Biology Lessons

Kantor (Better Than Perfect) reflects on the ramifications of abortion bans in this timely Texas-set novel. “Science genius” and aspiring biologist Grace Williams is months from attending college in N.Y.C., when she finds herself boyfriend-less and pregnant. Grace’s conservative Texas hometown limits her options to adoption (which her parents don’t approve of) and teen motherhood (which Grace isn’t ready for)—unless she’s willing to cross state lines for an abortion. Through honest first-person narration peppered with mini biology lessons (“A semipermeable membrane formed between us”), Grace reckons with her pregnancy and ill-fated romance while planning a secret road trip to a New Mexico women’s clinic. Throughout, Grace interacts with intersectionally diverse individuals navigating similar situations, becomes refreshingly aware of her own privilege, and learns about abortion-criminalizing bounty hunter laws and the social and medical factors that complicate seeking healthcare. While discussions of the issues addressed feel somewhat surface-level, Kantor deftly grapples with teen autonomy, gender, and sexuality in an accessible, compulsively readable narrative. Grace cues as white. Back matter includes interviews with experts in law and social services. Ages 14–up. Agent: Rebecca Friedman, Rebecca Friedman Literary. (Jan.)