One Way or Another

One Way or Another

book

2025

WISE
85%

WISE Score

4.4

Amazon

A 'Sliding Doors' for the anxious teen who spends twenty minutes trying to pick a Netflix movie.

Amazon4.4
Common Sense Media

Where to Read

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Screenwise Verdict

Kara McDowell nails the feeling of being seventeen and totally overwhelmed by the future. It’s a smart, readable book that doesn't talk down to its audience.

The 'choose your own adventure' vibe without the actual gimmick makes it feel fresh. It’s a great pick for a kid who wants a 'real' story that isn't unnecessarily dark or edgy. It's a solid, safe, and actually helpful read.

Age Fit

Best for 12 to 16-year-olds. It’s written for that middle-to-high school transition where every choice feels like it might ruin your life.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
84

It handles teen anxiety with a lot of empathy. The focus is on emotional growth and navigating messy feelings rather than just cheap drama.

Imaginative
76

The parallel timeline gimmick is a fun way to explore the 'what if' scenarios that keep kids up at night. It’s not high fantasy, but it’s a clever structural choice.

Safe
94

Very safe. It’s a Scholastic-approved YA title. You're looking at light romance and standard teen stress, not grit or graphic content.

Enriching
82

Actually helps kids vocalize what anxiety feels like. It moves beyond 'just be brave' and shows the reality of being paralyzed by choice.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • The parallel timeline structure keeps the pacing fast and interesting.
  • It treats teen anxiety as a real hurdle, not just a personality quirk.
  • Perfect for fans of light, cozy contemporary romance with a holiday backdrop.
  • Actually models how to make decisions when everything feels high-stakes.

What to Watch For

  • The protagonist’s anxiety can be a bit intense for readers who are currently struggling with similar paralysis.
  • Standard YA romance tropes: some kissing and high-school-level pining.

Conversation Starters

  • "Which version of Paige's Christmas vacation did you actually prefer?"
  • "Do you ever feel 'stuck' when you have too many choices?"
  • "If you could see how one big decision in your life played out differently, would you want to?"
  • "Why do you think Paige felt like there was only one 'right' answer?"

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