By: Kathleen Loughnan
Genre: YFB - General fiction (Children's / Teenage)
Published by: A & U Children
Published: 6 May 2019
ISBN: 9781760631574

Description

Shauna is in her final year at an elite private school and has great expectations. She holds an Indigenous scholarship and is determined to be the first member of her family to go to university, no matter what. The year is off to an excellent start, and she and her friends are dreaming big about life after school and a trip to Paris.


But suddenly she's faced with a choice that threatens to throw all her plans into disarray. As pressure builds from every corner of her world, Shauna wonders what she'll have to sacrifice to keep hold of her dreams...


Can she fulfil her own promise and still keep her promises to others? Will all her expectations be ripped away?


Review

Shauna is in her final year of high school at a prestigious boarding school. She is the recipient of an Indigenous scholarship, and is on track to excel in her studies.


When she discovers she is pregnant, her world is thrown into turmoil. She quickly discovers who her true friends are.


One of the joys of my job of reading YA fiction is discovering a book that will resonate with readers long after the story is finished. This is one such book.


Although it is quite provocative, and at times brutally honest, you will quickly fall in love with Shauna who is an inspiring character who is just  trying to be the best version of herself. Sometimes she fails and sometimes she shines, but through everything that life, school and family throw at her, her determination and belief that she can do everything is amazing. This book will encourage your readers to pursue their dreams, even if those dreams don’t always end up where you expected them to.


It also highlights the importance of education in ensuring that future generations of Australians, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to live life to the fullest.


Perfect for girls in Year 9 and up.


Reviewed by Michelle