The First Part Last

The First Part Last


by: Angela Johnson


Simon Pulse, 2004

Imagine you're 16. Now imagine you're a 16 year old dad. How much would your life change if you had to add being a full-time parent on top of everything else. Like living in inner city New York and attending high school! This is Bobby's story. When he is 16 he finds out his girlfriend, Nia is pregnant. With switches between past and present Johnson takes readers on an emotional roller coaster by telling us the story of Bobby and his baby daughter Feather. With limited help from family and friends can these two make it on their own?

Personal Review: I loved this book. It is beautifully written and even made me cry. It is amazing that Johnson was able to write this book from a teenage boy's perspective even though she is a woman. The writing style makes you think you are right there with Bobby during his whole experience. I think this book will help youth truly think about the choices they make. This book will help kids realize that what they decide to do right now will affect their future.
Warning: Strong language and sexual content.

144 pages

New Realism: Family/Sex-Related