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In Trouble

3.03 of 5 stars 3.03 · rating details · 119 ratings · 49 reviews

In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice. In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse. Jamie and Elaine's stori...more

Hardcover, 210 pages

Published September 1st 2011 by Carolrhoda Books (first published January 1st 2011)

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May 27, 2011 Roshini rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

The back of this book explains it succintly in one sentence. It [the book] offers a disturbing portrait of what it was like to be a young woman long before Juno and Bristol Palin. These days, a young, unmarried woman having a baby makes more news due to its entertainment aspect, rather than the shock factor as it was in 1956, which is when this book is based. Some parts of the story remind me of its setting - mentions of Elvis Presley's latest tv appearance being a notable one. Other parts make...more

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Jan 28, 2012 Margo Tanenbaum rated it 4 of 5 stars

Abortion is a topic few YA authors dare to broach in their books, and this reality alone would be enough reason for me to applaud award-winning author Ellen Levine's 2011 young adult novel In Trouble. But the book has plenty of merit as an unsentimental look at the hard choices (or lack thereof) teens confronted when they became pregnant in the 1950's.

The film noir style cover, portraying a lonely teenaged girl waiting late at night on a deserted street, sets the stage for this dark novel set in...more Abortion is a topic few YA authors dare to broach in their books, and this reality alone would be enough reason for me to applaud award-winning author Ellen Levine's 2011 young adult novel In Trouble. But the book has plenty of merit as an unsentimental look at the hard choices (or lack thereof) teens confronted when they became pregnant in the 1950's.

The film noir style cover, portraying a lonely teenaged girl waiting late at night on a deserted street, sets the stage for this dark novel set in 1956 New York, when choices for young girls who got themselves "in trouble" were limited indeed. The author tells the story of best friends Jamie and Elaine, who both find themselves with unwanted pregnancies while in high school. However, the pregnancies are ultimately dealt with in very different ways, with a sensitive portrayal of how two different families dealt with this difficult situation.

Note: some spoilers....

Elaine has a steady boyfriend already in college, and is sure that he will marry her when she tells him about the pregnancy. Jamie's circumstances, on the other hand, are slowly unveiled by the author through a series of nightmares as the reader realizes that she was date-raped by a friend of her sophisticated Manhattan cousin. Jamie's family is already under plenty of stress, since her dad has just been released from prison, having been convicted for refusing to answer questions during the McCarthy hearings. But when they discover her circumstances, her family steps up, even helping her find a doctor who will do an abortion, despite abortions being illegal at the time. Elaine, on the other hand, is sent to a home for unwed Catholic girls, where she is pressured to give up her baby for adoption despite her wishes.
In Trouble is based on dozens of interviews Levine conducted, and although the characters are fictional, each event in the book actually happened to someone. In an author's note, Levine explains why she felt compelled to tell Elaine and Jamie's stories. "If we don't know what has happened, we can't appreciate our choices today and what we might lose if laws are changed," she writes. She explains that although we might think things are totally different today, with the availability of legal abortion, in 87% of U.S. counties you can't get a legal abortion, because there's no doctor who will do it.

I believe this is an important novel for young people, particularly girls to read; unfortunately, I'm not sure it will be widely purchased by school and public libraries. Despite the fact that Levine has won many awards for her work, including a Caldecott Honor for Henry's Freedom Box, few of the library systems in my area (Southern California) have purchased it, although the novel came out in September. Whether this is because of the controversial subject matter or limited budgets, I can't say, but I hope librarians will not be reluctant to add this to their collections because the book deals with abortion. It is a gripping story that deserves to be on the shelves.(less)

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Dec 25, 2011 Serena rated it 2 of 5 stars

A strong and relevant topic. Good historical detail. Horrible writing.

The main problem with In Trouble was that nothing fit. Each chapter felt like a separate vignette. Jamie’s thoughts never stayed consistent to one character. The quick switches to movie “scripts” were interruptive.

