Spike

Degrassi #11

by Loretta Castellarin, Ken Roberts

Spike is 14 years old -- and pregnant. She is faced with many decisions and many questions -- from her boyfriend, Shane, her mum, and her friends. It's not easy, but Spike is no quitter, as she demonstrates in this stirring novelization of one of the most controversial and groundbreaking series storylines shown on Canadian television.

Genres: Young Adult

184 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a novelization closely based on the Degrassi Junior High series. I am a huge fan of Degrassi and I love how they "go there." This book focuses on one of the original Degrassi characters, Spike. Spike is fourteen and still in junior high when she and her boyfriend, Shane, make a "five second mistake" that result in a very big mistake--a pregnancy!

While this book wasn't nearly as in-depth as I would have liked, it was still pretty good and gave a realistic portrayal of what it is like to make a mistake that becomes difficult to deal with. It was easy to feel bad for Spike. I love how she often commented at how she was the one being punished in society while Shane got to keep going on with his life. It's very true. If a unmarried woman, especially a teenager, ends up becoming pregnant, society is quick to point the finger at her and her alone even though we all know she didn't get in that situation all by herself. It takes two.

However, I did admire that Shane wanted to be there for Spike, though he seems to be wishy-washy about it. I'm sure it wasn't easy for him, especially having a minister as a father. I admire Spike's strength in this. The saddest part is how she was forced to leave school because other parents decided she would be a bad influence. I think pregnant girls at a school certainly wouldn't make many of their peers decide to end up in the same situation, but often people can be "funny" in their views and opinions.

The details were very realistic and in-depth, though I am disappointed at the ending. It's not bad or anything. It just felt rushed and vague. There's a few points in this book that feel that way to me though, but this was still very enjoyable to read. It's sad that society hasn't changed too much--this storyline/episode/book is from the 80s--in how they still blame the pregnant girl for being pregnant (while the man gets off scot-free most of the time). It's like some people seem to forget that a girl can't get pregnant all by herself.

Anyways (apologies for the mini-rant, it's a pet peeve of mine), I'm hoping the other "Degrassi" books will be this good.

[Mila Menna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The editor of this book sucks; I found spelling mistakes on pgs 15 and 86. Because I’m into the show I didn’t Know I was Pregnant and have catastrophized nightmares of getting pregnant this topic interested me. I hate the ending and how her mom never seriously sat down with her to have a plan and set up supports for her if she chose to kept the baby. Also the book doesn’t point out how the parents didn’t educate the children and how they were doomed from the start essentially.

[Briahna Asia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of the Degrassi junior high series I recommend this book. There’s a big difference between the book and the series. It seems like spikes mother isn’t as accepting of her pregnancy considering she’s only fourteen too young to raise a baby. Shane’s character is actually a bit more cruel at first hoping the worst for spikes pregnancy to make his life easier. Spike even shares her delivery process giving birth to Emma. And Shane didn’t take acid in this story. It was a quick enjoyable read

[Alisha Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Grew up with the Next Generation of this show but was always interesting the older episodes but never actually seen ALOT of episodes; So i was really exited when i heard there was a series! :)

[Little Seal]

Spike is savage. I feel this book ends on a cliff hanger, and Spike's mom is also more mean, whiny, and unsupportive compared to the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a decent read, I’m glad to have read it. Not the most well written book but it gave some more insight into Spike as a character and being pregnant as a teenager.

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book

[Ambi L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nicely written. The ending was unexpected for sure, and I've watched the show countless times.
Amazing.

[Vita Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. Loved reading the origin story of how Emma Nelson was born and all Spike went through during the pregnancy. A very realistic portrayal.

[Lisa Birch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Possibly the best Degrassi book. Spike is believable and easy to relate to. Ending anti climax, but closely follows Degrassi plot.