Belly Up

Sara had unprotected sex and is pregnant, and has decided she's staying that way. It is what it is. But the reason it's that simple is because of how those in her life have taken the news. Her family and friends reinforce her independence, yet tend to her. They ensure she's well-fed and well-rested. They let her vent and cry. They let her nap. Sara's grandmother, judgmental as she is, will snarl at anyone who dares judge Sara.I think we all get that choosing to stay pregnant while still in high school throws everything about your future into question, and Belly Up doesn't argue any different. What it does, however, is drive home the point that lives are not ruined by teenage pregnancy, but by lack of support for teenage parents.I like that Darrows discusses how lack of support impacts teenage dads. I like that Sara and her trans friend openly discuss gender assignment. I like the peeks into Swedish and Romanian culture. All that said, I almost quit this book. The attempts to educate young readers are so hamfisted—[b:Girls on the Verge 31822503 Girls on the Verge Sharon Biggs Waller https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1529735057l/31822503.SY75.jpg 52479523] falls into the same trap. But mainly I object to the PAINFULLY off dialogue. I made a list: “the make-outs were epic,” “aww, crapcicles,” “chzburgrs,” “skantitude,” “slutitude,” to name a few. This came out in 2019. Teenagers do not talk like this now, and probably never have. I just hate it. If you can get past that, Belly Up is hopeful and warm. Its message is simple but powerful: the impossible drifts within reach when you have a village backing you. It reminds me a little of both [b:I Wish You All the Best 41473872 I Wish You All the Best Mason Deaver https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1538483349l/41473872.SY75.jpg 61277384] and [b:A Heart in a Body in the World 38244389 A Heart in a Body in the World Deb Caletti https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1517850258l/38244389.SY75.jpg 59926250]—all three are about people showing up for teenagers going through difficult and isolating challenges.