Mrs. Levine talks about interviewing several different women who lived during the book’s time period for information in her author’s note. The reader can tell before even reaching the afterword- and in a bad way. It...more

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Oct 08, 2011 Louise rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-fiction

Story Description:

A film noir atmosphere weaves through this unabashedly political novel that addresses issues of abortion and free speech. Levine (Henry’s Freedom Box) evokes nostalgia for an era of multigenerational families living together, Automats, soda fountains, and Bogart films, while emphasizing the power wielded by social taboos. Sixteen-year-old Jamie tells the parallel stories of two teenage pregnancies in McCarthy-era New York City and her father’s recent imprisonment for political...more Story Description:

A film noir atmosphere weaves through this unabashedly political novel that addresses issues of abortion and free speech. Levine (Henry’s Freedom Box) evokes nostalgia for an era of multigenerational families living together, Automats, soda fountains, and Bogart films, while emphasizing the power wielded by social taboos. Sixteen-year-old Jamie tells the parallel stories of two teenage pregnancies in McCarthy-era New York City and her father’s recent imprisonment for political activism. In a first-person narrative that focuses on Jamie’s feelings of helplessness and anger, she reports occasional thoughts or memories that frighten her as if writing a screenplay: “Tight close-up on striped shirt with bull’s-eye on back.” When her friend Elaine gets pregnant by her boyfriend, she imagines they will get married, though Elaine’s ashamed Catholic parents have other ideas. Jamie’s pregnancy results from a violent rape; terrified of confiding in her family, she attempts various “remedies,” such as drinking vodka and throwing herself down the stairs. Encouraging historical awareness and personal empowerment, an author’s note compares 1956 attitudes about women and abortion with the present, noting that obtaining a legal abortion has become increasingly difficult. A gripping, relevant read. Ages 12–up.

My Review:

Seventeen-year-old Elaine becomes pregnant in the 1950’s during a time when girls are blamed for the pregnancy. The guys were rarely even thought of and the girl was usually slapped with labels such as: slut, whore, loose woman, and considered dirty. In typical fashion from that era, Elaine’s parents force her to sign documents to turn the baby over to Catholic Children’s Services when the baby is born although Elaine wants to marry Neil and keep the baby. Her best friend Jamie is raped by a friend of a cousin who takes her to a wine tasting party and although asked to “stop” many times over, he didn’t. How the parents of these girls handled their pregnancies were quite different.

Abortion was illegal and often time girls would try to end the pregnancy themselves, at times ending up bleeding to death or doing so much harm to themselves as to prevent any further pregnancies in the future and carrying a baby to full term.

Ellen Levine has penned a novel about a very delicate subject during a delicate time in history and I would encourage all young girls and guys between the ages of 12 and 18 to read it. It also makes for good reading for parents as well.
(less)

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Sep 14, 2011 Tammy Dotts rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, young-adult

Tackling serious topics can be tricky for a young adult novel. Writers can easily fall into a trap of presenting one side of a debate thinly cloaked in character and plot devices. The novel can become a parody of the Afterschool Special and focus on its message rather than its story.

In Trouble by Ellen Levine is not one of those books. Although teen pregnancy is at the center of her story, Levine’s characters drive the story. The 1950s New York setting helps remove issues surrounding teen pregna...more

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Aug 24, 2011 WovenMyst rated it 4 of 5 stars

“He said if I’d do it, it meant I love him.” She was almost pleading. “I do love him.”

Two high school girls, Elaine and Jamie, find themselves “in trouble” — unmarried and pregnant, something that isn't supposed to happen to good girls. In Trouble is told through Jamie’s point of view, but Levine captures the emotional and psychological damage that both girls suffer as they struggle with their predicaments, family dynamics and major life decisions.

Depiction of the time period’s judgmental attitu...more “He said if I’d do it, it meant I love him.” She was almost pleading. “I do love him.”

