One True Way

Set in a small American town in the 1970s, “One True Way” tells the story of twelve-year-old Allie, a new student at a local middle school, who has moved to the town with her mother for a fresh start to life. Complex conflicts and relevant themes about sexual identity and religious beliefs are broached as Allie develops a relationship with Sam, another girl. In the classroom, the story may allow middle-grade readers to explore and discuss the historical contexts of discrimination against LGBTQ2+ individuals while also providing an opportunity to study the illustrative figurative language used throughout the novel. This book lends itself well as a literature circle choice, particularly for the exploration of themes around gender and sexual identity.