Truth Is

by Hannah V. Sawyerr

From the critically acclaimed author of All the Fighting Parts comes an empowering and defiant novel in verse in which a teen poet grapples with an unplanned pregnancy and determines what happens to her body in a world that wants to take the choice away from her.

Seventeen-year-old Truth Bangura wants nothing more than to know a life beyond her hometown. Writing and performing is her only solace in a life overwhelmed by a drifting relationship with her best friend, an emotionally turbulent home environment, and the reality that her below average grades make her true dream—escaping her mother’s grasp after graduation—uncertain.

When Truth learns she’s pregnant by her ex-boyfriend, she makes one decision she’s finally sure about: an abortion.

Determined to move forward, Truth turns to the pages in her notebook with the support of her slam poetry team—including the poet with a voice smooth as summer jazz, who’s been catching her eye during practice.

At an open mic night, Truth finally gains the courage to perform a piece that dives into her rocky relationship with her mother–and reveals the choice she never told her. But when a video of Truth’s performance is posted online and starts going viral, her decision quickly becomes everyone’s business–including her mother’s.

Told through searing free-verse, journal entries, and interspersed fill-in-the-blank poetry prompts, Hannah V. Sawyerr’s Truth Is reminds us there is always a choice. There is always hope. And there is always a way forward.

Genres: Young Adult, Poetry, Novel In Verse, Fiction, Feminism, Realistic Fiction, Contemporary

Unknown Binding

First published September 23, 2025

About the author

Hannah V. Sawyerr was recognized as the Youth Poet Laureate of Baltimore in 2016. Her debut novel in verse All the Fighting Parts was a finalist for the William C. Morris Debut Award, a Walter Dean Myers Award Honoree, a Rise Feminist Book Project Top Ten Title, a Kirkus Best Book of the Year, and an ABA Indies Introduce/Indie Next Pick. Her spoken word has been featured on the BBC’s World Have Your Say program as well as the National Education Association’s “Do You Hear Us?” campaign. Her written word has been included in Essence, xoNecole, and gal-dem.

Sawyerr holds a BA in English from Morgan State University and an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School. Her sophomore novel in verse Truth Is (Abrams/Amulet) is slated for release on September 23, 2025.

Reviews

[Book Riot Community]

This is one of Book Riot’s Best Books of 2025:

Truth is entering her senior year without a clear idea of what she wants for her future. She loves poetry, and while she doesn't love having to tiptoe around her mother, sneaking to weekly poetry classes has given Truth an outlet she so desperately needs. Her life becomes more complicated when she finds herself pregnant and must navigate the ever-changing landscape of abortion services. But this isn't just a story about Truth's challenges. It's a story about her finding her voice, sharing her voice, and owning what her own future looks like. This verse novel is moving and heartfelt, and Truth is an unforgettable character.

- Kelly Jensen

[Trinity Nguyen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little biased because my name is in the book but how lucky we are to be alive the same time as Hannah Sawyerr.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

TRUTH IS THE TRUTH!!

I love a good YA book and this one was EVERYTHING! This was the first novel in verse book that I read and I absolutely loved it. It immediately made me want to purchase Hannah’s other book All the Fighting Parts.

Truth was a force to be reckoned with and stood “in her truth” no matter what! She had a mind of her own, and simply was not afraid to step outside of the norm and just be herself. Her story was powerful, beautifully written and will linger long after the final page, as it touched on some heavy subjects. Her words felt so raw and real, her voice was so vivid that you can’t help but connect with Truth.

Overall, a solid 5⭐️ read, that I will probably find myself picking up several times over years to come! The kind of book that makes you pause, reflect, and carry its truths with you with such a powerful young female lead. Highly recommend to anyone who loves emotionally & and thought provoking stories! Thank you to Colored Pages Tours, Hannah Sawyerr & Pique Beyond for an advance reader copy!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPB5Sv...

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is written in verse and it is powerful and easy to read. The voice of the poetry took on the voice of the character or it created it, but it was really easy to lose myself in Truth’s world. Truth is 17 and facing some normal and less normal issues for a teen. I love her brutal honesty and her realization that she needs to be true to herself and make the decisions that are the best for her. I wish I was there when I was 17. I definitely will keep an eye out and would read more by this author in a heartbeat.

