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あの子の子ども [Ano Ko no Kodomo] #2
My Girlfriend's Child, Vol. 2
With her pregnancy all but confirmed, Sachi decides to visit a clinic alone and in secret. She indicates that she plans to have an abortion while filling out all the paperwork, but once she hears the quiet heartbeat of the life forming inside her during the ultrasound, her resolve begins to waver. Now she and Takara have three weeks to decide what to do. But how can they decide the fate of their unborn child when they're still children themselves? And when will they finally break the news to their parents?
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2022
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58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 18, 2023
Sachi has gone to the clinic alone for the express purpose of getting an abortion, but decides to involve Takara in the decision. But her visit also brings the revelation that the parents have to consent to anything, which is not likely to go over super well…
Given the interview at the end of this book, it’s clear that the point of this series is to inform as much as it is to entertain. Consulting with a sex educator, Mamoru Aoi appears intent on making up for the deficiencies in the Japanese sexual education system.
Which is indeed a noble goal, but I would say that this begins to lurch to the side of being a bit more afterschool special than it originally started. Dealing with a teenage pregnancy is always going to be a high drama situation, but some of this goes a bit predictable.
I do admire how the clinic doctor who talks to Sachi about her options is portrayed. She’s exactly the right kind of gentle that Sachi needs in the moment and is blessedly free of judgement. It should (emphasis should) go without saying that a woman’s choice is, indeed, her choice, but it’s nice to have it said out loud.
Takara also goes in some wild directions, ie not being a jerk and supporting Sachi the whole way. Honestly, I feel like the easy way here would have been to make him an idiot, but instead he’s being used as a lesson in how a great partner would act. Which, you know, isn’t bad, but does feel a bit artificial by the end of the volume.
I guess the artifice of it all feels more overt this time around since his role is clearly being used to impart information and it consequently doesn’t land it quite as hard. I think it’s well written and a very helpful guide to the problems and challenges that arise from an unexpected pregnancy, there’s just a textbook-y quality to it that I don’t love.
The abortion angle feels quite likely to get jettisoned in favour of a more traditional storyline and it simply doesn’t work as well if you’re wondering whether keeping the baby is something this particular character would actually be choosing or if they’re being written that way because the author needs to do more with the story.
Yes, all stories are basically like that, but you shouldn’t be able to see behind the curtain quite so obviously. Same goes for the parents, where one is intent on playing the blame game with the finger pointed at their entire lineage and the other is a bit more reasonable (although I do really like Sachi’s teenager interpretation of her mom’s actions).
I get that these kinds of reactions are to be expected, but there’s something off here I can’t quite put my finger on. The goal here is very laudable, the dialogue is done well, art’s fine, some of the plot is good at points. It’s really great at what it’s doing, but it’s being really obvious about it.
Possibly it’s because this notion of sexual exploration feels entirely quaint compared to something like O Maidens in Your Savage Season, a series that tackled sex and gender amazingly well. This is a teen pregnancy series that feels like it got ripped out of the 1990s, no matter how well parts of it are written.
Then again, considering how dumb people are being lately about women’s autonomy and their rights, maybe this is more important than I’m realizing since it shows how this should be framed rather than, depressingly, how it often is.
3.5 stars - if you can get past the ‘been there, done that’ feel of this, which is not necessarily the case for every reader, then I do think this is conveying a lot of important and useful information for a certain readership. Outside of that readership, however, it gets a bit murkier as a strictly entertainment product.
Given the interview at the end of this book, it’s clear that the point of this series is to inform as much as it is to entertain. Consulting with a sex educator, Mamoru Aoi appears intent on making up for the deficiencies in the Japanese sexual education system.
Which is indeed a noble goal, but I would say that this begins to lurch to the side of being a bit more afterschool special than it originally started. Dealing with a teenage pregnancy is always going to be a high drama situation, but some of this goes a bit predictable.
I do admire how the clinic doctor who talks to Sachi about her options is portrayed. She’s exactly the right kind of gentle that Sachi needs in the moment and is blessedly free of judgement. It should (emphasis should) go without saying that a woman’s choice is, indeed, her choice, but it’s nice to have it said out loud.
