Little Bang

By Kelly McCaughrain

A bittersweet Northern Irish romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman's right to choose her own future.

Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination. Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her. From the author of the award-winning Flying Tips for Flightless Birds. "Kelly McCaughrain is one to watch" Susin Nielsen

Categories: Fiction

For readers aged: 14+

  • Publication details:
  • Format: Paperback
  • ISBN: 9781406375725
  • Published: 04 Jan 2024
  • Price: £8.99
  •  
  • Size: 198 x 129 mm
  • Pages: 304

More to explore...

  • Little-Bang
  • Flying-Tips-for-Flightless-Birds

More books for age 14+

  • Little-Bang
  • The-Gifts-That-Bind-Us
  • The-Revelry
  • Arc-of-a-Scythe-Boxed-Set

Customer reviews

Reviews

'Little Bang is both warm and wise and its exploration of teenage pregnancy and abortion feels rooted in reality.' The Bookseller

'Great for young minds to read and see what life entails for a young parent and I think the realistic way the story is told will really resonate with readers.' NetGalley Reviewer

'This book definitely shows the trials and tribulations of teen pregnancy and the conflicting attitudes of people. Enjoyable read overall.' NetGalley Reviewer

'This is a book which has been a long time coming. A book for teens and young adults who may be struggling with the reality of an unwanted pregnancy. A book which deals honestly and openly with so many of the issues around abortion - and in particular, the issues in Northern Ireland, of which many readers will be unaware - in a respectful, nuanced and thought-provoking manner... This is such an important, ground-breaking book. It is entertaining, thought-provoking and compassionate, and I think it should be in every school and library, educating and supporting young people.' NetGalley Reviewer

'I found myself both smiling and frowning as I read. A fantastically clever novel which feels completely relevant.'

'Reading it, I had a sense that I was hand in hand with my teenage self… A book that prompts conversation and compassion; a book about choices and timelines and connection, and deep, lonely courage.'

'Romantic, funny, important.'

'Thought provoking and deeply human.'

'Everyone who loved Derry Girls - this is the book for you! Full of warmth, Northern Irish humour, heartbreaking teen decisions, messy teen glory.'

'Such a brave, honest, nuanced treatment of the story. This book will open up discussions, and hearts and minds.'

'I could not put this book down. An honest, heartfelt and truly humane book about an incredibly important subject.'

'The kind of book that leaves your heart wide awake … as raw, gut-wrenching and real as it could be. I can’t stop thinking about it.'

'Bursting with humour, compassion, and characters that fizz with life. Kelly McCaughrain is one of a kind.' Pádraig Kenny, author of The Monsters of Rookhaven

'Without a doubt the best YA narrative I have read which touches on the issues of unplanned pregnancy and abortion. A (little) banger!'

Write your own review

By submitting a review you grant us the right to display and use it in any way; please read our General Legal Notices for full details. If you are under 16, please obtain your parent/guardian’s permission before submitting or ask your parent/guardian to submit on your behalf.

Paperback
£8.99

Find your local bookshop:

Also available in:

Ebook

Recently viewed