Two high school girls, Elaine and Jamie, find themselves “in trouble” — unmarried and pregnant, something that isn't supposed to happen to good girls. In Trouble is told through Jamie’s point of view, but Levine captures the emotional and psychological damage that both girls suffer as they struggle with their predicaments, family dynamics and major life decisions.

Depiction of the time period’s judgmental attitudes, lack of women’s rights and reproductive education, as well as the hush-hush mentality regarding women’s sexuality and independence is eerily accurate.

In Trouble reminds us that today, sixty years later, many women still feel shame and hopelessness when faced with rape, unwanted pregnancy and sexual expectations. Many young women cannot find support when they need it most. Levine debunks myths surrounding women and sexuality. In Trouble provides answers and resources for young women, emphasizing that every situation can be solved, even when it seems there is no one to turn to and nowhere to go.

Okay, time to get personal:

“Girls shouldn’t tempt boys into committing a sin.”

Besides its compelling synopsis, I was drawn to In Trouble for two reasons:

(1) I was eighteen years old when I became pregnant with my son. As an unwed pregnant teen, doctors and midwives tried to make all medical decisions for me. They even pushed me toward the possibility of abortion when I was five months along because a test showed that my son had a 3% chance of birth defect. Fortunately, I had the courage to stand up them and state I was capable of making my own decisions. But that experience has always haunted me.

It made me question: How many young women DO NOT know they have the right to make their own decisions?

(2) Last year. I took a women’s history class at the University of Massachusetts. It opened my eyes to the mistreatment of women throughout history and helped me understand why our rights are still fragile today. Despite the legalization of abortion and birth control, women are still conditioned to feel shame, guilt and obligation when it comes to their bodies, especially young women. We must continue to fight for our freedom and educate future generations about our history.

Review by Sera
Wovenstrands(less)

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May 03, 2011 Marie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc

I said I would try to be fair when reviewing this, and it will be hard for me. Oh well.

This is a book about abortion and the McCarthy hearings. It takes place in the mid '50s. Two girls get "in trouble" (euphemism for pregnancy - one is raped and the other sleeps with her boyfriend and is dumped afterward). Of course, back then abortion was illegal and pregnancy out of wedlock was taboo and frowned upon.

I thought the prose was unremarkable, although I did like the little movie script interludes...more

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Apr 06, 2011 Miranda rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: gave-up-on, do-not-own, netgalley

I wish this book had worked for me, because its message and topic are things I’m extremely interested in. Unfortunately this is a Did Not Finish for me. I do like certain aspects of the book--showing how hard a decision it is for a woman to get an abortion, and that it’s not something a woman does just because she feels like it. She doesn’t just wake up one day and think “Oh, I think I’ll get an abortion today.” No, weeks of agonizing goes into it, as well as the shame and anger from family and...more

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Feb 23, 2013 Wally rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: americana, coming-of-age, doorway-plot, domestic-drama, families, feminism, girl-hero, friendship, teen

Jamie, a 17-year-old girl living in 1956 New York, tells her story as she deals with the sudden, unintended pregnancy of her best friend Elaine. Elaine is Catholic and is facing adoption at worst; she believes her college boyfriend will marry her, although he never returns her calls. Meanwhile, Jamie is dealing with her father’s return from prison, whose grilling by Joe McCarthy has landed him with a contempt of Congress charge, and what is soon revealed to be her own repressed date rape and con...more

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Aug 20, 2011 ABookVacation rated it 4 of 5 stars

Lerner Publishing Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its recent release, and I must say I really enjoyed this novel. I know it’s been getting very mixed reviews, but I absolutely loved the narrative style Levine uses to tell the story of two girls facing a terrible choice. It’s not the most happy topic in the world, this is true, but this novel is very well written and explains what life was like in the 1960s. The story is told...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Dracolibris rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-lit, 2012, realistic-ficton, historical-fiction

I found this book to be a little disjointed at times, and some of the jarring transitions between scenes pushed me out of the world I was reading about and trying to be immersed in (as with all books) but these points do nothing to minimize the bravery exhibited by the author in writing about such a tough subject matter in a sensitive and entertainingly educational way.