Takara also goes in some wild directions, ie not being a jerk and supporting Sachi the whole way. Honestly, I feel like the easy way here would have been to make him an idiot, but instead he’s being used as a lesson in how a great partner would act. Which, you know, isn’t bad, but does feel a bit artificial by the end of the volume.
I guess the artifice of it all feels more overt this time around since his role is clearly being used to impart information and it consequently doesn’t land it quite as hard. I think it’s well written and a very helpful guide to the problems and challenges that arise from an unexpected pregnancy, there’s just a textbook-y quality to it that I don’t love.
The abortion angle feels quite likely to get jettisoned in favour of a more traditional storyline and it simply doesn’t work as well if you’re wondering whether keeping the baby is something this particular character would actually be choosing or if they’re being written that way because the author needs to do more with the story.
Yes, all stories are basically like that, but you shouldn’t be able to see behind the curtain quite so obviously. Same goes for the parents, where one is intent on playing the blame game with the finger pointed at their entire lineage and the other is a bit more reasonable (although I do really like Sachi’s teenager interpretation of her mom’s actions).
I get that these kinds of reactions are to be expected, but there’s something off here I can’t quite put my finger on. The goal here is very laudable, the dialogue is done well, art’s fine, some of the plot is good at points. It’s really great at what it’s doing, but it’s being really obvious about it.
Possibly it’s because this notion of sexual exploration feels entirely quaint compared to something like O Maidens in Your Savage Season, a series that tackled sex and gender amazingly well. This is a teen pregnancy series that feels like it got ripped out of the 1990s, no matter how well parts of it are written.
Then again, considering how dumb people are being lately about women’s autonomy and their rights, maybe this is more important than I’m realizing since it shows how this should be framed rather than, depressingly, how it often is.
3.5 stars - if you can get past the ‘been there, done that’ feel of this, which is not necessarily the case for every reader, then I do think this is conveying a lot of important and useful information for a certain readership. Outside of that readership, however, it gets a bit murkier as a strictly entertainment product.
July 15, 2023
Much more emotional volume. Sachi spends the whole volume wondering what to do about her baby and Takara is extremely supportive of whatever choice Sachi decides, without offering his own opinion. Takara's mother tells Sachi she should have an abortion, but her own mother tells her to take responsibility for her choices. Sachi interperts her mom's words as if her mother doesnt care about her but it is apparent her mother does care for her.
Takara is boyfriend goals. What a champ.
Takara is boyfriend goals. What a champ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2024
So refreshing to see two teens trying to figure out how to navigate a situation like pregnancy but not in a dumb way.
This poor couple who had a slip up are trying to decide if they should have the baby or abort it. And everyone else seems to have made the choice for them when it comes to parents or siblings yet our two main leads haven't figured out what they want for themselves. Well done, hitting a sanative subject, yet doing it in a tasteful way. A 4.5 out of 5.
This poor couple who had a slip up are trying to decide if they should have the baby or abort it. And everyone else seems to have made the choice for them when it comes to parents or siblings yet our two main leads haven't figured out what they want for themselves. Well done, hitting a sanative subject, yet doing it in a tasteful way. A 4.5 out of 5.
February 24, 2025
This is such a painful and yet amazing read :')
July 20, 2023
this manga is amazing and so important
July 30, 2023
Takara is the best boyfriend. This manga does a wonderful job at making sex education and information about teen pregnancy accessible to a wide audience.
September 4, 2024
Vol. 1 ★★☆☆☆
I'm not invested in the story. The writing is so contrived. Neither of the leads are ready to have a baby. They don't have money, nor are they getting support from their families. It makes no sense for Sachi to keep the baby. There are only downsides and she'll be the one dealing with all the stigma. The only reason why they're debating it is because the series is about teenage pregnancy and the story would be cut short if Sachi has an abortion.
I'm not invested in the story. The writing is so contrived. Neither of the leads are ready to have a baby. They don't have money, nor are they getting support from their families. It makes no sense for Sachi to keep the baby. There are only downsides and she'll be the one dealing with all the stigma. The only reason why they're debating it is because the series is about teenage pregnancy and the story would be cut short if Sachi has an abortion.
July 7, 2023
Amazing. Much needed topic.
January 18, 2024
This series is going to make me cry a lot… I already know it.
