The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson
Genre: Young Adult
Sub-genre: Fiction
Theme: Growing up even when it's hard and accept the consequences of your actions. 
Primary and Secondary Characters: Bobby and Nia are the primary characters. The secondary characters are K-Boy and J.L. along with Bobby's parents.
Awards: Coretta Scott King Award; Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature.
Publisher and Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2003

Summary and Uses: This book is about Bobby, who is living a care-free life as a teen, becomes a father unexpectedly. He must take care of his new baby who he loves very much. This book is very powerful, and I feel like all teens can relate to this book. The author writes in such a way that will make young readers continue reading until the last page. In my classroom, I would use this book as a literary read. I would have my students form a group and read this book out loud. After they completed the book, I would have them write summaries, answer open-ended questions, and relate to the characters by writing an alternate ending with them as the main character. This book is also great for young boys because the main character is a male.