Genre Six

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0689849222.

PLOT SUMMARY:
Bobby and Nia are teenagers who are going to have a baby. They must make some grown up choices and they must make them quickly. When things suddenly go wrong, Bobby makes the choice to raise the baby all by himself. Bobby tells his story of becoming a father and raising a baby all while attending high school. He tells about his fears, his problems, and how extremely tired he always seems to be. THE FIRST PART LAST is a story about being a teenage parent but also about how the choices that are made can affect a family for a lifetime.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Angela Johnson has created a simple novel about a young teenage boy who is raising his daughter alone while trying to complete high school. Using figurative language and an honest teenage voice, Ms. Johnson has written a believable story that is sure to speak to many young readers and may even mirror the experience of some.

Set in New York City, THE FIRST PART LAST is told in the voice of Bobby. He tells his story using a “now” and “then” manner. With every other chapter titled either “now” or “then” Bobby tells his story using the present tense and through flashback. His direct manner while recalling events allows readers to experience his thoughts and feelings while learning how he became a single teenage father.

Young readers will identify with the reality of this novel and enjoy a story about a teenager who is flawed much like themselves. Bobby lets the readers know how hard it is to be a father. He details the myriad of responsibilities that he took on basically overnight. He also tells the story of Nia, his girlfriend and the events that led her to not be a part of the baby’s life.

THE FIRST PART LAST is a story about Bobby and his choice to raise his daughter. Ms. Johnson does not try to teach all readers a lesson about sex or having children while still in high school. She simply tells Bobby’s story through his experiences and allows the readers enjoy the novel.

REVIEW EXCERPTS:
2004 Coretta Scott King Award (ALA)
ALA Best Books For Young Adults
2004 ALA Michael L. Printz Award
ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
Booklist Editors' Choice
CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book

U.S. News and World Report
“Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people's issues.”

School Library Journal, starred review
“Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.”

Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Readers will only clamor for more.”

Booklist, starred review
“Poetry.”


CONNECTIONS:
Use with teenagers to explore the consequences of actions.

This book is a good tool to reach reluctant readers, especially males, since it is a quick read and has a teenage boy as the main character.

Use this book for discussion in a teen book club