January 26, 2025
Cried a little at the end, this is so moving but so educational at the same time
July 22, 2023
Fantastic and incredible volume!
Sachi's fears and struggles are extremely real and tangible. I think they were in the previous volume, but there is something more in this one. I think because while her fear leaps off the page, her confusion does even more so. What is the right choice? Should someone make the choice for her? Wonder if she is wanting to make a certain choice, but receives no support? Or wonder if she makes the choice she thinks she wants, but isn't capable? While these questions are on a constant loop, it's not in a repetitive way that leaves you annoyed, but more of just wanting to stand beside her and comfort her by simply being there.
Takara is an AMAZING young man! Seeing how much research he has done really left me internally cheering of how wonderful a partner he is to Sachi. I really admire how he wants to consider all options and is fully supporting Sachi when it comes to the options available. As her partner, he never once forced her to choose ANYTHING. When other people have told her what her choice should be, he has spoken up saying how THEY (Sachi and him) should have a say in their future and what they should do. I am deeply thankful he is there and how hard he is trying (and even seeing how hard these struggles are on him too).
Another fantastic and extremely well-done volume! I've waited WEEKS for this volume to arrive and it was more than worth the wait! Very eager for volume three!
Sachi's fears and struggles are extremely real and tangible. I think they were in the previous volume, but there is something more in this one. I think because while her fear leaps off the page, her confusion does even more so. What is the right choice? Should someone make the choice for her? Wonder if she is wanting to make a certain choice, but receives no support? Or wonder if she makes the choice she thinks she wants, but isn't capable? While these questions are on a constant loop, it's not in a repetitive way that leaves you annoyed, but more of just wanting to stand beside her and comfort her by simply being there.
Takara is an AMAZING young man! Seeing how much research he has done really left me internally cheering of how wonderful a partner he is to Sachi. I really admire how he wants to consider all options and is fully supporting Sachi when it comes to the options available. As her partner, he never once forced her to choose ANYTHING. When other people have told her what her choice should be, he has spoken up saying how THEY (Sachi and him) should have a say in their future and what they should do. I am deeply thankful he is there and how hard he is trying (and even seeing how hard these struggles are on him too).
Another fantastic and extremely well-done volume! I've waited WEEKS for this volume to arrive and it was more than worth the wait! Very eager for volume three!
November 23, 2023
Brilliant. this mangaka deserves to have their work presented in health classes or sexual education ones !! that's how amazing and insightful it is.
March 2, 2024
[Reseña de los volúmenes 1 a 3 de la serie]
Embarazo adolescente. Un tema que, al menos en la ficción (pero la realidad no dista apenas), ha sido tratado como motivo de vergüenza, de señalamiento o de escarnio, cuando no de forma idealizada, dulcificada y claramente ideologizada. Es por esto que no me lancé automáticamente a por El bebé de mi novia , esperando a escuchar pareceres sobre volúmenes posteriores para intuir el tratamiento de la cuestión, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que esta es una serie shōjo, es decir, orientada en origen a un público femenino juvenil. Pero mis sospechas eran infundadas.
El enfoque de Mamoru Aoi parte de la comprensión y la empatía, sin dejar de lado el didactismo, hacia la pareja protagonista, poniéndose especialmente en el lugar de la joven Sachi, aunque el título lleve a pensar que el foco se pondrá en su novio, Takara. La autora no deja de lado cierta idealización (el embarazo es fruto de accidente y no de imprudencia; el chico es hiperatento, consciente y empático, además de tener ahorros suficientes...), pero la médula espinal de El bebé de mi novia está en las emociones (variables, contradictorias, intensas) que, puntualmente, también se muestran inmaduras, recordándonos que hablamos de una situación que puede resultar traumática y la está viviendo una niña. Y aunque podamos tener un punto de vista propio y tajante sobre lo que "debería" hacer una estudiante de bachillerato con toda su vida por delante, Aoi se esfuerza en exponer las opciones de abortar o llevar a puerto el embarazo con la misma comprensión y con sus potenciales consecuencias siempre sobre la mesa. Para ello, emplea de manera muy inteligente dos herramientas: la cuenta atrás, según la cual la protagonista tiene 3 semanas para que el aborto pueda llevarse a cabo de forma segura, y los personajes secundarios, con sus distintos familiares sosteniendo sus posturas personales con distinto grado de vehemencia.
