I came across this book in both my search for books that are Lifetime Movies, and a box of donations at work. I have not had the chance to watch the televised version of this story, but the book drew me in simply with its title and idea.
Gaby Rodriguez is a high school teen in the state of Washington who can easily become a statistic. Her family has a history and lineage of teen moms. Her own mother had her first child at the young age of fifteen. All her life, Gaby has been told that she too would become a young parent despite her scholarly reputation and the high goals she has already set for herself. She decides to test out the waters by putting herself in the shoes of what it feels like to truly be a teen mom. Will the rumors around campus spread quickly and become unbearable? What friends and family members will truly stick by her? Even though she is a honor student, will a pregnancy tarnish her reputation and her future? What exactly causes a teen father to bail on his girlfriend when she is pregnant other than the normal fear and anxiety patterns?As a senior project, she creates a fake "belly" and pretends that she is pregnant. She learns firsthand the severity of all this pressure. This book is the story of her journey.
I thought this book was a great eye opener to any woman, especially teens who can relate to this issue; either by becoming a teen mom themselves, have friends that are; or are pressured by the realities of sex. Gaby takes us on a journey of what it is like emotionally, spiritually, and has researched a bit of the physical side of pregnancy as well. Although some of the book comes across as "preachy" it is a powerful story that is sure to leave an impact on teen readers.
Ahhh! Back to school...is here. I truly miss the sound of middle school feet and energetic voices. With that said, I have been diving into a few reads at once that are geared towards Middle School gals.
