TRUTH IS

A Philadelphia teen chooses to have an abortion and finds strength and community on her slam poetry team.

It’s Truth Bangura’s senior year of high school, and she’s applied to Penn State despite mediocre grades and her mother’s repeated refrain: “You know you’ve never been good at school.” An ambitious immigrant from Sierra Leone, Truth’s mom had her own law school aspirations cut short by her unplanned pregnancy, which has always made Truth feel as if having her “was her biggest mistake.” After unprotected sex with her ex-boyfriend, Cameron, leads to a positive pregnancy test, Truth opts for the abortion pill. Her confidence regarding this choice—“Ready to make a decision / that belongs only to me”—despite being judged by her privileged, high-achieving best friend, Zariah, offers readers a satisfying, nuanced depiction of the importance of trusting oneself. Truth’s viral slam poetry performance raises the stakes in a gripping way, making her private choice a very public matter that sends ripples through her relationships. Sawyerr’s sophomore novel uses the verse format stunningly to highlight the complexities woven into each of Truth’s authentic and compelling relationships. The book deftly addresses restrictive policies related to abortion access while prioritizing Truth’s talent, goals, and growth in a humanizing and inspirational way. Writing prompts interspersed throughout the text support readers’ deep engagement.

An unforgettable, dynamic, and emotionally resonant novel in verse.