One Word, Six Letters
166 pages · Released Mar 17, 2026 · Henry Holt and Company (BYR)
Content report card
One Word, Six Letters parent’s guide: what’s inside
Violence
Substance use
What it offers
Educational value
A note for parents
This dual-POV novel addresses serious themes of accountability, identity, and self-discovery after a slur is shouted at a school event. While it's emotionally mature and deals with difficult topics including homophobia and toxic masculinity, it ultimately rewards empathy, courage, and personal growth. The book is appropriate for older teens capable of engaging with complex social issues and their consequences.
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From the publisher
Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur. ★"[A] searing, deeply felt dual-POV novel," —Publishers Weekly, starred review Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems. When Day... Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur. ★"[A] searing, deeply felt dual-POV novel," —Publishers Weekly, starred review Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems. When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they’d rather ignore. Dayton, grappling with the fallout of his actions, faces rejection from his friends, disappointment from his parents, and a growing awareness of the harm he’s caused. Meanwhile, Farshid is left to untangle his own feelings—about himself and about the quiet struggle of coming to terms with his queerness in a world steeped in heteronormativity. As their lives unexpectedly intersect, Dayton and Farshid must reckon with what kind of men they want to become and whether they have the courage to defy toxic masculinity and societal expectations. Timely, raw, and deeply thought-provoking, this novel is perfect for fans of Jason Reynolds and Nic Stone.
Shelved under
- Young Adult Fiction
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ISBN 9781250405562 · Henry Holt and Company (BYR)