A is For Angst- Barbara Haworth-Attard

In choosing materials for my Young Adult shelf (for grades 7&8), is the dilemma of appropriateness versus interest. I believe that balance can be achieved by authors and I think has been successfully melded in A is For Angst. Although the theme of coming-of-age for a young woman and all that implies is still foremost, it is handled in a sensitive, humorous and realistic manner. Teresa is ready for love- or thinks she is- but is love ready for Teresa? Even a condom is too embarrassing to be called by its name- she calls it a condiment. As she learns in health education, it’s better not to peel the banana before practicing putting on the “condiment.’ There are lots of humorous moments but also realistic looks at sibling interactions, best friends vs boyfriends and the love and embarrassment often felt for other family members.

This never becomes overly graphic in its content and I would certainly recommend it for the more mature readers.