[Sydney | sydneys.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Hannah V. Sawyerr's next work after All the Fighting Parts, and I am not disappointed in the least. I was delighted to see this longlisted for the National Book Award too! Very well deserved. This book is powerful.

TW: Abortion; Teen pregnancy; Abusive/toxic parent (emotional, codependent); Vomiting; Estranged parent

Told in either free verse or mixed media format (text messages, report cards, writing prompts, quizzes, etc), this story is a quick yet poignant exploration of bodily autonomy. There's the obvious autonomy to explore, with Truth deciding to have an abortion, but also autonomy in other areas: privacy, relationships with family, even after school activities and Truth's own voice.

If you ask me,
It feels good to believe in someone
just as much as they believe in you. . .

When I tell him,
"I have no doubt
that you'll get there,"
it isn't a lie.

It's the whole truth.

I'm not sure how the audiobook experience for this book will work since there are so many details in the multimedia format. We see Truth revising her poems by crossing things out, adding arrows, and circling words. I loved seeing her own truths evolve on page, and that the author (according to the author's note) wanted to specifically convey the importance of revision and character growth through revisiting previous writing.

Also, bonus points to books that include friendship breakups and focus on friendship!!

I honestly don't know that I have any critiques! This is exactly the type of YA novel every age should be reading, especially in our current dystopian era of time.

Set primarily in Philly.

Rep: Sierra Leonean-American main character; Nonbinary side character with they/them pronouns; Queer side character with they/he pronouns

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special thanks to @coloredpagesbt @piquebeyond @hannasawyerr for my gifted copy‼️

This book was absolutely phenomenal written in free verse, journal entries, and blank poetry prompts I read this in one sitting just this morning! It’s inspiring, empowering, emotionally gripping, and gives all the feels you seek when reading a book.

Truth Bangura is 17-years-old and just found out she’s pregnant by her ex-boyfriend Cameron. Being a senior in high school with an undecided future the last thing she needs right now is a baby. Not to mention she lives in a strict household with Major Payne aka her mother who already despises everything Truth does. She’d be an even bigger disappointment if she knew how careless Truth had been to wind up pregnant. So, because of this Truth keeps the pregnancy a secret . . . and the abortion!

My heart was in shambles reading this I couldn’t imagine treating my one and only child the way Truth’s mother treated her. The negativity, down-talking, verbal abuse, shaming, blaming, being overbearing and controlling was all too much. Truth was living in a prison within her own home. Afraid to speak up or out. Always living in fear and walking on eggshells hoping she doesn’t create any conflict with her mom. I wanted to really hate her mom until I finally understood why she behaved the way she did. Although it’s no excuse for her behavior she was broken, depressed, and lonely partly because of Truth’s father and because she didn’t know how to let go.

Losing her best friend Zariah over a choice SHE MADE for herself wasn’t surprising. Coach K, Cassie, Michael, Kendall, and Adara were the right people she needed in her circle to truly find her voice. Sometimes you need other people to believe in you to give you the strength you need to believe in yourself.

Overall, this was one of the best YA books I’ve read this year. Exploring the power of choice, the policing of the female body, living up to expectations, mother-daughter relationships, teen pregnancy and finding freedom in a world that wants to control you I highly recommend EVERYONE read this book.

[Ebony Essence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @coloredpagesbt @piquebeyond @hannasawyerr for this book tour opportunity and gifted book.

WOW!!! Just wow!! This book is a must read for anybody of any age. A great YA book that should be on a high school syllabus. With Truth being the amazing character I feel a lot of people can relate or sympathize with someone like her.

Truth is a brilliant mind and the poems along with the emotions had me in my feelings. Hannah is a phenomenal writer. Giving Truth a mother that is emotionally and mentally abusive was breaking me. She gave no encouragement. No love. Nothing but pain. She was dealing with her own pain and decided it was best to hurt Truth. That plot twist with the father had me dropping my jaw. Everybody needed a popping at that point. Lastly for this part, Zariah was never a friend. Your body your choice. End of discussion.

