Red by Annie Cardi

Red by Annie Cardi. Union Square & Co., 2024.  9781454951308
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Realistic / Contemporary
What did you like about the book? Tess’s father died when she was twelve-years old, leaving her mother as the sole supporter.  By the time Tess was fifteen, they were forced to move to the city where her mother had grown up – and move in with her grandparents.  Tess’s mother did not get on well with her mother resulting in constant bickering.  Tess joined the youth group at the Presbyterian church her grandparents attended.  Prior to this time Tess and her mom did not attend church.  Tess loved everything about the church and her youth group.  She had two really good friends, she was part of the choir and volunteered for many activities. Alden, in his twenties, was the teen group leader for activities and chorus.  He took an interest in Tess, making her feel special.  It led to kisses, then sex with Tess becoming pregnant.  No one knew of this relationship; Alden certainly did not want it known.  When Tess’s mother took her for an abortion Tess assumed no one would ever know her secret -but when she returned to school a big red “A” was painted on her locker. Someone had gotten a photo of Tess leaving the medical facility where she had the abortion, sending it to many of the student body.  Tess lost her friends, and her church attendance – and Alden.  It takes some time for Tess to put things together, to get her life back on track and that adds to the authenticity of the story.  All characters cue as White.
Anything you did not like about the book? No.
To whom would you recommend this book? Readers who would like to have a realistic view of a teen girl growing and working through a life-changing traumatic event will welcome this story.
Who should buy this book? Public and high school libraries
Where would you shelve it?  YA fiction
Should we (librarians) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? No.
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Katrina Yurenka, Retired Librarian, Contributor, Youth Services Book Review
Date of Review:  June 10, 2024