The First Part Last

The first part last is told from the point of view of a sixteen year old named Bobby who is now a father. The story flashes back from then and now. Then was back before he was a father and the now part is ever since he had the baby, whose name is Feather. It is basically just his life and how he is

Show More

dealing with being a single father with a small bit of help from his parents. He is forced to grow up very quickly and take on responsibility and even though a lot of times he wishes there was a way out, he always sticks it out.

In teaching this book you adolescents, they can learn about books that have flashbacks. This book flashed back from the present to the past leading up to what really happens. It can be tough for some students to keep up but students need to be exposed to these types of books. Having to stay focused with the book going back and forth can improve their reading skills. This book really stresses teenage parenting and how tough it can be. There is a huge reality in this book and I think that adolescents should read it and understand that is is not a game, it is real stuff.

I really enjoyed this book. I normally do not like books that go back and forth between scenes and time periods but this book was different. As I was reading it, I pictured it like a movie and how movies sometimes have flashbacks. Also, the whole book I was so curious as to what happened to Bobby's girlfriend Nia. In the "Now" section she was not talked about nor was she present at all. But in the "then" section she was present and she and Bobby seemed to be doing fine. IT is not until the end that we find out what happens and so it kept me on edge.

Show Less

This novel moves back and forth between current scenes and scenes of the past. In these flashbacks, Nia and Bobby a sixteen-year-old couple are faced with the challenge of having a baby together. Neither set of parents are pleased with this situation, and Bobby and Nia must decide if they will keep

Show More

the baby or regain their own childhood by putting the baby up for adoption. The current scenes depict Bobby caring for the young baby, Feather. Bobby is overwhelmed with the responsibility of fatherhood, and he attempts to accept the series of events that have lead to his current situation in life.

Many lessons can be taken from this book, and I think that it would be beneficial to share with late middle school students or early high school students. The life lessons of trials that come with teenage pregnancy would help adolescents think carefully about the consequences of their actions. Young adults need to consider how their actions can affect not just themselves but also others in their lives. In addition to moral lessons, this book would be helpful in teaching teenagers the concept of flashback. This is a wonderful element to use in narrative text, and The First Part Last implements flashback scenes in an effective way. The format of this book and relevant storyline would be sure to captivate a young audience.

Although I think I young audience would be sure to benefit this novel, it was just as enjoyable for me! The fact that this book was written from the perspective of a male trying to raise a baby with little help from anyone made it all the more captivating. Single mothers raising babies can be found in a number of movies, reality television shows, and books, but single fathers are a rarity. Bobby's relationship with his daughter is special and truly touching right down to the way in which he decides on her name, Feather. This book is all about sacrifices, but in those sacrifices, sweet blessings are found.

Show Less

Bobby is a sixteen year old boy who finds out his girlfriend Nia is expecting a baby. With this news, Bobby and Nia are both prepared for their lives to change. They are faced with the touch decision to keep the baby or put her up for adoption. The decision is made to give her up because Bobby and

Show More

Nia think they are just way to young to be parents. Nia is 8 months pregnant and in one month the baby will not be in their lives. That is the case until a turn for the worst happens and turns Bobby's life completely upside down.

I had a hard time thinking of teaching connections to use with this book. In my opinion, it is more of a read for pleasure type of book. If an older age group were to read this book, it could be a good sex education book. Not only is it a story on teenage pregnancy, but also the hardships that come along with being teenage parents.

The First Part Last was heavyhearted book from start to finish. I really felt for the characters in the book as I was reading. The love Bobby has for Nia and now baby Feather is unconditional and undying. Towards the end of the book I found myself crying right along with Bobby. The way Angela Johnson told the book from "then" to "now" made it even better because you could see what their lives were like before and after Feather was born. This book is definitely worth reading to find out what happens to both Bobby and Nia.

Show Less

Sixteen year old Bobby is faced with the challenges of raising his new born daughter, Feather, without her mother. During the story Bobby finds different ways to cope with this new life. He is responsible for the baby's bath, sleeping times, feedings, and babysitters. He has financial and emotional

Show More

support from his family, but has to learn to make the best decisions for he and his daughter.

