• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

Kia is sixteen and pregnant. Her world crumbles as she attempts to come to terms with the life growing inside her and what she must do. Initially convinced that abortion is her only option, Kia comes to understand that for her, the answers are not always black and white. As the pregnancy progresses, Kia discovers who her real friends are and where their loyalties lie. It is through her relationship with the elderly Grace that she learns what it means to take responsibility for one's life and the joy that can come from trusting oneself. Faced with the most difficult decision of her life, Kia learns that the path to adulthood is not the easily navigable trail she once thought, but a twisting labyrinth where every turn produces a new array of choices, and where the journey is often undertaken alone.

Shelley Hrdlitschka discovered her love for children's literature while teaching school. She decided to try writing her own books, and is now the award-winning author of nine novels for teens, all published by Orca Book Publishers.

Shelley offers school and library presentations on the value of perseverance. She describes the pitfalls she encountered on her path to becoming a published author and discusses where ideas come from using examples from her books. She touches on numerous literary devices, tailored to the age of the audience. Shelley also reads from some of her many rejection letters-the part of the presentation that students seem to like most. She is also available for writing workshops.

Shelley lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia, with her three daughters and an assortment of animals. When she's not writing, she can be found hiking, snowshoeing, practicing yoga or hidden away with a book and some good music. More information can be found at http://shelleyhrdlitschka.wordpress.com.

Shelley Hrdlitschka's profile page

• Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Popular Paperback for Young Adults
• Commended, Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Quick Picks
• Commended, American Library Association (ALA) Best Books for Young Adults
• Short-listed, Canadian Library Association (CLA) Young Adult Book Award
• Commended, Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Our Choice
• Winner, Forest of Reading White Pine Award

"Exhibits a marked development in the author's style and exploration of character."

Children's Book News

"The subject matter, plus strong writing and plotting, invites recreational reading; also consider this for curriculum support."

Booklist

"A recommended purchase for all libraries serving young adults."

"Hrdlitschka manages to cover several sensitive topics with grace, care, and insight with a cast of fully realized characters."

VOYA

"Useful...for readers who want to see an exploration of some choices a pregnant teen may face."

KLIATT