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Little Bang
A bittersweet Northern Irish romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman's right to choose her own future.
Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination.
Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
From the author of the award-winning Flying Tips for Flightless Birds.
"Kelly McCaughrain is one to watch" Susin Nielsen
Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination.
Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
From the author of the award-winning Flying Tips for Flightless Birds.
"Kelly McCaughrain is one to watch" Susin Nielsen
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2024
27 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Kelly McCaughrain
3 books28 followersKelly was born in Belfast in 1977 and grew up in nineteenth-century Avonlea. She doesn’t remember much about her (probably very nice) childhood and suspects this is because she wasn’t paying attention. She was reading Anne of Green Gables.
She started writing when she was six.
She started hiding her writing when she was seven.
She was forced out of the writing closet when she was 35. One of her favourite activities is talking to teenagers about writing because she was too shy to do this when she was young.
She studied at Queens University Belfast, where she did two degrees. For fun. She currently lives with her husband Michael and their ancient VW campervan Gerda.
Her first novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, has been described by insiders as an elaborate and thinly veiled attempt to make her husband love circuses. She refuses to comment.
She started writing when she was six.
She started hiding her writing when she was seven.
She was forced out of the writing closet when she was 35. One of her favourite activities is talking to teenagers about writing because she was too shy to do this when she was young.
She studied at Queens University Belfast, where she did two degrees. For fun. She currently lives with her husband Michael and their ancient VW campervan Gerda.
Her first novel, Flying Tips for Flightless Birds, has been described by insiders as an elaborate and thinly veiled attempt to make her husband love circuses. She refuses to comment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
November 11, 2024
A really important read especially in light of everything happening in America at the moment with Trumps presidency and the threat that poses to women's rights. It hasn't been long at all since the abortion ban was lifted in Northern Ireland and the Republic, so what's happening in the US all feels very real and scary knowing that we too could take steps backwards if we are not careful. This book highlights how important access to abortion is, as well as proper sex education which we really fall behind on in Ireland. It reads very young / teenagey, which is great because I think it makes the book accessible to younger people, and also further highlights how young and naive the characters are in book. I listened to this as an audiobook, Saoirse-Monica Jackson narrates the female part of Mel so it was great to listen to, sometimes I find certain accents or voices hard to follow on audiobooks but this definitely wasn't the case.
April 18, 2025
Absolutely adored this one. Thought-provoking, funny, and utterly heartbreaking in places.
3rd read so far of the Carnegie shortlist. Loving them all :)
3rd read so far of the Carnegie shortlist. Loving them all :)
January 23, 2024
'I spent so long searching for someone, anyone, to make this decision for me.'
'I thought I could live with any decision as long as I didn't have to make it. But that's not true. The only way you can live with decisions is if you make them for yourself.'
'Otherwise it's just someone else's universe.'
_________________
Oh wow, this is the first book this year to make me well up!
The story explores the relationship between Mel and Sid, as they navigate the taboo of teen pregnancy during 2018 where abortion is illegal in Northen Ireland.
Mel and Sid could not be more different and the dual POV really added to the reading experience. I really enjoyed being simultaneously in both charecters heads at the same time.
This book really does not shy away from the details and I really appreciated that, it's shocking that Mel had such difficulty accessing information to make her decision in such recent times. For me this book also really highlighted the differences faced by both females/males and how they experience and are treated during pregnancy.
I am so glad I managed to pick up thos arc at YALC in November!
'I thought I could live with any decision as long as I didn't have to make it. But that's not true. The only way you can live with decisions is if you make them for yourself.'
'Otherwise it's just someone else's universe.'
_________________
Oh wow, this is the first book this year to make me well up!
The story explores the relationship between Mel and Sid, as they navigate the taboo of teen pregnancy during 2018 where abortion is illegal in Northen Ireland.
Mel and Sid could not be more different and the dual POV really added to the reading experience. I really enjoyed being simultaneously in both charecters heads at the same time.
This book really does not shy away from the details and I really appreciated that, it's shocking that Mel had such difficulty accessing information to make her decision in such recent times. For me this book also really highlighted the differences faced by both females/males and how they experience and are treated during pregnancy.
I am so glad I managed to pick up thos arc at YALC in November!
January 20, 2025
i’ll be giving this to my kids to read
April 2, 2025
I read this for the Carnegie Medal for Writing shadowing group at group. I don't usually read YA, but wow, this was an incredibly informative and emotional book about freedom of choice. It reminds me of this heart breaking article I read about Ann Lovett, another young Irish girl who found herself pregnant, abandoned, and alone. One line that stood out to me in that article--"Isn’t it funny how the men always get away with it?”--is almost the thesis of this entire novel.
March 15, 2025
This had me. Timely and well-constructed.
Science-nerd Mel and almost-ready-to-droput wanabee songwriter Sid develop an attraction in school, and accidentally find they've got themselves a pregnancy situation going on after New Year's Eve. Mel's parents are traditional - they're in Northern Ireland not long before abortion was legalised there - and brook no opposition regarding having the baby. Sid's single parent mum is upfront about the challenges they'll face and suggests other options. Mel just wants direction, Sid wants to prove himself as boyfriend and provider.
The two-handed narrative switches between the two main characters, seeing things from each point of view and how things are affecting their lives, both between the pair, their families and friends, and in a larger society with very strict rules and traditions.
I was invested early on, quite angry and opinionated in my own views, and did want to keep reading to see how the couple coped with this - after all, they are barely 16 themselves and still students and living at home.
This really gave excellent examples of the situations that occur that need the law to reflect a variety of options, as well as social structures to cope with them.
