YA Lit Review: 'The First Part Last' by Angela Johnson

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

available here at bn.com

Angela Johnson is a three-time Coretta Scott King Award Winner and from this book, it is easy to tell why.  Johnson tells the story of sixteen year old Bobby who is dealing with the ramifications of getting his girlfriend pregnant.  The story is told with two narrative happening at the same time - the first with Bobby dealing with the newborn Feather and the second with Bobby dealing with hearing that his girlfriend Nia is pregnant.  The stories go back and forth until the entire narrative is told.  The book is very lyrical and emotional.  I would consider it a must read for all teenagers.

The dual narrative structure is the only "bump" underachieving readers might have and luckily Johnson helps those readers navigate the book by labelling the different parts of the story "now" and "then".  She is a master at writing accessible, yet eloquent prose.

This book could be a great companion in a science or health class, exploring pregnancy more in depth than the biological stages.  And, because it is a quick read, ELA teachers might have an easier time convincing science teachers to jump on board.  If science teachers won't use it in their class, perhaps some interdisciplinary planning could serve the same purpose.

Comments

[Matt Clausen]

I'm adding this one to my reading list for the last weeks of summer. Thanks for the pointer.

Another good YA novel dealing with teen fatherhood is _Hanging on to Max_.

[rashawn james]

this is really a great book some young people need to read this.

[David Geiger]

i am n the middle of reading this book. and im a little confused. is bobbies girlfriend dead? i dont hear about her much. Its only K-boy,J.L,and Bobby. The whole concept of the book is great though. Many people should read this. it makes u appreciate all that you have.

[Kim Zustiak]

I can't see any of the science teachers that I work with using this book in class (they're under the same curriculum/not enough time constraints as the rest of us), but I plan on suggesting that the FACS teachers in my building look at this one.

[Kim Zustiak]

I can't see any of the science teachers that I work with using this book in class (they're under the same curriculum/not enough time constraints as the rest of us), but I plan on suggesting that the FACS teachers in my building look at this one.

[Term papers]

I have read this book Its interesting and now i read all the comments so its feel good that I am not the only one who read this...:)

[cheap soft cialis]

Being pregnant can make you grow as woman and human being.