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Where the Girls Were: A Novel
They were sent away to be forgotten. This is their story.
In this electrifying historical novel about coming of age in tumultuous 1960s San Francisco, a pregnant teenager reckons with womanhood and agency after being sent to a home for unwed mothers.
"Thrilling, propulsive, breathless, and brimming with a deep understanding of longing and frailty . . . of humanness.”—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich and Wreck
It’s 1968, and the future is bright for seventeen-year-old Elizabeth “Baker” She’s the valedictorian of her high school, with a place at Stanford in the fall and big dreams of becoming a journalist. But the seductive free-spirited San Francisco atmosphere seeps into her carefully planned, strait-laced life in the form of a hippie named Wiley. At first, letting loose and letting herself fall in love for the first time feels incredible. But then, everything changes.
Pregnancy hits Baker with the force of whiplash—in the blink of an eye, she goes from good girl to fallen woman, from her family’s shining star to their embarrassing secret. Without any other options, Baker is sent to a home for unwed mothers, and finds herself trapped in an old Victorian house packed with pregnant girls who share her shame and fear. As she grapples with her changing body, lack of choice, and uncertain future, Baker finds unexpected community and empowerment among the “girls who went away.”
Where the Girls Were is a timely unearthing of a little-known moment in American history, when the sexual revolution and feminist movement collided with the limits of reproductive rights—and society's expectations of women. As Baker finds her strength and her voice, she shows us how to step into your power, even when the world is determined to keep you silent.
In this electrifying historical novel about coming of age in tumultuous 1960s San Francisco, a pregnant teenager reckons with womanhood and agency after being sent to a home for unwed mothers.
"Thrilling, propulsive, breathless, and brimming with a deep understanding of longing and frailty . . . of humanness.”—Catherine Newman, New York Times bestselling author of Sandwich and Wreck
It’s 1968, and the future is bright for seventeen-year-old Elizabeth “Baker” She’s the valedictorian of her high school, with a place at Stanford in the fall and big dreams of becoming a journalist. But the seductive free-spirited San Francisco atmosphere seeps into her carefully planned, strait-laced life in the form of a hippie named Wiley. At first, letting loose and letting herself fall in love for the first time feels incredible. But then, everything changes.
Pregnancy hits Baker with the force of whiplash—in the blink of an eye, she goes from good girl to fallen woman, from her family’s shining star to their embarrassing secret. Without any other options, Baker is sent to a home for unwed mothers, and finds herself trapped in an old Victorian house packed with pregnant girls who share her shame and fear. As she grapples with her changing body, lack of choice, and uncertain future, Baker finds unexpected community and empowerment among the “girls who went away.”
Where the Girls Were is a timely unearthing of a little-known moment in American history, when the sexual revolution and feminist movement collided with the limits of reproductive rights—and society's expectations of women. As Baker finds her strength and her voice, she shows us how to step into your power, even when the world is determined to keep you silent.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2026
333 people are currently reading
38292 people want to read
About the author
Kate Schatz
16 books229 followersKate Schatz (pronounced ‘Shots’) is a queer feminist writer, activist, educator, and public speaker. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the "Rad Women" book series, including Rad American Women A-Z (City Lights, 2015), Rad Women Worldwide (Ten Speed Press, 2016), Rad Girls Can (Ten Speed Press, 2018), and Rad American History A-Z (Ten Speed Press, 2020), as well as "Do the Work: An Antiracist Activity Book" co-written with W. Kamau Bell (Workman, 2022). Her novel Where The Girls Were is out on Dial Press in March 2026. Her book of fiction, Rid of Me: A Story, was published in 2006 as part of the acclaimed 33 1/3 series. Her writing has been published in Oxford American, Denver Quarterly, Joyland, and West Branch, among others, and her short story “Folsom, Survivor” was included as a “Notable Short Story” in Best American Short Stories 2011. She has appeared on msnbc, NPR, and Conan O'Brien, among other major media outlets. She received her MFA in Fiction from Brown University, and a double BA in Women’s Studies/Creative Writing from UC Santa Cruz. She lives with her wife and children in the Bay Area.
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Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where the Girls Were
Kate Schatz
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Random House | The Dial Press
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This story is about a teenage girl named Elizabeth Baker. She is smart—so smart she is valedictorian. One night, she makes an impulsive decision that changes her life. What I loved most about this story is the fact that Baker is intelligent, and yet she still made a mistake. She may be book-smart, but she isn't street-smart; she's actually quite naive.
There is a scene at the gynecologist's office that I found heartbreaking. Her doctor was so frosty towards her. A teenage pregnancy is a medical situation; this young lady is still human, for crying out loud. Doctors should put their own beliefs, thoughts, and feelings aside. Teenage pregnancy isn't a moral failing, especially in this case. I hate the thought of these young ladies being forced to hide away while the boy gets away with it.
Baker is shipped off to a maternity home (I use the word "home" very loosely). While there, she sees the words "Kitty was here, but she didn't want to be" scrawled into the wall. This is where the story took a different turn. Baker starts to find out some family secrets. The topics of this book are very heavy. I still felt hopeful for Baker, and I think she ended up feeling that way about herself. I liked the way the author focused on that instead of just the trauma.
This would be an excellent choice for a book club or buddy read. There is lots of subject matter to discuss: history, bodily autonomy, women's rights, the expectations of parents, and teaching young ladies about their bodies. It's funny how the truth usually finds a way to come out. I did a lot of highlighting while reading this one and managed to learn a few things about myself along the way.
A personal note: I had my oldest son three months shy of my eighteenth birthday. I raised him mostly on my own, with a lot of support from my parents and brother (who was an amazing father figure). My son is 42 this year, happily married, owns his own home, and is the vice president for the company he works for. I couldn't be prouder of the man he has become, and he is the greatest thing I have ever done. Not bad for a kid born to an unwed teenage mother.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where the Girls Were
Kate Schatz
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2026
Random House | The Dial Press
368 Pages
Amazon | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction
This story is about a teenage girl named Elizabeth Baker. She is smart—so smart she is valedictorian. One night, she makes an impulsive decision that changes her life. What I loved most about this story is the fact that Baker is intelligent, and yet she still made a mistake. She may be book-smart, but she isn't street-smart; she's actually quite naive.