I liked the voices chosen for Mel and Sid but when Mel's narrator tried to voice Sid, this really went south fast, terrible male voice I'm afraid. Sid's actor did not have the same issue when voicing Mel.
Great background for teens to understand the issues and a little Northern Irish history around the subject. It was good that Mel is on the debate team and readers get to see the two sides of a debate on this subject and the arguments made. Very helpful format.
Nominated and now shortlisted for the Carnegie, I'm glad this is up there representing the topic and the country. The science content added to its charms, the idea of a Little Bang becoming quickly clear and an apt thought.
For ages 14 and above.
Science-nerd Mel and almost-ready-to-droput wanabee songwriter Sid develop an attraction in school, and accidentally find they've got themselves a pregnancy situation going on after New Year's Eve. Mel's parents are traditional - they're in Northern Ireland not long before abortion was legalised there - and brook no opposition regarding having the baby. Sid's single parent mum is upfront about the challenges they'll face and suggests other options. Mel just wants direction, Sid wants to prove himself as boyfriend and provider.
The two-handed narrative switches between the two main characters, seeing things from each point of view and how things are affecting their lives, both between the pair, their families and friends, and in a larger society with very strict rules and traditions.
I was invested early on, quite angry and opinionated in my own views, and did want to keep reading to see how the couple coped with this - after all, they are barely 16 themselves and still students and living at home.
This really gave excellent examples of the situations that occur that need the law to reflect a variety of options, as well as social structures to cope with them.
I liked the voices chosen for Mel and Sid but when Mel's narrator tried to voice Sid, this really went south fast, terrible male voice I'm afraid. Sid's actor did not have the same issue when voicing Mel.
Great background for teens to understand the issues and a little Northern Irish history around the subject. It was good that Mel is on the debate team and readers get to see the two sides of a debate on this subject and the arguments made. Very helpful format.
Nominated and now shortlisted for the Carnegie, I'm glad this is up there representing the topic and the country. The science content added to its charms, the idea of a Little Bang becoming quickly clear and an apt thought.
For ages 14 and above.
January 12, 2025
Poignant YA story about navigating families, pregnancy and choices. Laugh out loud funny and also very moving. Also Northern Ireland.
September 29, 2024
This explores such a difficult topic, of teenage pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal, and it was honestly scary to explore. I loved that we got both of Mel and Sid’s POVs - it was a very poignant, and bittersweet, and intense novel. This book showcases how different pregnancy is for a mother versus a father, particularly in teenage relationships, and the difficulties a woman goes through when making decisions about her own body. It’s written very respectfully, and clearly the author has done her research and taken care when having these conversations. There’s a lot of character development that I really enjoyed, and I can definitely see the author’s future potential too. I think this is a very important book, and one that should be in every secondary school library.
May 23, 2025
This was excellent. I was dreading a moral, but nothing seemed too heavy-handed or clear-cut, at least for the intended teen audience. And not relentlessly miserable! I am looking forward to discussing it with students at our Carnegie Medals event, it'll be interesting to see what they made of it.
Good audiobook rendition by Saoirse-Monica Jackson & Myles Milliken, too.
Good audiobook rendition by Saoirse-Monica Jackson & Myles Milliken, too.
April 30, 2024
A little biased here!
I listened to the audiobook of Little Bang, narrated by Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls) and Myles Milliken. Stunning narration from both actors from a beautifully written, topical novel.
I listened to the audiobook of Little Bang, narrated by Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Derry Girls) and Myles Milliken. Stunning narration from both actors from a beautifully written, topical novel.
October 12, 2024
3.5, some characters felt slightly underdeveloped but would put that as down to genre rather than particular fault in the writing. Explored some important themes well
April 3, 2025
Excellent book about teenage pregnancy in Northern Ireland.
July 11, 2025
i cried thrice
November 10, 2025
Such an important book. Funny, warm, real, and politically open. For a book about teen pregnancy, this author doesn’t shy away from the fear, reality, bigotry or unfairness. Mel and Sid are both whipsmart and woefully ignorant - and propped up by completely well drawn supporting characters. I was truly rooting for both of them.
January 11, 2024
Wow... first book of the year that had made me cry. Still going half an hour later. What a beautiful, clever book.
March 14, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Especially pertinent with everything going on in the US at the moment. Gosh, another excellent Carnegie shortlisted book.
November 15, 2023
"The only way you can live with your decisions is if you make them yourself. Otherwise it's just someone else's universe."
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
What a beautiful book!
Little Bang is a beautiful journey on teen pregnancy in Northern Ireland where abortion is illegal. Sid and Mel are dating and they didn't expect that the first time they were together, Mel got pregnant.
I just love the feminist tone in this book. It captured so well on how teenagers were dealing with accidental pregnancy especially. We could see the struggle, the maturity in handling their lives as future parents while other kids their ages were having a simple life with just drama raised up from nothing.
I wish this book was longer 😭 I like it and it reminded me so much of Love, Rosie. Sid and Mel have different religious beliefs so that was the one of the first things they have to deal during Mel's first trimester.
Although Lucille is somewhat an absent mother, she has a strong personality and most of the time, I agreed with her. I love how real she was on how cruel womanhood and motherhood could be. I also like how Lucille and Mel bonded together because that was just a beautiful thing to witness. And Sid, my respect goes to him. He was a resilient and dutiful guy. He was willing to take care of Mel and his baby even it means working day in day out and dropped out of school.
Sid and Mel are just fragile and vulnerable teenagers who are still trying to navigate their lives and I wish we could get more details on that if the book were a bit longer.
Thank you so much @definitelybooks #pansing for sending me the proof copy! This book will be released on January 2024.
Ratings: 4 ⭐️
What a beautiful book!
