• Age: 14 to 18
• Grade: 9 to 12
• Reading age: 7 to 10

Cody Manywounds's intentions are good, but it seems that every time he makes one little mistake, he gets caught. He got into some serious trouble with his friends a while ago, but since then, things have been looking up -- his grades are good, his girlfriend is hot, and the escape to university (and more girls) is just around the corner. Then it all comes crashing down with a single text message: "I'm pregnant. Call me. :)" When Cody's girlfriend decides to get an abortion, he finds himself dealing with conflicting emotions -- and discovers how little a say he is given in the matter.

KIM FIRMSTON is a writer and creative writing instructor in Calgary, AB. Her short story "Life Before War" was shortlisted for the 2008 CBC Literary Awards.

www.kimfirmston.com

Kim Firmston's profile page

• Commended, Best Books for Kids & Teens -- Canadian Children's Book Centre
• Commended, One of the Year's Best for 2012 -- Resource Links

"A powerful portrayal... Teens will appreciate Firmston's honesty and use of realistic language... confronts aboriginal stereotypes with skill and insight." Rated G-E, Good to Excellent!

Resource Links

"powerful, well written, and suspenseful with characters that are appealing, convincing and complex."

First Perspective

"The characters jump off the page, energetically engaging the reader... The dialogue between them is up-to-date, sharp and realistic"

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

Hook Up

This book follows Cody, a Tsuu T’ina teen living with his family in Calgary, as he nears high school graduation. He has been in trouble in the past but has turned things around, now he wants to continue on to university. However, circumstances and people around him seem to conspire against that. His new girlfriend gets pregnant, he gets in trouble with his friends and he nearly gets arrested. Will he make things right this time?

This is a hi-lo reader with a compelling story that will appeal to reluctant readers.

Caution: Contains graphic descriptions of characters having sex, drug and alcohol use, violence and abortion.

Hook Up (SideStreets)

Things have been looking up for Cody Manywounds — his grades are good, his girlfriend is hot, and the escape to university is just around the corner. Then it all comes crashing down with a single text message: “I’m pregnant.” An unflinching look at teen pregnancy — from the guy’s perspective.