A New Penny

Carey never imagined she'd be married with a baby at 17. Still, she and her husband Hank are determined to make things work. Living in a trailer among other married students, Hank attends law classes all day and works as a janitor at night, while Carey stays home with little Jody. Money is tight, but with a little help from their parents, the couple thinks they'll get by the next few years. However, while money is important, it's not everything. As Carey sits home day after day, she realizes how unhappy she is, not having contact with others her age, or having something to do that isn't centered upon housecleaning or taking care of an infant. After some initial sulking, Carey finally decides that she needs to take action. For the first time in her life, she takes the first steps...toward getting a job, and toward the possibility of continuing her education. When Carey becomes more emotionally fulfilled, she finds, to her surprise, that she and Hank get along better, too...giving them real hope for making it as a family. Although this book is set during a time when premarital pregnancy was very much a stigma -- Carey and Hank experience their families' and neighbors' disapproval even well after their marriage -- the difficulties they experience still ring true. Money is and will be tight for teenage couples with children, and the need to find inner fulfillment all still exist today.

Carey is only seventeen - but married with a baby. This teen novel is a realistic portrayal of the social repercussions, financial and emotional hardships, and weight of responsibility that teen parents must face. If the novel has a flaw, it's the way the couple's parents bail them out so often....far too many teen families don't have this kind of support (or their own parents are unable to provide it). Still, Carey and Hank take responsibility for themselves and their child and the novel drives home the point that teen pregnancy limits the possibilities unless the couple behaves responsibly and especially continues their education. Good reading for preteens and teens.

A New Penny is a very real look at the role of women in society, teenage pregnancy, and just making it on your own. Carrie is a brave strong girl who got pregnant by her teenage boyfirend Hank while she was still in her teens. Hank continues his education while Carrie drops out of school to raise their only child Jodie. Money is tight as Hank goes to school and works the night away. Carrie must then deiced what kind of life she wants for her and her child verus what kind of life Hank can provide. A truly emotional story. While it is set in the 60's many of the idas still hold true. While Carrie, Hank, and even Jodie face public scorn which is not seen as much today, it gives a very real look at life as teenage parents. I highly recommend it!!!