There is a scene at the gynecologist's office that I found heartbreaking. Her doctor was so frosty towards her. A teenage pregnancy is a medical situation; this young lady is still human, for crying out loud. Doctors should put their own beliefs, thoughts, and feelings aside. Teenage pregnancy isn't a moral failing, especially in this case. I hate the thought of these young ladies being forced to hide away while the boy gets away with it.
Baker is shipped off to a maternity home (I use the word "home" very loosely). While there, she sees the words "Kitty was here, but she didn't want to be" scrawled into the wall. This is where the story took a different turn. Baker starts to find out some family secrets. The topics of this book are very heavy. I still felt hopeful for Baker, and I think she ended up feeling that way about herself. I liked the way the author focused on that instead of just the trauma.
This would be an excellent choice for a book club or buddy read. There is lots of subject matter to discuss: history, bodily autonomy, women's rights, the expectations of parents, and teaching young ladies about their bodies. It's funny how the truth usually finds a way to come out. I did a lot of highlighting while reading this one and managed to learn a few things about myself along the way.
A personal note: I had my oldest son three months shy of my eighteenth birthday. I raised him mostly on my own, with a lot of support from my parents and brother (who was an amazing father figure). My son is 42 this year, happily married, owns his own home, and is the vice president for the company he works for. I couldn't be prouder of the man he has become, and he is the greatest thing I have ever done. Not bad for a kid born to an unwed teenage mother.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
May 7, 2026
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
i love historical fiction novels, and especially those revolving around eras now considered vintage… where the girls were takes place in 1960s san francisco after 17 year old elizabeth finds out she’s pregnant…instead of going to stanford in the fall, she’s sent to a home for unwed mothers.
where the girls were highlights the unfair, hidden reality that pregnant girls, teenagers, and young woman endured throughout the 20th century, and may still endure today in the 21st century with the push for abortion bans.
i also listened to the audio on libby and the narrator did a fantastic job!
i love historical fiction novels, and especially those revolving around eras now considered vintage… where the girls were takes place in 1960s san francisco after 17 year old elizabeth finds out she’s pregnant…instead of going to stanford in the fall, she’s sent to a home for unwed mothers.
where the girls were highlights the unfair, hidden reality that pregnant girls, teenagers, and young woman endured throughout the 20th century, and may still endure today in the 21st century with the push for abortion bans.
i also listened to the audio on libby and the narrator did a fantastic job!
April 27, 2026
"In this electrifying and heartfelt historical coming-of-age novel, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1960s San Francisco, a pregnant teenager reckons with womanhood and agency after being sent to a home for unwed mothers."
Elizabeth "Baker" is the valedictorian of her class in 1968 with a place at Stanford in the fall. When her cousin takes her to San Francisco for the weekend, she gets caught up with a hippy named Wiley. A few weeks later, this good girl finds herself pregnant. Ironically, living in the sexual revolution and feminism movement, society shunned young women like Elizabeth. In order to allow her to go to Stanford, she defers her enrollment for a semester and goes to a home for unwed mothers.
Many books have been written on this topic, but the setting and time period here are unique. Schatz has a more kind and hopeful approach in the end than many in this subgenre. Where it really shines is showing what a good person Elizabeth is and how she is helped and gains confidence to forge her own path. Eerily similar to reproductive rights today, this is a timely and important read that I highly recommend.
The audiobook performance (11 hours 41 minutes) by Saskia Maarleveld is perfection! She captures the essence and emotions of the book in an extraordinary way.
Many thanks to NetGalley, PRH Audio, The Dial Press, and Kate Schatz for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧📚
Elizabeth "Baker" is the valedictorian of her class in 1968 with a place at Stanford in the fall. When her cousin takes her to San Francisco for the weekend, she gets caught up with a hippy named Wiley. A few weeks later, this good girl finds herself pregnant. Ironically, living in the sexual revolution and feminism movement, society shunned young women like Elizabeth. In order to allow her to go to Stanford, she defers her enrollment for a semester and goes to a home for unwed mothers.
Many books have been written on this topic, but the setting and time period here are unique. Schatz has a more kind and hopeful approach in the end than many in this subgenre. Where it really shines is showing what a good person Elizabeth is and how she is helped and gains confidence to forge her own path. Eerily similar to reproductive rights today, this is a timely and important read that I highly recommend.
The audiobook performance (11 hours 41 minutes) by Saskia Maarleveld is perfection! She captures the essence and emotions of the book in an extraordinary way.
Many thanks to NetGalley, PRH Audio, The Dial Press, and Kate Schatz for the gifted advance reader's copy and advance listening copy. All opinions are my own. 🎧📚
March 16, 2026
“If men could get pregnant, I bet it would be different.” “That, my dear, is certainly true.”
Long before reproductive rights was considered a crucial part of the legal system, there were women sent away to have babies and forget it happened.
"Kitty was here, but she didn't want to be."
Elizabeth is a valedictorian - brilliant, focused, and destined for Stanford, until one impulsive decision changes everything. Taking place in the late 1960s, long before Roe v. Wade was legally on the radar, there were girls and women just like her.
Elizabeth's duality of her intelligence; she is book smart to the highest degree, yet incredibly naive about the world around her. Sounds like a normal teenager to me.
Even going to a gynecologist’s office was a struggle for a female. The doctor's frostiness toward Elizabeth was heartbreaking to read. It was a stark reminder that teenage pregnancy is a medical and human situation, not a moral failing. The narrative does an excellent job of highlighting the double standard of the era: young women are shipped away to "homes" to hide in shame, while the boys involved are often allowed to move on unscathed.
As Elizabeth begins to uncover buried family secrets, the story dives into some very heavy territory. However, I truly appreciated that the author didn't just linger on the trauma that each girl faced, though it's fairly obvious what has happened. Whether it be rape, taken advantage of by an older man, or just quite frankly, having sex. Instead, the focus remains on Elizabeth’s resilience and by the end, I felt a genuine sense of hope for her.
