The First Part Last

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson.  Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, New York, 2003. ISBN: 978-0689849220

Summary

Bobby’s life of being a careless teenager and hanging out with his friends is over. Now the sixteen year old is a dad to beautiful Feather.  When Bobby’s girlfriend, Nia, announced  she was pregnant, Bobby knew his life would change from pizza and video games to baby formula and sleepless nights. While Bobby's friends still hang out with him and support him,  it’s not the same now that he has Feather to watch over. And Bobby’s parents are willing to help out but he wants to prove he’s an adult now and not just a kid.  And where does Nia fit into the picture?

As Bobby struggles with finishing school and taking care of Feather, his journey from being a teenager to a ‘real’ adult hits some bumps in the road.  He gets in trouble a few times and misses school. His long nights up with his baby are cutting into his study time. And Bobby’s family is starting to wonder if Feather would be happier somewhere else. But no matter what he goes through, Bobby knows he’ll always be there for his Feather.

Critical Evaluation

The First Part Last is unique in its point of view of a teenage father.  While many novels about teen pregnancies are either written from the point of view of the mother, or don’t mention the teen father at all, Bobby’s perspective was a refreshing change from the norm.  Bobby himself comes across as a very likeable character: although he still does reckless, teenage things, it’s clear to the audience how much he cares and loves his daughter.  His mature decision at the end of the novel especially speaks to the love between a father and daughter.  

The alternating chapters between the past and the present was a nice touch, allowing readers to see all the events in Bobby’s life.  While the book could have gone a more dramatic, depressing way, there is a sense of hope and love throughout the novel: hope that even with all  the setbacks and challenges, Bobby and Feather will be okay.  This book is perfect for teens or librarians looking for another perspective about teenage pregnancy.  

Reader’s Annotation

When his daughter is born, sixteen year old Bobby juggles with finishing school, being a teen, and becoming a father.

About the Author

“Angela Johnson is an award winning American children's book and poetry author with over 40 books to her credit. She began her writing career in 1989 with the publication of a picture book called "Tell Me a Story, Mama" which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award in 1991. She has won three Coretta Scott King Awards, one each for her novels"The First Part Last (2004)," "Heaven(1999)," and "Toning the Sweep" (1994)."The First Part Last" was also the recipient of the Michael L Printz Award. "When I Am Old With You" was an Honor Book in 1990 and named anAmerican Library Association Notable Book. "The Other Side, The Shorter Poems" was also selected as a Coretta Scott King Honor book in 1998. In recognition of her outstanding talent, Angela was named a 2003 MacArthur Fellow. Born in Tuskegee, Alabama in 1961, she grew up in Alabama and Ohio. She lives in Kent, Ohio.”

(Home.  Retrieved September 20^th, 2014 from http://www.ajohnsonauthor.com/)

Genres

Family

Coming of Age

Curriculum Ties

Social Sciences

Booktalking Ideas

1: The difference between Nia and Bobby’s parents.

2: How would the story had been different if Feather was given up for adoption?

Reading Level/Interest Age

Ages 15+

Grades 9+

Challenge Issues

N/A

Literary Awards

Coretta Scott King Award for Author (2004)

YALSA Best Books for Young Adults (Top Ten, 2004)

Michael L. Printz Award (2004)

Why included?

I included the First Part Last for its teenage father narrator, and for the beautiful writing.