Set in Newfoundland, One for Sorrow chronicles a pivotal year in the life of Issy Heffernan, one of the most complex and appealing young heroines in YA fiction. Saddled with a mean and bedridden mother; an older, increasingly bitter schoolmarm of a sister; and a lovely but mainly absent father, Issy dreams of leaving her miserable life behind for a life on the mainland, maybe even in a big city such as Toronto.What reason is there for her to stay? But there's one thing holding her back: Issy is illiterate. She can't read at all and never could. How far can she really go?

"One for Sorrow acknowledges the strength and uniqueness of outport culture. Accessible and entertaining, the novel develops the subtleties of the relationships between Issy, her fanily, and her friends quite nicely."
—Marnie Parsons, Quill & Quire

"Mary Sheppard creates real and engaging characters and places them in an authentic setting that allows entry to their distinctive, yet familiar world. Her writing is exemplary and Issy is an indelible voice in young adult fiction. Two are written, with five to go. Bravo!"
—Brandon Sun