One of my friends reviewed this book before me, and I don't know whether it was for the site or not, but she joked about how she had to say stuff like, "Pratt's technique…" I knew instantly which book she was talking about, because as soon as a new book is out, I'm on it like that. The author's name is Non Pratt (not really, but she hates people using her real name), the book is called Trouble and the cover shouldn't put you off.
Hannah is a 15 year old student and there's a name for her in modern society which I would be told off for using in this review, but let's say she's got with lots of boys before. One day she decides to Google 'symptoms of pregnancy.' Without much of a surprise on her part, she matches the symptoms. And she hasn't a clue who the Dad is. A new boy has started at the school. Aaron Tyler. He is determined to draw as little attention to himself as possible. Readers of this book, I pose this question: Why on earth would he offer to be the pretend dad of the baby?
I don't cry reading books, though this book brought me to the edge of crying. People might call me a bit soft for saying that, but this book is perfectly crafted. Teenage pregnancy is a hot topic at the moment (although in the UK, teenage conceptions are at their lowest since 1969 at 27.9 conceptions per 1,000 women). It seems like Non Pratt is understanding of this as well. Hannah, in the book, is aware people were judging her in the maternity ward whilst she was in her school uniform.
But Non Pratt has stuck herself right up there with Erin Lange for me for dealing with top issues in a light and fictional manner. But it's not just the issues that have done it for me. The way the novel also encompasses a coming of age element as well is perfect. The book is completely reflective of how teenagers live, and whilst not all teenage girls go round looking for any old boy to get on with, it's reflective of a lot more in modern times. I haven't got a bad word to say about this book. But please: Don't let the cover put you off. When they say, "Don't judge a book by it's cover," it's literally what you should follow in this situation. Prepare for an ending like no other, and prepare for a bundle of joy in the form of binding and paper (see what I did there?) to enter your world.
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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