Here’s 5 reasons Why You Should Read Biology Lessons:

1) You’ve been looking for more books about women in STEM.
I had no idea what Grace was talking about because biology was never my best subject. That said, I can see her interest in science empowering readers to explore STEM classes and careers.

2) You’re interested in learning more about reproductive rights in the United States.
This may be a work of fiction, but it’s a way to access and educate yourself about the world we live in. Plus, I love that this is Grace’s story. It’s not about the potential baby, the father, or her family. This is about Grace and what she wants to do with her life.

3) You’re looking for a fast-paced, standalone novel.
For anyone who might not know, there is a limited window of time when a medical provider can perform an abortion. Grace’s story put me on edge the same way action-packed novels do. It’s so easy to get invested in what might happen next.

4) You’re looking for stories of strong, supportive friendship.
As much as I enjoy sad stories, I can never finish unless there’s a lighthearted element to cut through the tears. With this book, that element was Grace and Addie’s friendship. While the focus of this book is on bodily autonomy and reproductive rights, Biology Lessons manages to maintain its silly, teenage energy through their friendship.

5) Last but not least, you should read Biology Lessons for the interviews at the end.
I liked this book, but I love love loved the addition of the interviews at the end. After finishing Grace’s POV, I had planned to rate this 3 stars. I changed my rating to 4 stars because the perspective of professionals made the reality of this story sink in.

As a mom of two daughters, this book was incredibly hard to read. So many rights that were freely available to me are no longer available to our children. My heart goes out to Grace and the difficult position she was put in. After tutoring a boy, she unexpectedly finds herself pregnant. This threatens her future and the possibility of attending college in New York in the fall. Abortions are illegal in the state of Texas. Her parents will want her to forgo college and keep the baby, so what is she to do? Melissa Kantor gives us a story of a girl named Grace who is terrified, doesn't know what to do, and has lost all hope. She also gives Grace a best friend named Addie. Addie is Grace's rock and support system. She's there for Grace every step of the way. My heart was breaking, and I was in tears as I read Grace's story. This was a moving story, but it also had a very powerful message.

It makes me sad that this book even needed to be written. I loved the friendship and support Addie gives Grace. What we would do without our girlfriends? I also loved the support Grace receives from the "Jennifers". The book shows how much burden is on the girl/woman than the man in these situations, which is yet another one of life's unfair moments.

Despite her parents' wishes that she stay closer to home, Grace Williams is a Texas high school senior who is determined to follow her dreams of attending Barnard College in New York. Ever since visiting her great aunt, Grace has loved the city, and she has big plans for a future Biology career. Her excellence in science leads to a tutoring position with popular classmate Jack Nelson, a star baseball player who's struggling in AP Bio. What starts as adding to her resume turns into flirting, and tutoring moves from the library, to Jack's dining room, then living room, and finally bedroom. The Biology lessons move from books to the more physical. There are no hurt feelings when Grace and Jack decide to part ways; they're not really in the same league anyway. Then Grace fails her first test ever: a pregnancy test. With Addie, Grace's best friend for years, and Sebastian, a friend whose family moved to Austin in search of a more accepting LGBTQ community, by her side to support her, Grace has to face the reality of her situation. She lives in Texas where abortion is illegal. If they find out, there is no way her parents will let her consider anything except staying in Texas and raising her child. With the help of her friends, Grace faces the biggest challenge of her young life: making the choice that's right for her. But this choice comes at a price, and anyone found to have helped Grace faces dangerous, life-altering consequences. Numerous real world decisions are packed into 272 pages, and Biology Lessons will have readers racing to find out what happens next.

THOUGHTS: My heart broke for Grace as she realizes the reality of her situation and limited choices. Recommended for high school collections where character driven novels are popular.

📖 Book Review 📖 Here I am raising three daughters in 2025 and I cannot believe that I can start a sentence with, “Back when I was growing up, I had more rights than you do now…” Melissa Kantor explores the current milieu in her new novel, Biology Lessons, in a gripping and profound manner that resonates deeply.
Although Grace has lived her whole life in a small town in Texas, her heart has been in NYC and her hard work is finally about to land her there for college. After summers spent there with her aunt enrolled in a STEM program for gifted girls, it finally feels like her time to shine. But when an unexpected pregnancy threatens her future, she is left scrambling to figure out how to still make her dreams come true. But in a world where Roe vs. Wade has been overturned, her options are limited. Kantor explores the complexity of the issues surrounding abortion in real, raw, and relatable ways that readers of all ages will be able to sympathize with regardless of their own personal experiences. Biology Lessons is more than just a powerful statement on a woman’s right to choose; it is a testament to the depths of sisterhood.

This is a coming of age book that should become required reading for all teens. Think Judy Blume’s Tiger Eyes (am I showing my age?).
It’s wonderfully written with these interwoven timelines to expose how restricted access to reproductive care affects those with the ability to conceive.

