 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Jumping Off Swings
- By Jo Knowles
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Fast-moving coming-of-age tale with sex and consequences.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book about unplanned pregnancy has frank talk about sex and relationship issues among teens. The main character sleeps with many boys and one "hook-up" results in pregnancy. There is some swearing (including "f--k"), copious drinking (adult alcoholism and teen drinking), and discussions of abortion and unplanned pregnancies. Parents and teachers can use this book to start discussions with teens about sex and relationships. It will give readers a lot to think about, including what teens are looking for when they enter sexual relationships, and the different ways sexual rumors impact male and female reputations.
What's the story?
Ellie keeps getting played by the guys she has sex with, including Josh. Hoping for a romantic relationship, she thinks each experience will be different and each time they use her. When Ellie finds out she's pregnant after her and Josh's "one time thing," her life changes and so does the lives of those around her, including Corinne, her best friend, Caleb, who's had a crush on her for years, and Josh. What is she going to do? What can she do?
Is it any good?
Jo Knowles makes a common story more interesting by presenting it from four different perspectives: Ellie's, Josh's, Josh's friend Caleb's, and Ellie's best friend Corinne's. That gives layers, texture, and depth to what would have been a basic sex-and-teens novel. The characters all possess a vulnerability that rings true, and that readers will relate to.
The novel moves swiftly, making it a good choice for reluctant readers. And because there are consequences for actions, it's a great book to start discussions with teens about sex and relationships.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about books and other media about teen pregnancy. How is this one different? Did you find Ellie's attitude about sex to be realistic? What about her supportive friends?
After they have sex, Josh is celebrated by their peers while Ellie ends up with a bad reputation. Does that seem like something that would happen at your high school?
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AGE
This story teaches a good lesson to people about teen pregnancy.
As you've realized from the review, this book is all about the 9 month pregnancy-journey of a young teen girl. Though she struggles and she never speaks to the father after the night they have sex, she still receives support from her best friend Corinne and a new friend, Caleb, and his mother. I admire the courage of Ellie (the pregnant teen), though her family seems to fail at stepping in and helping she perseveres. The few problems I have with this book are some words and conversation topics are not for those who aren't at least 13. A father drinks beer with his son, two girls are described drinking in a bathroom at school, and teens get together and drink. Abortions and other sexual things are talked about and described (especially the birthing scene). Two characters get into a fight. As you read this, I realize that you may think this book is terrible... but reading this was a real wake up call about what can happen if you aren't careful. Comments? Questions? Concerns? Email me: ogormanscommonsense at yahoo. :)
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AGE
Wonderful Teen Novel
This book has a lot of sexual content and language. Ellie has a reputation for hooking up with anyone who gives her a compliment. She thinks every time she's with a guy that they want more than just sex. But each time her heart is broken and she does it again. She doesn't learn her lesson until she is actually pregnant. At first Ellie may not seem like a good role model at first, but she does put her friendships first as do the other characters. It isn't appropriate for younger children, but good for more mature teens.
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AGE
Be older, but if you read the whole ting, it has a positive message!!!
It was pretty gross at the begining, but it shows how she gets through it, and in the end it sazes others from doing the sames thing, positive message if you finish it!
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AGE
Stong language, substance abuse, and sexual content
It was a good book, with great lessons, but the content was strong and something that younger children and certain teens might find disturbing. Definitally for mature readers.
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AGE
Nobody's Perfect, But Jumping Off Swings Will Blow You Away
This is definitely one of, if not, the best books I have ever read. Every single one of the characters has problems to face, a lot I have faced myself and some I haven't. But I was still able to relate to all of the characters and feel what they were feeling. I think all of us can relate to at least one of the characters in the story, Ellie, who has a seemingly perfect family from the surface thats really as far from perfect as you can get, Caleb, whose father never stuck around, Josh, whose parents can't stand each other, or Corrine, who has a nasty reputation because of her sister. All of the characters are good role models, who try to make the best of what they face and stick together no matter what. No one's perfect, and this book expresses it in the most realistic way.
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AGE
Positive Message
This book gave a postive message for teenagers. Even though Ellie got Pregnant she gave her baby to someone who deserved it more than her. This kind of made her reputation better and she was able to live her life differently. She learned from her experience and other will too.
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AGE
good OVERALL messge
It shows how pregnancy can effect you and would probibly encourage teens to "avoid it"
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| Author: | Jo Knowles |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Candlewick Press |
| Publication date: | August 11, 2009 |
| Number of pages: | 240 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 13 - 17 |
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