There are two important ideas in this book that would be good for teachers to discuss with adolescents; teenage parenting and responsibility. Usually teen moms are the ones who normally raise the new baby. However, in this story the father of the baby is the one cares for the baby girl. This would be a good book to use to compare to a story of a teenage mother. The teacher can also emphasize that even though one may have their parent's support, teenage parenting is never easy. Likewise, responsibility is a great idea to discuss with the class. Without Bobby being responsible, Feather may have not received the care she needed to survive. The idea of responsibility can also be used to discuss the responsibility that students have in their daily life.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was the type of book that once you pick it up, you do not want to put it down. While reading the book, I never knew what to think of the mother since she was not mentioned until close to the end. It was devastating when I found out that something happened to her where she ended up with brain damage and could not even take care of her self. Bobby was faced with some big challenges,but in the end decided to keep his baby girl. This story is truly inspirational for those in this particular situation. On the other hand, it could also help those who think they want to be teenage parents change their minds.

Show Less

What is it like to be a single parent of a newborn baby? 16 year old Bobby tells us what it’s like. He is a new father of a baby girl named Feather. Although, his parents are supportive of his decision to raise his daughter, they refuse to help out with child care. Bobby struggles with being a

Show More

single dad, parenting and friends that don’t understand his new life. In this short novel, learn how Bobby became a single parent and if he can do it.

Show Less

Found in both the YA and adult sections of the library, this book won both the 2004 Coretta Scott King award and the Michael Printz award.

Told from the perspective of 16 year old Bobby, we learn his fears of becoming a young father. Moving back and forth from then to now, this format works

Show More

effectively in showing how young Bobby becomes "a man" all to suddenly.

There is a tremendous amount of beauty in this story. As the reader understands Bobby's love for his baby and the way in which he accepts responsibility.

Both Bobby and his girlfriend Nia are from middle class families who love their children and encourage them to "do the right thing!" While attending high school and balancing the role of a young father, Bobby shines through.

I very much like the writings of Angela Johnson. All of her books show a keen, sensitive insight to the subject matter.

Recommended!

Show Less

Sixteen-year old Bobby gets quite a surprise on his birthday. He finds out his girlfriend, Nia, is expecting their child. Bobby must learn how to balance school, his girlfriend and his friends, and his daughter, Feather. The couple must also decide if they want to raise their daughter or put her up

Show More

for adoption and allow her to be raised by happy, smiling people. Bobby also must deal with a devastating loss that could impair his decision. He is forced to grow up way too fast and become the man that everyone knows he can.

This book is somewhat necessary, in my opinion, to teach to adolescents. With the teenage pregnancy rates so high, and with the media seemingly sensationalizing the trend, it is refreshing to see a real stance on the subject. Students would see the hardships and the sacrifices that Bobby had to make to raise his daughter in a way that he felt right. There is no more hanging out all day; there are only diapers and formula to take care of. I think this is a great story to help teens be more aware of the dangers of unprotected sex.

I loved the story. Having it all from Bobby’s perspective and the flashbacks helped me understand more about his life. I felt a sense of sympathy for him because it seemed like he was very smart (he was preparing to graduate from high school at age sixteen), but he just made a couple of bad decisions when it came to sex. Reading about how he wanted better for Feather and how determined he was to be her everything made me all the more endeared to Bobby. He owned up to what he had done and he was determined not to let Feather down. I don’t think a lot of teenage boys would have went the route Bobby chose to (especially with Nia’s condition), I believe most guys would not have been able to handle the stress and strain of raising a child all on their own. I want a part two to read more about their journey in Heaven, Ohio!

Show Less

Okay, I cried my eyes out in this book. This is a tender, sweet story about a young man who takes on the responsibility of raising his illegitimate daughter after his ex-girlfriend wants to give the baby up for adoption. It is so heart-warming to see this young man become a grown man in the face of

Show More

doing the right thing. I promise you though, you're going to cry.

Show Less

Bobby has to be a man before he is done being a boy. At 16 yrs. he is the father of Feather. Nia, his daughter's mother, has fallen into an irreversible coma. (assumed to be caused by childbirth). The baby that Bobby and Nia once agreed to put up for adoption is now the only memory Bobby has of

Show More

Nia, so he decides to keep the baby and raise her himself.