If you’re looking for a buddy read that tackles history, bodily autonomy, and the complexities of shame, this is it.
Long before reproductive rights was considered a crucial part of the legal system, there were women sent away to have babies and forget it happened.
"Kitty was here, but she didn't want to be."
Elizabeth is a valedictorian - brilliant, focused, and destined for Stanford, until one impulsive decision changes everything. Taking place in the late 1960s, long before Roe v. Wade was legally on the radar, there were girls and women just like her.
Elizabeth's duality of her intelligence; she is book smart to the highest degree, yet incredibly naive about the world around her. Sounds like a normal teenager to me.
Even going to a gynecologist’s office was a struggle for a female. The doctor's frostiness toward Elizabeth was heartbreaking to read. It was a stark reminder that teenage pregnancy is a medical and human situation, not a moral failing. The narrative does an excellent job of highlighting the double standard of the era: young women are shipped away to "homes" to hide in shame, while the boys involved are often allowed to move on unscathed.
As Elizabeth begins to uncover buried family secrets, the story dives into some very heavy territory. However, I truly appreciated that the author didn't just linger on the trauma that each girl faced, though it's fairly obvious what has happened. Whether it be rape, taken advantage of by an older man, or just quite frankly, having sex. Instead, the focus remains on Elizabeth’s resilience and by the end, I felt a genuine sense of hope for her.
If you’re looking for a buddy read that tackles history, bodily autonomy, and the complexities of shame, this is it.
March 3, 2026
"If men could get pregnant, I bet it would be different.”
“That, my dear, is certainly true.”
Where The Girls Were is a historical fiction novel of a girl unexpectedly pregnant in the 1960's. She goes to a girls home to have the baby and get back to her life. She is a smart and good girl, Baker gave her valedictorian speech then leaves her beloved cousin May and goes to a residential facility.
The overturning of Roe vs Wade has led to many historical fiction books in this very theme-
The Girls Who Grew Big (Panhandle Florida)
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls (Rural Florida)
Wayward Girls (Buffalo, NY)
All books published in 2025, the gem of this theme is that you get multiple strong female characters. Some are more naive than others and there is usually one truly tragic situation.
This book, while still tragic, is perhaps the least tragic of these 4, surprising only because the author is a self described queer feminist- but according to the authors note, she learned that her mother spent time in one of these homes and having a baby that went for adoption. It gives the story a kindness and a hopefulness that is endearing to the reader. This story is more of a characterization and doesn't beat you over the head, this story is the quietest, the least self-righteous.
Baker is our main character, this is her middle name that she goes by. Baker, as in, baking the bun in the oven. The father of her baby, Wiley, is literally just a dude. He is not at all a villain nor a romantic lead. I liked that- the father in this case is simply just not all that important. Baker considers breaking the law to have an illegal abortion but lacks the time and courage. She meets friends and goes through a process to have her baby, not being able to make phone calls or go outside for months.
This story is a breath of fresh air, well written, and very readable. I can hardly believe it's a debut, but the author is a skilled writer, just now publishing a novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC. Book to be published Mar 3, 2025.
“That, my dear, is certainly true.”
Where The Girls Were is a historical fiction novel of a girl unexpectedly pregnant in the 1960's. She goes to a girls home to have the baby and get back to her life. She is a smart and good girl, Baker gave her valedictorian speech then leaves her beloved cousin May and goes to a residential facility.
The overturning of Roe vs Wade has led to many historical fiction books in this very theme-
The Girls Who Grew Big (Panhandle Florida)
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls (Rural Florida)
Wayward Girls (Buffalo, NY)
All books published in 2025, the gem of this theme is that you get multiple strong female characters. Some are more naive than others and there is usually one truly tragic situation.
This book, while still tragic, is perhaps the least tragic of these 4, surprising only because the author is a self described queer feminist- but according to the authors note, she learned that her mother spent time in one of these homes and having a baby that went for adoption. It gives the story a kindness and a hopefulness that is endearing to the reader. This story is more of a characterization and doesn't beat you over the head, this story is the quietest, the least self-righteous.
Baker is our main character, this is her middle name that she goes by. Baker, as in, baking the bun in the oven. The father of her baby, Wiley, is literally just a dude. He is not at all a villain nor a romantic lead. I liked that- the father in this case is simply just not all that important. Baker considers breaking the law to have an illegal abortion but lacks the time and courage. She meets friends and goes through a process to have her baby, not being able to make phone calls or go outside for months.
This story is a breath of fresh air, well written, and very readable. I can hardly believe it's a debut, but the author is a skilled writer, just now publishing a novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dial Press for the ARC. Book to be published Mar 3, 2025.
March 4, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this digital ARC
It’s rather difficult to accept that this is viewed as historic fiction, as it is a near perfect depiction of my own youth, other than location. Thus, regional differences of the era apply.
Baker, valedictorian of the class of 1968, finds herself pregnant and with few options. To save face and her reputation, Baker’s mother “takes care of everything,” and places her in a home for unwed mothers in San Francisco.
What follows is a near-perfect depiction of being a young woman in the late 60s where the rules were in flux, sexual freedom was on the rise, but young women were amazingly naive and uneducated about their own bodies. The depiction of living in this home where the girls were alternately told how lucky they were to be there, and how shameful and embarrassing it was that they were brought there, broke my heart. Again, being of that same age group, this story brought back memories of all the girls I knew who “got caught,” as well as the naïveté of myself and friends.
Incredibly timely with the ridiculous current political climate that thinks taking women back to this era of illegal back alley procedures, running for the border, and being shamed and hidden away, will make us “great again.”
It’s rather difficult to accept that this is viewed as historic fiction, as it is a near perfect depiction of my own youth, other than location. Thus, regional differences of the era apply.
Baker, valedictorian of the class of 1968, finds herself pregnant and with few options. To save face and her reputation, Baker’s mother “takes care of everything,” and places her in a home for unwed mothers in San Francisco.
