Ncea Level 2 Wide Reading

Title: Boys Don’t Cry
Author: Malorie Blackman
Type: Novel
Date: 9th April, 2013

The novel Boys Don’t Cry is about a boy called Dante who has a perfect life and is waiting for his A-level test results to see whether or not he can be accepted into his dream college. One day the doorbell rings and his ex-girlfriend Mel, shows up pregnant with his baby. The novel is showing that the mental strength of men is higher than that of females, so that is why the title is ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ as his ex-girlfriend dumps the baby and leaves Dante is forced to man up and try handle the situation.

The novel shows the reality of teenage parents and the struggles they go through. An important theme in the novel is the idea of acceptance and mental strength. In Boys Don’t Cry, Dante’s new born daughter needs acceptance by Dante’s family and friends, but most of all, Dante is required to accept the young girl himself, in order to create a serene atmosphere. “Mel didn’t want Emma and neither do I.’’ this quote represents what most young teenage parents are thinking. They cannot look after a young infant as they are merely an infant in a metaphoric perspective as well; they are still growing and they are still learning.

In some circumstances it is hard to accept things, like having a child, just to take on the responsibilities of providing a safe and secure environment to nurture your child and give them the best life they deserve. For younger couples this is not that easy as they may not have the finances or maturity to look after another person 24/7, so they do not accept their child and that’s when there can be fights and break ups between couples. If they did accept their child then they can give them the best that they deserve.

Acceptance from other people is important to; it is just how society works in the twenty-first century. We all want people to accept us for who we are, therefore we do things that everyone around us do. Just to fit in. In the novel, Dante’s friends do not accept that he has a child. “‘Your daughter?’ Josh repeated… then he started to laugh”. This shows that Josh thought it was a joke and he couldn’t accept that Dante had a child or the fact that Dante could never be capable of looking after a child. I personally believe if people cannot accept you for who you are and how you act; they are not your true friends.

There are many other times where acceptance is need in the world. This ranges from equality of races and religion, to gay rights and teenage pregnancies. Society is becoming more accepting of teen pregnancies. Couples that choose to raise a child at an adolescent age and manage to fulfil the child’s needs are making a stand for other couples that may not have the support and acceptance from their family and peers. Acceptance of yourself, and others, is needed in everyday life.

“‘She’s your daughter?’ She repeated, even louder than before just in case there was someone in the country who hadn’t heard her the first time. ‘How old are you?’ she continued, her eyes narrowing.” This quote is strong and shows that people judge others as soon as they meet them. The fact that she narrowed her eyes is a gesture of scowling and a look of not being impressed. Just because he looked adolescent and had a child she immediately judged him. She should have accepted him for who he is not what he does although this is an important aspect of people. Throughout this novel I learn the idea of accepting others for who they are.

By Annabelle Cranswick Words: 636