Kid Gloves: Nine Months of Careful Chaos

Fascinated by reproduction since childhood, Knisley (Something New) volunteered for Planned Parenthood’s peer-to-peer educator program in high school and accordingly felt prepared to have the best experience with childbirth. Really, how hard could it be to have a baby? Really hard, as it turned out. Unforeseen, dangerous challenges included two miscarriages, a “weirdo uterus,” preeclampsia, breastfeeding trouble, and conflicting advice from all quarters. Her bold narrative draws readers in while addressing not just the hazards she experienced but medical horror stories throughout history as doctors downplayed and mistreated pregnant women for centuries. Disturbingly, the United States’ current maternal mortality rate is the highest of any developed nation. Knisley’s cheerfully colored, simple art morphs towards a duskier realism when she relates past medical horrors. Then, when the story shifts to her husband John’s perspective while his wife is unconscious and in danger, the coloring shifts to black and white—which heightens the suspense, even though readers know the happy ending: a healthy, loved little kid.