Hanging On To Max by Margaret Bechard

Having a baby wasn't part of Sam Pettigrew's master plan, however, when his girlfriend gets pregnant and decides to give the baby up, Sam finds himself fighting to gain custody of his son, Max. Sam is determined to make it work to show everyone- his aunt, his dad, his new girlfriend, himself- that he has what it takes to be a good father. This book reminded me so much of The First Part Last by Angela Johnson. Sam is a very likeable character who is determined to face up to his responsibility and do what is best for his son. Sam's struggles to get through his last year of high school and find himself while raising a child are very honest and realistic.