The First Part Last

The First Part Last

by Angela Johnson
Published by: Simon and Schuster


Summary: Bobby is only 16 years old when he finds himself responsible for his own daughter, Feather. He is still in high school and living in his mother's house. She is kind to him, and helps him babysit sometimes, but she tells him that it's his child and his life now, and she isn't going to raise the child for him. Bobby adores Feather, but he faces many challenges in raising a daughter at such a young age and having to attend school. Sometimes he just forgets about her, reverting back to his simple life of before. But it's not long before he runs back and cradles her in his arms, chastising himself for forgetting little Feather even for one minute. Will he be able to handle all of this by himself?

Personal Review: I really enjoyed the feeling of reality this book gave me. It didn't sugar coat anything and told of Bobby's exhaustion and tears and regrets, but it was also filled with hope. I loved the character of Bobby, he is such a sensetive person, with a deep love for his new little daughter and he's willing to sacrafice for her. He is becoming a man, earlier than was intended perhaps, and I loved watching that transformation.

Cautionary Notes: Teen pregnancy and sex

Locomotion

Locomotion
by Jacqueline Woodson
G. P. Putnam's Sons

Summary: Lonnie is eleven years old and has just lost both of his parents in a fire. He and his little sister Lilly were split up after the accident because nobody wanted to adopt an eleven year old boy. Every day his teacher, Ms. Marcus, sets aside an hour she calls poetry hour for the children to write poems. This book is the compilation of all the poems he's written during those hours which include memories of his past with his loving family, worries, hopes and dreams. He talks about how he's living with a lady named Miss Edna who has two grown up sons who have moved out, and how he rarely gets to visit his sister. Lonnie doesn't give up though, after this tragic event with his parents. He continues learning and living because of the comfort and encouragement of those who love him.


"Memory
Momma came running out of the kitchen
drying her hands on her jeans.
When she saw us just sitting there, she let out a breath.
Oh, My Lord, she said,
I thought you'd dropped my baby.
I asked
Was I ever your baby, Mama?
and Mama looked at me all warm and smiley.
You still are, she said.
Then she went back in the kitchen

I felt safe then.
I held Lili tighter.
Maybe if I was eleven then
and if one of my friends had been around,
I would have been embarrassed I guess,
but I was just a little kid

and nobody else was around.
Just me and Lili and Mama and the pigeons.
And outside the sun
getting bright and warm suddenly
like it'd been listening in." (p 5-6)

Personal Review: I fell in love with the little boy Lonnie while reading the book. He has so much goodness and innocence in him and you can see it all in his poetry. He adores his little sister, and misses his parents so much it hurts and sometimes makes him angry. But he keeps on living and loving and doing his best to be a good boy. This book gives me a sense of hope and graditude that life can become beautiful again even after a fire.

After the First Death

After the First Death

by Robert Cormier

Published by: Dell Laurel-Leaf

a division of Random House Children's Books

Summary: Kate was not always the driver of this bus. She was subsituting for her uncle, driving 16 kids to summer camp, when the bus was taken over by highjackers who forced her to drive to a bridge where they could be seen. Where negotiations could be made. It was Miro's duty to kill the bus driver, but they were all thrown off to find it was a girl. If she watched over the children and made sure they didn't fuss, she could live. For now. Finally a negotiation was reached between the highjackers and the Americans surrounding the bridge. But at what stake? What dire consequenses will these terms have on the people?

Personal Review: This was an amazing read for me. I was a little confused at some parts, but it all came together in the end. I think it is a beautiful peice of work and I loved the characterizations. I admired Kate's bravery especially, finding it easiest to put my place in her shoes than in any other character's. Because this story takes place in America and the present time it is scarily easy to relate to.