Thank God for the people on the poetry slam team. Coach K and most of all Cassie were all truth blessings to Truth. She was absolutely loved, motivated, supported and pushed to be better. The thing is Truth was never a bad student. I loved the development in her confidence and her grades through the book. In the end I’m so happy she chose happiness.

[Charnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful exploration of a 17/18 year old’s determination to keep her power over her own body and life. This book is a blueprint for young Black women and teens to understand a woman’s right to choose. Such a beautifully written novel in verse 👏🏾👏🏾

Thankful to the publisher for this beautiful gifted copy!

[Florence Migga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when a book surprises me! I went into this like. “Okay, I have it and the author is coming so let me check it out.” Cut to just about three sessions of inhaling this story. It’s so easy to read and just flows so well — not surprising for a novel in verse about writing poetry. But I just kept wanting to turn the pages, to see how Truth would navigate her choices, what the impacts would be. I was flying through the end, eager to see what her final choice was. This novel speaks to feeling like you have no choice, no agency, to believing the negative about yourself and then finding one thing — however small — that’s yours and yours alone, and then using that thing to build confidence in all areas of life. Regardless of your position on what some may consider a “controversial” topic, it’s a thoughtful look at making your choices and what comes after.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a teen I used to love novels in verse and I know I would have devoured this book. THE POETRY IS SO GOOD!! I really liked how the author showed the process of revising poetry. The main character felt complex and I think that it was well written (so cool to read more about the author after and her experience being a youth poet afterwards). I'm no longer a teen and this book isn't aimed at me - I think it would have had a bigger impact if I was. It still was really good. Regardless, highly recommend!

[Tracy Shouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hannah Sawyer has a very unique writing style. I like that her main characters are flawed and that their true essence and awareness of who they are grows throughout the story. As Truth explores her rights to choose what happens once, she becomes pregnant, she loses a friend and her relationship with her mother borders on estrangement. She also has to decide now that she is eighteen if she wants to have a relationship with her father who has not been in the picture for most of her life. Being part of a Slam poetry team builds her confidence as she opens up to new friends and uses her words as an outlet to heal.

[Willa Scanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
I’m teetering between 4 and 5 stars here and I’m settling with 4 because I think the end could be a bit better but this book was GOOD. It was about a politicized topic (abortion) but didn’t fall into the trap of becoming entirely a think piece/ performative. The protagonist, Truth, felt like a full character with a full story. I also loved her friendship arc and how there was hope but not instant forgiveness at the end.

[Andrea Beatriz Arango]

I loved Hannah's debut and am excited to report that her sophomore book is just as good. In typical Hannah fashion it has strong voicey verse combined with text convos, letters, lists, & poems in revision. I related to Truth a LOT a lot (iykyk) and will absolutely be recommending this one over and over again moving forward.

[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an easy five star read for me. Hannah V. Sawyerr absolutely blew me away with Truth and it definitely won’t be the last book I read from her. Told in free verse with journal entries, poetry prompts, text messages, and other creative touches, this story felt so raw and real. Truth Bangura, our 17 year old main character, is carrying the weight of the world while just trying to finish high school. A secret abortion, a toxic mother, a fading friendship, and an uncertain future all crash into her at once, and watching her navigate it made me want to hug her, cheer for her, and cry right alongside her. It’s beautifully written, emotional, and the kind of book you’ll want to finish in one sitting.

What really stuck with me is how this book explores the power of choice, the way women’s bodies are policed, and the messy but very real lives teens are living today. It’s empowering, heartbreaking, and hopeful all at the same time. I especially loved how the slam poetry club became Truth’s safe place, showing not just her words but also the process of figuring out what she wanted to say. Sometimes you really do need people to believe in you so you can find the strength to believe in yourself.

[Kara Cecchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
In Truth Is, Hannah V. Sawyerr crafts a poignant and unflinching exploration of a high school senior’s journey toward self-determination. Through the voice of Truth Bangura, a seventeen-year-old poet navigating the complexities of an unplanned pregnancy, Sawyerr delves into themes of choice, identity, & resilience.

