One
Sarah Crossan, Author
Green Willow Books, Fiction, Sep. 15, 2015
Pages: 388
Suitable for Ages: 14 -18
Themes: Conjoined twins, Sisters, High School, Family relationships, Love, Novel in free verse
Opening: “Here we are. And we are living. Isn’t that amazing? How we manage to be at all.”
Synopsis: Grace and Tippi are 16-year-old conjoined twins, connected at their hip. They have two heads, four arms, two hearts and two pairs of lungs and kidneys, and share two legs. They have been conjoined since birth and have beat the odds for survival. The twins love each other and are happy to be together. They can’t imagine risking a dangerous operation to be separated.
For Grace and Tippi, wearing the same skirt is normal. Linking their arms around each other helps them keep their balance as they each walk with one crutch. Listening to the other breath at night is comforting. Sharing the flu is worrisome.
Their parents shield Grace and Tippi as much as possible from the public and homeschool them. With donations running out and medical bills mounting, there is a strain on the family and the girls will have to attend high school in the fall. The best part of school is Gracie and Tippi’s friendship with Yaseem and Jon. They add some joy, support, adventure, and a lot of comic relief to the story.
Gracie is the first to notice something is happening to them and doesn’t want to admit it to Tippi. As the truth emerges, they are about to face a choice that could change their lives forever.
Why I like this book:
- Sarah Crossan writes her compelling novel in free verse, which makes her story a more authentic, sensitive and beautiful read. The first-person narration by Gracie, the more introspective twin, is intimate and humorous, painful and breathtaking. The story is realistic and the characters believable.
- The plot is a raw, gripping and engaging journey for Gracie and Tippi — and for readers. The twins’ health is fragile and doctors don’t know what to expect medically. However they embrace life with enthusiasm. Their friendship with school friends allow them to feel some normalcy and freedom to act like teens. Family life is challenging when both parents lose their jobs and they have to move. Gracie and Tippi know there is one big way to help their family with expenses — selling their story.
- Crossan has done a remarkable amount of research, both medically and historically. The physiology of Grace and Tippi is “loosely based on the bodies of Masha and Dasha Krivoshlyapova” from Russia. Make sure you read the Author’s Note at the end.
- Although the target audience for One is teenagers, it is also a powerful novel for adults. It speaks to themes of love, family relationships, inner strength, resilience, tolerance and diversity.
Sarah Crossan is the author of the duology Breathe and Resist, as well as the acclaimed novel-in-verse The Weight of Water, which was short-listed for the Carnegie Medal. Visit Sarah Crossan at her website.
Children's Books Heal 
This could be a very emotional book. It sounds like it has been handled well by the author.
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It is a gripping read and I didn’t give away the ending. The author has handled the book very well. Writing the story in free verse is brilliant.
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Wow, what an ambitious subject, but it sounds like Crossan has tackled this with sensitivity and accuracy.
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I think you’d enjoy reading this story and studying the author’s style. It is impressive.
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As an identical twin, I’ve always been fascinated by conjoined twins. I can’t imagine life being attached at the hip to another individual. (It’s hard enough just having a sibling.) Will definitely add this book to my list. Thanks for reviewing this book, Pat.
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I didn’t know that you are an identical twin. I think you’d find this book fascinating.
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Oh, this one DOES sound good, Patricia.
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It is an excellent story. The author did a lot of research, which adds to the story.
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Wow – this one sounds interesting! And another new novel in free verse… Thanks for posting!
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Free verse works especially well in the first-person narrative by Gracie. Excellent choice for this story.
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Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a book that had conjoined twins as main characters. This sounds incredible.
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This is the first piece of fiction I’ve read with conjoined twins as main characters. It is a very moving story.
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This is the most unusual main character and topic I’ve heard of. It sounds like it’s brilliantly written and a good read. Thanks for always finding interesting books for us, Pat!
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It is brilliantly written and one of the most interesting stories I’ve read in a while. Free verse works very well for this story.
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Tough topic for sure. Whoa…
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Yes, but you’d love the novel written in free verse. Crossan is brilliant.
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Sounds like a very moving story, Pat. I love novels in verse and haven’t read one in a while.
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You really get the protagonists POV. And, they are poetic and quick reads. I was very moved by Crossan’s story.
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I am interested in free verse stories, pat. Thanks for highlighting this one.
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I hope you have a chance to read this beautiful and realistic story.
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Wow. Just…wow!
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Oh my! What an incredible read. This book is funny, heartbreaking and healing all at the same time. I was completely caught off guard by the ending.
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Verse novels can be such powerful mediums. This sounds like a fascinating and heartbreaking story, thank you for sharing it.
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The story also shows strength! Thanks for visiting!
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I thik novels in free verse have emotional immediacy. Sounds like this book does an excellent job of addressing the topic without making it a prurient examination. I must put it on my TBR list
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I like your comment — emotional immediacy. You won’t be able to put it down.
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Putting this one on my “to-read” book list now!
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The story is both heartbreaking and beautiful. I couldn’t put it down. Thanks for visiting!
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Wow! never heard of a book about this topic. Very interesting.
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It’s a sad and beautiful story! The characters are so authentic! Hope you read the book — you won’t be able to put it down.
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This sounds like a very original and intriguing story. Thank you for not spoiling the ending, I’m putting this on my wishlist 🙂
#diversekidlit
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Glad you enjoyed the review. Many twists and turns in this story. I loved this ONE. It’s also in most libraries.
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This sounds like a really interesting read, I really want to know what happens now! Thanks for sharing #diversekidlit
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Believe me, you won’t be able to put this book down. Very realistic with memorable characters. Many unexpected twists.
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