What follows is a near-perfect depiction of being a young woman in the late 60s where the rules were in flux, sexual freedom was on the rise, but young women were amazingly naive and uneducated about their own bodies. The depiction of living in this home where the girls were alternately told how lucky they were to be there, and how shameful and embarrassing it was that they were brought there, broke my heart. Again, being of that same age group, this story brought back memories of all the girls I knew who “got caught,” as well as the naïveté of myself and friends.
Incredibly timely with the ridiculous current political climate that thinks taking women back to this era of illegal back alley procedures, running for the border, and being shamed and hidden away, will make us “great again.”
October 27, 2025
I absolutely loved this novel as it encapsulated the 60's so well in terms of motherhood and the secrets we kept. Seventeen-year-old Baker finds herself pregnant and her angry mother still plans a massive graduation party for her as she's unwilling to let anyone know about her daughter's "mistake." But Baker has other plans; she doesn't know what, but she's determined to make it HER choice, not her mother's! It's fast-paced and heartbreaking as well as heartwarming!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
February 27, 2026
In recent years, there have been quite a number of good novels, plays, memoirs, and other nonfiction books about the important topic of what happened to young, unmarried, pregnant girls and women (and their babies) who were sent to maternity homes during the pre-Roe decades. It goes without saying that understanding this important historical occurrence of the “Baby Scoop Era” is, sadly, more relevant and necessary than ever, so I’m grateful that there are a variety of different ways for readers to learn about it through literature.
As for me, I already knew about these so-called mother and baby homes, and so I really appreciated Grady Hendrix’s horror novel take on this topic last year, Witchcraft For Wayward Girls, which integrated historical research alongside some of that author’s more …characteristic … genre elements and devices to convey this tragic story in a powerful new way.
Now, I’m not the best and most patient reader of your typical historical fiction: I get easily distracted wondering about accuracy and anachronism and such. As mentioned in other reviews, I’m the stick in the mud who can’t just watch Denzel fly the passenger jet upside down without immediately Googling whether you can fly a jet upside down*, why or why not, and how. So that is likely why Hendrix’s more overtly fantastical storytelling resonated with me; otherwise, I’d likely just have opted to read a nonfiction book on the topic. However, Where the Girls Were offers that more traditional and straightforward historical fiction storytelling for the audience of readers who would prefer that approach instead.
I opted to request this ARC, despite my historical fictionally-challenged status, because of my strong interest in women’s history and reproductive health issues as well as my interest in exploring and supporting the work of debut women novelists. (Plus, the cover design was really appealing, TBH.) Alas, this novel did not convert me to a historical fiction acolyte. I especially struggle with the whole 70s aesthetic and whether young people were always riding around heaped in VW minivans like the Scooby Doo gang and saying things like, “hey, cat, wanna turn on, ya dig?” It’s like the whole decade is a giant cringe dad joke or something. But, this is clearly a personal issue, and I understand that not everyone wants to read about that cauldron of horrors that is reproductive rights while also tossing an assortment of additional Grady Hendrix-type horrors into the mix. And so for all of you more sensible souls, I’m glad this book provides a solid option to explore this worthy topic in a still-fictional, but more grounded way.
Many thanks to this (fiction debut!) author, NetGalley, and Random House / The Dial Press for the ARC. This book is due out on 3/3/26!
*it seems like technically yes? but inadvisable, and debatable/inconclusive as to how long it would be sustainable.
As for me, I already knew about these so-called mother and baby homes, and so I really appreciated Grady Hendrix’s horror novel take on this topic last year, Witchcraft For Wayward Girls, which integrated historical research alongside some of that author’s more …characteristic … genre elements and devices to convey this tragic story in a powerful new way.
Now, I’m not the best and most patient reader of your typical historical fiction: I get easily distracted wondering about accuracy and anachronism and such. As mentioned in other reviews, I’m the stick in the mud who can’t just watch Denzel fly the passenger jet upside down without immediately Googling whether you can fly a jet upside down*, why or why not, and how. So that is likely why Hendrix’s more overtly fantastical storytelling resonated with me; otherwise, I’d likely just have opted to read a nonfiction book on the topic. However, Where the Girls Were offers that more traditional and straightforward historical fiction storytelling for the audience of readers who would prefer that approach instead.
I opted to request this ARC, despite my historical fictionally-challenged status, because of my strong interest in women’s history and reproductive health issues as well as my interest in exploring and supporting the work of debut women novelists. (Plus, the cover design was really appealing, TBH.) Alas, this novel did not convert me to a historical fiction acolyte. I especially struggle with the whole 70s aesthetic and whether young people were always riding around heaped in VW minivans like the Scooby Doo gang and saying things like, “hey, cat, wanna turn on, ya dig?” It’s like the whole decade is a giant cringe dad joke or something. But, this is clearly a personal issue, and I understand that not everyone wants to read about that cauldron of horrors that is reproductive rights while also tossing an assortment of additional Grady Hendrix-type horrors into the mix. And so for all of you more sensible souls, I’m glad this book provides a solid option to explore this worthy topic in a still-fictional, but more grounded way.
Many thanks to this (fiction debut!) author, NetGalley, and Random House / The Dial Press for the ARC. This book is due out on 3/3/26!
*it seems like technically yes? but inadvisable, and debatable/inconclusive as to how long it would be sustainable.
December 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher Random House for this advanced copy of “Where the Girls Were”! This is my first ARC & my first review.
I was truly blown away by this book and how well written it was for a debut novel. The author had such a real and true way of describing emotions to the various situations these characters were put through and it made me feel very connected to the story. That is something that is always appreciated as a reader because the more I feel connected to the characters & genuinely care what happens to them, the more I get into a book.
Another quick thing that I liked about the book was the pacing. We were not stuck at one point in time for too long where it can get repetitive which helped the story flow!
“Where the Girls Were” is a historical fiction book set in San Francisco in the late 1960’s. It demonstrates a world in which there was no choice. Although it is fictitious, it is based off of the true events (the authors mother for example) and realities that teenagers & young women had to go through before they had a say.
If you get a chance to read this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I was truly blown away by this book and how well written it was for a debut novel. The author had such a real and true way of describing emotions to the various situations these characters were put through and it made me feel very connected to the story. That is something that is always appreciated as a reader because the more I feel connected to the characters & genuinely care what happens to them, the more I get into a book.
