Casey is so lucky to have Josh as a boyfriend. All the girls envy her, and why wouldn’t they? He’s cute, smart, and the star basketball player. Best of all, he treats her right. Casey knows she’s young, but Josh is the ONE. For his sixteenth birthday, Casey wants to give him a gift he’ll never forget.  

Casey’s gift becomes much more than she hopes.  A life is created.  At sixteen, neither she nor Josh is prepared to care for a baby. What will their parents say? What about high school? Filled with anxiety, they wonder what they’re going to do. They have three choices: abortion, adoption, or keeping the baby. Which one is the right choice?

Life, Canada, and Voyage Comics have teamed up to create a high-quality 40-page choose-your-adventure comic that addresses the consequences of teen pregnancy.  Casey and Josh’s sexual encounter created a life. This will change their lives and relationship forever. The Gift explores the three paths of abortion, adoption, and keeping the baby through the eyes of Casey and Josh, portraying how each choice will affect all concerned.

First option: Abortion

It seems like the obvious choice. “The baby isn’t a baby, yet,” people say. Or, “it’s just a clump of cells.” An office visit will solve your problem, so you can get on with your life. Casey and Josh think this is their best choice. But is it? Does life for the young parents really go back to normal like they anticipated?

Second option: Adoption

Casey isn’t ready to be a mom and Josh isn’t ready to be a dad. Adoption is a good choice. Giving up your baby is difficult but loving at the same time. Casey and Josh hope the adoptive parents appreciate their sacrifice, as they hand over their newborn baby. Will they be able to be a part of the life they’ve brought into the world?

Third option: Keeping the baby

Telling your parents a baby is on the way and you’ve decided to keep it isn’t easy. Finishing high school and raising a baby requires help. On this path, Casey and Josh face the highs and lows of being new parents. Is this the right choice? What about their relationship? Will it fall apart, or will parenthood bring them closer together?

The comic begins in the halls of a typical high school. The average teen will easily spot the familiar fashions drawn by the artists. Although the book revolves around the aftermath of a sexual encounter between two teens, all the images are appropriate. Casey and Josh are only seen kissing fully clothed. I must point out that there is one picture of a condom pack if that is disturbing for some. The Gift shines as a teen comic highlighting the realistic struggles, fears, sorrow, and joy with each choice, and the consequences that follow. 

In the back of the book, the authors offer more information on abortion and adoption as well as on keeping the baby. There is also a small section on abstinence which encourages teens to take the time they need to become the people they are meant to be. As children of God, they are worth waiting for.