Set in the 1950's, this book is about abortion. Or to be more exact, the options that girls who found themselves "in trouble" i...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

As two young teenaged friends are getting use to the high school setting in the 1950’s, they both find themselves to be in trouble. While trying to find some help, there aren’t many options. But as time moves on, they realize that they need to support each other as much as they can because back then, there wasn’t much to do about pregnancies among young girls. In this book, the personalities of the characters Jamie and Elaine come out to tell a story, in which I think was pretty good.

In Trouble...more

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Oct 06, 2011 Kellee rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, ya-teen, religion-faith, amazon-review-done

In Trouble explores the options that a young lady had in the 1950s when it came to being "in trouble." Today our options include abortion, adoption and keeping the baby, but in the 1950s abortion was illegal, keeping the baby was a stigma, so adoption was the option most accepted; however, this was not always the best option for everyone. In the book, Jaime's best friend Elaine figures out that she is pregnant and Jaime tries to help Elaine with her situation thus showing the reader the differen...more

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Sep 04, 2011 StorySeekers rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

This book is going to get mixed reviews and thoughts about it. Just like Rage by Jackie Morse Kessler, books that talk about uncomfortable topics are going to get some bad reviews. This book covers an important topic that many young girls face today, pregnancy.

A few things I liked about this book. Ellen Levine has set the time back in 1965, and the story revolves around two high school girls. She brings the topic about pregnancy into the story, and what the young girls of that time thought about...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Savannah (Books With Bite) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a great book about getting "in trouble". I remember the days were times were like this. My mom freak out one time cause when I was in eighth grade back in 1998-99 school year, a girl in my class got pregnant. My mom flipped out, questioning me about "boys." Granted, my mom was only doing what she felt she needed to be done. But back then, teen pregnancies were not that common. And getting "in trouble" was wrong.

I will say that I really enjoyed this book. I think the author did a wonderf...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Donna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Carolrhoda Lab does it again with another gripping story that I get to gush about. Although I will say this is probably my least favorite out of the CL books I've read. I still think very highly of it but I do feel it was lacking something that the other CL books had, mainly depth.

The situation that Jamie and Elaine go through is terrifying. Hell, it's terrifying now, let alone 60 years ago where you were either biblically virginal or a whore, irrespective of what happened to you to get into tha...more Carolrhoda Lab does it again with another gripping story that I get to gush about. Although I will say this is probably my least favorite out of the CL books I've read. I still think very highly of it but I do feel it was lacking something that the other CL books had, mainly depth.

The situation that Jamie and Elaine go through is terrifying. Hell, it's terrifying now, let alone 60 years ago where you were either biblically virginal or a whore, irrespective of what happened to you to get into that "in trouble" position. Elaine's problem was really front and center and while it pulled me in, it also pushed me away from Jamie a bit, and it was her story. So a bit of a flaw in the story-telling. You could really feel for Elaine through Jamie. You could feel her impossible situation but at the same time you could feel Jamie's helplessness when it came to helping her friend. Elaine was a bit lost when it came to the other half of the problem and I know I got frustrated right along with Jamie when Elaine just couldn't see the forest for the trees.

And then things start opening up about Jamie. The little flashes seen throughout the story come to light and things start to click into place. That horror that was projected onto Elaine comes right back around to Jamie. Her situation's different, though. Jamie had more support and options. But here's where I think the story starts to fizzle, when it really gets into Jamie's problem.

Jamie attempts to terminate her problem on her own which results in some terrible moments in the story and I will say I had some tears but the story reached a point where it just zoomed by and before I knew it it was over. It left me wanting more and I think considering the situation of the plot, it would have rendered that. Instead there's a fade to black moment, some skimming and the end of the story. It's Jamie's story but as a reader I was never privy to Jamie coming to terms with her decisions. She made them, yes, but any repercussions she had were skipped over. I think the story could have been so much more had those issues been drawn out more.