Little Bang is a beautiful journey on teen pregnancy in Northern Ireland where abortion is illegal. Sid and Mel are dating and they didn't expect that the first time they were together, Mel got pregnant.
I just love the feminist tone in this book. It captured so well on how teenagers were dealing with accidental pregnancy especially. We could see the struggle, the maturity in handling their lives as future parents while other kids their ages were having a simple life with just drama raised up from nothing.
I wish this book was longer 😭 I like it and it reminded me so much of Love, Rosie. Sid and Mel have different religious beliefs so that was the one of the first things they have to deal during Mel's first trimester.
Although Lucille is somewhat an absent mother, she has a strong personality and most of the time, I agreed with her. I love how real she was on how cruel womanhood and motherhood could be. I also like how Lucille and Mel bonded together because that was just a beautiful thing to witness. And Sid, my respect goes to him. He was a resilient and dutiful guy. He was willing to take care of Mel and his baby even it means working day in day out and dropped out of school.
Sid and Mel are just fragile and vulnerable teenagers who are still trying to navigate their lives and I wish we could get more details on that if the book were a bit longer.
Thank you so much @definitelybooks #pansing for sending me the proof copy! This book will be released on January 2024.
August 25, 2024
Science-geek Mel (15 years old) meets Sid (a wannabe singer-songwriter who is failing at school) and their first date (NYE 2017) results in Mel getting pregnant.
Mel's church-going family are beyond shocked but step up to help her with the (their) plan for her to keep the baby.
Sid's mum Lucille is less enthusiastic - she knows what it can be like to bring up a child in less than ideal circumstances.
Belfast in 2018 means that abortion is illegal - so what choice do Sid and Mel have.
Alternating between Sid and Mel as narrators, this story unpacks aspects of teen relationships with friends, lovers, parents... and even with strange old ladies you end up gardening for!
It doesn't dwell on the sex that leads to the pregnancy, but does discuss abortion in some detail - especially the moral/ethical/religious arguments both for and against. The overall perspective of the author is fairly evident, but not overly stated. I think someone who is pro-life can still enjoy this book and it should be thought-provoking for those on both sides of the issue.
Some great characters: Lucille (Sid's mum), Mrs Edgar (his gardening employer), Smug Nigel (Mel's annoying brother-in law), Gavin from the open mic nights, even Constable Oliver feels real, though he's only referred to rather than actually appearing!
Lots of swearing but otherwise nothing to stop me recommending it to my pupils and a useful book for them to read. Grateful that there is better SRE nowadays... at least in England!
Mel's church-going family are beyond shocked but step up to help her with the (their) plan for her to keep the baby.
Sid's mum Lucille is less enthusiastic - she knows what it can be like to bring up a child in less than ideal circumstances.
Belfast in 2018 means that abortion is illegal - so what choice do Sid and Mel have.
Alternating between Sid and Mel as narrators, this story unpacks aspects of teen relationships with friends, lovers, parents... and even with strange old ladies you end up gardening for!
It doesn't dwell on the sex that leads to the pregnancy, but does discuss abortion in some detail - especially the moral/ethical/religious arguments both for and against. The overall perspective of the author is fairly evident, but not overly stated. I think someone who is pro-life can still enjoy this book and it should be thought-provoking for those on both sides of the issue.
Some great characters: Lucille (Sid's mum), Mrs Edgar (his gardening employer), Smug Nigel (Mel's annoying brother-in law), Gavin from the open mic nights, even Constable Oliver feels real, though he's only referred to rather than actually appearing!
Lots of swearing but otherwise nothing to stop me recommending it to my pupils and a useful book for them to read. Grateful that there is better SRE nowadays... at least in England!
June 27, 2024
Far out. That was:
* engaging af
* well written
* well read (audiobook sounded like it was straight out of Derry Girls!)
* a brilliant, moving, thinky, emotional story
I'll put a SF sticker on for CW reasons, BUT this is an important book for any teenager to read.
CW: teen pregnancy, abortion decision and description
* engaging af
* well written
* well read (audiobook sounded like it was straight out of Derry Girls!)
* a brilliant, moving, thinky, emotional story
I'll put a SF sticker on for CW reasons, BUT this is an important book for any teenager to read.
CW: teen pregnancy, abortion decision and description
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
Is it weird that I feel bad that I don’t like this like everyone else on here? Like damn… I wanna give it 4 stars but like, this just wasn’t it for me 😩
March 26, 2025
This book is perfection dealing with a perfect topic.
I have lots to say about this, there are spoilers and some of it is personal.
The topic of abortion generates passionate arguments and deep emotion. The way that this author has created a novel around around such real issues, with such a sensitive topic demonstrates their mastery of their craft. The characters are flawlessly written. It is a believable and thoroughly sensitive narration.
From my own point of view, and as someone who has been pregnant, given birth and had a child, it is unfathomable that abortion is not a choice for everyone and it completely baffles me that people hold the view that abortion should not be allowed. However I understand that people do hold this view.
The way this book examines the implications of parenthood from the perspective of the potential teen mum, but also the parents who are raising their teenagers and a woman desperate to be pregnant is exemplary. As an old mum, I absolutely see a VERY good argument for having a baby with a young body, as someone who went to uni as a mature student, I think it's also important to recognise that you can pick up education later. If a teenager is pregnant and WANTS their baby they should be supported to do so. However the difference between having an abortion, maybe losing friends and falling out with family, but continuing to do you GCSE's then go onto A levels and go to university is night-and-day different from going through with a pregnancy that can significantly harm you body, enduring labour, having a baby, living in the shadows of others, scrabbling to make money with child care costs, missing out on your 'carefree' youth, not finding out who you are before you become a mum AND BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A CHILD FOREVER. this book deals with the choice so very well, as well as illustrating how difficult and scary it can be for women in Northern Island who wish to pursue abortion.
