The gift of life is said to be the greatest of all gifts given, but what if the receiver of this gift, joy--blessing is a child? In the intriguing but subtle novel, Conception, by emerging writer Kalisha Buckannon the protagonist, 15-year old Shivana Montgomery has to answer this question. Living in a world where nothing comes easy, and the worst is expected from those with the same underprivileged upbringings as Shivana, she has to find her own way. In searching for the love she never found at home, the protagonist falls prey to the charm and guile of an older man and becomes pregnant. Not once in this rollercoaster of a novel does Buckannon let up on the drama surrounding Shivana and her unborn child.

One technique the writer relies on is the mystery of the spirit child that has been trying to reach earth for generations. This unborn soul serves as an omniscient narrator in a sense because it's the point of view that opens and remains dominant throughout the book. Buckannon's choice to make the final resting place for the spirit child the most unlikely choice in Shivana keeps readers turning the page. As a pregnant, unwed mother-to-be Shivana is alone, and feels as if no one loves her. Surely she could ask for help from the baby's father, but he's made it clear that a family isn't what he was looking for in their affair. Or maybe she can ask her mother for help; the woman who--bitter from the trials of life, has abused Shivana for years. Being too young to know how to properly care for herself (better yet a baby), Shivana finds herself in a predicament that makes her desperate to find a way out of this mess. But will she find a solution by any means necessary?

In the modern day of love, lies and teenage pregnancy, Kalisha Buckhanon welcomes readers not only into Shivana's world, but that of the unborn child. Readers are privy to the past lives of the child as it reveals the journey it has taken to be born. All the mothers who were chosen, but unable to bring the child full term and to life are representations of the hurdles the spirit has endured over the years. Thematically, Buckannon connects Shivana and the unborn child through their individual tribulations. Now it's up to Shivana to alleviate the unborn child cries for life. Maybe this child will be the one to give Shivana the love she's been longing for?

Contrary to other books on teenage pregnancy, Conception gives voice to the sometimes voiceless. This novel can be used as a way to expose preteens to the pressures of sex. With so many teens progressing at such a rate, being a mother at fifteen can be seen as the norm. After reading this story students can realize the power behind the word conception.