Grace Williams is a high school senior living in Texas. She has her heart set on attending college in NYC, studying biology and maybe, just maybe, winning a Nobel Prize. Her future plans do not involve becoming a teen-mom. Due to anti-abortion laws, Grace has to fight for her right to choose. Thankfully she has an amazing group of friends to lean on.

Grace’s story, while fiction, is reality for many. This book is going to be hard to read for some people, and I don’t doubt that there will be pushback.
There is a lot of fear, uncertainty, and anger surrounding bodily autonomy. Anti-abortion laws are hurting vulnerable people and putting those who want to help them in danger.


Also, this cover is beautiful
4.5 stars

This book is a poignant story being told at the right time. It did well at capturing the fear and panic of being pregnant in a state where abortion is completely illegal. The overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, followed by some states putting abortion access on the ballot in recent elections (including some failing to pass access in said recently elections), has caused a lot of uncertainty. The story does well at going back and forth between the lead up and the history of the characters, including the back and forth between feeling confident that things are going to work out and be okay, coupled with everything crashing and burning pages later. The story felt realistic, too, and it’s a read that will be hard-hitting for some.

Wowza. This one was heart-wrenching and so beautifully well-written. I truly hope all of those who are able to read this book, read it. So many important conversations continued in this book and does so with sensitivity.

Highly recommend!

Thank you Netgalley and MacMillan Children’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Melissa Kantor’s Biology Lessons is a raw, timely exploration of friendship, resilience, and the challenges of personal autonomy in the wake of restricted reproductive rights. Set in Texas, the story follows Grace, a high school student with a clear path to a STEM future—until an unexpected pregnancy forces her to navigate the complex, often frustrating reality of abortion laws. With deft, realistic writing, Kantor tackles the controversial issues surrounding abortion access, particularly in states where it is heavily restricted, while weaving a story that is both engaging and emotional. Before going into the review, do note that the book does provide details about a medical/surgical abortion; if this kind of content is uncomfortable for you, you may not want to read this story.

The book is grounded in the strength of Grace’s friendship with her best friend, Addie. Through Addie’s fierce protectiveness and determination to support Grace, you will witness the transformative power of female friendship. Their bond becomes a source of strength and solace, especially as Grace finds herself isolated and forced to make difficult decisions. The story is also enriched by a support network called the “Jennifers,” a group of women who provide emotional and practical help, sharing their own stories and reaffirming that Grace is not alone in her struggle. This network of support adds a layer of hope and solidarity to a book that otherwise confronts harsh truths about the obstacles women face.

Kantor’s depiction of the bureaucratic and legal obstacles surrounding abortion in Texas is especially powerful, as she deftly outlines the hurdles Grace must overcome, even considering traveling out of state for the procedure. Through her journey, the book emphasizes just how much of the burden falls on women. Grace’s determination to make her own choice, despite the weight of prejudice and misinformation, illustrates the stark reality of being young, pregnant, and in search of autonomy. Her decision not to inform the baby’s father further highlights the gendered inequities that are central to the story.

This book is an eye-opening portrayal of how reproductive rights, or the lack thereof, impact young women’s lives. Kantor navigates these issues with sensitivity and balance, avoiding preachiness while illustrating the depth of Grace’s fear, frustration, and hope. This is a book that made me tear up quite a few times, especially when other women shared their stories and showed that Grace was not alone, that 1 in 4 women (as stated in the book) have had an abortion. There is some very powerful and important information in this book, information many young women should read. There is also an informative note from the author as well as two interviews after the epilogue that you definitely don’t want to skip as they were also very emotional and powerful.

Overall, “Biology Lessons” is a powerful novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate honest storytelling on difficult subjects. It’s a must-read for those seeking an empathetic, informed perspective on bodily autonomy and resilience in the face of adversity.

This is definitely going to be a controversial book when it releases but just because of that it doesn’t mean it’s not important. I really enjoyed reading this. Grace as a Texan high school student definitely has a future set for herself and I could identify with that. I also was set into being in a STEM career. So when I read she ends up pregnant and her future was in danger it was interesting to me to read about that experience from her perspective.

The shocking part of this book was how misinformed these teenager were. They don’t know the dangers, or the consequences until it happens to them and they start googling things. To me it was unthinkable but of course that is not the same experience for everyone.

Overall, this was eye opening in many aspects for me. It shows you how stressful it always is for the woman, but also shows you how dangerous and terrifying it is to be in Texas in this situation. And lastly, that epilogue were we see the man completely stress-free and how he is clueless that Grace’s decision gave him that. If Grace would’ve decided otherwise, his life would’ve changed too, but of course the whole burden was for Grace to bear and that show how unjust these situations are. Enjoyed this and I would totally recommend to people. If it was eye opening to me, it will be for several others too