One True Way

Allie isn't happy about her family situation after her parents' divorce.  She isn't sure she'll be able to make friends in her new town, but she meets Sam on her first day.  Sam is outgoing, friends with everyone, and makes everything fun.  Everyone in school seems to like and trust her, and Allie feels special to have become friends with her so quickly.

Allie used to work on the school newspaper, and Sam is the girl to make it happen.  It only takes a single introduction for Allie to get a tryout, and thanks to her writing skills and ability to take criticism, she's in. 

Sam also helps Allie overcome some of the fears she's struggled with since her brother's death.  Allie never thought she would be brave enough to ride a horse, but with Sam's encouragement, she just might.

It doesn't take long for Allie to realize she feels more than friendship for Sam, but the girls feel like they have to hide their feelings from everyone, especially Sam's religious family.  However, they are lucky enough to have the friendship of a Methodist minister who doesn't condemn them.

Shannon Hitchcock's book belongs in middle school libraries, but it's a pretty simplistic storyline with simplistic prose.  I do recommend it, but I can't help but compare it to Ivy Aberdeen, which is so much more literary.  That said, it's good to have more than one book on the topic.