Author: Deb Caletti
Title: Plan A
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: October 3, 2023
Number of Pages: 416 pages
Geographical Setting: The main character’s hometown is in Texas but she travels
across the country to Oregon, stopping in Oklahoma, Kansas and other states.
Time Period: Present day
Series: N/A
Plot Summary: Sixteen year old Ivy has big plans to see the world…until a plus
sign shows up on a pregnancy test that she takes on her break at work at her
part time pharmacy job in conservative Texas. Now, instead of working all
summer, saving up money, and hanging out with her new boyfriend Lorenzo, she
now has to figure out how to obtain an abortion, which is illegal in her state. When word of her “condition”
spreads, Lorenzo plans a cross country trip to take Ivy to Oregon, where her
grandmother lives and abortion is still legal. From Paris, Texas to Lima, Oklahoma,
to Rome, Oregon, Ivy will see the world one way or another, and along the way,
she encounters other women who share their own stories with her and make her
realize she’s not alone.
Appeal:
1. Tone:
The tone of this book is engaging, accessible, and draws readers in. Although
talking about a heavy topic, Caletti manages to add in lighthearted, sweet
moments as well.
2.Storyline: This storyline is more important now than ever. While the idea of
small town girl gets pregnant might sound like it’s been done before, Ivy’s
journey is interesting and the weaving of other women’s stories is powerfully
done.
3.Characterization: Ivy is smart, funny, and readers can’t help but root for
her. Other characters in Ivy’s life, such as her mother, brother, and boyfriend
are all supportive and understanding of Ivy, which is such a relief for readers
to see.
3 terms that best describe this book: engaging, personal, empowering
Girls on the Verge
by Sharon Biggs Waller: This book also takes place in Texas and details a girl’s
trip with her friends across the country to obtain an abortion.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear by EK Johnston: This book details a girl making
decisions about her own body after being assaulted and how her friends support
her in those decisions.
Abortion: A Personal Story, A Political Choice by Pauline Harmange: The author shares her own
personal abortion story with the hopes that by sharing our experiences, we can
transform our society for the better.
A Place Called Peculiar: Stories about Unusual
American Place Names by Frank K.
Gallant: In Plan A, Lorenzo shows an interest in unusual town names on their
trip, such as Corn, Christmas, etc. This book goes into detail about unique
city names across the country.
This book sounds super important now, especially with what is going on now. I'm glad that there are author's sharing stories, real or not, to help others understand that there are people who have to go through the trouble of this journey like Ivy in the book. It's also nice to show a great support system for her in the book to show people that having the right people in your life can help when it comes to the most difficult things.
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds like a great read and so important to have access to right now. I'm adding this to my TBR and all of the relevant fiction and non-fiction works. Thanks for the great recs!
ReplyDelete