Sleepless nights, fussy baby, messy diapers, and formula in the bottle as well as spit-up. Feather consumes Bobby's world. The story is written in alternating scenarios Then and Now.

THEN Bobby would pull pranks, party with friends, and get "juiced" tagging walls. NOW he must focus on school and his daughter. He tells her about her mother and takes Feather to see Nia at the nursing home.

As the story ends Bobby leaves New York for Heaven,Ohio. He will leave to live with his brother Paul. Taking life as it comes, in Heaven, with Feather. The new start seems to be positive and fresh. I think with Paul, as a young father himself, Bobby will learn to be the man he needs to be

Show Less

This thin volume is beautifully written and explores the life of a new teen father. The chapters alternate between then (in the days before parenthood when his girlfriend is pregnant) and now (when he is a father). Feather has changed sixteen-year-old Bobby's life. It has challenged his family and

Show More

friends, although they remain incredibly supportive. Nia, the baby's mother, is only in the story during the then sections. Although toward the end of the book, there is a short chapter from her point of view before the story recounts what has happened to her. The volume captures Bobby's exhausting, longing to be a normal teen again, and his love for his daughter.

Show Less

I love Angela Johnson's work in this short tale. The story is told by the main character Bobbies. Bobbie is a teenager whose life has been turned upside down after becoming a single parent. Johnson reveals Bobbies thoughts and emotions as he has to make a decision that will affect his entire life.

Show More

Teenagers will be able to appreciate this novel, empathize with the main character and learn some valuable lessons.

Show Less

I highly recommend this book for middle school and high school readers. The story is not only heartwarming but it bears the truth about the difficult realities that a teenage single father must face. I liked “hearing” this story through the heart and mind of a teenage father. The author

Show More

doesn’t pander to some peoples’ stereotypic image of young men being uncaring and absentee fathers. This book is authentic in giving the reader a glimpse into a reality that exists whether they want to believe it or not. The overriding message is that love conquers all. Angela Johnson is a master at being able to keep the reader engaged no matter what reading level they are at. This book is particularly useful for low level high school aged readers because it’s subject matter is not only useful but of interest to many. It should be in every library’s collection.

Show Less

For me, this book misses the mark a bit. It's a story about teen pregnancy from the father's point of view. Bobby is taking care of his infant daughter. It's a genuine story (not preachy), but I thought the way the author closed the story on the infant's mother seemed too contrived. I also thought

Show More

there were times when Bobby's descriptions seemed more like those of an adult woman that the words of a teenage boy-- a little too flowery or poetic or something. Not a bad book but not fabulous.

Show Less

Bobby's carefree teenage life changes forever when he becomes a father and must care for his adored baby daughter.

Whichever format today’s teen reader choose to use, I think they will easily identify with Bobby’s story about teen pregnancy. It is good to read about teen pregnancy from the mind of a teenage male. I thought it was important that this story brought to the attention of readers that there can

Show More

be complications during and after pregnancy

Show Less

I enjoyed this story of a 16-year-old boy who takes on the responsibility of raising his baby daughter. It's rough, and sad but one of those books I think should be taught in schools, to start a discussion about how this decision to have 'fun' has changed a young man's entire future. Interestingly,

Show More

one of my personal book groups read and discussed this one, and none of them felt that the main character, Bobby, was realistic. They all agreed that a boy willing to take on this responsibility was completely fictional.

A quick, low-level, high-interest book - Recommended!

Show Less

touching story of a teenage father

Short and sweet, but never saccharine. The book frankly explores a teenage boy's experiences as a new father, as well as his sense of personal alienation as his entire lifestyle is turned upside down. Johnson's language is gorgeous and lyrical without ever feeling extraneous.

This Printz winner packs a powerful punch for being so slim. 16 year old Bobby is a new father and is struggling with how to balance school, fatherhood and being a teenager. When tragedy strikes, he realizes that his own needs aren't so important anymore.

I read it in approximately an hour and found

Show More

that I couldn't put it down. The teens' language is realistic and the parents' reactions are genuine and unexpected.