There is nothing in this book that is too graphic. the sex scene is non existent and the abortion is described in medical terms. There is also a lot of factual information at the end to support readers.
I would however be cautious of recommending this to younger readers before they know what contraception is, what abortion is, how health care works and a basic understanding of different countries having different laws and values.
Onto the plot: Great plot with a complex issue. The characters were believable and I'm glad the author didn't blur lines as to Sid's involvement. Going off with another girls and refusing to answer the phone to your pregnant girlfriend is a massive red flag indicating that you are not interested in either the mother of your child or parenthood. I worried for a moment that Mel was going to end up with coin nerd guy, but she didn't thankfully, so I was satisfied with the ending.
I have lots to say about this, there are spoilers and some of it is personal.
The topic of abortion generates passionate arguments and deep emotion. The way that this author has created a novel around around such real issues, with such a sensitive topic demonstrates their mastery of their craft. The characters are flawlessly written. It is a believable and thoroughly sensitive narration.
From my own point of view, and as someone who has been pregnant, given birth and had a child, it is unfathomable that abortion is not a choice for everyone and it completely baffles me that people hold the view that abortion should not be allowed. However I understand that people do hold this view.
The way this book examines the implications of parenthood from the perspective of the potential teen mum, but also the parents who are raising their teenagers and a woman desperate to be pregnant is exemplary. As an old mum, I absolutely see a VERY good argument for having a baby with a young body, as someone who went to uni as a mature student, I think it's also important to recognise that you can pick up education later. If a teenager is pregnant and WANTS their baby they should be supported to do so. However the difference between having an abortion, maybe losing friends and falling out with family, but continuing to do you GCSE's then go onto A levels and go to university is night-and-day different from going through with a pregnancy that can significantly harm you body, enduring labour, having a baby, living in the shadows of others, scrabbling to make money with child care costs, missing out on your 'carefree' youth, not finding out who you are before you become a mum AND BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A CHILD FOREVER. this book deals with the choice so very well, as well as illustrating how difficult and scary it can be for women in Northern Island who wish to pursue abortion.
There is nothing in this book that is too graphic. the sex scene is non existent and the abortion is described in medical terms. There is also a lot of factual information at the end to support readers.
I would however be cautious of recommending this to younger readers before they know what contraception is, what abortion is, how health care works and a basic understanding of different countries having different laws and values.
Onto the plot: Great plot with a complex issue. The characters were believable and I'm glad the author didn't blur lines as to Sid's involvement. Going off with another girls and refusing to answer the phone to your pregnant girlfriend is a massive red flag indicating that you are not interested in either the mother of your child or parenthood. I worried for a moment that Mel was going to end up with coin nerd guy, but she didn't thankfully, so I was satisfied with the ending.
February 10, 2024
She is the physics-minded girl with the driven, straight-edged parents determined to see her to a good university, and then married to some sad sap from Church. He is the grebo type of metalhead, only doing the minimum to avoid expulsion from school, and taking his ideas in haircuts from Skrillex because there's not been a father around. I don't know how many train tracks there are in Belfast but there're a lot between these two. But one NYE at a glorious outdoor party among friends, they hook up, and as the dawn rises and they end up alone, the inevitable happens. And from then on the key parts of that set-up become the fact this is Belfast, where abortion is still illegal.
I found myself in this quite compelling read thinking one thing, and then just seconds later having the hopefully obvious second thought to negate the first. For I found it stuffed with all the ideas, hiccups, hang-ups and more about teenaged pregnancy – their naivety about doing better than their elders, their surety they'll stay together, the this, the that and the other. I thought it unnecessary to have all those stuffed between two covers – only to think 'dang it, that's the bloody point'. This is a room stuffed with elephants and the book short-changes you if it leaves any out. But… the third thought then becomes, does that actually allow for the book to still be an enjoyable read, and what are we reading this for anyway?
For one, this has to be a teen read – younger and the girl's physics homework and thoughts will sound like gobbledegook. It still might. So how much of this is on the side of informing, and how much is on the side of entertaining? Because, despite all the readability of their initial get-together, the big crunch meet-the-parents meeting is a stagy scene (and if you think that's bad, wait til the debating society), and much that follows it is really just too predictable – to the extent it doesn't need or get foreshadowing but you can see what's coming a mile off.
Ultimately, given the fact this is now a historical novel – set in the years leading up to the 2019 law change – this is not fully about abortion. It is about watching a girl gain (or simply prove) the strength of character that should be evident in all teens mature enough to have sex (in an ideal world at least). And yet as I say this has to find a way to say everything possible about abortion, and those who are in the position to choose it. The fact it manages that without ever fully entering polemic mode is one minor miracle, as is probably the fact that this, for all its flaws, is still of interest and readable to the end. But this is not a read for everyone, and I don't think ultimately it was enough of a success for me.
I found myself in this quite compelling read thinking one thing, and then just seconds later having the hopefully obvious second thought to negate the first. For I found it stuffed with all the ideas, hiccups, hang-ups and more about teenaged pregnancy – their naivety about doing better than their elders, their surety they'll stay together, the this, the that and the other. I thought it unnecessary to have all those stuffed between two covers – only to think 'dang it, that's the bloody point'. This is a room stuffed with elephants and the book short-changes you if it leaves any out. But… the third thought then becomes, does that actually allow for the book to still be an enjoyable read, and what are we reading this for anyway?
