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Hanging on to Max by Margaret Bechard

Summary

It's Sam Pettigrew's senior year of high school. He should be planning for college. Trying out for the football team with his best friend, Andy. Checking out the mall with his girlfriend. Maybe even doing some fishing with his dad. Instead he's up to his ears in diapers, formula, and the challenges of caring for his baby son, Max. Can Sam keep on juggling the demands of home, school, friends, and fatherhood? Sam is starting to question himself and his convictions. Will he now have to make a gut-wrenching decision about Max's future—and his own?

142 pages, 8th grade and up

Discussion questions

  1. In the beginning, Sam has very little to do with Max and his mom. What made Sam change his mind and decide to take custody of Max?
  2. Sam experiences sexism as the only male in the program from the moms in the program and from the school administration. What are some examples? Is he treated unfairly or is it justified?
  3. Max's mom decides she can't handle being a teen mom and she moves out of state with her family to make a fresh start. Why do you think they decided to move? Do you think it will be difficult or easy for her to make a fresh start?
  4. Why is Sam's dad so against Sam taking the SATs? Do you agree or disagree with Sam's dad? Margaret Bechard went to Reed College and lives in the Portland area. Did you recognize any of the locations in the story?
  5. How would things be different if Sam's mom were still alive?
  6. What is the turning point that makes Sam decide to give up Max?
  7. Do you think Sam made the right choice? Why/why not?
  8. Did you like or dislike the epilogue at the end of the story?
  9. Was this a realistic portrayal of teenage parenthood? Did the story glamorize teen parenting?

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