One True Way
Shannon Hitchcock
About this book
A heartening story of two girls who discover their friendship is something more. But how, among their backward town, will Sam and Allie face what they know is true about themselves? 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.
Why it was banned
Listed by PEN America's 2023–2024 index as banned pending investigation in Clear Creek-Amana Community School District, Iowa, in June 2024.
Censorship history
United States school ban context: PEN America's 2023–2024 index lists One True Way as banned pending investigation in Clear Creek-Amana Community School District, Iowa, in June 2024. The district context is important because the same cluster of removals included multiple LGBTQ-related children's and YA books. A historically set, age-appropriate novel about two girls discovering love became part of a modern administrative review, showing how LGBTQ representation can be restricted even when presented through gentle historical fiction.
Bans
| Country | Year | Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 2024 | LGBTQ+ |