For one, this has to be a teen read – younger and the girl's physics homework and thoughts will sound like gobbledegook. It still might. So how much of this is on the side of informing, and how much is on the side of entertaining? Because, despite all the readability of their initial get-together, the big crunch meet-the-parents meeting is a stagy scene (and if you think that's bad, wait til the debating society), and much that follows it is really just too predictable – to the extent it doesn't need or get foreshadowing but you can see what's coming a mile off.
Ultimately, given the fact this is now a historical novel – set in the years leading up to the 2019 law change – this is not fully about abortion. It is about watching a girl gain (or simply prove) the strength of character that should be evident in all teens mature enough to have sex (in an ideal world at least). And yet as I say this has to find a way to say everything possible about abortion, and those who are in the position to choose it. The fact it manages that without ever fully entering polemic mode is one minor miracle, as is probably the fact that this, for all its flaws, is still of interest and readable to the end. But this is not a read for everyone, and I don't think ultimately it was enough of a success for me.
August 11, 2025
A bittersweet Northern Irish romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman's right to choose her own future.
Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination.
Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
Science-nerd Mel and almost-ready-to-dropout wanabee songwriter Sid develops an attraction in school, and accidentally find they've got themselves a pregnancy situation going on after New Year's Eve. Mel's parents are traditional - they're in Northern Ireland not long before abortion was legalised there - and insists Mel has the baby. Sid's single parent mum is upfront about the challenges they'll face and suggests other options. Mel just wants direction, Sid wants to prove himself as boyfriend and provider.
Mel and Sid could not be more different and the dual POV really added to the reading experience. I really enjoyed being simultaneously in both characters heads at the same time. This book really does not shy away from the details, and I really appreciated that, it's shocking that Mel had such difficulty accessing information to make her decision in such recent times. For me this book also really highlighted the differences faced by both females/males and how they experience and are treated during pregnancy.
This explores such a difficult topic, of teenage pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal, and it was honestly scary to explore. This book showcases how different pregnancy is for a mother versus a father, particularly in teenage relationships, and the difficulties a woman goes through when making decisions about her own body. It’s written very respectfully, and clearly the author has done her research and taken care when having these conversations. There’s a lot of character development that I really enjoyed.
I would give it 4 stars because at times it felt very political and pushed the politics of certain beliefs a bit much. I would recommend this to anyone over 13. This book should be in lots of libraries and schools so kids in secondary school have access to more knowledge on topics like the ones in this book.
Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science-nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-olds would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination.
Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is totally different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
Science-nerd Mel and almost-ready-to-dropout wanabee songwriter Sid develops an attraction in school, and accidentally find they've got themselves a pregnancy situation going on after New Year's Eve. Mel's parents are traditional - they're in Northern Ireland not long before abortion was legalised there - and insists Mel has the baby. Sid's single parent mum is upfront about the challenges they'll face and suggests other options. Mel just wants direction, Sid wants to prove himself as boyfriend and provider.
Mel and Sid could not be more different and the dual POV really added to the reading experience. I really enjoyed being simultaneously in both characters heads at the same time. This book really does not shy away from the details, and I really appreciated that, it's shocking that Mel had such difficulty accessing information to make her decision in such recent times. For me this book also really highlighted the differences faced by both females/males and how they experience and are treated during pregnancy.
This explores such a difficult topic, of teenage pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal, and it was honestly scary to explore. This book showcases how different pregnancy is for a mother versus a father, particularly in teenage relationships, and the difficulties a woman goes through when making decisions about her own body. It’s written very respectfully, and clearly the author has done her research and taken care when having these conversations. There’s a lot of character development that I really enjoyed.
I would give it 4 stars because at times it felt very political and pushed the politics of certain beliefs a bit much. I would recommend this to anyone over 13. This book should be in lots of libraries and schools so kids in secondary school have access to more knowledge on topics like the ones in this book.
September 13, 2024
5 stars.
(Here are some content warnings. Nothing in this review except teeny mention of abortion and themes around teen pregnancy).
I'm super tired so I'm not going to be able to conjure up the level of enthusiasm that Little Bang truly deserves, but the bottom line is that more people should read this book. I'm actually upset because this novel has flown so under the radar when it is so great ugh.
I loved Mel and Sid so much and warmed to them within a few pages. They were an opposites-attract pairing that I could actually really get behind because Kelly McCaughrain writes their attraction to each other with such sweetness. They felt like real teens realising themselves in tandem. It was just so so nice.
McCaughrain also wrote a wonderful, layered and thoughtful picture of teen pregnancy in Northern Ireland, at a moment in time where Mel's decision was made difficult by the place she lived and the people who lived around her. I wasn't sure what I was expecting going into this in terms of the politics, but I loved what I got. The characters and circumstances are chosen so so well to expand on so many aspects of the debate. I didn't feel as though any messages were shoved down my throat; only that real experiences were put at the forefront and given time.
The contrasting opinions were cleverly woven and built up around Mel, in particular, which I think was exactly what McCaughrain intended. I think readers are nudged into Mel's corner early on, in part because she is so easy to love. But ultimately, her voice is so clear that her experiences become our own, and I was surprised by how connected I felt to her every thought and emotion. I realised things as she realised them, and didn't feel distanced from her or her experiences at any point.
This is my first McCaughrain experience and it has been an amazing start. Her writing was so effortless, it just flowed right through me. It's sad, but I've become so used to jarring writing quirks recently, but this prose was just lovely. Ah, the joys of reading books without excessive strange phrasing or ellipses or /other annoying things/.
I need to look for more McCaughrain.
(Here are some content warnings. Nothing in this review except teeny mention of abortion and themes around teen pregnancy).
I'm super tired so I'm not going to be able to conjure up the level of enthusiasm that Little Bang truly deserves, but the bottom line is that more people should read this book. I'm actually upset because this novel has flown so under the radar when it is so great ugh.
