One Thing That's True

Anne Hutchings is an elementary-school teacher-librarian with the Durham
Board of Education.

Life for Roxanne has been relatively normal and uneventful. That is,
until the summer that Roxanne is 13. Then, all of a sudden, everything
seems to fall apart. Roxanne’s parents are acting strangely and seem
to be drifting apart; her brother, Joel, is getting into trouble; Laura,
her best friend, betrays her; and the list goes on. Misunderstandings
occur, hormones rage, and Roxanne’s parents mistakenly believe that
they can protect their children by being less than truthful.

The author avoids trite happily-ever-after endings. Yet the story ends
on a hopeful note, despite the turmoil. Roxanne’s inner strength
coupled with the caring and support of her family and friends carry her
through. As she puts it, “I’ve learned one thing that’s true ...
you can find your way again. You can still end up where you’re
supposed to be.”

This growing-up/coming-of-age story will appeal to young people in
grades 6 to 8. Recommended.