BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689849222
SUMMARY
The First Part Last is a beautifully written and emotionally charged Young Adult novel about teenage pregnancy written from a boy's perspective. Bobby and Nia are just kids..but on Bobby's sixteenth birthday Nia tells him she's pregnant. When the unthinkable happens, Bobby decides to raise his daughter, Feather, himself. This is a story about being a teenage father who decided that "none of those people on the wall look like the kind of family me and Feather's gonna be."
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award, the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award and a top ten choice for ALA's 2004 “Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers,” the Young Adult novel, The First Part Last is a welcome departure from most books about African Americans. There's no drug use, violence or ghettos, just two loving families that want the best for their children in an emotional and life-changing situation. Written with "Then" and "Now" chapters, Johnson text is poetic describing a young, teenage boy desperately trying to hold on to his childhood, while accepting responsibility for his daughter, Feather; " I just smile and try to keep from curling up in the baby carrier with the kid."
Johnson writes the story in first person narration from the perspective of Bobby, and allows Bobby to beautifully express his confusion over the changes in his life and his love for the baby, stating "I look into her clear eyes that know everything about me, and want me to be her daddy anyway." Johnson's characters are recognizable to any teenager - they go to school, want to have fun and go to parties. When Bobby becomes aware that college will have to be put off, he realizes that he won't be able "...to meet people I might get to know forever." This is a book that will have teenagers thinking about their choices.
Recommended for grades 7 and up, this touching book is a welcome addition to the teenage pregnancy genre; especially because it's only one of a few written in the male perspective.
REVIEW EXCERPTS
...In a powerful, spare read that will grip you on several levels, Johnson delivers a worthy continuation of Heaven. The characters' relationship dynamics...are deep yet subtle, while the main character is one not often found in YA literature...an original read that will stir you to the core.--Barnes and Noble Review
"Narrated in first-person point of view...this adolescent novel depicts life before and after having a child...The title as well the book's division into four parts help emphasize the tremendous impact that Feather, Bobby's baby daughter, has on the young protagonist. By setting the book in New York, Angela Johnson helps debunk many common stereotypes. The novel attempts to teach about life, growth, and maturity. Johnson does a good job of showing the impact that having a child can have on life."--Children's Literature
"There is believable language, with occasional swearing and some references to Bobby's sexual experiences...Johnson has a way of getting to her readers' emotions with few words, creating characters we really care about. Her young people are thoughtful, conscientious, and loving—certainly with failings, but trying to do better. (An ALA Best Book for YAs and winner of the Coretta Scott King Award.) Exceptional book, recommended for junior and senior high school students."--KLIATT
"I'm really glad that Johnson wrote this prequel to Heaven. Bobby was a character that everyone wanted to know more about. This well-written book is not like anything that I've ever read before. It goes fast and has realistic fiction, romance, and suspense all in one. Most teen pregnancy books are about what the girl goes through, but this one is written from a different, exciting angle. Both girls and boys can read it." --VOYA
"By narrating from a realistic first-person voice, Johnson manages to convey a story that is always complex, never preachy. The somewhat pat ending doesn't diminish the impact of this short, involving story. It's the tale of one young man and his choices, which many young readers will appreciate and enjoy."--Kirkus
CONNECTIONS
-For teachers, this journal article will give you insight how to use the book in Health class.
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v37n1/pdf/hill.pdf
-The Wild Geese Blog contains activities, topics for class discussion and multiple intelligence projects based upon the book.
http://wildgeeseguides.blogspot.com/2010/01/first-part-last.html
-In Home Economics, have students paint an empty eggshell to resemble a boy or a girl. This is their child for the next 2 weeks. They have to carry it everywhere; to class, sports, work, etc. Require them to bring it class everyday so you can check the condition of the egg. If it's broken, they lose points. Students keep a daily diary of how carrying the egg affected their day. At the end of the two weeks, discuss with students how they felt being responsible for the egg; did it hinder the life in anyway?
-Non-Fiction books on teenage pregnancy.
-Lindsay, Jeanne Warren. 2008. Teen Dads: Rights, Responsibilities, & Joys. ISBN 1932538860
- " " 2004. Your Baby's First Year. ISBN 1932538038
- " " 2004. The Challenge of Toddlers. ISBN 1932538062
-Goyer, Tricia. 2004. Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom. ISBN 0310253160
-Rodriguez, Gaby. 2013. The Pregnancy Project: A Memoir. ISBN 1442446234
-Miller, John G. 2012. QBQ! The Question Behind the Question: Practicing Personal Responsibility in Work and in Life. ISBN 014305709X
-Fiction books on teenage pregnancy.
-Oruska, Kaitlyn. 2013. The Consequences of Forever. Kindle ed.
-Madonia, Kristen-Paige. 2013. Fingerprints of You. ISBN 1442429216
-Williams, Lori Aurelia. 2006. Broken China. ISBN 1416916180
-Nazzro, Alexa. 2013. The Pool Theory. ISBN 0991816137
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