THE FIRST PART LAST by Angela Johnson

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Johnson, Angela. 2003. THE FIRST PART LAST. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 0689849222.

2. PLOT SUMMARY
Angela Johnson captures the essence of teenage parenthood in her novel The First Part Last. She describes the thoughts and emotions of a teenage father, both before his baby is born and caring for her afterwards. We see the realities of this father’s life and how parenthood has changed him, the baby’s mother, and everyone that was close to the family. We also get to celebrate with the family as the father triumphs over obstacles that he never thought he could conquer. This touching novel shares the heartrenching lows and eventual maturation that comes with being a teenage parent.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
In this novel, Johnson shares with us the thoughts and feelings of a new teenage father. She compares his life before his daughter with that of his maturity that is gained with his new responsibility. Alternating between ‘now’ and ‘then’, the readers get a clear understanding of where this father came from and how much he has changed. This gives the novel a more realistic feel by drawing on the past and relating it to the present.
This book is very realistic and the reader gains a perspective of the difficult situation Bobby is in. He talks about his urban neighborhood and how he longs for a simpler life for his daughter. He tells us about all the challenges he faced when his girlfriend was pregnant, and continues to face now that she is born. We see clearly, the shift of maturity that he undergoes from being a young teenage boy to a responsible father.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
CORETTA SCOTT KING AWARD
PRINTZ AWARD
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Up-Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting.”
BOOKLIST: “Johnson makes poetry with the simplest words in short, spare sentences that teens will read again and again.”

5. CONNECTIONS
*Adolescents may discuss orally (booktalk) or in journals about a time that required them to mature and grow.
*Students may write a letter to Bobby voicing their support, criticism, and reactions to his situation and actions.
*Read more about Bobby in HEAVEN.
*Look for these other stories:
Booth, Coe. TYRELL. ISBN 0439838800
Draper, Sharon. NOVEMBER BLUES. ISBN 1416906991
Sitomer, Alan Lawrence. HOMEBOYZ. ISBN 142310031X