Shannon HitchcockKirja-arvosteluja

Kirkus starred review!

"....sheds light on what it means to be different while at the same time being wholly true to oneself." ~ from back cover of book

"....sheds light on what it means to be different while at the same time being wholly true to oneself." ~ from back cover of book

"....sheds light on what it means to be different while at the same time being wholly true to oneself." ~ from back cover of book

Ok, so I firmly believe that we need more LGBTQIA2+ books for kids. And they need to be simple reads so that younger kids can access them. And I particularly appreciate that this one validates a 12 year old's feelings as real, and that both good and bad counseling is represented -- honestly the message here is great, the characters have a certain charm, it's a really accessible book. If you must write a book coming from a strongly Christian background, I love that there is more than one type of Christianity represented (Methodist, with a female minister as well as a more Evangelical/Southern Baptist pov). I love that there are recognizably gay characters in the community and they are also part of the conversation.

However, for a 200 page book, this one was a slog -- I found it desperately boring. I did not like that Allie never resolves things with Webb. I also found it extremely formulaic -- chapter will consist of: journalist main character learns something to like about someone she did not previously know. 1970's song/tv show/pop culture reference. Angst. Ribbit Ribbit. Repeat. I don't even think this is linked to the author not being gay herself -- I think she does a great job portraying a young person coming to terms with self-awareness, and weaves that in well with the overlying themes of grief and divorce -- it's just missing a spark for me. I hope it offers something more to the intended audience.

children's middlegrade fiction (girl moves to new middleschool and realizes that not only are two of her favorite teachers secretly gay, but she herself is gay; set in the 1970s South).
This is one of those rare middleschool books that doesn't deal with school bullies (the kids are all actually really nice despite everyone's differences)--though it does have parent bullies. A helpful, gentle guide for those young kids who are going through similar issues in their lives (or know someone who is). I think I cried solidly through the last half of the book; it is a good story and I think it will be appreciated by many.

I read this with my ten-year-old and we found many themes imbedded in the novel including friendship, forgiveness, guilt, family, and racism. Although the story is widely thought to be a story of a girl and her experience of attending an integrated school, it's much more. Ruby Lee has many trials in the book. We both enjoyed the novel. Perfect for 3-5 graders.

Welcome to Daniel Boone Middle School in the 1970s, where teachers and coaches must hide who they are, and girls who like girls are forced to question their own choices. Presented in the voice of a premier storyteller, One True Way sheds exquisite light on what it means to be different, while at the same time being wholly true to oneself. Through the lives and influences of two girls, readers come to see that love is love is love. Set against the backdrop of history and politics that surrounded gay rights in the 1970s South, this novel is a thoughtful, eye-opening look at tolerance, acceptance, and change, and will widen the hearts of all readers. publisher

This book took me to the place and time ruby lee and Sarah lived. In the south in 1969. What an amazing story! Courage, bravery, forgiveness and unconditional love are the overwhelming themes of this beautiful story! Should be the 2016 Newbery winner!

Literary Merit: Great
Characterization: Great
Recommended: Highly recommended
Level: 8-12 years
Sarah Beth Willis was supposed to be watching her little sister Robin. When she turned her back, Robin had run into the street and was hit by a black car. An ambulance was called and Robin was taken to the hospital with her mother. Sarah was to stay with her grandparents. The road ahead would be long for Robin. She was put in a body cast. Dad gave the news to Sarah they would have to move in with their grandparents and sell the house to pay for hospital bills. This meant going to a new school and making new friends. At the farm, Sarah met a new girl named Ruby. They became great friends and helped grandma with the gardening. Ruby had a beautiful singing voice and sang in the church choir. One day Ruby and Sarah have a terrible argument. It seems that Ruby cannot go some places that Sarah can due to her color and there is talk of integration. Parents were worried about colored children drinking out of the same drinking fountain, eating together, using the same bathrooms, and swimming in the same pool. They felt grown-ups were stupid. The schools did get integrated and they had the first black school teacher, Mrs. Smyre, in their class. I highly recommend this book. It touches the heart with great characters and story that make it hard to put the book down.

One of the ladies in our book club chose this book not realizing it was a child's book. We decided to go ahead and read it because the story sounded interesting and we could be young reader reviewers! I enjoyed this little book and it brought back many memories of my growing up years. Miss Hitchcock covered many issues that I hope the young people reading will find interesting. Times have changes but these issues are still relevant today. I really enjoyed the love and interaction Sarah had with her Grandparents. I know there are children who do not have lives as full of love as this book has but I hope this will be an uplifting story for all who read it. The author's note in the end is a wonderful addition in bringing this story to real life. So glad for the photos!

Twelve-year-old Sarah is coping with a lot in 1969. She shoulders the guilt of her little sister's serious car accident. School integration looms over the upcoming school year and her longtime friendship with Ruby Lee. The family must pull together during Robin's long recovery. An accessible and straightforward read appropriate for third grade up, introducing the social issues that colored the 1960s, and acknowledging the crippling guilt kids can feel when they believe they've done something bad.

Integration, no language issues, a racist remark made in anger is alluded to, friendship, tolerance, and is the author's own family story.

4.5 STARS...wish it was longer but that's my own wish, not a necessity to enjoy this book!

A great story of the author's family history- part fiction based on truth ... this is a book written for adults but would be a great read for anyone from junior high on up.

Jessie Pearl was teenager (14) living with her family on farmland during the early part of the 1900's. A cohesive, loving family struck with more than their share of tragedy. And Jessie, already with responsibilities on her young shoulders, takes on even more after the deaths of her mum.. her married sister.. and then the debilitating illness of her one remaining sister. BUT this is not a depressing story whatsoever. You do get a feel for the raw emotions, the need to mature earlier in those days and the hard-working daily life on a farm.

A short book, and that's fine, it fits. I just read the last page and felt like a friend moved away ...i wanted more!

Jessie Pearl wants to be a teacher but other things keep getting in the way. Her mother dies and then her sister comes down with TB and Jessie has to nurse her as well as taking care of the household chores on their family farm. When her sister dies, Jessie then has to take care of her baby nephew. Then her relationship with her boyfriend starts to get serious and marriage is talked of. Jessie has to decide what is most important.
Set in 1922, this book is based on a true story and is an engaging read. Jessie is a believable and sympathetic character and her story rings true.

THE BALLAD OF JESSIE PEARL is a wonderful book of historical fiction. Jessie is a very relatable character as she agonizes over juggling her family responsibilities with her own hopes and dreams. How can Jessie leave the farm to pursue a career when her family needs her? Her sister has tuberculosis, and Jessie must care for her newborn nephew. Then there is Liza who seems to have her eyes on Jessie’s boyfriend. The adversarial relationship between Jessie and Liza brings the story into modern times. I couldn’t help but root for Jessie when Liza pulled a despicable stunt. The book moves at a perfect pace, the use of present tense is very effective, and I enjoyed the dialogue immensely. I highly recommend it for readers of all ages.