The First Part Last

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. The First Part Last. New York: Simon and Schuster.
ISBN 689849222

PLOT SUMMARY
Just as the plot moves between the “now” and “then” of Bobby’s life, we see the stark difference in his life compared to Nia’s as they leave the adoption counseling: “We’re still blowing bubbles when we walk out of the office hand in hand, then get into separate taxis with our parents and head to different parts of the city.” (Johnson 99) The plot paints the very realistic picture of teen pregnancy with the inclusion of the teens’ parents and friends. The young adult audience will be able to identify with many characters and themes with the short sentences, slang-type language and real-life scenarios. The scenes are described with little words but powerful emotion, as seen when Bobby walks away from hearing about the coma and condition of Nia. “…I feel like a three-year-old when I walk out the room between my parents while they hold my hands. Mr. Wilkins starts crying, then falls to his kneeds, and it’s only then that Ni’s mom comes back from the invisible place and rocks him in her arms.” (Johnson 122).

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Bobby’s character is revealed in the similar short choppy sentences that are persistent throughout the story. Though sometimes hard to follow, the other characterizations are much more narrow. Nia’s role is described through Bobby’s narration and memories of her. Johnson does allow the reader to see the vulnerabilities of the characters, especially Bobby, and to some extent, his mother.
The setting is in New York city and it is the characters who make this seem real. Bobby’s friends give views of life for teens looking for identity, yet the setting seems not as important.
The pervasive theme is one of parental love that develops strong and fast while other relationships for the teen father seem troubled at times and not quite as distinct. The language, while sparce, does utilize profanity in context.

The story is presented in a style of “now” and “then” information, which slowly gets closer and closer chronologically. Until, at last, Bobby sets out with Feather for a place called Heaven.


REVIEWS
Kirkus Review (June 1, 2003)
"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.

School Library Journal (June 1, 2003)
Gr 8 Up-Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant. Bobby, 16, is a sensitive and intelligent narrator. His parents are supportive but refuse to take over the child-care duties, so he struggles to balance parenting, school, and friends who don't comprehend his new role. Alternate chapters go back to the story of Bobby's relationship with his girlfriend Nia and how parents and friends reacted to the news of her pregnancy

CONNECTIONS
This is a very realistic fview of teen pregnancy, with some sexual and language overtures mixed in. This could also be a great piece of literature to illustrate a male/father’s view of teen pregnancy and ensuing parenthood.