this review copy ~ all opinions are my own!
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