Truth Bangura is a 17-year-old looking for a way out. Feeling constantly held back by her overbearing mother and the inadequacies she sees in herself, she’s stuck. Her best friend Zariah is looking forward to college, and she has the grades to get her into any school she wants. Not Truth. With just average grades, Truth doesn’t know if a life beyond NYC is possible, especially once she finds out she’s pregnant by her ex-boyfriend. She pours her fears and desires into her notebook, and the more she writes, the more she realizes what choice she wants to make: have an abortion. Truth loses a lot after this extremely difficult decision, but what she doesn’t lose is her love for poetry. She joins a slam poetry team, where she begins to find the power and courage to share her voice. At an open mic night, one of her performances goes viral, leaving her to deal with some unexpected truths and consequences.

Another gem from Hannah V. Sawyerr! Truth is an unforgettable character that many teens will connect with. Not only is Sawyerr’s writing beautiful and real, I got some great ideas for teaching poetry in my own classes.

In Truth Is, Hannah V. Sawyerr crafts a poignant and unflinching exploration of a high school senior’s journey toward self-determination. Through the voice of Truth Bangura, a seventeen-year-old poet navigating the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy, Sawyerr delves into themes of choice, identity, & resilience.

The novel’s verse form serves as a powerful conduit for Truth’s internal and external conflicts, allowing readers to experience her emotional landscape with intimacy and immediacy. Sawyerr’s use of free verse, journal entries, and interactive poetry prompts creates a dynamic narrative structure that mirrors our protagonist’s evolving sense of agency.

At the heart of Truth Is is a narrative that challenges societal expectations and underscores the importance of personal choice. As Truth grapples with her decision to have an abortion, she confronts not only her own uncertainties but also the judgements and opinions of those she’s closest with. The revelation of Truth’s decision through a viral performance underscores the tension between personal autonomy and public perception, a theme that resonates in today’s digital age. This novel is a beautiful testament to the resounding strength found in owning one’s truth.

Sawyerr’s lyrical prose and unflinching honesty breathe life into a narrative that is as timely as it is tender. This novel-in-verse is a resource for teens & education for adults. We truly believe this is a must-read, must-buy for high school & public libraries, classroom shelves, & to add to personal collections.

WOW. WOW WOW WOW. Hannah Sawyerr's sophomore novel is just as good as her first—I devoured it in a day, riveted by Truth's voice, Sawyerr's nuanced exploration of choice and generational trauma was so deftly handled, and her poetry cuts like a knife. I'm so glad young people get to read her novels, and can't wait to push this one into the hands of everyone I know.

Sawyerr's sophomore novel is even more astounding than the first. Stunning poetry, and Truth is someone I really enjoyed rooting for. Her challenges with her mother are so real and complex. Her relationship with herself is the star of the show, here, and I really enjoyed seeing her workshop her poetry throughout. I cannot wait to recommend this.