A sweet story about a young father and his baby girl. Mahalia was absolutely gorgeous and made me smile throughout the book. I also liked Matt and sympathised with him as he tired so hard to be a good dad and do something with his life. However, as a story this book was slow and I don't think it would appeal to many teens, ( )

We see so many stories in books and on television about single teenaged mothers, this book offers a refreshing view from the perspective of a male in this situation. A quick and entertaining read about a young fathers love for his daughter and how he struggles with the responsibility. ( )

Teenagers, Matt and Emmy, have brought baby Mahalia into the world and neither seems ready for the responsibility. Soon Emmy leaves and Matt focuses on looking after his daughter. He is very confused and sad, but never resentful. Fiercely independent, he moves into a shared household with Eliza and Virginia and ekes out a very meagre living. We are aware of Matt and Eliza's growing mutual attraction. Out of the blue Emmy returns announcing that she would like to take Mahalia. Matt is desperate at the thought of losing his baby - and still unclear about his feelings for Emmy. The focus remains firmly on Mahalia. ( )

Yr. 9 - Yr. 12.
Matt had loved Emmy but she hadn't given a damn for anything. He remembered how they had believed that loving baby Mahalia would be enough. ( )