IN TROUBLE really is a good story and a quick read but I think it's quickness does more against it than for it. That depth that I think is required for such a topic is absent and the focus is really on the wrong person. And then the story ends far too abruptly to have any real resolution. But it's still good. I liked what I was reading. I could connect with Jamie and I felt everything she did. But overall IN TROUBLE lingered on story elements that should have been shorter and dashed by moments that should have been more drawn out. I ended up feeling a little robbed at the end. I wanted more, especially for the topic. Yes, it sucked what women had to go through back then when they got "in trouble" and it's because of that that I don't feel it should have been glossed over when it got to be Jamie's turn.

Still, I'd recommend to read IN TROUBLE. Just keep in mind going in that for the topic, the story doesn't go very deep.(less)

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Aug 03, 2011 Lorettajo Kapinos rated it 3 of 5 stars

The complete writer's review can be found at: http://lorettajokapinos.blogspot.com/ but here's an excerpt:

My friend and fellow NetGalley user, Sera Rivers suggested I review In Trouble. I thanked her a bunch of times. As a woman, a mother of a daughter, a nurse and writer, this book moved me. As I said above, I read it in one sitting-a matter of hours. And yes, I cried. I cheered. I felt inspired. It's the type of book that should be read in schools and discussed at length. (Though I have no dou...more

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Oct 02, 2011 Bonny rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historicalfiction, my-50-in-11, youngadultfiction

This review is based on an e-galley from NetGalley.com
Not quite what I expected, but still an excellent book In Trouble had me hooked after the first page. The short chapters and the lack of fluffy, flowing description make this a quick and enjoyable read. In Trouble follows the lives of two friends who get 'in trouble' in the 1950s and the few options they have. One girl is pregnant after being pressured into sleeping with her boyfriend. The other is attacker by her cousins friend and finds her...more

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May 01, 2011 H.I. Al-Muhairi rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya, pregnancy, teen-trouble, netgalley, 2011, e-book, family, fiction, historical, realistic-fiction

Jamie hears about all kinds of trouble, about girls that get pregnant. At a time when pregnancy out of wedlock is something to be ashamed of, when people look at you like you’ve done the unthinkable and call you names, Jamie finds out her best friend is one of those girls in trouble.

This is not only a story of teenage pregnancy; it’s a story of prejudice and ignorance. It’s a time when someone is condemned and imprisoned for speaking his mind; when people integrate the whites from the colored e...more Jamie hears about all kinds of trouble, about girls that get pregnant. At a time when pregnancy out of wedlock is something to be ashamed of, when people look at you like you’ve done the unthinkable and call you names, Jamie finds out her best friend is one of those girls in trouble.

This is not only a story of teenage pregnancy; it’s a story of prejudice and ignorance. It’s a time when someone is condemned and imprisoned for speaking his mind; when people integrate the whites from the colored even though everyone’s born the same.

Jamie and Elaine are both naïve and childish, Elaine being the most silly of the two. I first thought Levine wrote her characters too young for them to be sixteen, but that kind of gullibility is what made the situation all the more horrifying.

It’s not a case of they knew the consequences but they still did it, it’s a matter of they didn’t know any better. Parents just have their sex talk too late, or never talk about it at all. At school, all they take is how an egg is fertilized, just not the details. There are no counselors to help them, no teachers or parents to explain to them that most guys just look for sex.

The society gives these girls the silent, outcast treatment, but they never ask about the father. No girl gets pregnant on her own. It just makes it all easier to guys to dump the girl and find another catch. Harsh, but true.

I had a hard time imagining the story to be in the fifties. There was talk of politics and Elvis when he just came to be famous, but that wouldn't be something most people would be able to relate to. Not to forget the use of letters and strange phone codes, but still, I had to remind myself at times that this supposedly happened sixty years ago. A star was lost for a not so believable time period.