Highly recommended to teens and adults.

Show Less

The First Part Last, by Angela Johnson, tells the story of a 16 year old boy named Bobby who is struggling with raising his young daughter Feather. The plot is revealed slowly using the natural language of a sixteen year old. Gradually we are made aware that the mother is not in either Bobby or

Show More

Feather's life. Eventually, we realize that she lapsed into a coma while giving birth.
This book highlights the love that a child can bring into a father's life but does not sugarcoat the amount of responsibility it takes to raise a child. I would ultimately recommend this book to middle and high school students because it does not seem to paint an unrealistic picture of having a child at such a young age. Bobby struggles a lot throughout the book. His daughter is presented as adding to his emotional life but making all other aspects of his life a lot more difficult. I think that this is an endearing book about a situation that has the possibility of affecting teens who do not protect themselves during sexual intercourse.
The First Part Last is the winner of the 2004 Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and the 2004 Coretta Scott King Awared.

Show Less

Personal Response:
I most enjoyed how this story began after the birth of Feather, and worked backwards to explain how Bobby got to where he was, much like most people do when they examine their lives. As Bobby laments early in the story, "But I figure if the world were really right, humans would

Show More

live life backward and do the first part last. They'd be all knowing in the beginning and innocent in the end."

Curricular Connections:
I would include this book in a book group on realistic fiction about teens making tough decisions or teen parenthood.

Show Less

This book is about a young african american boy whose girlfriend is pregnant. They are only babies themselves having a baby. Something will happen to Nia, his girlfriend. Doctor visits and now formula and diapers. The book is told through "then" and "now" moments. What will happen? Will they keep

Show More

the baby? Or give the baby up for adoption?

The idea I have with this book is to do a role play of the characters of the book. There will be a group of about 5. One to play Bobby, one to play Nia, one to play the sitter, and two to play the friends. The students will read Part I of the book and act out how they think Part II will occur using each of the 5 characters. The groups should pick up on where we were left off in Part I and continue on in role playing. My second idea for the book is for the students to finish reading the book and read Heaven, which the class will read anyway. After reading both books by the same author, we will have a grand conversation about the similiarities and differences among the writing of both novels. The students can make some text-to-text connections between the two as well during our conversations.

I actually didn't enjoy the book as much as I thought I would. I don't think I would share the book with middle grade readers. I'm not sure if I like the transitions between "now" and "then" through the book. However, I think that was different and neat. I don't like the outcome of the book. I would only give it 3 stars, which is nice. I'm not sure why I didn't get into the book as much as I thought I would. Maybe it just wasn't my cup of tea.

Show Less

The first Part Last by Angela Johnson is a good book. The plot of the story surrounds a young boy named Bobby and his girlfriend Nia.These two are your typical teenage couple with a regular relationship, but When Bobby discovers that Nia is pregnant, life as he knows it changes. This is not your

Show More

typical teenage drama because instead of Nia raising their daughter, Bobby takes on the task. Many misforunate events take place that cause Bobby to grow up. Because he's just your average teen, he often times have trouble facing the reality that he now has a daughter to raise. Other times, he's left in awe over the fact and gives his daughter unconditional love. This books makes for a great read.
As far as instructional wise, the book can basically be used to teach about teenage pregnancy and the consequences that go with it. It can also be used to make things easier for those who could possibly be dealing with it. Another lesson that could be taught out the book is learning how to face change and embrace it. Sometimes it can be scary but things that you're necessarily used to aren't always what's best. You can introduce new books, activities, and learning materials.
Overall I enjoyed the book. I couldn't directly relate to the story but It did remind me a lot of my teenage years and high school. I think the plot was generally good. It could have used a little more detail in some areasbut overall it was good!

Show Less

This book is meant for a more mature group of readers as it deals with teen pregnancy. First Part Last is told through the eyes of the young father who is suddenly thrown into the role of a dad. Why he has custody of the baby we do not know at first--but that's the beauty of the book. Reading this,

Show More

I tried to put myself in his shoes as he attempted to be a regular high school student, with the usual issues of friends, classes, girlfriend, and family--all the while discovering what it was going to take to be a father and responsible for another human being.

Show Less