Another quick thing that I liked about the book was the pacing. We were not stuck at one point in time for too long where it can get repetitive which helped the story flow!
“Where the Girls Were” is a historical fiction book set in San Francisco in the late 1960’s. It demonstrates a world in which there was no choice. Although it is fictitious, it is based off of the true events (the authors mother for example) and realities that teenagers & young women had to go through before they had a say.
If you get a chance to read this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
November 6, 2025
This is honestly one of the best things I've read in the last few years. Schatz writes so incredibly well. I was whisked back to the 1960s within a few pages, feeling the music and attitude and sense of time. Schatz brought the experience of a young pregnant girl to light, and I could sense the desperation, disappointment and sheer helplessness in her loss of hope and direction; the loss of what she thought her future would be. I absolutely loved the path that this story took the reader on, with caring, humor and deep connection between her characters. I cannot recommend this one highly enough! I am so grateful to NetGalley for sending me this recommendation- spot on!
March 15, 2026
4.5 ⭐️
December 9, 2025
Having been a teen myself in the 1960’s, I can recall the strict and unforgiving attitude toward girls who became pregnant. There was no sex education or information about birth control offered in schools and it was usually not talked about at home. Teen pregnancies were a scandal and it ruined a girls reputation.
Where The Girls Were is spot on in describing this time and the cruel treatment these pregnant teens experienced from their families and society.
The main character here is a seventeen year old girl named Baker. She is quite niave and has been sheltered all her life being an only child. Her curiosity and wish to be more like her outgoing and wild cousin leads to a secret new relationship. When she finds herself pregnant, she is ashamed and desperate. When Baker’s parents figure out she is pregnant, they are devastated. Baker is quickly whisked off to a home for unwed mothers before anyone finds out that she is pregnant. This book describes Baker’s heart breaking story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my own opinion.
I was drawn in immediately to Baker’s emotional turmoil and I could feel her fear and shame. The stress in keeping her pregnancy a secret and her later banishment to the home was an emotional read. I loved how the author, Kate Schatz , explored Baker’s, and her fellow teen housemate’s stress in dealing with their forbidden pregnancies and their future scary event of giving birth. The author was also spot on in describing the social events of the 1960’s. The Vietnam war, and society’s unrest and protests.
Later in the 60’s a cultural movement began that recognized a women’s rights to reproductive freedom. There were some controversial subjects described here, which I felt were a necessary element of this story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my own opinion.
Where The Girls Were is spot on in describing this time and the cruel treatment these pregnant teens experienced from their families and society.
The main character here is a seventeen year old girl named Baker. She is quite niave and has been sheltered all her life being an only child. Her curiosity and wish to be more like her outgoing and wild cousin leads to a secret new relationship. When she finds herself pregnant, she is ashamed and desperate. When Baker’s parents figure out she is pregnant, they are devastated. Baker is quickly whisked off to a home for unwed mothers before anyone finds out that she is pregnant. This book describes Baker’s heart breaking story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my own opinion.
I was drawn in immediately to Baker’s emotional turmoil and I could feel her fear and shame. The stress in keeping her pregnancy a secret and her later banishment to the home was an emotional read. I loved how the author, Kate Schatz , explored Baker’s, and her fellow teen housemate’s stress in dealing with their forbidden pregnancies and their future scary event of giving birth. The author was also spot on in describing the social events of the 1960’s. The Vietnam war, and society’s unrest and protests.
Later in the 60’s a cultural movement began that recognized a women’s rights to reproductive freedom. There were some controversial subjects described here, which I felt were a necessary element of this story.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This is my own opinion.
March 21, 2026
5 Stars!
I really loved this story. The character of Baker was so well drawn. Her emotional growth and maturity, contrasted with her vulnerability, were impactful. I was also emotionally connected to the developing friendships as these girls and women hid from societal backlash while dealing with various trauma, shame, and acceptance of each other. The ending was slightly ambiguous, but also perfect.
March 9, 2026
I loved this book for so many reasons.
The setting really got me as an Oakland girl. The story takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1968 at a time when things seem to be changing culturally except for what women were allowed to do with their own lives. The main character, Baker, is a high-achieving student headed to Stanford whose future gets completely derailed when she becomes pregnant and is sent to a home for unwed mothers. Learning more about this system where girls were basically hidden away was eye-opening.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is that there isn’t a villain. I love books that make me a little uncomfortable like that. You can see everyone’s perspective – from the girls, the parents, the staff, the boyfriends – and how much people were shaped by the time they were living in. It made me think a lot about privilege and how complicated these situations were and are and how much pressure and silence surrounded girls and pregnancy back then.
Another thing that makes the book even more powerful is why Kate wrote it. She has said that the idea came to her after a conversation with her mom, who revealed that she had been sent away to a maternity home as a teenager in the 1960s and had put those babies up for adoption. Knowing that background made the story feel even more real and personal.
I also had the chance to attend an author event with Kate at Books Inc. in Alameda, and it was standing room only. It was amazing to hear her talk about the history behind the book and the research she did about maternity homes and that era in the Bay Area. My favorite quote from the event was, “The patriarchy is not creative. White supremacy is not creative.” Someone said they were going to put that on a t-shirt.
I’ve actually seen Kate at events before – once with our mutual friend W. Kamau Bell and another time at a City Arts and Lectures salon event with Tourmaline for her book The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. At this point I hope she doesn’t think I’m stalking her. I just keep ending up at events connected to really interesting books and conversations, lol.
Overall, this book stuck with me. It’s about friendship between young women, secrecy, shame, and the ways girls tried to support each other in a system that didn’t give them choices. I highly recommend it, especially if you like historical fiction or stories set in the Bay Area.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Dial Press for the ARC.
The setting really got me as an Oakland girl. The story takes place in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1968 at a time when things seem to be changing culturally except for what women were allowed to do with their own lives. The main character, Baker, is a high-achieving student headed to Stanford whose future gets completely derailed when she becomes pregnant and is sent to a home for unwed mothers. Learning more about this system where girls were basically hidden away was eye-opening.
