First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Author: Angela Johnson

Reading level: Young Adult

 Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Rated 9/10

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.

MY REVIEW
I really liked this book, I can relate to Bobby in the sense of being a young single teenage parent and doing it all on your own, I was 18 when I had my daughter. This book shows the love a of a real father for his baby and what it takes to be a teenage parent. It's shows the love and happiness most parents feel towards their child. Even though everything in this story isn't happy or a fairytale it still gives you a good feeling at the end. It's a fast paced and easy read that I'm sure most will enjoy.
Bobby is still a teenager in high school when he finds out his girlfriend Nia is going to have a baby. The book shows us then and now, when Nia was pregnant with Feather and when Bobby is taking care of Feather by himself. Bobby is excited and scared at the same time while Nia is pregnant and soon Nia and him come to an agreement that adoption would be the best thing, but when it comes time Bobby can't do it. After Feather's birth Bobby has to deal with school and staying up all night with Feather hardly getting any sleep or free time. Bobby learn what being a parent is all about and doing the right thing for his daughter.