I loved Mel and Sid so much and warmed to them within a few pages. They were an opposites-attract pairing that I could actually really get behind because Kelly McCaughrain writes their attraction to each other with such sweetness. They felt like real teens realising themselves in tandem. It was just so so nice.
McCaughrain also wrote a wonderful, layered and thoughtful picture of teen pregnancy in Northern Ireland, at a moment in time where Mel's decision was made difficult by the place she lived and the people who lived around her. I wasn't sure what I was expecting going into this in terms of the politics, but I loved what I got. The characters and circumstances are chosen so so well to expand on so many aspects of the debate. I didn't feel as though any messages were shoved down my throat; only that real experiences were put at the forefront and given time.
The contrasting opinions were cleverly woven and built up around Mel, in particular, which I think was exactly what McCaughrain intended. I think readers are nudged into Mel's corner early on, in part because she is so easy to love. But ultimately, her voice is so clear that her experiences become our own, and I was surprised by how connected I felt to her every thought and emotion. I realised things as she realised them, and didn't feel distanced from her or her experiences at any point.
This is my first McCaughrain experience and it has been an amazing start. Her writing was so effortless, it just flowed right through me. It's sad, but I've become so used to jarring writing quirks recently, but this prose was just lovely. Ah, the joys of reading books without excessive strange phrasing or ellipses or /other annoying things/.
I need to look for more McCaughrain.
February 7, 2025
Wow, this really affected me. I went to a catholic grammar school in NI and in 2017 there was a sixth-former that was pregnant and everyone knew. She had to wear a hoodie to school, and whispers followed her down the corridor along with disapproving stares from students and teachers alike. It was an open secret silently declared to shameful to be spoken about. The following year that baby was born and she brought it into school for staff to meet. It was probably the strangest thing I've ever seen, what the school had tried so hard to sweep under the carpet was suddenly being cooed over and acknowledged. Actually acknowledged in the open! From what I remember of the hushed conversations between 13 year old girls it never even occurred to us there was a chance she would not have had that baby. The word 'abortion' wasn't present in our vocabulary yet, and neither was the notion women had a choice what to do with our bodies. This is how un-present conversations about abortion and a woman's choice were in Northern Ireland.
Ever since I got pregnant I've had this urge to tell people I'm not one of "those" girls, not a "girl like that". What did I think "girls like that" were like? Drunk? On drugs? Reckless? Sluts? Stupid? Girls with no self-respect? Like you'd spot one walking down the road by the way she dressed? But apparently, "girls like that" are just girls.
Girls sitting next to you on the bus. Women standing behind you in the queue. Girls like me. One in three.
That's their 'Irish Day' as we call it. We get a lot of Irish people on Fridays because they can say they're just going on a weekend away."
They have an "Irish Day"? Probably every clinic does. I'm starting to realize how stupid I've been, assuming I don't know anyone who's had an abortion. I must walk past them in the street every day. I must know loads of people I could have talked to about all this. I just don't know which ones, because no one talks about it.
My only problem with this book was how it glossed over the abortion procedure, and it made it seem easy and painless. I think it was to promote the pro-choice message, but it felt dishonest to me. Ironically I feel the TV show Euphoria did a really good job at showing the trauma of having an abortion whilst still being sympathetic to the character experiencing it.
Ever since I got pregnant I've had this urge to tell people I'm not one of "those" girls, not a "girl like that". What did I think "girls like that" were like? Drunk? On drugs? Reckless? Sluts? Stupid? Girls with no self-respect? Like you'd spot one walking down the road by the way she dressed? But apparently, "girls like that" are just girls.
Girls sitting next to you on the bus. Women standing behind you in the queue. Girls like me. One in three.
That's their 'Irish Day' as we call it. We get a lot of Irish people on Fridays because they can say they're just going on a weekend away."
They have an "Irish Day"? Probably every clinic does. I'm starting to realize how stupid I've been, assuming I don't know anyone who's had an abortion. I must walk past them in the street every day. I must know loads of people I could have talked to about all this. I just don't know which ones, because no one talks about it.
My only problem with this book was how it glossed over the abortion procedure, and it made it seem easy and painless. I think it was to promote the pro-choice message, but it felt dishonest to me. Ironically I feel the TV show Euphoria did a really good job at showing the trauma of having an abortion whilst still being sympathetic to the character experiencing it.
May 17, 2024
Teenage pregnancy in Northern Ireland. That’s probably every parent’s worst fear because of how complicated the entire situation is. I’m no expert since I live nowhere near geographically and also culturally. Still, I think it’s telling that I immediately identified with the parental characters. Life stages, guys, life stages.
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain follows Mel and Sid as they go from boy meets girl to oh no we just derailed our life plans with an unplanned pregnancy. Staunchly religious parents, uninformed friends, and everyone and their cat had opinions of the couple and what should be done. Yet, amidst all the noise, the question remains, whose voice should they listen to?
This is definitely a hot button issue, especially with the climate in the USA in recent years. I have the privilege of not needing to take an overt stand because of the circumstances in my country but it isn’t so for many. McCaughrain here certainly has her view and she presents it well and emphatically. I don’t expect everyone to agree with her conclusions but it must be said that she covers a lot of ground in her arguments and without being too direct for most of the book. It certainly was important reading in my opinion.
Abortion aside, I really appreciated the characterization of both our main characters. They’re teenagers, their prefrontal cortexes aren’t fully formed, they don’t think ahead, and they make stupid decisions, even the most mature and levelheaded ones. I may have been frustrated at their actions or inactions, but it was very realistic. Plus, it made their character growth so much more satisfying.
