Available on Bookshop
Write a review
Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Log in to track your reading progress.
Overview
Zach and Ashley have been going out for a while, and things are going well--until Ashley finds out she is pregnant. She is angry and blames Zach. She wouldn't be in this state if he hadn't been so careless. Insistent at first on an abortion, she turns against Zach. Confused, Zach struggles with what he should do and what his responsibilities are. Coming to terms with the reactions of their families and friends, Zach realizes that this is a decision that he and Ashley must make together.Editorials
CM Magazine
"A gritty, realistic story that chronicles the fear, confusion, and solitude that comes with teen parenthood. Told from the unique perspective of a teenage father, Reaction would make an excellent addition to libraries that already have stories about teenage pregnancy told from the mother's perspective The high interest/low reading level of this book makes it highly accessible to teen readers and reading it would be a solid start for a discussion about teenage pregnancy. Recommended."The Horn Book Guide
"Zach's shifting emotions—confusion, doubt, guilt, fear, resolve—are realistic."TriState YA Book Review
"A very frank and readable account of teenage pregnancy The reactions of the teens and their families are realistically portrayed [and] high school students will enjoy this book for its honesty and readability."Tucson Unified School District
"A great story to read [that] keeps you wondering what is going to happen next."Children's Literature -
Fifteen-year-old Ashley begins this book by announcing to sixteen-year-old Zac that she is pregnant. As predictable as this situation could be, Choyce instead chooses to present a more realistic scenario, complete with indecisiveness, raging emotions, and great confusion. Zac is befuddled by his friends' betrayal as well as his own feelings. Ashley fluctuates from a caring friend to backstabber. Such are the consequences of teenage hormones. This coming-into-oneself tale in the "Orca Soundings" series is a quick read, less than 100 pages, so it will be attractive to reluctant readers in need of book report fodder. It cleverly leaves a lot to the imagination, making it a perfect choice for a book discussion group. The "what-ifs" are immeasurable. Probably the greatest attraction is the realistic manner in which each character is portrayed, and their relationships. Zac wants to run away, yet still be a supportive father. Ashley does not yet know what she really wants, or who she wants to be. Choyce does not bring any decisions to completion and we are left deciding what the best ending might be for this story. It is somewhat like a "choose your own adventure" book without scripted choices! Reviewer: Elizabeth YoungBook Details
Published
March 1, 2010
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers USA
Pages
128
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781554692774