The idea of surrogate parenting which is central to the plot of Surrogate Sister is a highly charged topic, and the book is subject to the controversy that surrounds the issue. While Bunting hints at the legal, moral, and ethical questions involved, she does not explore them in depth. The book's stance is that Rosemary Dedrick is doing something noble in providing a baby for a childless couple. Whether this premise would be satisfactory to all parents and teachers is questionable.

There may be concern on the part of some about the issues of teen-age sex and birth control. Although there is talk of sex throughout the book, the sex act is never graphically described, nor does the language descend to the low or vulgar. While Bunting champions the use of birth control measures for those teen-agers who choose to be sexually active, the message is...