One True Way
Shannon Hitchcock
One True Way
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
by Shannon Hitchcock
The text is written at a 6th grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for middle graders (ages 9–12), and the content has moderate intensity with some emotionally heavy themes.
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About This Book
What happens when friendship starts to feel like something more? Allie and Sam are best friends at Daniel Boone Middle School, but their feelings are changing in a town that might not understand. Can they find the courage to be who they truly are?
Quick Assessment
One True Way explores the tender journey of two middle school girls discovering their feelings for each other while navigating the challenges of growing up in a conservative community. Suitable for ages 9-12, it addresses themes of identity, friendship, and family with sensitivity. Parents should note the story's focus on self-discovery and social acceptance.
Why we rated One True Way 11ME
One True Way is written at a Level 6 reading level across 224 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 7.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, One True Way works for readers up to grade 8.0.
We rate One True Way as 11ME ("Moderate — Emotional") because the content sits in the "Moderate" range — moderate conflict that may involve loss, scary scenes, or interpersonal stakes. The strongest signals come from emotional weight, social complexity — these are the dimensions parents should evaluate against their reader's tolerance.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the moderate intensity score.
Thematically, One True Way explores lgbtq+ representation, friendship, coming of age, and family — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 9-12 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Readers ready to talk through themes after they finish — there's enough substance for a meaningful conversation.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about lgbtq+ representation, friendship, coming of age.
Maybe not for
- ! Readers who get easily upset by emotional or moderately dark scenes — the conflict here is real, not just background flavor.
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
11ME — Moderate — EmotionalReal stakes and emotional weight. May include sustained danger, loss, or bullying.
Was our "Moderate" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
1/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
4/10Good conversation starter with themes worth exploring together.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
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Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 9781338181746
- Pages
- 224
- Publisher
- Scholastic Press
- Published
- 2019
- Type
- Fiction