The Secret Life of the American teenager (DVD). ISBN: 9780788894435. Studio: ABC Family Buena Vista Home Entertainment. 2008.
Summary
In this television series' first episode, Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) comes home from band practice and locks herself in the bathroom. In her hand is a pregnancy test. Her mother, played by 1980's teen movie star Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink) talks to her about the day, oblivious to what is going on. The test comes up positive and the devastation on Amy's face is clear. Season One focuses on how Amy's pregnancy affects her, her family, her friends, and the baby's father, a admitted "player" and troubled teen named Ricky Underwood (Daren Kagasoff). Amy struggles with telling her loved ones and questioning abortion and adoption. To add to the confusion Amy is being pursued by a nice guy named Ben (Kenny Baumann) and they end up falling in love. As the series progresses Amy finds out she isn't the only one keeping secrets in a world where everyone seems to be judging her.
Critical Evaluation
The Secret Life of the American Teenager approaches the subject of teenage pregnancy with kids gloves. It sends a clear message that teens need to consider using protection yet it doesn't get too preachy about it. The show doesn't go too deep into the "how" it happened as much as "what do we do now." The show's creator is Brenda Hampton who also created 7th Heaven. Both shows seem to take a family values approach to the subject matter and content of each episode. There are clear stereotypes: the troubled loner, the band geek, the religious girl, the jocks. The series has a lot of great information and opinions and doesn't need to use bad language or explicit sex scenes to get its point across.
Viewer's Annotation
Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) must deal with being a pregnant teenager. Does she keep it a secret from her friends and family? Does she even want to keep the baby?
About the Author
Brenda Hampton is an American television show creator, writer, and producer. Her shows include 7th Heaven, Fat Actress, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Genre
Television Series
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Booktalking Ideas
1) Have you or someone you know had to deal with teenage pregnancy?
2) What do you know about safe sex and/or abstinence? Are these things important to you?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 14 +
Challenge Issues
Teen pregnancy
Discussions about sex
Mild sexual situations
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the show's topic and positive viewpoints.
-Refer to http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/secret-life-american-teenager for information about the show.
Why Included in Titles Selected
Recommended by a co-worker
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