The Baby

The lives of Olivia, her best friend Nicola, younger sister Alice, boyfriend Jonty, and the girls’ gay friend Ben are forever changed at Olivia’s 17th birthday party when Nicola unexpectedly gives birth to a baby girl. Set over five months with perspective shifting to each individual, Drakeford’s debut delves into the repercussions of that night as readers gain insight into the characters’ backstories, insecurities, motivations, and personalities. Drakeford weaves a tightly-knit character study as the plot unspools to include Olivia discovering the betrayal that led to Eliza’s conception, Nicola finding the strength to be a single parent, Alice gaining a friend, Jonty making amends and taking responsibility, and Ben accepting big news. While the novel’s language reflects its British origins and setting (nappies, newsagent, sixth form), the struggles are universal (unplanned teen pregnancy, bullying/abusive behavior, discrimination), and Drakeford handles them with considerable sensitivity. Though “nothing will ever be the same” for these characters, and questions still remain at the close of the story, the open (and surprise) ending feels like a hopeful new beginning for all of them. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)