There were a lot of complaints about the writing style, but I found nothing wrong with it. It actually reminded me of Judy Blume’s stories, even though Ellen Levine has a better grip on storytelling. I just loved the way the narration gave us a view into a troubled, sixteen year old girl’s mind; into her thoughts and struggles.

The topic is hard to stomach -a hit or miss book- but it does leave a lot to ponder over.

(less)

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Apr 27, 2011 -k The Lady Critic rated it 2 of 5 stars

I love reading novels with subject matter like this one because it’s so entrenched in real life that I can’t help but imagine it being true. Plus, while I’m pro-choice in matters such as these, I’m fascinated on the process that other people go through in order to make their own decision.

This novel deals with heavy subject matter and might not be for all people. Aside from pregnancy, it deals with religion and politics and while I liked the novel well enough, it just wasn’t enough. I’m giving i...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Seth H rated it 2 of 5 stars

Jamie is concerned for Elaine, but she also has problems of her own. Her father has just returned home after being jailed for his refusal to name names during the McCarthy hearings, and Jamie’s relationship with him is still fragile. She’s also hiding a secret equal to Elaine’s while staying in New York City with her older cousin Lois, she was raped by one of Lois’ friends and is too ashamed to tell anyone what happened. But when Jamie realizes that she’s skipped a period, she suddenly finds her...more

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Nov 07, 2011 Natalie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I had to read it for an assignment for school, in which I had to read 3 novels intended for young adults, and I chose this because I thought it would be intriguing. Unfortunately, it fell short. The storyline has the potential to be thought provoking but instead seems rushed and almost preachy. The biggest plot twist is also handled in the last 20 pages of the book instead of actually being a focus of the story as it should be. The best part of the book is at the end when the author, Ellen Levin...more

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Apr 22, 2011 laaaaames rated it 2 of 5 stars

You guys know the Rent parody in Team America?

Everyone has AIDS!
AIDS AIDS AIDS!
AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS AIDS!
Everyone has AIDS!

That is this book and teen pregnancy. Good lord. The girls are in trouble! What will they doooo?

I wish this book wasn't so overdone and poorly-written. The message is one that is important in this day and age. Women need choices and resources, damn straight.

Of course, women also need well-written and -plotted books. So there's that.

(read: 27)

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Sep 19, 2011 carissa rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: teen-fiction-historical, teen-reads

Recommended Ages: grades 8 and up

"Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble?

In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of ag...more

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Nov 08, 2011 E. Anderson rated it 5 of 5 stars

We've seen a lot of YA novels tackle the topic of teen pregnancy, but IN TROUBLE by Ellen Levine is the first one I've read to look at girls "in trouble" from this angle. Taking place in the 1950s, IN TROUBLE is the story of a teen girl who's best friend has recently moved away. Jamie misses Elaine dearly, and they keep in touch through letters -- letters in which Elaine is constantly singing the praises of her college boyfriend. But when the unthinkable happens, and Elaine becomes pregnant, eve...more

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Jun 23, 2011 Ann rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley

I went into reading In Trouble with low expectations. I saw the ratings and read the reviews on Goodreads and they didn’t have me all too hopeful for the book. I wanted In Trouble to be a good book, to deliver the message it intended to bring to the reader. But although I can appreciate what Levine was trying to do, in the end she failed for me.

In Trouble is about two best friends, Jamie and Elaine. Everything is peachy until Elaine contacts Jamie, they meet up and Elaine tells her best friend t...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Bookworm1858 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: netgalley, ya-read, read-2011, historical-fiction

Some spoilers although I don't think knowing them will ruin your enjoyment.

This book is kind of tricky to review because it looks at abortion during the 1950s, when abortion was very much illegal in the United States but is been read by a 21st century audience where abortion is still very controversial if technically legal (according to the author's note, 87% of US counties are effectively denied the choice because there is no doctor willing to perform the procedure). I was hoping for a fairly i...more Some spoilers although I don't think knowing them will ruin your enjoyment.

