Ashley Ferch

Dear Sharon M. Draper,

I just finished up your book called November Blues. I cannot even begin to explain how striking this well written story was told. November, the young girl in this book, is the strongest girl I have come upon yet so far. It was her determination and faith that got her through her struggles in this story, and you explained it very well. November was 16, without a job, and pregnant. Not only was her mom ashamed, but the biggest problem was that her boyfriend Josh, who got her pregnant, had just died. This was an amazing twist on the story; it kept you thinking on what might happen next. She had a great life ahead of her and it all went down hill after that one night.

Just like November, I know someone who is really close to me that was in this same situation. That would be my Aunt Daylynn. She was 17 when she found out she was pregnant with my cousin Todd. Daylynn and November share a lot of qualities; they were both great students, swell athletes, and had many friends. After they became pregnant, they lost most of that. Both young ladies became outcasts. My aunt faced many hardships, and people hurt her in many ways. Daylynn's boyfriend, the father of the baby, decided he wasn't ready for a baby and left her. She quit school for the time being, and fell far behind. But with her mothers support, her few close friends, she got through it just like your character November did. She raised a healthy child, and proved many people wrong by going back to school, then to college. Daylynn is now leading a great life, has 3 wonderful children, and an amazing husband.

Your book November Blues was a very eye opening, and connecting book for me. It was always exciting, and was hard to put down! You did a great job with keeping things interesting and helping me draw a picture. The main characters in this story were November, her best friend Dana, her boyfriend's cousin Jericho, and her new friend Olivia. They all were a great support throughout her pregnancy, but it was one character that surprised me the most. It was Dana. She was whom I connected with most. All of November's friends she had before the pregnancy, left her hanging because of their reputation; Dana did not. She stayed close to November's side and helped her all the way. I have great respect for Dana; she showed what being a true friend is.

Dana also helped November make a big decision she faced in the book. That was whether she wanted to give her baby to Josh's parents who would have everything to raise him, or lose everything she had and raise the child herself. In this event, you made me think about what it would be like to make a very life changing decision like the one she did. It would be so hard, but I think that November's decision was the right one, and that was to keep the baby. This leads to my favorite part of the book, and that is when she has the baby. All of her three friends, and family, were there supporting her, even when they found out that the baby might have some difficulties. November got through it and she still remains one of the strongest young girls to me.
 
Now that I have read November Blues, in the near future I will be reading some more of your books. You are such a great writer! Your book was very eye opening for me, and I think it would be to any young girl who reads it. It taught me about the risks and difficulties of becoming pregnant at such a young age. I think girls these days need to be more cautious and this book has taught me to do so. Your story means a lot to me, just because I know someone who went through the same thing, and I know first hand what its like. It would be scary, and I don't plan to mess up my life in such a way. For any girl who is pregnant right now and under the age of 18, I wish them the best of luck. Stay strong and don't let anyone put you down.

Yours truly,
Ashley Ferch