One thing I really appreciated about this book is that there isn’t a villain. I love books that make me a little uncomfortable like that. You can see everyone’s perspective – from the girls, the parents, the staff, the boyfriends – and how much people were shaped by the time they were living in. It made me think a lot about privilege and how complicated these situations were and are and how much pressure and silence surrounded girls and pregnancy back then.
Another thing that makes the book even more powerful is why Kate wrote it. She has said that the idea came to her after a conversation with her mom, who revealed that she had been sent away to a maternity home as a teenager in the 1960s and had put those babies up for adoption. Knowing that background made the story feel even more real and personal.
I also had the chance to attend an author event with Kate at Books Inc. in Alameda, and it was standing room only. It was amazing to hear her talk about the history behind the book and the research she did about maternity homes and that era in the Bay Area. My favorite quote from the event was, “The patriarchy is not creative. White supremacy is not creative.” Someone said they were going to put that on a t-shirt.
I’ve actually seen Kate at events before – once with our mutual friend W. Kamau Bell and another time at a City Arts and Lectures salon event with Tourmaline for her book The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson. At this point I hope she doesn’t think I’m stalking her. I just keep ending up at events connected to really interesting books and conversations, lol.
Overall, this book stuck with me. It’s about friendship between young women, secrecy, shame, and the ways girls tried to support each other in a system that didn’t give them choices. I highly recommend it, especially if you like historical fiction or stories set in the Bay Area.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Dial Press for the ARC.
March 7, 2026
I really like books about young women, and the plot deals with something we unfortunately still see in the world today. Not in exactly the same way, since the historical context is different, but children are still forced out into the world under difficult circumstances. Women are looked down on. Because this is such a sensitive topic, I think the book handles it very well. The story circling around on teen pregnancy, which is something that should be taken seriously and talked about more openly. I really appreciated the way the book portrays the mindset of a teenage girl and the emotions she goes through during this process. It felt honest and thoughtful rather than overly dramatic.
I’m also personally very interested in themes around pregnancy, abortion, gender roles, and femininity, since I wrote my thesis on related topics. Because of that, I tend to pay close attention to how these issues are represented in literature, and I think this book does a strong job portraying the emotional and social realities young women can face especially during those times.
The plot itself was somewhat predictable, so there weren’t many moments that truly surprised me. I wouldn’t say I was completely blown away by it, but I still really appreciated the concept and the writing. The book portrays young women and their circumstances very effectively. The reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is mainly because of that predictability. Even though I enjoyed the book and thought it handled its themes well, it didn’t quite reach the point where it truly surprised or amazed me.
I’m also personally very interested in themes around pregnancy, abortion, gender roles, and femininity, since I wrote my thesis on related topics. Because of that, I tend to pay close attention to how these issues are represented in literature, and I think this book does a strong job portraying the emotional and social realities young women can face especially during those times.
The plot itself was somewhat predictable, so there weren’t many moments that truly surprised me. I wouldn’t say I was completely blown away by it, but I still really appreciated the concept and the writing. The book portrays young women and their circumstances very effectively. The reason I’m giving it four stars instead of five is mainly because of that predictability. Even though I enjoyed the book and thought it handled its themes well, it didn’t quite reach the point where it truly surprised or amazed me.
March 6, 2026
4.5🌟 This book slayed me. It rocks along in the beginning, but the last half completely owned me. I wept through the final chapters. It’s set in the 60s, but the themes are so relatable to today. I grew to love our main character, Baker. She’ll be one of my most loved characters of 2026 for sure. Wow… I just really can’t believe this book affected me so much. And the ending… oh my! I shan’t spoil it for anyone. This will stay with me for sure. A+ for the perfect retro cover. I rarely ever refer to quotes in a book, but these arrested me:
“Sometimes I think I will always be sad, and you will always be disappointed.” - Baker to her mother, Rose
“We do what we have to do. We make it through the damn day. Then we wake up tomorrow, and do it again.” - Her mother, Rose to Baker
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this heart-wrenching book that came out March 3rd.
“Sometimes I think I will always be sad, and you will always be disappointed.” - Baker to her mother, Rose
“We do what we have to do. We make it through the damn day. Then we wake up tomorrow, and do it again.” - Her mother, Rose to Baker
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for access to this heart-wrenching book that came out March 3rd.
March 26, 2026
I received an uncorrected, e-ARC through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!
I am so sad that I didn’t finish this one before publication day so I could’ve tried to hype it up more to my approximately 5 friends on Goodreads (you know who you are). In this story we follow Baker who is a senior in high school and about to become valedictorian of her class when she becomes pregnant. Through a series of crazy (but believable) events, she then winds up at a home for pregnant women and there she meets the rest of the majority of the cast of characters. This cast is so widely different from each other but also shown to be similar in some ways, too and really showcased the human connection. This is a story of love and the power of female friendship, the bonds of womanhood, trying to find a sense of belonging, and serves as a wonderful reminder that you really don’t know what is going on in someone’s life, even those closest to you.
I did not like the ending ~at all~ and wish there would have been an epilogue that explains Baker’s choice better but maybe there is one in the finished book (fingers crossed).
Because I loved the rest of the book, I would give it a 4.25/5 and would definitely recommend!
I am so sad that I didn’t finish this one before publication day so I could’ve tried to hype it up more to my approximately 5 friends on Goodreads (you know who you are). In this story we follow Baker who is a senior in high school and about to become valedictorian of her class when she becomes pregnant. Through a series of crazy (but believable) events, she then winds up at a home for pregnant women and there she meets the rest of the majority of the cast of characters. This cast is so widely different from each other but also shown to be similar in some ways, too and really showcased the human connection. This is a story of love and the power of female friendship, the bonds of womanhood, trying to find a sense of belonging, and serves as a wonderful reminder that you really don’t know what is going on in someone’s life, even those closest to you.
I did not like the ending ~at all~ and wish there would have been an epilogue that explains Baker’s choice better but maybe there is one in the finished book (fingers crossed).
Because I loved the rest of the book, I would give it a 4.25/5 and would definitely recommend!
May 7, 2026
Powerful book with a great take on the story girls and women from the 1950s and 60s endured before Roe v. Wade. The experience of young women being forced into maternity homes is not well known and I’m humbled how far we’ve come in less than a century.
