Skip to main content

Review: The First State of Being

Image
By
The First State of Being
By Erin Entrada Kelly
New York: Greenwillow Books, 2024. Fiction. 253 pages.

In 1999, 12-year-old Michael Rosario is preparing for Y2K. No, like, he's really preparing for Y2K. His single mother works hard, but their family struggles financially and Michael has been secretly, less-than-legally, collecting a stockpile of supplies in case the world ends when the clock turns to January 1, 2000. Then one day, Michael comes across a strange new kid named Ridge. Ridge dresses oddly and speaks in weird expressions, because he is from the future. At first, Michael is excited to ask Ridge the answer to all of the questions that make him anxious -- but Ridge refuses. It quickly becomes apparent that the longer Ridge spends in 1999 the more urgent it is to help him find a way home. It is up to Michael and his 15-year-old babysitter (and crush) Gibby to get Ridge back.

Time travel novels are always a lot of fun for young readers, and this one offers an especially appealing future to imagine. The main text is interspersed with audio transcripts and textbook entries from the future that help flesh out Ridge's story and explain the rules of time travel without taking readers out of the action. Erin Entrada Kelly is a well-known name in children's literature and a previous Newbery medalist, and this story is a great representation of her talents. The story is character driven without sacrificing plot, the ethical discussion make sense in the context of the story, and there is so much depth hiding below the surface. A National Book Award finalist, this book is special.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

From Story Time: The Letter "B"

By
From Monday Book Babies Bird, Balloon, Bear By Il Sung Na Alfred A. Knopf, 2017.  Picture Book. Bird is new to the forest, and he’s looking for a friend. Bear could use a friend, too. But Bird is too shy to introduce himself. Just as he musters the courage to say hello . . . it’s too late! Bear has already found a friend: a bright, shiny red balloon. Has Bird missed his chance?  From the acclaimed Il Sung Na comes a charming and beautifully illustrated story about courage, kindness, and friendship.  --Publisher From Monday Cuentos El primer día de un colegio Texto de Adam Rex Ilustraciones de Christian Robinson Traducción de Teresa Mlawer Editorial Corimbo, 2017.  Spanish Picture Book. Aquel verano, cuando terminaron de construir la escuela Frederick Douglass, el edificio comenzó a hacerse muchas preguntas: ¿Cuál será mi destino? ¿Quién vivirá entre mis paredes? ¿Para qué me utilizarán? Através de sus conversaciones con el conserje y t...
Post a Comment
Read more

An ABC of Flowers

By
An ABC of Flowers   by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and  a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?).  This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book. 
Post a Comment
Read more

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

By Suzanne
  Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof  Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...
Post a Comment
Read more