Heppermann, Christine. Ask Me How I Got Here. 240p. ebook available. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. May 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062387950.
Gr 10 Up –Addie is a good student and the star of the cross-country team at her private Catholic school. When she discovers that she is pregnant, she gets an abortion with the support of her boyfriend and parents. Afterward, she struggles with what the pregnancy and her decision mean, both to her self-perception and those around her, leading Addie to discover more surprising things about herself. The spare yet meaningful verse shines, while the poems ascribed to Addie herself are particularly poignant. The narrative focuses on Addie’s emotional journey while deftly avoiding the tired tropes of typical pregnant teen stories. This is not a story about making the decision to have an abortion but rather one about accepting how decisions shape who we are, for better or for worse. The only readers disappointed will be those looking for a black-and-white pronouncement about abortion and its consequences. Teens mature enough to appreciate Heppermann’s subtlety will welcome this fresh, relatable novel that is bold enough to venture into relatively unexplored territory. VERDICT This standout of both craft and theme is recommended for high school and public libraries.
This review was published in the School Library Journal March 2016 issue.We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
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