Teen Pregnancy

One of the primary themes of the novel is teenage pregnancy, and how it affects the lives of the teenage mothers in the novel differently. When Shell discovers she is pregnant, she ignores it, at first, until it becomes clear that she can no longer pretend she is not with child. Once she accepts her pregnancy, she finds books, and although she steals them, she does learn what to do, so that she can attempt to deliver the child. She does think of abortion, and even manages to prepare to go for one, but in the end, changes her mind. She does not tell anyone, instead hoping to simply deal with the issue. However when her brother and sister discover her pregnancy, they are supportive, giving Shell at least a partial outlet for her concerns. Once she delivers the child, it is clear she loves her, and...