October 22, 2025
This is a great historical fiction book. It takes place in the Bay Area in the 60s. I was drawn to Baker’s story, a teen who gets pregnant unexpectedly. She’s a smart girl, yet naive. When her parents find out they send her to a home to hide her pregnancy. There, she meets other teens in similar circumstances. It’s tragic and sad, showcasing what can happens when women don’t have a choice over their bodies and future.
March 16, 2026
This one started strong for me, and the writing is quite lovely. But it definitely dragged and ended very abruptly. Definitely a let down at the end. Would recommend with reservations.
February 28, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House (The Dial Press), and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1968 and the world is changing. Nowhere is that more evident than San Francisco where the sexual revolution has ushered in the age of tuning in and tuning out. It’s here we meet Elizabeth “Baker”, a teenager smart enough to be valedictorian and naive enough to not understand how biology works. When she finds herself “in trouble” after a casual hook up with a hippie surfer, she sees her carefully scripted future fall apart. Her family arranges for her to spend her pregnancy at a home for unwed mothers while pretending to friends and family that Baker is traveling in Paris.
Kate Schatz gives the reader much to unpack in this moving novel of women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and sisterhood. I found Baker and the other residents of the home to be entirely believable. They are treated like embarrassments to their family; hidden away and denied agency over their own bodies. Abortion is illegal, young women are treated dismissively by physicians, ignorant of ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and stripped of the right to make their own decisions. Baker and her housemates are vulnerable, sympathetic characters representative of the time period.
What makes WHERE THE GIRLS WERE so powerful is looking at it through the lens of current reality. With the SCOTUS decision walking back the rights afforded via Roe v. Wade, conservatives have made abortion less accessible and illegal in some states. There is a push among the far right to bully women into roles of reproductive vessels with some going so far as to suggest that contraception be restricted and allow men be allowed to control what happens to women’s bodies. Schatz frames these issues without being heavy handed, but make no mistake, this is a cautionary tale.
Thank you to NetGalley, Random House (The Dial Press), and PRH Audio for the gifted advance copies. All opinions are my own.
It’s 1968 and the world is changing. Nowhere is that more evident than San Francisco where the sexual revolution has ushered in the age of tuning in and tuning out. It’s here we meet Elizabeth “Baker”, a teenager smart enough to be valedictorian and naive enough to not understand how biology works. When she finds herself “in trouble” after a casual hook up with a hippie surfer, she sees her carefully scripted future fall apart. Her family arranges for her to spend her pregnancy at a home for unwed mothers while pretending to friends and family that Baker is traveling in Paris.
Kate Schatz gives the reader much to unpack in this moving novel of women’s rights, reproductive freedom, and sisterhood. I found Baker and the other residents of the home to be entirely believable. They are treated like embarrassments to their family; hidden away and denied agency over their own bodies. Abortion is illegal, young women are treated dismissively by physicians, ignorant of ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy, and stripped of the right to make their own decisions. Baker and her housemates are vulnerable, sympathetic characters representative of the time period.
What makes WHERE THE GIRLS WERE so powerful is looking at it through the lens of current reality. With the SCOTUS decision walking back the rights afforded via Roe v. Wade, conservatives have made abortion less accessible and illegal in some states. There is a push among the far right to bully women into roles of reproductive vessels with some going so far as to suggest that contraception be restricted and allow men be allowed to control what happens to women’s bodies. Schatz frames these issues without being heavy handed, but make no mistake, this is a cautionary tale.
May 5, 2026
This is a historical fiction book taking place in the 1960’s of San Francisco but yet feels as relevant as ever. A young woman destined for Stanford find herself pregnant, and is sent away to live and deliver the baby by her parents. This is pre-Roe but during the feminist movement and sexual revolution, which is a unique time in history. There, she bonds with fellow women who landed there under a variety of circumstances. I began to really care for these women and feel empathy for their situation— not educated on sex, no access to birth control, abortion, and dealing with dismissive doctors and parents— they are treated like a huge embarrassment. Yet unlike other books I’ve read on this topic, I really left feeling hopeful for these women. I thought the writing was fantastic!
April 8, 2026
4.5
A story of strong young women unable to make decisions for themselves——in a time when there were so many rules imposed on women! The period of time when young pregnant girls were whisked away to homes for girls having to hide their pregnancies—living secret lives waiting for their babies to be born.
The bonds these girls form, the strong will and determination, and the turn of events make this story interesting and a reminder that rules are not always meant to be followed!
“What if there were no rules?”
“Can you imagine if we all just got to decide how to live?
“I am no bird and no net ensnares me!
I am a free human being with an independent will -which I now exert to leave you!”
“We’re all in limbo pretending that nothing is wrong.”
“In the serenity, there’s no need for fear.”
“If our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity. May we rise to the challenges and seize the opportunities.”
Robert Kennedy
A story of strong young women unable to make decisions for themselves——in a time when there were so many rules imposed on women! The period of time when young pregnant girls were whisked away to homes for girls having to hide their pregnancies—living secret lives waiting for their babies to be born.
The bonds these girls form, the strong will and determination, and the turn of events make this story interesting and a reminder that rules are not always meant to be followed!
“What if there were no rules?”
“Can you imagine if we all just got to decide how to live?
“I am no bird and no net ensnares me!
I am a free human being with an independent will -which I now exert to leave you!”
“We’re all in limbo pretending that nothing is wrong.”
“In the serenity, there’s no need for fear.”
“If our times are difficult and perplexing, so are they challenging and filled with opportunity. May we rise to the challenges and seize the opportunities.”
Robert Kennedy
May 6, 2026
"Love is terrible. Love is humiliating. Love is exhausting."
I liked it better than In the Family Way, but found the ending to be unsatisfying.
I liked it better than In the Family Way, but found the ending to be unsatisfying.
March 31, 2026
Where the Girls Were is a moving and deeply human historical novel that shines light on a painful and often overlooked chapter in American history. Set in 1968, the story follows a bright young woman on track for a future at Stanford University whose life is abruptly derailed when she becomes pregnant and is sent away to a home for unwed mothers in San Francisco.
