The First Part Last

The First Part Last

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson, ISBN 0-689-849222-2, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2003

Plot Summary:

Bobby Morris and Nia Wilkins are average teenagers living in New York City. The chapters are divided into Now and Then, so the reader can see what happened before the big event and what happened after. The big event is that Nia becomes pregnant. She reveals the news to Bobby on his 16th birthday. When the teenagers tell their families, Bobby’s parents in particular are less than excited about the big news. They are determined to teach the children a lesson and make it clear that they are not responsible for taking care of the child. Through flashbacks, the reader can see the struggle Bobby and Nia face in deciding how to handle the pregnancy. Nia admits that she has bigger dreams of going to college and doesn’t think she’s ready to be a mother. Together, the couple decides to give the baby up for adoption. When Nia faces a complicated pregnancy, both teenagers are thrust into making very adult decisions about their future and the future of the baby.

Critical Evaluation:

Johnson’s unique storytelling strategy is a highlight of the book. By dividing the chapters into Now and Then, the reader sees how even a small decision can have big consequences. As soon as the reader gets done with a Now chapter, he/she immediately gets a peek at what exactly in the past led to the now. For an inexperienced or slow reader, this might cause some confusion, but most of the intended audience should be able to keep up and will probably appreciate the narrative. The book’s main character, Bobby, is unlike the protagonist in most novels that deal with teen pregnancy because the father is not typically the main character, much less a single father. A teenage single father is rarely the protagonist, and Johnson does well to make sure the reader sympathizes with Bobby but doesn’t pity him. She allows Bobby’s narrative to be direct and honest about the struggles of parenthood and the loss of someone he loves. Johnson’s words are never wasted. There are no long monologues or flowery language, just a conversational tone that makes the reader understand Bobby’s journey as if he’s a friend. Johnson is able to convey lessons about making tough choices and growing up before you’re ready without being preachy or hitting the reader over the head with her message. This novel is a must read for any teenager who is thinking about engaging in sexual behavior or planning to have a child.

Reader’s Annotation:

Bobby and Nia love each other and now Nia’s pregnant. The only problem? They’re 16 years old and have absolutely no support.

Information about the Author:

From the author’s website:

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 an American 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.

Genre:

Teen Fiction, Coming of Age, Drama

Curriculum Ties:

Sex education, coping with loss

Challenge Issues:

This book might be challenged because of language as well as teen sex.

Creating a Defense:

• Make sure you have thorough knowledge of the library’s selection policy as well as a copy on hand. Your insight as well as pointing out specific portions of the policy will be helpful in discussion with the patron.
• Always have the library Bill of Rights close to show the patron your library’s commitment to providing all kinds of information.
• Have some reveiws on hand, both good and bad, from respected sources like YALSA or Amazon so both you and the patron can gain an understanding of both sides of the issue.
• Make sure you’re familiar with the books that might be challenged. Be prepared to discuss the book’s intended audience, its educational significance, purpose, and also some alternative titles to read.
• Don’t get defensive. The librarian can’t take the challenge personally and either party getting upset will cause the discussion to devolve into a fight.
• LISTEN. Even if you don’t agree with the patron, their views are as valid as yours and should be respected.

Reading Level:

Ages 14+

Booktalking Ideas:

What do you think the most difficult part of parenthood is? Do you think you could handle it right now? What if this happened to you and your family wasn’t supportive?

Why is the material included?

This book offers a completely different perspective on teenage parenthood. Focusing on the father is a rare viewpoint and teenagers would benefit from Bobby’s experience. 

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