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The First Part Last Audiobook
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(3.00) - 6,403 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Bobby is a typical urban New York City teenager--impulsive, eager, restless. For his sixteenth birthday he cuts school with his two best buddies, grabs a couple of slices at his favorite pizza joint, catches a flick at a nearby multiplex, and gets some news from his girlfriend, Nia, that changes his life forever: He's going to be a father. Suddenly things like school and house parties and fun times with friends are replaced by visits to Nia's pediatrician and countless social workers who all say that the only way for Nia and Bobby to lead a normal life is to put their baby up for adoption. Then tragedy strikes Nia, and Bobby finds himself in the role of single, teenage father. Because his child--their child--is all that remains of his lost love. With powerful language and keen insight, Johnson tells the story of a young man's struggle to figure out what the "right thing" is and then to do it. The result is a gripping portrayal of single teenage parenthood from the point of view of a youth on the threshold of becoming a man.
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"I love that this is from a guy's perspective...the author writes in "Now" and "then" chapters--every other chapter is a flashback, so you slowly learn how the main character gets himself into this situation with a baby in the first place. The ending is unexpected as well. "
— Monica (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Johnson has carved a niche writing realistically about young people’s issues.”
— U.S. News and World Report -
“Brief, poetic, and absolutely riveting, this gem of a novel tells the story of a young father struggling to raise an infant.”
— School Library Journal -
“Each nuanced chapter feels like a poem in its economy and imagery; yet the characters—Bobby and the mother of his child, Nia, particularly, but also their parents and friends, and even newborn Feather—emerge fully formed…[Johnson] so skillfully relates the hope in the midst of pain.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Awards
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A 2004 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book
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Winner of the 2004 Coretta Scott King Award for Author
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A 2004 ALA Best Book for Young Adults
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A 2006 Abraham Lincoln Award Nominee
The First Part Last Listener Reviews
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" This book is a really quick read, perfect for someone who has just a little down-time, or doesn't want to take anything exhausting on a vacation. At first glance, it seems like a really straight-forward although unconventional tale of teen-pregnancy. However, if you really take the time to take it apart, it's a great introduction to those who are shaky on their personal beliefs regarding a family's role in teen-preganancy issues. It is also a great book for individuals who are toying with the idea of feminism, but are not sure if it is for them. "
— Andronike, 2/2/2014 -
" I loved the book alot!! :) "
— Nandi, 1/30/2014 -
" Kind of romanticized teenage pregnancy. It seemed too easy. But not bad. "
— Sarah, 1/24/2014 -
" A book both my boys and my girls will read (and finish and enjoy) "
— Jonelle, 1/21/2014 -
" This is another amazing book that everyone shold read. "
— Kayla, 1/20/2014 -
" The love of my life. "
— Sako, 12/17/2013 -
" Like the recent movie Juno, this book gives a new perspective and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy. Bobby and his girlfriend are tender characters. The story becomes bittersweet when the young father begins to raise his baby girl. "
— KConaway, 12/5/2013 -
" I think this a book that every teen should read. It's a short novel that packs in some really powerful lessons about the consequences of unprotected sex. Many teenagers will be able to relate to Bobby or Nia even if they are not or do not plan to become teen parents. "
— Lara, 11/24/2013 -
" would convince any teenagers to be more careful "
— Mariam, 8/4/2013 -
" I really enjoyed reading this book. It got me interested and curious about his story and his life. "
— Alyssa, 7/30/2013 -
" It's a very touch story that you will definitely cry in =/. "
— Ciara, 11/8/2012 -
" Really powerfull book, but I wish it was longer "
— Lakin, 7/4/2012 -
" Amazing. Don't be put off by the subject, you're missing out on poetry. "
— Amanda, 3/25/2012 -
" The First Part Last was an interesting story & at first was confusing but in the end it was good. The book was sad & also very shocking. "
— Elida, 3/24/2012 -
" I like the idea of this book - Johnson writes about teen pregnancy from a male point of view. I loved seeing how much the narrator loved his little girl although he was overwhelmed in taking care of her. "
— Arlie, 1/20/2012 -
" Loved it! I would for sure add it to my students' Summer reading list! "
— Carrie, 7/17/2011 -
" would convince any teenagers to be more careful "
— Mariam, 6/27/2011 -
" It's a very touch story that you will definitely cry in =/. "
— Ciara, 4/23/2011
About Angela Johnson
Angela Johnson is the author of several picture books and highly acclaimed novels for young readers, including Maniac Monkeys on Magnolia Street, Heaven, and Toning the Sweep. She is a three-time recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award.