This book is kind of tricky to review because it looks at abortion during the 1950s, when abortion was very much illegal in the United States but is been read by a 21st century audience where abortion is still very controversial if technically legal (according to the author's note, 87% of US counties are effectively denied the choice because there is no doctor willing to perform the procedure). I was hoping for a fairly impartial (meaning not strongly for or against abortion) book. Other reviews I've read thought it was very pro-abortion; I thought it leaned in that direction but was not as blatant as others thought.

What it is in support of though is choice. There are two girls (and I say girl because they're only sixteen) who get "in trouble" during the course of the book and their actions after their pregnancies are revealed. One girl is Elaine, who slept with her boyfriend without a condom because he said that it would show she loved him. After she realizes her pregnancy, he ignores her and her parents take control, telling her what she is going to do, keeping her hidden from the outside world, and denying Elaine any choice in the matter. Elaine is sent to a home, where her baby is given up for adoption, leaving Elaine feeling bereft.

The main character Jamie has a different story. She was raped before the book starts and hopes that nothing will result of it. Even before she knows she's pregnant, she's thinking about the options open to a young girl because she sees Elaine's situation; she knows about the whispers that follow a "fallen" "slut" and she dreams about college and a career. Luckily for Jamie, she has a supportive family who listen to what she wants and help her implement her choice.

But the book is not all about pregnancy and abortion. Jamie is a writer who loves movies and several scenes are presented in a movie script typeface, showing how she has to separate herself from the events (for example, her rape is presented in this format). Although Jamie is not the easiest character to get to know, I fell for her straightforwardness and her worries about growing-up.

While I enjoyed reading all of the above, especially because the chapters were short and the prose was to the point, I was disappointed with the historical setting. Jamie's father is a political prisoner, having been denounced as a Communist; this is explored a little but not enough for my taste. And the book is set in the 1950s but not enough is made of that setting. Except for the teenage characters' innocence and the lack of computers/cell phones, it felt very contemporary.

Overall: Recommended with a caveat about the rape scene for those who may be sensitive to such.(less)

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Dec 15, 2011 Kathy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book, set in 1956, examines the fates of two high school girls in the era before Roe vs. Wade legalized abortion in the United States. After Elaine becomes pregnant, Neil, her college age boyfriend, wants nothing more to do with her and she is forced by her parents to go to a Catholic home for unwed mothers and give up her baby for adoption. Jamie, her friend, becomes pregnant after she is raped and seeks an illegal abortion. This is an interesting look at a time that few current teens real...more

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Jan 18, 2012 Lisa rated it 2 of 5 stars

read this from a shipment of books to "approve" whether or not it is appropriate for our JH library collection...

I appreciate the message that Ms. Levine is trying to get across and I like the way she tried to accomplish it but I had a very hard time following. There would be font changes for different voices (time period or person) and for about a third of the book i didn't have a clue what was going on and it was starting to annoy me.

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Dec 17, 2011 Vermiciousknits rated it 2 of 5 stars

There is never a doubt about the author's stand on the weighty issue inthis short book. Teenage pregnancy in the 50s was a very different thing from what it is today. The rendering is okay, but it feels pretty heavy-handed and black-and-white. Jamie's entire suport system is too perfect. I doubt the book will change any minds, but it will appeal to that subset of teenage girls who read every twen pregnancy novel .

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About Ellen Levine

Ellen Levine's books have won many awards and honors, including the Jane Addams Peace Award. Although she enjoys writing both fiction and nonfiction, most of Ellen's books for young readers have been nonfiction. "Writing nonfiction lets me in behind the scenes of the story. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people, even if they lived 200 years ago."

Ellen Levine was born in New York City...more

More about Ellen Levine...

Books by Ellen Levine

Darkness Over Denmark: The Danish Resistance and the Rescue of the Jews

Freedom's Children: Young Civil Rights Activists Tell Their Own Stories

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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10929892-in-trouble?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1309482603l/10929892.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10929892-in-trouble?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]In Trouble by Ellen Levine[/url]

In Trouble

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