THE FIRST PART LAST by Angela Johnson

Bibliographic Data:

Johnson, A. (2003). The first part last. Maine: Thorndike. ISBN 0786265108. P 144.

Summary:

Sixteen-year-old Bobby has to make difficult decisions as he deals with his girlfriend Nia’s unplanned pregnancy.  Not wanting to complicate the future, the couple considers putting the baby up for adoption.  Though plans are made, sudden tragedy causes Bobby to rethink things.  In his struggle, Bobby must learn how to become a man if he wants to keep his daughter, Feather.

Analysis:

Winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Literature for Young Adults, The First Part Last is a story about realistic teenagers dealing with realistic problems.  The words “realistic” and “teenagers” are the large part of the success of this book but not the only characteristics.  This story is also engaging, effortless, and thought-provoking.

Engaging.  Johnson utilizes key tools to grab the reader.  Written in both present tense and switching back to how things were “before” allows the reader to gather information and make connections.  Also, the main character, Bobby, is a teenager as well as his girlfriend, Nia, and buddies, K-Boy and J.L. which teens will relate.  The characters are urban and are suggested to be African-American in heritage.  A unique aspect of this story is that the reader can picture the characters as they wish; the plot, language, and actions are similar to teenagers of many American cultures.  Readers will also like the independence that Bobby is given.  Before his daughter, Feather, is born he is often hanging out with friends and doing as he pleases.  After Feather, his mother demands he do it all on his own and Bobby is forced to figure things out for himself.  Lastly, the plot is interesting and has an unexpected twist in the end.  Young readers will enjoy reading about the pregnancy issue and will be asking themselves throughout the book, “so why does Bobby have Feather?” 

Effortless.  A quick read, readers can start and finish in one sitting and have little problem understanding the vocabulary or determining the time (then and now).  Reluctant readers will be able to easily navigate through it and will not be overwhelmed.  Though written as a problem novel over a serious issue, the conflict is easy to handle.  The book is limited on what it reveals about pregnancy and the majority of the plot is in making decisions about Feather.  Many readers will be relieved to know there are no details in the sexual actions of the couple. 

Thought-provoking theme.  For young readers and even some adult readers, the issue of an unplanned pregnancy is not something outlandish or ridiculous.  This being the case, The First Part Last is not only relatable but also provokes readers to possibly question themselves.  Perhaps it leaves readers waiting to be sexually involved until a later date or to pursue adoption rather than other options.  Maybe readers can better understand a friend, a child, or their single parent. 

Weaknesses.  I like that this book is easy to read and pre-teens can read it without being freaked out but I also question its depth.  For such a possible and difficult issue, the short chapters (one or two pages), may leave the reader not fully grasping the main characters or the graveness of the situation.  Also, caring for a baby is a job so selfless and tiring, both described in the story but not developed for the reader as it would really be in reality.  In the end, readers are relieved to visualize Bobby and Feather in Heaven, Ohio but the happy ending here felt unrealistic and pushed.   

This book definitely has an audience; both young readers and reluctant readers will put this book down having a better understanding of a teenage boy in this situation and will find pleasure in the story.  For avid readers or those falling more on the adult side of “young adult,” this story may fall short in reaching depths more accustomed to other tragic novels.