The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Johnson, Angela. The First Part Last. Simon Pulse, 2004. ISBN-10: 0689849230

Summary
With chapters alternating between "then" and "now", readers learn about Bobby and his baby daughter Feather. Bobby is 16 and cares for his daughter all by himself. He still lives with his parents but while they are supportive of Bobby, they are in agreement that Feather is Bobby's responsibility. In the "then" chapters, readers learn that Bobby and his girlfriend Nia weren't planning on keeping the baby. When complications put Nia in a coma, Bobby can't go through with the adoption. As Bobby struggles with juggling school, work and parenting he also loves his daughter in an intense and beautiful way.

Evaluation
Unlike other stories about teenage pregnancy, Bobby and Nia have a good relationship. They are devoted and kind to teach other and they think logically about the pregnancy. But when Nia gets sick, Bobby relies on his emotions. Johnson writes beautiful prose that describes the power of parenthood. It is touching to read the joy that Bobby finds in his daughter. On the other hand, the hardships of teenage parenthood aren't minimized either. A short read and an overall warm story.

Reader's Annotation 
Sometimes, watching Feather sleep, Bobby can barely breathe because his daughter is so beautiful. No matter what they say about being a teenage father, Bobby wouldn't trade it for the world.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness 
Grieving, teenage parenthood

Genre and Subject 
Teenage fatherhood

Why I read it
This Coretta Scott King winner shows a tender side of Harlem. And the cover photo of a young man cradling a baby is so sweet!