After by Amy Efaw

A poignant story of a teen pregnancy gone wrong and exploring the idea of the "dumpster baby," After by Amy Efaw tells the story of 15 year-old, straight-A student Devon. An intriguing read for teens and adults alike, the book takes the reader into the life of Devon Davenport and the aftermath of her giving birth to a baby girl in the bathroom and immediately putting it in a trash bag ready for the dumpster. The book focuses on Devon as a model student and athlete and her unfortunate home life with a single mom who often neglects Devon in hopes of gaining attention by random men. Devon finds herself pregnant, but claims she didn't realize this until the one fateful day of the birth. The court must then decide if Devon was indeed in denial and not responsible for her actions, or if this was premeditated murder. It is never stated who the father is or what his role really is in Devon's life, nor is the baby herself mentioned often other to say that she survived the ordeal and is in foster care.

Devon never wanted to end up like her mother, in a series of relationships that led nowhere so she often dismisses sex. If she denies that anything sexual ever took place, then could she really believe she was pregnant to begin with? Her lawyer, Dom, pleads the case and hopes she may prove this to the court, and has some key witnesses in Devon's defense like her soccer coach, to help her defense. Devon spends several nights in the juvenille system awaiting her fate, meeting many interesting characters along the way. She internalizes what she has done, how her life has unfolded, and her unsteady relationship with her mother. The final decision of the court, and how Devon responds, might shock the reader.

Excellent read for teens who are interested in the dumpster baby phenomenon as well as those interested in juvenille criminal justice. Takes teen pregnancy to a new level of understanding, and takes the reader into the mind of someone who is otherwise stable. As easy as it might be to cast a shadow over such a horrible act, the author presents all sides to the story and shows how the justice system works in a way that is both believeable and interesting.