Baby Love

By Author / Illustrator

Jacqueline Wilson

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Penguin Random House Children's UK

ISBN

9780241567104

Format

Hardback

Published

17-03-2022

Synopsis

"Jacqueline Wilson understands the complex interpersonal relationships of teenagers so well and writes with an unparalleled realness and rawness. I loved this book. It was heartbreaking but warm, unflinching yet somehow cosy. Nobody writes like Jacqueline Wilson. Long may she reign! I couldn't get the characters out of my head." - Holly Bourne

A heartbreaking, compelling and timely story for older readers about teen pregnancy, family trouble and unlikely friendships, set in 1960. When Laura meets a French exchange student, Leon, she is flattered by his interest in her. She's never had any sort of boyfriend before. One night, Leon walks Laura home - and her life will never be the same again.

Things start to change for Laura - first her moods, and then her body. Laura isn't prepared for what she learns next - and doesn't even know how it could have happened. When her family learns her secret, they are horrified. Sent away to save them from shame, Laura meets girls just like herself, whose families have given up on them - and they become a family for each other at the most difficult time in all their lives.

An emotional and moving tale for fans of Dear Nobody and Juno. Not suitable for younger readers.

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Reviews

Set in the 1960s, before sex education in schools was the norm, a time when unmarried mothers were pitied and shamed and teen pregnancies were hidden from society - girls often left with little support from family and authorities and had no choice but to give up their babies - the story follows Laura, a bright only child from a poor background with a scholarship to the local grammar school.

The first half of the book builds up a realistic picture of 1960s Britain and takes time to develop the characters, which really helps you to understand the decisions Laura makes over the course of the novel. Sheltered by her overprotective parents and eager to fit in with new best friend Nina and appear more grown up, you can see how things spiral out of control.

Although it's a lengthy 500 pages, the book is very easy to read. Wilson's writing style is warm and despite the heavy subject matter there are lots of charming and humorous moments throughout the story. I think teenagers reading this book will be shocked and surprised at the treatment young mothers received in this era, both from professionals and their own families.

It is quite a hard-hitting story, more suited to an audience of 13 years and older. Although this is a work of historical fiction, it touches on issues of consent, women's rights, adoption and family relationships that are still very relevant today. Wilson's afterword and resources for readers affected by the story make it a valuable educational read for teenagers.

496 pages / Reviewed by N Jenkin, school librarian