Common Sense Media Review
By Terreece Clarke
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast-moving coming-of-age tale with sex and consequences.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : August 11, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 240
- Last updated : July 13, 2017
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