Walker (13+) 9781406375725 (Paperback) Download activities and reading resources pack
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Content advice: teenage pregnancy, references to sex, abortion, strong language, panic attacks, religious differences.
A bittersweet romance that leaves a lasting impression. Set in Northern Ireland, Mel finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Together with her partner Sid, she has to navigate choices and change at a time when abortion was still illegal. Challenging themes are handled with care and consideration as the book explores a woman’s right to choose what happens to her own body in this compelling and conceivable story.
An eye-opening novel. Every voice and point-of-view is considered and is presented in an easy-going writing style. The writing builds a deep, emotional connection with the characters and their experiences. The complexities of friendship, family and self-discovery are explored with remarkable insight and empathy and highlight both the joys and the challenges of human connection. Emotive language heightens the reading to an extent that at times becomes physical. Sensitive, raw and compassionate, readers are invited on a vicarious journey as Mel pushes into her future.
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KELLY McCAUGHRAIN’S debut novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, won an unprecedented hat-trick of awards at the 2019 Children’s Books Ireland Awards, including Book of the Year, as well as the Northern Ireland Book Award. Kelly was the Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland 2019–2021 and she works at Belfast Met College as educational support for young adults with special needs. When she isn’t writing, she likes to travel with her 1967 classic campervan, Gerda, and her 1977 classic husband, Michael.
Kelly McCaughrain’s novel, "Little Bang" is a young adult novel set in 2018 Northern Ireland, a time when abortion was still illegal. The story follows Mel, a diligent science enthusiast from a strict Catholic family, and Sid, an aspiring musician with a rebellious streak, who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy after their first date on New Year's Eve. This event forces them to navigate through complex personal and societal challenges, exploring themes of choice, responsibility, and the contrasting pressures from their families. The narrative is presented through dual perspectives which enables its readers to understand both Mel and Sid's experiences. This authentic approach captures the raw emotions of a teenage pregnancy. Although, abortion is a contentious subject the story balances this theme with compassion, sensitivity and moments of humour making it both engaging and emotional.
Sandra
QKA Shadowers
A well written book that tackles a very tricky subject. If any book polarises this will be it. Sitting on the fence as a male, I would say the characters are realistic, the storyline is solid and it is a riveting read
Paul
St David’s readers
This is a really intense book, based on abortion. A really good idea for the book. I could use more of a plot twisting ending and about the pregnancy happening, but overall it was an amazing book. It is readable and the descriptions are very imaginative like you were really there. Overall, I will give it a rating of 7/10. A fantastic book.
Afreen
Skipton Shadows
The book made me feel angry because the pregnant mother went to abort the child without telling the father of the child. Also, because she got defensive about aborting the child without his permission making it seem like it was his fault when he literally took time of SCHOOL to work to make money for baby things. I also didn't like the book because I don't want people to think they can have sex irresponsibly and just abort.
Abigail
St Cath’s Shadowing
I was captivated and couldn't put it down however at the end I got a bit confused due to no indication of timing like they would jump days a head without indication but even though I would really recommended this book
zoé
Pittville School
This book was a hauntingly human exploration of the complexities of self discovery as well as the conflict between the self and the ideas friends and family have of what that self should look like. I thought that the depictions of Mel and Sid were expertly crafted to juxtapose their youth with the adult struggles that they go through. Additionally, their relationship was not only very sweet and wholesome, but also realistic of two people their age thrust into such a difficult situation. The characters stayed consistent through their journey, and although the gradual decent into keeping secrets from one another was devastating to read, it felt like the natural progression for two teenagers under intense amounts of stress. Overall, my favourite features of this novel was the characterisation which I felt was expertly done and compelling.
Eleni O
VISTA Academy