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.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Available in Spanish as Reacción.
"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."
– CM Magazine
"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."
– TriState YA Book Review
"Zach's shifting emotions—confusion, doubt, guilt, fear, resolve—are realistic."
– The Horn Book Guide
"A great story to read [that] keeps you wondering what is going to happen next."
– Tucson Unified School District
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection | 2011 | Commended
