Perma-Bound

November is the smartest senior in her high school, but after a fumbling night with her boyfriend, Josh, who subsequently died in a freak fraternity accident, she discovers she is pregnant. How can she tell her mother, who shares November’s dream of a college scholarship? With her grief and disappointment, November must face grim reality, and she gets some support from girlfriends. She also gets help from classmate Jericho, who blames himself for Josh’s death, and part of the story is told from Jericho’s viewpoint as he battles his guilt and turmoil. But the real drama is the physical experience of teen pregnancy, and then the real pain of November’s premature labor and childbirth. Will the baby live? And what then? Along with the serious issues teens will appreciate the fast, funny contemporary dialogue, laced with kindness and insults (no invective, though), and also the view of the girl who is Mom’s perfect princess but screws up big time. Though written as a sequel to The Battle of Jericho (2003), this gripping novel stands alone. Gr 8 Up-In The Battle of Jericho (S & S, 2003), Josh died as a result of a hazing ritual. Now, his girlfriend and his cousin Jericho are dealing with his sudden death. For November, it also means facing the consequences of having had sex with Josh the night before he died and learning that she is pregnant. Draper gives an accurate and sympathetic portrayal of urban teens at a crossroad. There are no false notes in these strong male and female characters. Readers will care about them and appreciate the straightforward way that the author presents the issues they face, from the everyday struggles of cafeteria confrontations to the dire situation of teenage pregnancy. Draper clearly shows, through November, the pros and cons of having a baby while still in school; the loss of freedom and a changing future; and, finally, acceptance and a deep love for a child. Another strong element of the story is the supportive adults who surround the teens. While still in the background, the parents and teachers can be counted on when they are needed. There are no easy answers and there's no pat ending; what comes through is that life plans can change in an instant and it is how we react to these changes that makes us who we are and who we become. Urban teens often ask, "Where are the books about us, Miss?" and with this novel Draper has once again given them something meaty and meaningful to read.-Anne Rouyer, New York Public Library Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.