Book Review: After

Efaw, Amy. After. New York: Viking, 2009. 350pp. Ages 14-18

Devon is determined, driven, and pregnant at fifteen. She has everything going for her until she is arrested for the attempted murder of her child. Devon has blocked out her pregnancy, as she is unable to face the reality of what has happened. She begins to withdraw from everyone and everything she loves. Even after she has the baby and dumps it in the trash, she remains in denial of her pregnancy and murder. However, as memories of that night come to light, does Devon really know what she did? The front cover of the book displays a reflection of the truth that Devon hides from herself. Teens will likely find the book topic vividly realistic and appealing, as they are drawn into the mind of Devon from beginning to end.