Teen Pregnancy

It's one of the most controversial subjects out there. And despite increased media coverage and shows like "Teen Mom," "The Secret Life of the American Teenager," and "Glee," there is often still a reluctance to talk about it.

But talk about it is exactly what these authors have done. I have four books for you: two from the father's perspective, and two from the mother's. (And, before I continue, there are a lot of resources out there for those with questions. You can even start on the library's teen page, right here.)

the first part last by Angela Johnson is told from the perspective of the father. Bobby is an artist, 16, and wants to hang out with his friends and finish high school. But as soon as his baby is born, Bobby has to cope with the reality of being a single dad.
A Girl Named Mister by Nikki Grimes is a novel in verse. Mister is Christian, looking for faith and forgiveness in a book of poetry from the Virgin Mary's perspective. I'll admit I had my doubts about this book when I started it, but Mister's character drew me in and held me to the end.

How to Save a Life by Sara Zarr is a novel with two voices: Mandy, pregnant and looking for a family to adopt her baby, while looking for a little love of her own; and Jill, whose mother is planning to adopt Mandy's baby. You'll find yourself rooting for both girls, as Mandy struggles to give away her baby, and Jill deals with her grief from the recent death of her father.

And, lastly, Slam by Nick Hornby follows Sam right after he finds out his girlfriend is pregnant. Sam's offbeat humor and imaginary conversations with Tony Hawk lighten up what is still a serious no-holds barred look at Sam's situation.