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Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between
"In TRUTH, LIES, AND THE QUESTIONS IN BETWEEN, L.M. Elliott uses the pen of a journalist and the heart of a storyteller to create a masterful, page-turning, razor-sharp commentary on a past that looks eerily like our present. A book that made me feel, think, and most importantly, hope."
―Sharon Cameron, NYT bestselling author of The Light in Hidden Places
"Creatively layered, thoughtfully crafted. Fans of politics and complex moments in American history will be sucked into this fresh and compelling book.”
―Kelly Jensen, author of Here We Are: Feminism for the Real World
As a presidency unravels and the fight for women's rights intensifies, a teen girl's future will be determined by her willingness to seek the truth.
Patty Appleton is making history. As one of the Senate's first female Congressional Pages, she's not only paving the way for other politically minded girls, she has a front-row seat to debates dividing the nation, especially around women's rights and roles. The battle between the old ways and the new polarizes the women in Patty's life, and she finds herself torn between traditional expectations--to be anobedient daughter aspiring to become a perfect wife--and questions new friends like fiercely feminist Simone encourage her to ask.
But the questions don't stop at women's rights: The Watergate scandal is intensifying. As evidence mounts that the White House engaged in crimes, smears, and cover-ups to manipulate an election, Patty worries her dad, a fundraiser for President Nixon, could somehow be involved. Determining truth from lies becomes ever more essential for the nation's future--and for Patty's as well.
Illustrated throughout with remarkable real-life images and headlines, this timely exploration of 1973--the year of Watergate hearings, the Equal Rights Amendment, and Roe v. Wade--unfolds through the story of a young woman driven to question everything as she learns to think for, and rely on, herself.
Press
1 Author, 7 Questions: L.M. Elliott (NOVL Interview)
How NY Times Bestselling Author L.M. Elliott Writes (The Writer Files Interview)
REVIEWS
"Astounding. Elliott does a superb job of placing her readers squarely in 1973 Washington, D.C., filling the pages of Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between with the music, art, books, movies, advertisements, and fashion of the era, alongside the political goings-on. Giving readers a breathtaking month-by-month view of this extraordinary, electric time...Characters are nuanced and realistic. Here is an uncommon YA title that covers new territory in a novel way."
+ read more— Shelf Awareness (Starred Review ⭐️ )
"This strong, coming-of-age historical work follows Patty, 18, as she becomes one of (the Senate's) first female congressional pages in January 1973. Her ultimate goal is to be the ideal future politician’s wife for her boyfriend, Scott, back in Illinois. Patty befriends pages with diverse opinions and witnesses the Watergate hearings firsthand. Weekends with her godmother’s activist daughter, Simone, 17, open Patty’s eyes to the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment and the misogyny inside her own conservative Republican family...The story’s intensity is ensured by sharply drawn secondary characters, powerful mother- daughter relationships, and the relevance of the political and personal issues explored."
+ read more— ALA's Booklist
"The novel’s unique storytelling format avoids the necessity of information dumps, as each chapter begins with an album-like format that includes relevant historical clippings, political cartoons, and news photos, providing readers with immersive context around pivotal events like Watergate, the Equal Rights Amendment fight, Roe v. Wade, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The novel’s candid portrayal of sexual content and nuanced discussions around gender roles add a maturity that older readers will appreciate...VERDICT: The skillful blend of historical facts, relatable teen angst, and profound social commentary makes this a gripping must-read for both teens and adults."
+ read more— School Library Journal
"This expansive historical novel immerses readers in life on the Hill…the well-paced narrative thoughtfully showcases Patty’s personal conflict in choosing which role models to follow.”
+ read more— Publishers Weekly
"Likable characters will charm and engage readers. A compelling work.”
+ read more— Kirkus Reviews
"...Away from her conservative, controlling parents and surrounded by more liberal friends, (Patty) starts paying attention to what’s happening in the world and has the opportunity to learn what she, as a woman and a human, actually believes...while the correlation between the sexism, racism, police violence, and student protests of then and now isn’t directly stated until the author’s note, discerning readers will see the similarities immediately."
+ read more— Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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Truth, Lies, and the Questions in Between
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