Jumping Off Swings

Jumping Off Swings is a deeply insightful young adult novel that tackles the sensitive topic of unplanned teen pregnancy. The story centers on Ellie, who becomes pregnant after a casual encounter with Josh, an eager virgin from a troubled home. The narrative is told alternately from the viewpoints of Ellie, Josh, and their two close friends, Caleb and Corinne, offering a nuanced exploration of each character's complex emotions, shame, heartbreak, and the difficult choices they face. It's a powerful story about the consequences of actions, the meaning of love and connection, and the challenging journey of leaving innocence behind. Recommended for ages 14 and up, it provides a realistic and empathetic look at a significant life moment.

Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant. Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character's point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl's life—and the realities of leaving innocence behind.