THE FIRST PART LAST

1. Bibliographic

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

2. Plot Summary

This book tells the story of Bobby and Nia, two sixteen year-old kids who find themselves preparing to become parents themselves. However, Nia experiences a stroke during childbirth and the ensuing brain damage leaves her in a “persistent vegetative state” (Johnson). Now, bobby finds himself dealing with the loss of his girlfriend while at the same time being thrust into parenthood as a single father. Written from Bobby's point of view, this story describes the fear, exhaustion, and love that Bobby experiences as he settles into a new life with his baby girl Feather.

3. Critical Analysis

Any piece of contemporary realistic fiction must both tell a story that is engaging and believable in our present day and present characters that are believable and that the reader can relate to. This book does an excellent job of describing true-to-life situations and emotions as Bobby gives up his own childhood to become a father at sixteen. When Nia's father asks him about his plans, he thinks to himself, “No. I don't have any plans except shooting hoops with my partners at the rec center, and hanging out till we get bored and take in a movie” (Johnson). Clearly Bobby is not ready for all of the responsibilities that parenthood entails. However, after the birth, when it becomes clear that Nia is gone for good, Bobby decides to step up and be a parent. “'But I love her, and even though I am not set up for her, she's mine. And I'm hers.'[...] And then I know I'm being a man, not just some kid who's upset and wants it his way. I'm being a man” (Johnson). In today's society, where teen pregnancy is becoming a social norm, most readers will be able to relate on some level to this all too realistic situation.

Also, the reality of the situation adds credibility to the characters and their mixed up reactions to this life-changing event. In the beginning, both Bobby and Nia react in very selfish and juvenile ways. "How will this affect me, and what about my own childhood?" seem to be the only questions these two are concerned about. Unfortunately, this is a very realistic response given that they are both only sixteen years old. In the end, however, Bobby is faced with a very tough decision and the choice he makes will change his life forever. As a reader following the story, we find ourselves feeling sorry for Bobby and hoping that he really will learn to be a man , and a good father. This multi-award winning book offers the reader a profound and realistic look at the challenges that come along with the choice to become a teen parent.

4. Review Excerpts

Horn Book: Although the plot's structure is complex -- alternating back and forth between "Then" and "Now" -- Bobby's earnest and impulsive voice carries listeners along in a way that is intimate and involving.

School Library Journal: In spite of its brevity, the story is complex and satisfying. Bobby is both boy and man, responsible and overwhelmed, near panic and able to plan an intelligent and loving future for Feather, the daughter he adores and nurtures.

Horn Book Magazine: What elevates this scenario above melodrama is Johnson's unique storytelling strategy: she follows the arc of Bobby's consciousness in alternating short chapters labeled "then" (before Feather's birth) and "now." This allows the reader to measure how far sleep-starved single dad Bobby has fallen, psychically--and how far he's come.

5. Connections

* Other Books by Angela Johnson
IN DADDY'S ARMS, I AM TALL
VIOLET'S MUSIC
HEAVEN

* Other Books about Teen Parents/ Pregnancy
TEEN ANGEL by: Gloris Velasquez
DETOUR FOR EMMY by: Marilyn Reynolds
SOMEONE TO LOVE ME by: Jeannette Eyerly
WHAT KIND OF LOVE?: THE DIARY OF A PREGNANT TEENAGER by: Sheila Cole
A DANCE FOR THREE by: Louise Plummer