Jo Knowles

Jumping Off Swings

Candlewick Press

 

 

 

 

From the publisher: 

“One pregnancy. Four friends. It all adds up to a profound time of change in this poignant, sensitively written YA novel.” 

 

(The story continues, with 

Living With Jackie Chan)

 

 

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Reviews:

 

"Absorbing from first page to last, this sensitively written novel explores how a teenager's crisis rocks her life as well as the lives of others. " —Publishers Weekly Online (Starred review)

 

"A heartbreakingly honest, measured work of fiction about a teen's unintended pregnancy...there are no villains or heroes here, only kids groping their way through a desperate situation." —Kirkus

 

"...Knowles' novel unveils surprises to the very end about family, friends, love, and sex. The simple words are eloquent...and because there is no easy resolution, readers, whatever their personal choices and values, will be caught up in the contemporary drama of strength, shame, and heartbreak. —Booklist

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Awards:

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• A YALSA Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers

• A YALSA Best Book for Young Adults

• Bank Street College's 2010 Best Books for Children (with Outstanding Merit)

• 2011 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choices List

• A Gold Star Award for Excellence from TeensReadToo.com

• Starred Review in Publishers Weekly Online

• The 2002 SCBWI Work In Progress Grant for Contemporary Fiction

• 2011 Tayshas List (Texas Library Association)