The First Part Last

Bibliographic Information
Title: The First Part Last
Author: Angela Johnson
Type of Media: text
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Copyright Date: 1st edition - June 1, 2003;
                             Reprint - January 5, 2010
ISBN: 978-0689849220, 978-1442403437
Genre: Realistic Fiction or Urban Fiction
Curriculum Ties: Complex characters, Social Issues
Reading Level: Lexile 790
Interest Age: Grades 7-12

  

Plot Summary
Bobby is a high school kid who likes video games, making graffiti, and hanging out with his friends. He is also a father. The book is written in a unique fashion alternating chapters between the present and the past. When Bobby and Nia find out they are pregnant they struggle with the decision in front of them. They balance opinions from their parents alongside their expectations of their lives. They decide to keep the baby and name their little girl Feather, and then unexpectantly Bobby finds himself raising Feather on his own. The novel follows Bobby through figuring out his responsibilities as a father while still being a kid himself. Meanwhile you are left guessing at what happened to Nia...

Critical Evaluation
The literary merit of this book is definitely worthy of the awards received by book and author. When thinking of this books elements the first things that must be mentioned are the character development, voice, and tone of the book. I do not usually read urban fiction but I found this book endearing and hard to put down. Even though I had very little to relate to at first glance, I'm a female, don't have kids, have never lost someone dear to me, etc. I still felt like I was right there with Bobby feeling all of his hurt, confusion, and frustrations. The fact that I could so closely relate to the character shows how strong these elements were. Johnson's language and writing style are also noteworthy. She does an incredible job keeping the language realistic and simple yet entertaining all the same.

Reader's Annotation
For just a little while come enter the world of a teenage single parent figuring out how to live his new life while still reminiscing on what he has lost. An emotional read that will have you hooked.

Author Biography
Angela Johnson is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor picture book When I Am Old with You; as well as A Sweet Smell of Roses, illustrated by Eric Velasquez; Just Like Josh Gibson, illustrated by Beth Peck; and I Dream of Trains, which was also illustrated by Loren Long. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels Heaven, Toning the Sweep, and The First Part Last. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. She lives in Kent, Ohio.

Angela Johnson author page. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.amazon.com/Angela-Johnson/e/B000APRUUI/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Book Talk Ideas

• Complex and difficult life choices - Is there anything that makes a decision the right choice
• Young adult relationships

Possible Challenges

• Making light of Teen Pregnancy
• Making light of Illegal activity - Vandalism

Defense File

• Have the library's selection policy and the Library Bill of Rights ready to hand out
• Access to honest reviews from trusted sources
• Know the awards, if any, the book has earned
• Understand the material so you can explain the use of the book as a good talking point for serious and sensitive issues
• A lot of times people just want their concerns heard, so make sure you listen
• If they are still persistent be able to offer them a reconsideration form

 Reason for Inclusion
This novel is a short and catching read making it a great choice for reluctant readers. It also won the Printz Award showing the literary merit that this novel has. Even though it is not long it will bring up a variety of social issues which need to be discussed by younger people today.