In the 9th grade, Emmy is an A student, a soccer star, and a lead soprano in the school choir. She won’t let her alcoholic mother or her father, long gone, stand in her way. Emmy falls for Art, a junior who is also one of the choir’s lead singers. Art is a dream of a boyfriend until Emmy finds that she’s pregnant. Then he wants nothing to do with her. Her mother is furious and wants her to have an abortion. Her guidance counselor claims that Emmy’s life will be ruined, and only one of her friends tries to stand by her. But what does Emmy want, and what about her dreams, if she chooses a new life as a single mother?

American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults List
South Carolina Young Adult Book Award

“…wonderful novel…honest, heart-wrenching, informative…should be on all Best Books for YA lists.” — KLIATT
At the end of eighth grade, Emmy is at the top of the world. She’s popular, does well in school, has two best friends and sings in the chorus. Ninth grade is more of a challenge, yet Emmy continues to thrive and even falls in love. Then she gets pregnant. Thoughtful and thorough, this novel vividly portrays teenage love and its consequences. Emmy faces her choices with a believable mix of bravery and weakness, earning the reader’s sympathy. The author, who teaches English at an alternative school in California, demonstrates a true understanding of her audience along with a solid interest in providing important information. With its timely news about social programs serving pregnant teens, its candor and its message about summoning one’s inner strength, this instructive tale is both cautionary and inspirational. — Publishers Weekly