It truly takes a village to turn a story idea into a published book. The 2014 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Convention provided the spark that became One True Way. I got up early to hear my editor, Andrea Pinkney, speak on a panel. During the session, the moderator talked about the lack of middle grade books dealing with homosexuality. I knew immediately that I wanted to write such a novel. I owe a round of applause to NCTE!

Lots of people offered input. I’d especially like to acknowledge Rob Sanders for suggesting the Anita Bryant connection; Nancy Stewart for her prompt feedback; Kendra Gayle Lee for sharing painful episodes from her growing-up years; Lorin Oberweger, who pointed out that Allie would make a more compelling character if she had a goal; and the Reverend Vicki Walker, who talked theology with me and pulled a copy of Defrocked: How a Father’s Act of Love Shook the United Methodist Church from her personal bookshelf.

One True Way couldn’t have found a better home than Scholastic. A giant hug to Andrea and her whole team! And as always, I’m grateful for the contract expertise of my agent, Deborah Warren.

And finally, my deepest gratitude to all the students, teachers, and librarians who have read my novels. I get the chance to live my dream because of you.