The First Part Last

The First Part Last. Angela Johnson. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2003. 132 pages. $15.95 (Hardcover). ISBN 0-689-84922-2. Grades 8-12.

My Thoughts…

This is a book about love, about growing up, about loss, about responsibility, and about life in general; and it is a much needed title in library collections. In South Carolina there is an astonishingly high rate of teenage pregnancy. I think this book would be a great outlet, eye opener, or comfort to those in this situation. I think this book in particular is especially great because 1) it features a father raising a child which not necessarily common in literature. 2) It talks about how people say pregnancy is so easy to prevent and won’t happen, yet it does. I think seeing someone say those words and still have an accident is powerful. 3)It is a positive example of teenage parenthood. Not only does Bobby step up to be a father, but his parents make him be responsible and not take care of everything. I love that Bobby stays in school. I think it is important it really talks about the lack of sleep, the diapers, the feedings, and the challenges that go along with being pregnant. I think it is important that adoption is presented as an option so readers of this book get thinking about that too.

Nia practically dying is a whole other twist. This expression of loss is tragic, and while I don’t know if Johnson did it on purpose not having Nia in the picture for whatever reason is a reality teenage parents need to face. It is not guaranteed that the other parent will be around and in the picture, so I think having to see Bobby do it alone and how hard it is is a good message. I definitely think this book sends positive messages to teens of all races. I definitely think it does a better job of teaching about teen pregnancy that The Secret Life of the American Teenager, the ABC Family show I couldn’t help thinking about as I read. Rather than have a sixteen year old girl with a supportive family and money have and raise a child with the support of tons of people, this book is realistic. I think it is great that there is some disappointment and shock shown from parents and friends, as there would be in real life. I found this book to be relatable, realistic and great. This is a topic that needs to be discussed.