Dear Nobody by Berlie Doherty, 1991

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Chris and Helen have got everything going for them. They are young, university-bound and in love. This story starts from one afternoon of shared, unprotected intimacy to its almost inevitable result nine months later. Both points of view are given equal time. Chris narrates his euphoria at the beginning, which turns to confusion and desperation when Helen becomes secretive and pushes him away, which turns to resolve to be responsible come what may. As for Helen, her series of letters to the 'Nobody' growing to life inside her expresses her fears, her alone-ness, her need of her mother's support and her final decision to see this through. This is a layered, nuanced story where there is no villain nor hero. We are shown teenagers rising above themselves, mothers and fathers being human, friends and others giving support depending on their characters and maturity. This story is for the young adult, starting from 13, who is old enough to understand about differing ways of seeing one event, consequences and responsibilities. I'd even go so far as to recommend it for classroom discussions, perhaps to be followed by a book on the experiences of teenage parents.