True North

by Heather Ehrman Krill

Andrew and Elizabeth have been able to have two children thanks to the help of in vitro fertilization, and now they have decided to make their remaining ten embryos available for adoption by others. Their choice creates ripples through the lives of their two children, Michelle and Stephen, and of two others born from their embryos, Caroline and Brian, who were transferred as embryos to a lesbian couple. Set between the White Mountains and seacoast of New Hampshire, these four teenagers discover by accident that they are siblings. When Caroline develops pediatric leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant, her mothers must search for the family whose embryos they had selected from a fertility clinic sixteen years earlier. The tragic illness draws the two families together, bringing to light a secret that has been hidden for years. Over the course of one school year, the young characters and their parents navigate depression, substance abuse, developing sexuality, homophobia, chronic illness, and suicide. They represent only part of the complexity comprising today's modern family, with each member in search of his or her true north. This novel tells a tale of four teenagers struggling with the different challenges of youth as well as the uncommon revelation of their origin and relationships as genetic siblings.

190 pages, Paperback

Published November 6, 2015

About the author

Heather Krill is a teacher-writer living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with her husband and children. Having taught middle and high school English for eighteen years, she applied and was awarded a rotary grant to write a young-adult novel, modeling for her students what it takes to be a writer at work. The idea for True North came when she and her husband, Geoff, chose to release their remaining embryos to another family instead of discarding them.

Heather graduated from Connecticut College with a bachelor’s in English and earned a master’s from Plymouth State University as a K-12 reading specialist. However, her best moments in the classroom come from working with teenagers on finding their own voices through writing. An avid hiker, skier, and reader, Heather brainstorms best when moving her body and mind together in the mountains, rivers, and lakes near her home in North Woodstock, New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Claire Bujeaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book - a quick and easy read covering a thought provoking topic with great character development.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second time reading it after being gifted it from one of my students. I love the story and conversations and discussions that can lead from it. I even got teary at times. I sometimes had to go back and remember who was who as every chapter was one of eight people, but overall the story was intriguing. Nice job, Heather! I’d love to read your next book :)

[Angela Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

True North is a fantastic, journal-like work of realistic fiction. The story of four teens and their families making their way through the ups and downs of life, coming to terms with past mistakes, and struggling with both a truth and a choice that could save the life of a young girl.
Each character gives their thoughts and points of view on different moments in the book. These glimpses are interesting, engaging, and touching.
For her first book Heather Krill wrote on a fascinating topic that not many people really talk about, in vitro fertilization. I look forward to reading her future books.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading first books by an author and also books by local authors. This book covers both bases. It is a YA book and I thought it was very well written. The topic is certainly relevant for this day and age and is very thought provoking. I encourage my friends to read this book to give deserving support to this NH author.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting! Although it was a very short book, it was a satisfying story whose concepts will be echoing into my consciousness frequently. I'm too tired to articulate much about the greatness of this book, but regardless, it was great!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First novel by this author...well written...engaging. Enjoyed this young adult book in spite of being a senior citizen. Plan to purchase a copy for my teen-aged granddaughters. Book openly discusses life issues.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book, but it has some serious topics which made me think. It was not an easy read for me and i felt a rock on my shoulders reading it, but I could not put it down either.

[Jolene Stratton · Rating 5 out of 5]

NH based author who I think is amazing and not just because she is my best friend!!

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hit me right in the feels. Very emotional. DO NOT READ without a box of tissues on hand. Excellently written.

[Gina Nilsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The pacing was good and each character was well developed.