A este innegable pulso narrativo, reforzado por reflexiones realmente interesantes y más sopesadas, se le suma un apartado gráfico que, si bien no destaca en sus formas, tampoco parece pretenderlo. Abundan, así, los rostros y las expresiones, punto fuerte de la mangaka, por sobre escenarios y detallismos, dejando claro que el peso de su narración recae sobe el discurso. No obstante, la ligereza de sus páginas, en las que apenas hay masas de negro y sí mucha blancura y línea fina, acentúa el frío de la época del año en que ambienta la historia. El tiempo parece haberse congelado, ralentizado por las bajas temperaturas, como lo ha hecho de repente el cálido curso de sus vidas antes del embarazo.
Así pues, El bebé de mi novia resulta en un didáctico y muy humano drama adolescente que, por estar dirigido inicialmente a chicas jóvenes, podrá responder a muchas de sus preguntas (literalmente, el tomo 3 incluye a modo de epílogo un consultorio con una sexóloga para adolescentes) así como derribar mitos sobre la menstruación y el embarazo. Pero el público adulto podrá ver también sus ideas preconcebidas e inamovibles acaso sacudidas o, al menos, recontextualizadas, haciéndose preguntas nuevas y, sobre todo, empatizando con una pareja protagonista a la que es difícil no querer proteger.
Embarazo adolescente. Un tema que, al menos en la ficción (pero la realidad no dista apenas), ha sido tratado como motivo de vergüenza, de señalamiento o de escarnio, cuando no de forma idealizada, dulcificada y claramente ideologizada. Es por esto que no me lancé automáticamente a por El bebé de mi novia , esperando a escuchar pareceres sobre volúmenes posteriores para intuir el tratamiento de la cuestión, sobre todo teniendo en cuenta que esta es una serie shōjo, es decir, orientada en origen a un público femenino juvenil. Pero mis sospechas eran infundadas.
El enfoque de Mamoru Aoi parte de la comprensión y la empatía, sin dejar de lado el didactismo, hacia la pareja protagonista, poniéndose especialmente en el lugar de la joven Sachi, aunque el título lleve a pensar que el foco se pondrá en su novio, Takara. La autora no deja de lado cierta idealización (el embarazo es fruto de accidente y no de imprudencia; el chico es hiperatento, consciente y empático, además de tener ahorros suficientes...), pero la médula espinal de El bebé de mi novia está en las emociones (variables, contradictorias, intensas) que, puntualmente, también se muestran inmaduras, recordándonos que hablamos de una situación que puede resultar traumática y la está viviendo una niña. Y aunque podamos tener un punto de vista propio y tajante sobre lo que "debería" hacer una estudiante de bachillerato con toda su vida por delante, Aoi se esfuerza en exponer las opciones de abortar o llevar a puerto el embarazo con la misma comprensión y con sus potenciales consecuencias siempre sobre la mesa. Para ello, emplea de manera muy inteligente dos herramientas: la cuenta atrás, según la cual la protagonista tiene 3 semanas para que el aborto pueda llevarse a cabo de forma segura, y los personajes secundarios, con sus distintos familiares sosteniendo sus posturas personales con distinto grado de vehemencia.
A este innegable pulso narrativo, reforzado por reflexiones realmente interesantes y más sopesadas, se le suma un apartado gráfico que, si bien no destaca en sus formas, tampoco parece pretenderlo. Abundan, así, los rostros y las expresiones, punto fuerte de la mangaka, por sobre escenarios y detallismos, dejando claro que el peso de su narración recae sobe el discurso. No obstante, la ligereza de sus páginas, en las que apenas hay masas de negro y sí mucha blancura y línea fina, acentúa el frío de la época del año en que ambienta la historia. El tiempo parece haberse congelado, ralentizado por las bajas temperaturas, como lo ha hecho de repente el cálido curso de sus vidas antes del embarazo.
