One

Story

Sixteen-year olds Grace and Tippi are conjoined twins. When their parents can no longer afford to homeschool them, they must learn to navigate high school for the first time. Faced with stares, sneers, and pity, the sisters’ unbreakable bond is tested - until they’re forced to make the most difficult decision of their lives...

Why we chose it

A beautifully written novel in verse which explores identity, sisters, friendship and love through the eyes of Grace and Tippi.

Where it came from

Sarah Crossan (1981 - ) is an Irish writer based in Hertfordshire. She worked as an English and drama teacher for ten years, before publishing her first book, The Weight of Water, in 2012. One was initially inspired by a BBC documentary about conjoined twins Abby and Brittany Hensel.

Where it went next

The book has won several awards, including the 2016 Carnegie Medal, and the YA Book Prize. Sarah was appointed Irish Children's Laureate (Laureate na nÓg) from 2018 - 2020.

Associated stories

Sarah Crossan has since published two further novels written in verse: Moonrise (2017) and Toffee

(2019). Other award-winning YA verse novels include: The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (2018) and Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (2014).