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BOTH CAN BE TRUE: A NOVEL IN LETTERS
BOTH CAN BE TRUE
A coming-of-age novel in letters about family, first love, friendship, and small brave moments.
One boy. Twelve letters. A heart that grows up in real time while the clock is running.
From age 7 to 17, Jamie writes to the places and things that hold his a bedroom closet during a first storm, a house on move day, a school desk on the first morning, a window at 3:17, a tree with a Removal Today notice, a locker before the bell, a gym at the last slow song, a bus seat on the final route, a hospital vending machine at closing, a skate park rail before curfew, a time clock at the end of a hard shift, and an exit sign at sunrise. Each letter lands in the last few minutes before something changes, with concrete details, one honest apology, a tiny gift hidden for the next kid, and one clean action that moves him forward.
Simple words. Short chapters. Big feelings that land.
Why readers love it
Propulsive format with a real ticking clock in every chapterClean, everyday language that hits hard and staysFresh epistolary concept that hooks reluctant readers and book loversGreat read-aloud for classrooms and families, a one-sitting page turner for everyone elseTearjerker heart with a hopeful afterglowPerfect for fans of Wonder, Front Desk, The Crossover, Because of Winn-Dixie, Love That Dog, and The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
Themes and hooks
Coming of age, first love, friendship, familyMoving to a new house, new school nerves, quiet courageGrief and grace, kindness, small rituals, found notes, hidden treasuresWho it is for
Middle grade and young adult readers, teachers, counselors, parents, and any grownup who remembers being a kid and wants a book that makes them feel seen. Ideal for ages 10 years to adult.
Open the book. Touch three real things. Read one letter. Try not to stop.
A coming-of-age novel in letters about family, first love, friendship, and small brave moments.
One boy. Twelve letters. A heart that grows up in real time while the clock is running.
From age 7 to 17, Jamie writes to the places and things that hold his a bedroom closet during a first storm, a house on move day, a school desk on the first morning, a window at 3:17, a tree with a Removal Today notice, a locker before the bell, a gym at the last slow song, a bus seat on the final route, a hospital vending machine at closing, a skate park rail before curfew, a time clock at the end of a hard shift, and an exit sign at sunrise. Each letter lands in the last few minutes before something changes, with concrete details, one honest apology, a tiny gift hidden for the next kid, and one clean action that moves him forward.
Simple words. Short chapters. Big feelings that land.
Why readers love it
Propulsive format with a real ticking clock in every chapterClean, everyday language that hits hard and staysFresh epistolary concept that hooks reluctant readers and book loversGreat read-aloud for classrooms and families, a one-sitting page turner for everyone elseTearjerker heart with a hopeful afterglowPerfect for fans of Wonder, Front Desk, The Crossover, Because of Winn-Dixie, Love That Dog, and The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.
Themes and hooks
Coming of age, first love, friendship, familyMoving to a new house, new school nerves, quiet courageGrief and grace, kindness, small rituals, found notes, hidden treasuresWho it is for
Middle grade and young adult readers, teachers, counselors, parents, and any grownup who remembers being a kid and wants a book that makes them feel seen. Ideal for ages 10 years to adult.
Open the book. Touch three real things. Read one letter. Try not to stop.
60 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2025
About the author
Sarah McCoy
15 books1,277 followersSARAH McCOY is the New York Times, USA Today, and internationally bestselling author of eight books. Her work has been featured in Newsweek, Lit Hub, Huffington Post, Read It Forward, and other publications. She hosted the NPR WSNC Radio program “Bookmarked with Sarah McCoy” and is the founder of The McCoy Grant. Sarah taught English writing at Old Dominion University and at the University of Texas at El Paso. She lives with her husband Doc B, dog Gilly, and cat Tutu in North Carolina.
Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.
Connect with Sarah on Instagram at @SarahMMcCoy, on her Facebook Fan Page, Goodreads, or via www.sarahmccoy.com.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 29, 2025
Quiet, powerful, unforgettable.
This book hit me right in the heart. Each letter feels like a time capsule of growing up, small moments that somehow carry all the weight in the world. By the last page, I was crying and smiling at the same time. Perfect for anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye to something they loved.
This book hit me right in the heart. Each letter feels like a time capsule of growing up, small moments that somehow carry all the weight in the world. By the last page, I was crying and smiling at the same time. Perfect for anyone who’s ever had to say goodbye to something they loved.
Displaying 1 of 1 review