Darlo Gemeinhardt lives in Alabama with her husband of 32 years and nine assorted dogs. She has two grown children and 4 grandchildren. She teaches 3 - 5 grade Sunday School. A member of SCBWI she is currently working on a series of middle-grade/tween novels set in the 60’s.Carol Award: Young Adult: Winner: Anything But Normal
Title: Anything But Normal
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group (Lonnie Hull Dupont, Editor)
ISBN: 9780800732585
Genre: Young Adult
Reviewed by: Darlo Gemeinhardt
With the possibility of becoming editor of the school newspaper, and the friendship of one of the hottest guys in school, senior year should be just about perfect for honor student Sophie Ramsay. But life suddenly spirals into anything but normal when Sophie finds herself with a secret she can’t hide.
This novel should be on the reading list of all counselors, parents, and teachers of young adults.
Beautifully written, Melody Carlson explores the sensitive issues of teen pregnancy and abortion through the eyes of a seventeen-year-old who finds out first hand the pitfalls of being sexually active outside of marriage. 
In her realistic style, Carlson also shows how Christians are more judgmental than others.
As her pregnancy progresses, Sophie must make decisions that will affect the rest of her life. Instead of worrying over homework assignments and a date for the prom, she has to make decisions no teen should have to make. Should she tell her parents? Her best friend? The baby’s father? Should she keep the baby or have an abortion? Maybe put the baby up for adoption?
This novel will make an excellent gift for any teen girl and should be on the reading list of all counselors, parents, and teachers of young adults.
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