The read was a bittersweet one. I raged at the inequality between men and women, my heart ached for the youngsters struggling to find their way, and I was left with a sad smile at the end of it all. It was certainly a ride and one that hit me hard emotionally. Definitely a book worth picking up just for the journey alone.
Diversity meter:
Strong female characters
Teenage mom character
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain follows Mel and Sid as they go from boy meets girl to oh no we just derailed our life plans with an unplanned pregnancy. Staunchly religious parents, uninformed friends, and everyone and their cat had opinions of the couple and what should be done. Yet, amidst all the noise, the question remains, whose voice should they listen to?
This is definitely a hot button issue, especially with the climate in the USA in recent years. I have the privilege of not needing to take an overt stand because of the circumstances in my country but it isn’t so for many. McCaughrain here certainly has her view and she presents it well and emphatically. I don’t expect everyone to agree with her conclusions but it must be said that she covers a lot of ground in her arguments and without being too direct for most of the book. It certainly was important reading in my opinion.
Abortion aside, I really appreciated the characterization of both our main characters. They’re teenagers, their prefrontal cortexes aren’t fully formed, they don’t think ahead, and they make stupid decisions, even the most mature and levelheaded ones. I may have been frustrated at their actions or inactions, but it was very realistic. Plus, it made their character growth so much more satisfying.
The read was a bittersweet one. I raged at the inequality between men and women, my heart ached for the youngsters struggling to find their way, and I was left with a sad smile at the end of it all. It was certainly a ride and one that hit me hard emotionally. Definitely a book worth picking up just for the journey alone.
Diversity meter:
Strong female characters
Teenage mom character
May 31, 2024
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
An unplanned pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal (or restricted) can be terrifying, particularly when the ones pregnant are only teenagers who don’t know whose words they should heed as the right advice for them.
Set in 2018 in Northern Ireland, Mel and Sid are an unlikely couple. Mel is the academically driven science nerd aiming to get into Cambridge while Sid is the cool truant who hopes to become a singer-songwriter. No one expects them to date each other, but they do and everything is sweet and smooth sailing…until they discover they’re pregnant. Thus begins the ups and downs where try as they might, neither teen nor their parents are truly ready for an unplanned teen pregnancy in a time when abortion is illegal.
Contrary to their image, Mel and Sid are more than just the nerdy girl and a bad boy. Mel has a tough side to her while Sid has a little golden retriever side to him. As the story progressed, they became more than two-dimensional which I appreciated because the depth and complexities made them more human and relatable.
What made this book even better for me was that the parents were actually present. I was so surprised at first since it’s such a norm for parental figures to be absent in YA books that touch on teenage pregnancy. Yet, they’re here — not without their own opinions and beliefs that can be pressuring and stifling — but still, they’re by their children’s side. Though Sid’s mum was a bit more absent in his life than Mel’s parents were in hers, this doesn’t mean the role she played had any less impact. In fact, Lucille had the greatest one out of the three parents!
Other than that, I really liked the way the author explored the themes of feminism, faith, various relationships and prejudice. It’s respectful, nuanced and full of heart, making Little Bang a completely engrossing read. I loved every second of this book and think it should be read everywhere, especially in the schools of countries where abortion is frowned upon and sex education is lacking.
An unplanned pregnancy in a country where abortion is illegal (or restricted) can be terrifying, particularly when the ones pregnant are only teenagers who don’t know whose words they should heed as the right advice for them.
Set in 2018 in Northern Ireland, Mel and Sid are an unlikely couple. Mel is the academically driven science nerd aiming to get into Cambridge while Sid is the cool truant who hopes to become a singer-songwriter. No one expects them to date each other, but they do and everything is sweet and smooth sailing…until they discover they’re pregnant. Thus begins the ups and downs where try as they might, neither teen nor their parents are truly ready for an unplanned teen pregnancy in a time when abortion is illegal.
Contrary to their image, Mel and Sid are more than just the nerdy girl and a bad boy. Mel has a tough side to her while Sid has a little golden retriever side to him. As the story progressed, they became more than two-dimensional which I appreciated because the depth and complexities made them more human and relatable.
What made this book even better for me was that the parents were actually present. I was so surprised at first since it’s such a norm for parental figures to be absent in YA books that touch on teenage pregnancy. Yet, they’re here — not without their own opinions and beliefs that can be pressuring and stifling — but still, they’re by their children’s side. Though Sid’s mum was a bit more absent in his life than Mel’s parents were in hers, this doesn’t mean the role she played had any less impact. In fact, Lucille had the greatest one out of the three parents!
Other than that, I really liked the way the author explored the themes of feminism, faith, various relationships and prejudice. It’s respectful, nuanced and full of heart, making Little Bang a completely engrossing read. I loved every second of this book and think it should be read everywhere, especially in the schools of countries where abortion is frowned upon and sex education is lacking.
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain is available at all good bookstores.
November 4, 2023
I was lucky enough to read an early edition of this book via NetGalley. This is a book which has been a long time coming. A book for teens and young adults who may be struggling with the reality of an unwanted pregnancy. A book which deals honestly and openly with so many of the issues around abortion - and in particular, the issues in Northern Ireland, of which many readers will be unaware - in a respectful, nuanced and thought-provoking manner.
Sid and Mel's journey through her pregnancy, their conflicting feelings, the reactions of those around them, and her final, very difficult, decision to travel to England to abort her baby, is handled sensitively and truthfully. Kelly McCaughrain gives space for the different attitudes around abortion to be voiced, but makes it clear that ultimately only one person has the right to make that decision.