Así pues, El bebé de mi novia resulta en un didáctico y muy humano drama adolescente que, por estar dirigido inicialmente a chicas jóvenes, podrá responder a muchas de sus preguntas (literalmente, el tomo 3 incluye a modo de epílogo un consultorio con una sexóloga para adolescentes) así como derribar mitos sobre la menstruación y el embarazo. Pero el público adulto podrá ver también sus ideas preconcebidas e inamovibles acaso sacudidas o, al menos, recontextualizadas, haciéndose preguntas nuevas y, sobre todo, empatizando con una pareja protagonista a la que es difícil no querer proteger.
August 10, 2023
Sí está muy bueno, me gusta mucho el manejo que hacen de la información. Además, al final de este tomo hay una mini plática entre la autora y una youtuber japonesa especialista en educación sexual y lo que dicen es cierto, se debe mejorar ese aspecto en la escuela y dejar ir el tabú que estos temas desatan, al final, la mejor herramienta es el conocimiento.
Aquí quien se luce un montón es Takara, el novio de Sachi, el vato al toque investigó, vio posibilidades y sobretodo dio prioridad a lo que Sachi decida. Al final, es una decisión muy importante, de ahí que a ella le cueste trabajo resolver qué hacer. Me gusta que lo compare con el gato que dejó en cuidado de alguien más porque sirve para sopesar sus acciones.
Sigo sin ser fan del estilode dibujo, si bien sus encuadres son buenos. Eso ya es cosa mía, la historia es excelente.
Aquí quien se luce un montón es Takara, el novio de Sachi, el vato al toque investigó, vio posibilidades y sobretodo dio prioridad a lo que Sachi decida. Al final, es una decisión muy importante, de ahí que a ella le cueste trabajo resolver qué hacer. Me gusta que lo compare con el gato que dejó en cuidado de alguien más porque sirve para sopesar sus acciones.
Sigo sin ser fan del estilode dibujo, si bien sus encuadres son buenos. Eso ya es cosa mía, la historia es excelente.
February 27, 2025
Segon volum millor que el primer on podem veure com reaccionen el noi i les dues mares. Molt interessant el contrast entre les dues dones i una GREEN FLAG monumental el noi ♥️ Ben explicada la visita a la clínica ginecològica, que resol dubtes habituals sobre l'embaràs adolescent.
Versemblant i didàctic, podem veure les pors de la noia i els passos que pren quan es confirma l'embaràs. La temàtica em sembla genial, sobretot que es parli amb tanta naturalitat d'una parella de joves amb vida sexual activa.
Versemblant i didàctic, podem veure les pors de la noia i els passos que pren quan es confirma l'embaràs. La temàtica em sembla genial, sobretot que es parli amb tanta naturalitat d'una parella de joves amb vida sexual activa.
July 29, 2025
As a woman living in America in the year 2025, I must say, the ending Q and A really hit me hard...this manga series is gorgeous in more ways than one, but I am struggling to not scream at how angry I am about losing the right to choose if something like unexpected or unwanted pregnancy happened to me or someone I care about. I'm glad that these fictional characters get to choose, but Lord it does hurt to read sometimes. Definitely a hard bit great read. Can't wait to pick up volume three.🩷
April 15, 2024
4.5 out 5 Stars: I really do love this series for addressing stuff that we don't talk enough about. Teen pregnancy and options and risks. I loved Sachi's mom was understanding but still placed responsibility on her. The Q&A is definitely worth reading at the end and will be reading the next one very soon!
January 12, 2024
Another good volume! I appreciate the author’s approach towards education. Even though this is officially a josei (?) I do think there will be teen readers and this book is not only a good story but introduces good conversations for teens to have. I will tune in for the next volume!
July 14, 2023
attanaglia
July 16, 2023
This manga handles its subject matter with such grace and beauty. I just want the best for these sweet kids 😭
July 19, 2023
AAAHHHH TAKARA !!!!! <33333
July 27, 2023
We love Takara in this household. Found this volume to be more emotional to me than the previous one.
July 28, 2023
I'm like a inch from bawling at work right now. This is so lovely. Everyone should read this.
February 13, 2024
this one made me mad but it was trying to do good job
April 10, 2024
Takara providing extensive notes about all their options is so sweet.
April 19, 2024
Qué historia tan bien llevada 🫶
January 25, 2025
Es que esta historia es una maravilla, siempre me deja con ganas de más
January 29, 2025
I can feel them soo much.
I am near too cry.
Love it.
I am near too cry.
Love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews