DEEP WATER by Ann Turnbull

(Walker, £4.99)

WHICH is more important - obedience to your mother, or loyalty to your forbidden friend whose life might be in danger? This is the impossible situation in which young Jon finds himself when his day of playing truant ends in a disastrous accident.

Jon's mother longs for him to better himself so he can move out of their down-at-heel estate, so she gets him into a better school on the other side of town. But Jon hates it there and struggles to keep up.

When his old friend Ryan suggests they bunk off together, he doesn't take much persuading. Their illicit outing takes them along to the river, where they launch an abandoned boat. But the boat capsizes and Ryan breaks his arm. The only way up the river bank is to climb a steep, heavily wooded cliff, but Ryan is too badly injured to make it. So Jon struggles to the top alone, promising to fetch help.

Short and tightly-written, this story prods deep into human weakness and the child's mind. It's discomforting, nerve wracking and very thought provoking. (Age 7-11)

HANGING ON TO MAX by Margaret Bechard (Hodder Bite, £5.99)

SEVENTEEN-year-old Sam's mother died some years ago and he lives alone with his brooding father. Then his girlfriend Brittany discovers she is pregnant. The pair become estranged and their respective parents agree financial arrangements, with Sam having to find money towards hospital fees (the book is American) and upbringing costs. But when the baby is born, Brittany realises she can't cope with caring for him and plans to have him adopted. However, when Sam meets his tiny son he falls in love with him and - astonishingly - determines to bring him up himself.

There have been many novels about girls coping with the harsh realities of pregnancy and motherhood, but this is the first I've ever seen about a boy having to face up to such responsibilities. It's skilfully written and utterly riveting: my own 14-year-old was very moved by it.

This should be compulsory reading for all young people - especially boys - who are bombarded with media and peer group pressure to have sex before they are mature enough to face the consequences. (Age 12+)

Published: 23/11/2004