The First Part Last

Johnson, A. (2003). The first part last . New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

The First Part Last is a touching 2004 Coretta Scott King Award winning book about a young man raising his infant daughter.

Exposition:

The story is told in first person point of view.  Bobby, a sixteen year old, introduces himself and his newborn daughter, Feather. 

Conflict:

Bobby is raising Feather alone and struggling with the pressures of taking care of her and going to school. 

Rising Action:

Every other chapter is a flashback to "Then," from the time Bobby's girlfriend Nia tells him she is pregnant, to the time the baby is born.  In the "Now" chapters, the reader sees Bobby's struggle to take care of his daughter and to mature.  School is difficult and his mother makes Feather Bobby's complete responsibility.  After he is arrested for painting graffitti art on a wall, he and Feather move in with Bobby's father.  Through flashbacks, it is revealed that Bobby loved Nia, but that they made the decision to give the baby up for adoption.  However, when the baby is born, Nia went into a coma and is now in long term care.  The doctors say she has brain damage and will never be the same again.  When this happened, Bobby refused to sign the papers to put the baby up for adoption.

Climax:

Bobby makes the decision to leave the city because it reminds him too much of Nia.  He can't let go and begin to heal when he is still so close to her. 

Resolution:

Bobby and Feather move on their own to Heaven, Ohio, where Bobby's brother lives.

Literary Elements:

Suspense is used to keep the reader wondering what happened to Nia.  It is obvious from the very beginning that she is not present to help Bobby with Feather, but the reader does not know what has happened.  It seems at first that she has abandoned Bobby and the baby, but as her character is revealed more through flashbacks, it seems unlikely to be the case.  Flashbacks are used effectively to enhance the suspense and move the story forward while still elaborating on the backstory.