For teens grappling with difficult secrets and the profound choices that shape their future, this novel explores the weight of silence and the search for truth.
A parent might reach for this book when their teen is struggling with the weight of a serious secret or facing a complex moral choice. The story follows sixteen-year-old Amy, who is already hiding difficult truths about her family when she discovers an abandoned baby, a situation that forces her to confront a secret pregnancy of her own. This novel delves deeply into themes of shame, guilt, honesty, and the long-term consequences of our decisions. Appropriate for older teens, it provides a safe space to explore intensely difficult situations. It's an excellent choice for opening a conversation about personal responsibility and the courage it takes to tell the truth, even when it's hard.
Themes relate to a past teen relationship and its consequences. Not explicit.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with teen pregnancy, both from the perspective of a secret past event and the discovery of an abandoned infant. The approach is secular, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and social ramifications for the characters. The mother's chronic illness (MS) is also a direct and persistent theme. The resolution is not a simple happy ending, but it is hopeful, emphasizing personal growth, accountability, and the relief that comes with honesty.
Ideal Reader
This book is for an introspective teen, aged 15-17, who is navigating the complexities of moral responsibility. It's particularly suited for a reader who feels the pressure of keeping secrets (their own or others') and is grappling with questions of right and wrong when the stakes are incredibly high. It will resonate with teens who feel isolated by their problems and are exploring what it means to live with integrity.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for discussions about teen pregnancy, contraception, abandonment, and the emotional toll of secrets. While not graphically detailed, the topics are mature and emotionally weighty. The book can be read cold, but it serves as an excellent catalyst for conversations about where a teen can turn for help when a problem feels too big to handle alone. A parent notices their teen has become withdrawn, anxious, and is possibly hiding something significant. They might have overheard a conversation about a friend in a serious, secret situation (like a pregnancy scare or legal trouble) and want to open a dialogue about seeking help from trusted adults.
Age Experience
A younger reader (14-15) might focus more on the mystery element and the immediate ethical dilemma: what would I do in Amy's shoes? An older reader (16-18) will likely have a deeper appreciation for the psychological nuances, the impact of family dysfunction on Amy's choices, and the long-term journey of healing from past trauma and shame.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA novels that chronicle a teen pregnancy as it happens, this book's unique angle is its focus on the aftermath and secrecy. The discovery of an abandoned baby serves as a mirror, forcing the protagonist to confront her own past secret pregnancy. This reflective narrative structure provides a powerful and distinctive exploration of shame, guilt, and the path to self-forgiveness.
Read plot summary
Sixteen-year-old Amy carries the weight of her family's secrets: her mother's worsening Multiple Sclerosis and her older sister's irresponsibility. Her life is further complicated when she discovers a newborn baby abandoned in a public restroom. This event forces Amy to confront her own deeply buried secret: a past pregnancy she never told anyone about. The narrative follows her intense internal struggle as she decides whether to come forward with the truth about the baby, a choice that threatens to expose her own past and change her future forever.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Amy keeps secrets for her mom, her sister, and herself. At what point does protecting someone with a secret become harmful to them or to you? Where could she have drawn a line?
2
Discuss the reasons behind Amy's initial decision to lie about finding the baby. How did her own past experiences with her pregnancy influence this choice? Do you feel her actions were understandable?
3
The title is 'Writing in the sand'. What do you think this symbolizes in the story? How does it relate to the themes of secrets, memory, and the chance for a fresh start?
4
Consider Amy's ex-boyfriend, Liam. How does your perception of him change throughout the book as Amy reveals more about their shared past? Was he a supportive partner?
5
If you were Amy's friend and she confided in you, what advice would you have given her at the beginning of the story versus at the end?
