Johnson, A. (2003). The First Part Last. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: New York.
Awards: Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature American Library
Association
Two-Time Corretta Scott King Award Winner
Annotation: Johnson tells her story in mini flashbacks of now and then; now for life with the baby and then life before the baby. She portrays this from the male’s point of view into teenage pregnancy.
Review: “Open End”
How can you live the The First Part Last of your life? Bobby is a young teenage boy who is told on his sixteenth birthday that his girl friend is pregnant. This coming of age novel explores the insight to teen pregnancy and the taking responsibility for ones actions. Bobby reflects on life and how his life has changed, “I’ve been thinking about it. Everything. And when Feather opens her eyes and looks up at me, I already know there’s change. But I figure if the world were really right, humans would live life backward and do the first part last. They’d be all knowing in the beginning and innocent in the end.” Does Bobby wish to live his life over or change his choices he has made by knowing the now before the then and living The First Part Last?
Jacket photographs copyright 2003 by JOHN HEALY
Jacket design by RUSSEL GORDON
