After
by Amy Efaw
Available August 11, 2009
An infant left in the trash to die. A teenage mother who never knew she was pregnant . . .Before That Morning, these were the words most often used to describe straight-A student and star soccer player Devon Davenport: responsible, hardworking, mature. But all that changes when the police find Devon home sick from school as they investigate the case of an abandoned baby. Soon the connection is made—Devon has just given birth; the baby in the trash is hers. After That Morning, there’s only one way to define Devon: attempted murderer.
We've all heard the story before, or something similar; a child left to die in a dumpster, a child left in a public bathroom...news stories that shock us, leaving us to wonder what the world has come to.
What we don't usually hear about is the story of the would-be mother, the girl who left the baby behind. We all have our own ideas, based on our own experiences about who this ruthless woman could be and what would motivate her to commit such a heinous act. What do you think?
Once you've read this book I'm betting you might just change your mind. As an educated mother of two teenage daughters, I even surprised myself at some of the preconceived notions I had about these desperate girls.
The author does a great job of tackling this controversial topic in a sensitive yet honest way. This book will definitely resonate with teen girls who, for the most part, can only imagine the horror of finding themselves in a similar situation.
Believe it or not the books main character Devon, is very easy to relate to. She deals with issues that a multitude of teens face and like many, she has no real support system. My heart broke for Devon in her many struggles as she faces the repercussions of her actions...especially when what exactly happened isn't real clear to Devon herself.
This cautionary tale is appropriate for any teen reader and will definitely leave a lasting impression. Devon's journey to the realization of what happened and how she'll deal with it will leave readers asking questions they probably hadn't thought of and could lead to some great discussions on the topic.
4 points
6 comments:
I'm really, really looking forward to this book!! My high school had so many pregnant girls - the highest in the nation - and I had tons of friends go through pregnancy back then. This book feels like something I can connect with.
Hi Amanda
Yes, its scary...our high school had so many pregnant 10th graders this year that next year they are having a "special" class for 9th graders about preventing pregnancy.
I think there were anywhere from 5 to 10 at my school this past year. I really want to read this book.
Great Review!
~Lindsay
What a controversial topic. Whenever I hear of these type of things I do judge whoever it was horribly. This sounds interesting and a good read. Great review!
This does sound interesting and from the pregnant girls' perspective is a new angle I would love to find out about.We used to have girls at my school giving birth in the school toilet.The ambulance would drive up and remove mother and baby and most time we never knew they were even pregnant.
Awesome review! I've never been preggers, but I like that Devon is relatable. Again, great review.
I just found your blog via 1 ARC Tours, and I have to say I really really LOVE your background, books are so pretty and fantastic :-)
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