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Tell it True

By Tim Lockette
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3.31 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 121 ratings, 34 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tell it True by Tim Lockette explores the life of a young journalism enthusiast who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes investigation. Navigating the challenges of teenage life, the protagonist uncovers hidden truths that could alter the course of justice in their community. This young adult novel delves into themes of ethics, integrity, and the power of truth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to stories where young adults challenge societal norms and uncover truths against the odds. It offers a captivating look at journalism's role in seeking justice and explores the dynamics of friendships tested by ethical dilemmas and personal growth.

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"A high school outcast finds herself in charge of the school newspaper and as she navigates the dilemmas, challenges and unintended consequences of journalism, she finds her life--and her convictions--changing in ways she could not have imagined."--Provided by publisher.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

An unlikely high school newspaper editor learns what is most important in friendship, in journalism, and in life in this award-winning YA novel.

Winner of the Whippoorwill Award
A Junior Literary Guild Selection

One of Kirkus Reviews' Best YA Books of 2021

An unlikely high school newspaper editor fights to cover a local murder case and learns what is most important in friendship, in journalism, and in life.

Lisa Rives had higher expectations for sophomore year. Her beauty queen mum wonders why she can't be more like other 15-year-old girls in their small Alabama town. Lisa's dad, well, she suspects he's having an affair with a colleague at his top-secret job. Her friend Preethy seems to be drifting away, and Lisa spends her schooldays dodging creepy boys and waiting to graduate.

Then she finds herself in charge of her high school newspaper, which is the last thing she wanted—school newspapers are for popular kids and club-joiners, not outcasts like her, and besides, the stories are never about anything you actually want to know. But after accidentally tipping the scales in the school election, then deciding to cover a "real" story—the upcoming execution of a local man charged with murder—and becoming a surprise news story herself, Lisa learns some hard lessons about friendship and truth-telling.

As Lisa navigates the dilemmas, challenges, and unintended consequences of journalism, she finds her life—and her convictions—changing in ways she couldn't have imagined. Tell It True is a sometimes hilarious, sometimes devastating, always relatable coming-of-age story about the importance of speaking the truth in a world of denial and fake news.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tell it True by Tim Lockette is well received for its heartfelt portrayal of teenage life and the moral complexities faced by its young protagonist, Lisa. Critics note the book's compelling exploration of truth-seeking, journalism, and Lisa's growth as she navigates the challenging world of high school and beyond. The story is praised for its blend of humour, seriousness, and its ability to provoke thought on difficult societal issues, making it a gripping and inspiring read for teens.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781644213117

Publisher: Seven Stories Press,U.S.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 December 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Seven Stories Press,U.S.

Audience: Teenage

DIMENSIONS

Width: 140.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 192

Collections

Children's Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational Fiction Penguin Books Tim Lockette Young Adult

About the Author

Tim Lockette is a teacher, a former reporter for The Anniston (AL) Star, and a novelist. He has also written for Teaching Tolerance and The Gainesville (FL) Sun, among other publications, and has done extensive reporting on Alabama's death penalty. He is the author of the middle-grade novel Atty at Law. He lives in Alabama with his family.

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