Module 5: The First Part Last

Book Summary

A young man, Bobby, tells about the struggles of raising his newborn daughter.  The story goes back and forth between present day and the time leading up to the birth.  At first Bobby and his girlfriend Nia are unsure what to do, but by the end of the pregnancy Nia has decided that she wants to give the baby up for adoption.  Ultimately, Bobby ends up raising the baby by himself.  Bobby still lives with his mother, but she offers him little help, requiring him to be responsible.  Although it's hard to juggle the baby, and school, and friends, a tenderness shows through in Bobby's character and it's clear that he loves his daughter and is confident about his choice to raise her instead of giving her up for adoption. 

APA Reference

Johnson, A. (2003).  The first part last.  New York, NY:  Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers.

 

Impressions

I thought it was very interesting to read about teen pregnancy from the father's point of view; definitely a different perspective than we are used to.  Movies, books, and television have all thoroughly explored this topic as it pertains to teen mothers, but we rarely hear how it affects the fathers.  I think the characters in this story are very real and believable!  The author created honest characters who have faults, but also are easy to feel sympathy for.  The ending felt a little rushed for me and I didn't feel that there was enough information given about the events that led to Nia's condition.  It felt to me like the author was looking for a quick and easy way to get Nia out of the picture in order to keep the emphasis on Bobby. 

Professional Review

“The rules: If she hollers, she is mine. If she needs to be changed, she is always mine. In the dictionary next to ‘sitter,’ there is not a picture of Grandma. It’s time to grow up. Too late, you’re out of time. Be a grown-up.” Sixteen-year-old Bobby has met the love of his life: his daughter. Told in alternating chapters that take place “then” and “now,” Bobby relates the hour-by-hour tribulations and joys of caring for a newborn, and the circumstances that got him there. Managing to cope with support, but little help, from his single mother (who wants to make sure he does this on his own), Bobby struggles to maintain friendships and a school career while giving his daughter the love and care she craves from him at every moment. 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.

The first part last by Angela Johnson [Review of the book The first part last by Angela Johnson].  (2010, May 20).  Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/angela-johnson/the-first-part-last/.

Library Uses

Hmmm... maybe the librarian could collaborate with the school nurse on this one?  Or the Health teacher?  I think it would definitely get teenagers talking about pregnancy, risky behavior, and contraception!  It could be used for a writing prompt... "what would you do if you were Bobby?"  You could use it to lead into a research assignment on teenage issues.


Book cover image from:  http://store.scholastic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_The+First+Part+Last_12632_-1_10052_10051.