The novel’s verse form serves as a powerful conduit for Truth’s internal and external conflicts, allowing readers to experience her emotional landscape with intimacy and immediacy. Sawyerr’s use of free verse, journal entries, and interactive poetry prompts creates a dynamic narrative structure that mirrors our protagonist’s evolving sense of agency.

At the heart of Truth Is is a narrative that challenges societal expectations and underscores the importance of personal choice. As Truth grapples with her decision to have an abortion, she confronts not only her own uncertainties but also the judgements and opinions of those she’s closest with. The revelation of Truth’s decision through a viral performance underscores the tension between personal autonomy and public perception, a theme that resonates in today’s digital age. This novel is a beautiful testament to the resounding strength found in owning one’s truth.

Sawyerr’s lyrical prose and unflinching honesty breathe life into a narrative that is as timely as it is tender. This novel-in-verse is a resource for teens & education for adults.

Truth Is releases September 23. Thank you so much to @piquebeyond & @hannsawyerr for an advanced reader’s copy.

Edit to add: I finished this in one sitting. Absolutely cried. Full review coming tomorrow when I can put my thoughts to words. Just know it was so good & I’m so grateful to Hannah for writing Truth’s story.


I already know this is about to be SO good. Can’t wait 💞

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I was able to get this ARC before the world got their hands on it. What an honor!!!

Wow Hannah! Another 5 stars! Literally about to be an auto buy author for me. I loved this book and that it was written in verse. Any easy but very raw book. I absolutely loved Truths character and she reminded me so much of myself. I got pregnant at 16 in high school and this book made me feel all the feels all over again. People are so judgey but I’m so happy that Truth was able to “speak her truth” and make her own decisions in this book.

Topics like abortion are hard but at the end of the day, every person has to do what’s best for them and what’s best for them may not be something someone else stands for and that’s okay.

Truth’s so called bestie was TRASH! Sometimes it takes you to go through things to see who is really there for you! I would’ve had to beat her up! Truth and her dad’s relationship reminded me so much of my own with my dad. I hate that I related so much to that part but…

Imagine having a mom who doesn’t support you and always talking down on you.. I felt so bad for Truth! She was really going through it but I’m so proud of her for really staying true to herself!

This is a must read!! Pick it up if you haven’t!

[Leslie Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated the author’s note and acknowledgment which revealed the genesis of the book but thinking back I would have read them at the end after reading the book. The book is in verse but it took longer to read because of the topic of self esteem and abortion. The relationship the protagonist, Truth has with their mother is hard to read on the page and the constant wanting to “do” things to earn the love of her mother, her estranged father and even her on and off boyfriend. There were also moments that were powerful - when the not so good mother asks the daughter to stay home to go to community college instead of going away to college or traveling in a poetry group. It seems like a selfish act on the mother’s part but the protagonist is brave enough to make her own decision which started with choosing to terminate her pregnancy. The book never goes into details about the mental health illness that the mother is experiencing until the end - depression. There were moments in the book that brought me back right there to being 17 years old - having to decide on a future and everyone asking you what your next steps are. Since page one I was hooked. I read it until I finished and there were many moments especially towards the end where there was a lot of tension. You know a good book when you recommend it while reading it. I highly recommend every middle school and high school teacher to have this book in their classroom for students. I recommend this book highly to librarians as well. It’s amazing and heartfelt.

[adoseof.adri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure I can come up with the words for how special this book is. Beautifully written and a story that tugs at every emotion. Sawyerr covered autonomy, complicated family, coming-of-age, agency, & self-expression all from a 17 year old’s perspective but I felt like my 31 year old self could relate entirely. This might be my favorite read of this year.

May this find its way to everyone it’s meant to be read by.

[Ari (Books. Libraries. Also, cats.) · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of my 2025 favorites!

