Author: Non Pratt
Publisher: Walker Books
Notes: I won a competition to become a VIP reader and was sent the book by the author for an honest review.
Star rating: 5/5
Synopsis: HANNAH is very smart and funny. She's also fifteen and pregnant.
AARON is the new boy at school. He doesn't want to attract attention.
So why does Aaron offer to be the pretend dad to Hannah's unborn baby?
Growing up can be trouble but that's how you find out what really matters.
Review:
This book starts by introducing main protagonist Hannah. She's 15 years old, self conscious, and hanging out with a crowd who drink, and sleep with each other.
Next, we meet Aaron. He's the school's new boy. He seems to be running away from a dark past, hence his need to blend in, and attempts to be accepted into Hannah's group of friends.
Hannah soon finds out she is pregnant and she knows who the father is but does not want to tell. As soon as her friends find out she is pregnant gossip and speculation over who the father is spreads. Soon Hannah realizes her friends aren't really her friends anymore as it is they who have been spreading around the rumors about her. She realizes she is all on her own. Aaron feels sorry for Hannah, so suggests that they tell everyone he is her baby's father to stop all the malicious comments.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So many authors shy away from discussing teen pregnancy and underage drinking for fear that they'll be regarded as glamorizing or encouraging it. I love the fact that Non Pratt was gutsy enough to address these controversial issues, portraying the grim reality of teenage problems today. It is happening and it isn't pretty- is the strong message of this book.
I felt this book was very realistic, covering issues such as peer pressure and bullying. The main character goes from being popular to isolated in the matter of days, when friends turn their backs on her. The reader can really sympathize with Hannah here.
The book is written is short daily entries, swapping between the two main characters Hannah and Aaron, helping to provide the reader with a dual perspective on the situation. These short entries also add to the reader's speedy progress through the book. I found I'd already read half of the book in just one sitting.
By having a second plot to this book- Aaron's mysterious history- it provides a bit of a break to the reader, making it less weighty. Although this book covers very serious matters, it is written is a very humorous way, while remaining successfully respectful.
I love the color theme of the physical book, and the simplicity of the spine has actually made it one of my most favorite on my bookshelf.
I only have one problem with this book, which I'll mention as this is an honest review. I was too embarrassed to bring this to work to read during my breaks in case people would see the cover and title and assume I had a little issue of my own.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Very funny and very realistic.
