Athina Clarke, Ī great story with a relatable protagonist who draws the reader into current, relevant and topical issues. This is a terrific coming of age story with an incredibly likable protagonist. If John Green has a contemporary then Nicole Hayes is it. Nicole Hayes is a magnificent rising force in Australian Publishing. Melissa Keil, author of LIFE IN OUTER SPACE Nicole does an amazing job at creating authentic, multifaceted female characters. I loved Frankie – she’s such a deliciously flawed and complex protagonist, one that I found myself cheering on, wanting to hug, while at the same time wanting to give a good, stern talking to. One True Thing is smart, original and compelling, and especially topical and relevant in the current climate.

Go, Frankie, go! Ellie Marney, author of EVERY BREATHĪ truly unputdownable read. One True Thing is a compelling, heartfelt novel that confirms Nicole Hayes’ talent on every level. As her mother battles for the premiership in an election year, the wry, determined Frankie draws us into her personal disasters, her rock-goddess dreams, and her family’s media rollercoaster. Highly recommended for ages 13 and up.“The personal is political” has never been more sincerely brought to life, as Frankie struggles to keep her head above the fray in the powerful, wonderful One True Thing.

But unlike most teenagers she’s figuring things out under the watchful eye of an unforgiving media. That should give you some idea of Frankie’s predicament.īut Frankie’s got a pretty good handle on things – she’s got her music (and her band), a best buddy, a supportive loving family and now romance in the form of the gorgeous Jake who’s appeared out of nowhere and is genuinely interested in her.Īlthough the political backdrop is an unusual setting in young adult literature, Frankie’s story is compellingly familiar – she’s balancing family, friendship and struggling to belong. Now imagine that (on top of all that) your mother is the Premier of Victoria in the throes of a major election and you are thrust into the public spotlight. Imagine being 16 and dealing with life’s challenges – the pressure of school, the demands of family, the complexities of friendship.

One true thing novel