Jumping Off Swings by Jo Knowles

Summary: Ellie remembers how the boys kissed her. Touched her. How they begged for more. And when she gave it to them, she felt loved. For a while anyway. So when Josh, an eager virgin with a troubled home life, leads her from a party to the backseat of his van, Ellie follows. But their "one-time thing" is far from perfect: Ellie gets pregnant.


Josh reacts with shame and heartbreak, while their confidantes, Caleb and Corinne, deal with their own complex swirl of emotions. No matter what Ellie chooses, all four teenagers will be forced to grow up a little faster as a result. Told alternately from each character’s point of view, this deeply insightful novel explores the aftershocks of the biggest decision of one fragile girl’s life — and the realities of leaving innocence behind.

My Thoughts: Jumping Off Swings is the story of Ellie, Josh, Caleb, and Corinne. It is told in alternating viewpoints. I thought that would bug me but it didn't. It was evident whose thoughts we were experimenting which is great. It was easy to follow. Each character wants something. We meet Ellie who just wants everyone to like her, to even love her. She wants to be accepted. We meet Josh who just wants to be cool. He was a virgin and he just wants all the guys to respect him. We meet Caleb who seems like a nice guy overall. Than we meet Corinne who is Ellie's best friend. She was a pretty good friend throughout the book. Ellie starts to hook up with a bunch of guys and they all leave her feeling the same way. Used and unloved. Than the unthinkable happens. She gets pregnant!!! We see the story through their viewpoints and learn how each person feels. I won't say much else or you will get spoilers. Great story, beautifully written.

Overall: Interesting and kept my attention. I know a lot of girls go through what Ellie did. Its rough today. I think all teens should read this, rather they are thinking about making love or just want to know what happens to Ellie. There are a lot of emotions in this book! Some smiles, some tears, some oh nos! whats going to happen? I feel for Ellie. I really do. I wasn't 100% happy with the ending, but that is probably because I like the cookie cutter great ending. But it fits the story good and is realistic. Most of the time things don't go as planned though and we cope with the situations that come our way. Overall, it was a great story about loss, love, emotions, pregnancy, boys, girls, etc.

Cover: I think the cover is cute. The way she is on the swings. It will make more sense when you pick up the book.

What I'd Give It: