HOW TO TELL A TRUE STORY, by Tricia Springstubb, Margaret Ferguson Books, April 1, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (young adult)
After a seventh-grader’s older brother rescues her from a house fire, the community’s response proves that kindness is as complicated as family in How to Tell a True Story, by Tricia Springstubb.
There’s nothing very special about Amber Price. She’s not a star student, athlete or artist, and definitely not one of the popular kids. Her crush hardly knows she exists. At least, that’s her life before. Before a fire destroys her home, before her older teenage brother Gage saves her life, before her classmates rally to stage a fundraiser, The Price of Kindness, for her family. Suddenly, Gage who was hurt in the fire is a famous hero and Amber is the center of attention at school. Everyone wants to help, everyone wants to be kind, everyone wants to tell her story.
As Amber enjoys her new popularity, she keeps her worries to herself. Her parents are arguing more than ever, and her father has moved into an apartment while the rest of them stay with Amber’s aunt. And why, after he risked his life for her, is Gage keeping secrets from her? Then just days before her family will be honored in a special Price of Kindness presentation at school, she discovers how the fire started and faces huge moral question: Is it wrong to tell lies to save yourself and those you love? —Synopsis provided by Margaret Ferguson Books
How to Tell a True Story is a thoughtful story about middle school, friendship and messy families.
At the center of the story is Amber, a girl on the lower rung of the social ladder. Amber has two good friends, but things are changing. Amber’s home life isn’t great, either. She’s always been close to her brother, but lately, he’s been pushing everyone away.
Following the fire, Amber and Gage both gain popularity. Suddenly, all the kids at school want to be Amber’s friend and Gage is considered a hero.
Author Tricia Springstubb expertly captures the emotions of family and friend dynamics. Her writing feels authentic and the situations Amber and Gage find themselves in are realistic. Her writing is smooth and her story compelling.
How to Tell a True Story is a strong exploration of empathy and resilience.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