[tan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
pretty amazing

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful
Fast-paced
Real

Truth Is is a powerfully written novel in verse about a 17-year-old learning to reclaim the dignity others have tried to take from her. I loved how the poems Truth writes for her slam team are woven throughout the book—they reinforce the big lessons she learns about herself, her mother, and the world around her. The writing is fast-paced and authentic, making it hard to put down once you start. Truth is a likable and relatable character, and her journey shows the beauty and power of poetry and spoken word. I absolutely love this one and look forward to sharing it at high school visits. Thank you to the author and publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy!

Recommended by publisher for ages 14-18

[Madelyn (Vaughn) Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

you had me at pro-choice YA novel in verse

[Lavabearian (Jessica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chef’s Kiss!

[Hailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this in one day it was so good! Will be picking up Sawyerr's previous book soon.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah V. Sawyerr did it again y’all. Truth is, this book healed something within me. The way in which Hannah so masterfully writes about painful parent-child relationships truly touched my soul and connected with me on another level. Truth is, this book taught me so much about experiences I’ll never have, but gave me lessons on experiences that people in my life will. It allowed me to understand and learn about these experiences a little bit better. Truth is, Hannah’s debut was phenomenal, and yet, this sophomore novel feels even more stand-out to me (if that’s even possible). It has Hannah’s honest and powerful voice, signature humor, incredible and memorable characters, and above all, her strong and distinctive voice that reaches out to readers and lets them know; if you connect with Truth, you’re not alone. Truth is, this book made me cry (many books do) but they were often tears of joy for my girl Truth, or even tears of sadness because of the ways in which I felt her pain through Hannah’s gorgeous poetry. Truth is, this book emphasizes the power of community; finding the people that love what you love, the people that just get you, and the people that will have your back through thick and thin. This novel’s message on the power and love of community is one we all need to keep close to our hearts. Truth is, just like with anything Hannah writes, I came out of this reading experience with a deeper appreciation and understanding of the power poetry holds. Truth is, this book is yet another essential book for homes, schools, and libraries around the world. It’s a story that will connect with countless readers in so many different ways. Hannah’s words will make readers both young and old, feel seen, heard, and comforted. Truth is, ‘Truth Is’ is easily my favorite book of this year and a book that I can’t wait to see soar when it releases on September 23rd and takes the book world by storm.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another powerful, thoughtful YA novel in verse from Hannah V. Sawyerr. This time she covers the difficult topics of abortion, family dynamics, and senior year decisions through the eyes of Truth Bangura.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story of a girl finding who she is in a world where everyone expects something different of her.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I loved that it was all in verse. Truth’s narration and her relationship with her mom here was well done and honest and very special to me

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I received this ARC from the author, and it did not disappoint. I devoured this in just a couple of hours. I literally could not put it down!! This book touches on subjects like teen pregnancy, abortion (pro & anti), abusive parent, codependency, freedom, and so much more. It’s written completely in free verse with some text messages, writing prompts, etc. sprinkled throughout. Truth is a poet, and a damn good one at that. I loved seeing her process of not only writing her poems but also editing them as well. We saw her crossing things out, circling things, and really discovering what her truth is.

I fell in love with Hannah’s writing while reading “All the Fighting Parts,” and this book solidified that she will be an auto buy for me every time she releases something. I cried reading this because I felt like I was there with Truth throughout everything. I wanted to be her friend, to hug her, to let her know that everything was going to be okay, and I wouldn’t judge her. She found strength in discovering and owning her truth.

This is hands down my favorite book that I’ve read so far this year. Add this to your TBR immediately. Better yet, go order your copy today. Happy Release Day 💜✨

[Chris G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seventeen year old Truth’s mom struggles - with depression, with being a single mom, with poverty. Truth has always known that her mom bitterly regrets getting pregnant with her at seventeen. That’s why Truth can’t possibly tell her mom that she’s pregnant and planning an abortion. Truth struggles with school but loves to write, so as she’s processing her decision she composes poetry to examine her choice and her fraught relationship with her mother. Joining a slam poetry group provides structure and healing for Truth and a poem she performs about the abortion ends up on social media. Truth loses an old friend, gains new ones on her slam team, begins a tentative relationship with her bio-dad and keeps on speaking her truth - even when her mom finds out. Compelling and complex characters. EARC from Edelweiss.