ONE TRUE WAY by Shannon Hitchcock

Coming out in the 1970’s was not safe and certainly not accepted.  Girls who liked girls were not only considered weird or strange, but even immoral or mentally ill.  Usually their choice was to change, pretend to change, or remain an outcast, a suspect, someone who might be “dangerous.”

ONE TRUE WAY  a middle-grade novel by Shannon Hitchcock gently but clearly describes a variety of aspects about how homosexuality was viewed in the 1970’s – and in many places – still is.  The main character, Allie, realizes that her feelings toward her new friend, Sam, are more than friendship.  Allie seeks advice from a trusted teacher who is known to her to be a lesbian.  Allie also talks with her church’s minister.  Both women listen and offer unquestionable support and helpful suggestions. Both adults also express concern about Sam and Allie’s emotional safety and encourge them to reflect about possible family and peer responses that may be difficult.

The author has created two unique, strong, and very “real” girls who are part of very different families.  Sam’s family is homophobic and places their beliefs in church teachings. For Sam’s mother, there is no doubt that being gay is choosing to be sinful.  The author offers important and diverse perspectives on the many aspects that affect a young person’s decision to acknowledge who they really are –  religion, family beliefs, safe spaces, complication with peer friendships, adult attitudes, and community responses. There are no simple answers but the author offers to readers a “mirror for gay Christian kids who feel hurt and being left out and sometimes shunned by their religion.”

The book also portrays counseling, both religious and secular, as positive choices for both the child and her family.

One True Way is an excellent addition to middle school collections.