She is a skilled writer who has used the stories told to her of unplanned pregnancies in a country where until 2019 it was illegal to have an abortion, to inform her story. Access to abortion in Northern Ireland is still more difficult than in England.
One in three women in the UK - many of them under 18 - will have an abortion during their lifetimes. It should be the private choice of the individual, not one shrouded in secrecy and shame, and in in my opinion the lack of abortions within storylines of of children's fiction perpetuates this shame and cedes ground to pro-life lobbyists.
This is such an important, ground-breaking book. It is entertaining, thought-provoking and compassionate, and I think it should be in every school and library, educating and supporting young people. Kelly McCaughrain and Walker Books are to be applauded for in talking around this taboo topic with honesty, and I hope other publishers will follow suit.
Sid and Mel's journey through her pregnancy, their conflicting feelings, the reactions of those around them, and her final, very difficult, decision to travel to England to abort her baby, is handled sensitively and truthfully. Kelly McCaughrain gives space for the different attitudes around abortion to be voiced, but makes it clear that ultimately only one person has the right to make that decision.
She is a skilled writer who has used the stories told to her of unplanned pregnancies in a country where until 2019 it was illegal to have an abortion, to inform her story. Access to abortion in Northern Ireland is still more difficult than in England.
One in three women in the UK - many of them under 18 - will have an abortion during their lifetimes. It should be the private choice of the individual, not one shrouded in secrecy and shame, and in in my opinion the lack of abortions within storylines of of children's fiction perpetuates this shame and cedes ground to pro-life lobbyists.
This is such an important, ground-breaking book. It is entertaining, thought-provoking and compassionate, and I think it should be in every school and library, educating and supporting young people. Kelly McCaughrain and Walker Books are to be applauded for in talking around this taboo topic with honesty, and I hope other publishers will follow suit.
April 17, 2025
I listened to this, which is shortlisted for this year’s Yoto Carnegie Medal, on Audible. This is set in Northern Ireland in 2018, just before the referendum on abortion. At this time abortion is still illegal. Mel is a studious young girl who loves science and is writing an essay on time. Her dream is to go to study at Cambridge. Sid is a young lad who prefers song writing to studying. Two youngsters who you would never think would get together, but on New Year’s Eve they do. One time and Mel gets pregnant. Mel’s parents are traditional and although upset will do everything for Mel and the baby. Sid’s mum, Lucille, suggests another option. She is honest about the difficulties that these two teenagers will face. As for Mel and Sid, Mel doesn’t just want people to tell her what to do, she wants more direction, while Sid leaves school immediately to start working so that he can provide for the baby. Told in two POVs, we have Mel’s and Sid’s voices - we see what is in their heads. They refer to the baby as Little Bang and I liked the way that Mel always talks to Little Bang. For a young girl at that time it was almost eye-opening how little information was available to her, how little help there was - she just seemed to be steered into the one direction. The whole issue around abortion dealt with very well and the inclusion of a school debate on the topic was cleverly done. This is a good book for a school library and the whole issue is well researched and doesn’t just focus on Mel, we see the way that everything affects Sid also. A very balanced story showing the impact a pregnancy, particularly a teenage pregnancy, has on both parties. I enjoyed this.
March 3, 2024
Little Bang by Kelly McCaughrain 👶🏼🎸
Genre: Young Adult | Drama | Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A bittersweet Northern Irish romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman's right to choose her future. Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-old would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination. Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
.
.
This book left a deep impact on me due to its intense storyline. It revolves around Mel (16) and Sid (17), a young couple who grapple with an accidental pregnancy following their first date on New Year's Eve. Set in Northern Ireland during a time when abortion was illegal, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Mel and Sid, offering a detailed exploration of their contrasting personalities, religious beliefs, family backgrounds, and upbringing. The author deftly navigates these differences, shedding light on the disparate treatment of males and females during pregnancy. Amidst this turmoil, Sid forms a bond with Cassie, a new friend who inspires him to pursue his musical aspirations, adding layers of emotion to the story. While the pacing may have felt sluggish at times, the strong character development and compelling storyline kept me engrossed. Overall, I highly recommend this emotionally charged read. ✨
Thank you so much #pansing #definitelybooks for this amazing review copy ❣️
Genre: Young Adult | Drama | Fiction
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A bittersweet Northern Irish romance that takes a new look at teen pregnancy, the magic and mess of first relationships, and a young woman's right to choose her future. Beneath the New Year's Eve fireworks, shy science nerd Mel and slacker songwriter Sid get pregnant on their first date. Any sixteen-year-old would expect trouble – but this is Northern Ireland 2018, where abortion is still illegal. Mel's religious parents insist she must keep the baby, whilst Sid's feminist mum pushes for a termination. Mel and Sid are determined to do this together, but they soon discover that pregnancy is different for boys and girls. When their relationship starts to fall apart under all the pressure, Mel finds herself feeling alone with the impossible dilemma of the Little Bang growing inside her.
.
.
This book left a deep impact on me due to its intense storyline. It revolves around Mel (16) and Sid (17), a young couple who grapple with an accidental pregnancy following their first date on New Year's Eve. Set in Northern Ireland during a time when abortion was illegal, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of both Mel and Sid, offering a detailed exploration of their contrasting personalities, religious beliefs, family backgrounds, and upbringing. The author deftly navigates these differences, shedding light on the disparate treatment of males and females during pregnancy. Amidst this turmoil, Sid forms a bond with Cassie, a new friend who inspires him to pursue his musical aspirations, adding layers of emotion to the story. While the pacing may have felt sluggish at times, the strong character development and compelling storyline kept me engrossed. Overall, I highly recommend this emotionally charged read. ✨
Thank you so much #pansing #definitelybooks for this amazing review copy ❣️
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