Through the protagonist’s experience, Kate Schatz explores the quiet cruelty of institutions that claimed to protect morality while stripping young women of autonomy, dignity, and choice. The novel captures the isolation, shame, and fear these girls endured, while also revealing moments of solidarity and resilience among them. Schatz does an excellent job evoking the atmosphere of late-1960s San Francisco—a city on the cusp of social change, even as many young women remained trapped by rigid expectations and secrecy.
Emotionally rich and thoughtfully researched, the book feels both intimate and historically significant. Schatz gives voice to girls whose stories were often hidden or erased, making the novel feel like an act of remembrance as much as a work of fiction.
Where the Girls Were is a powerful reminder of how recently these injustices occurred and how profoundly they shaped the lives of countless young women. It’s an absorbing, emotional read that lingers long after the final page.
Through the protagonist’s experience, Kate Schatz explores the quiet cruelty of institutions that claimed to protect morality while stripping young women of autonomy, dignity, and choice. The novel captures the isolation, shame, and fear these girls endured, while also revealing moments of solidarity and resilience among them. Schatz does an excellent job evoking the atmosphere of late-1960s San Francisco—a city on the cusp of social change, even as many young women remained trapped by rigid expectations and secrecy.
Emotionally rich and thoughtfully researched, the book feels both intimate and historically significant. Schatz gives voice to girls whose stories were often hidden or erased, making the novel feel like an act of remembrance as much as a work of fiction.
Where the Girls Were is a powerful reminder of how recently these injustices occurred and how profoundly they shaped the lives of countless young women. It’s an absorbing, emotional read that lingers long after the final page.
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March 9, 2026
reading this book reminded me a lot of ‘Witchcraft for Wayward Girls’ and ‘The Girls Who Grew Big’ especially Witchcraft for Wayward Girls, just without the horror elements. it has that same atmosphere centered around teenage girls, pregnancy and/or abortion, and being sent away to homes for unwed girls, (which are themes i very much enjoy), this made the story feel both emotional and reflective, exploring the struggles, choices, and realities these girls faced in a very intimate way.
i really enjoyed this one. it was a compelling read, and i appreciated how much we got to see Baker grow as a character. she came across as strong-willed and determined, and i liked that despite her parents’ expectations and decisions, she still found ways to choose her own path.
overall, it was a solid, engaging read that i enjoyed from start to finish.
many thanks to netgalley for this arc! ❤️
i really enjoyed this one. it was a compelling read, and i appreciated how much we got to see Baker grow as a character. she came across as strong-willed and determined, and i liked that despite her parents’ expectations and decisions, she still found ways to choose her own path.
overall, it was a solid, engaging read that i enjoyed from start to finish.
many thanks to netgalley for this arc! ❤️
March 25, 2026
Continuing the theme of "what happens to pregnant teens!"
Set in the late 1960s, this story felt so rich and complex. It did such a good job of examining what it would have been like for a pregnant teen, with no options and a deep sense of shame. This book was really fantastic and made me so grateful for my reproductive knowledge and freedom that so many people throughout time didn't have. An easy five stars!
Set in the late 1960s, this story felt so rich and complex. It did such a good job of examining what it would have been like for a pregnant teen, with no options and a deep sense of shame. This book was really fantastic and made me so grateful for my reproductive knowledge and freedom that so many people throughout time didn't have. An easy five stars!
March 26, 2026
Wow. Women are simply amazing and continue to overcome every controlling obstacle men throw our way. The author’s note at the end was extraordinary from explaining her motivation to write the book (pre Roe V Wade) to noting that we are somehow now post Roe V Wade and women are STILL struggling for adequate reproductive rights. Truly a phenomenal story inspired by the author’s mom.
As far as the characters and story goes, absolutely captured girlhood, women rage, female liberation, friendships, in one story. Baker’s growth throughout the book was inspiring. The friendships she made along the way with all of the other brave women perfectly incapsulates what women go through everyday but how strong we are on our own but more importantly, even stronger together when standing by and for each other.
As far as the characters and story goes, absolutely captured girlhood, women rage, female liberation, friendships, in one story. Baker’s growth throughout the book was inspiring. The friendships she made along the way with all of the other brave women perfectly incapsulates what women go through everyday but how strong we are on our own but more importantly, even stronger together when standing by and for each other.
April 1, 2026
Such an amazing book. Loved the setting, loved the characters. This was a great reminder of what girls and women have endured over the decades and a reminder that we are still in control.
March 4, 2026
Happy Publication Day! ( 3/3/26)
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.
Set in 1968, this novel follows Baker, a high-achieving high school valedictorian who has her entire future carefully planned. During her senior year, she begins to branch out socially, spending time with her cousin and eventually falling for a free-spirited guy. When she becomes pregnant, everything she thought she knew about her future comes crashing down.
The book shows how few choices young women had at the time. Baker’s mother sends her away to a home for unwed mothers, forcing her to hide her pregnancy from friends and family. Confined to the house with other pregnant girls, Baker experiences isolation, shame, and fear.
One of the most striking parts of this story is how little information Baker is given about her own body. No one explains pregnancy, childbirth, or what to expect emotionally or physically, which really highlights how unprepared and unsupported girls were during this time period.
This was a thought-provoking read that sheds light on a hidden part of women’s history.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the eARC.
Set in 1968, this novel follows Baker, a high-achieving high school valedictorian who has her entire future carefully planned. During her senior year, she begins to branch out socially, spending time with her cousin and eventually falling for a free-spirited guy. When she becomes pregnant, everything she thought she knew about her future comes crashing down.
The book shows how few choices young women had at the time. Baker’s mother sends her away to a home for unwed mothers, forcing her to hide her pregnancy from friends and family. Confined to the house with other pregnant girls, Baker experiences isolation, shame, and fear.
One of the most striking parts of this story is how little information Baker is given about her own body. No one explains pregnancy, childbirth, or what to expect emotionally or physically, which really highlights how unprepared and unsupported girls were during this time period.
This was a thought-provoking read that sheds light on a hidden part of women’s history.
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