The First Part Last
#2 in Heaven Series
on Goodreads (15,790)
What’s inside...
Bobby, a classic urban teenager, finds out on his sixteenth birthday that his girlfriend, Nia, is pregnant, and he is going to be a father. Suddenly, his life changes as school and social activities are replaced by visits to the obstetrician and meetings with social workers, who suggest adoption as the way for them to lead a normal life. As Bobby navigates this new reality, he struggles to figure out the right thing to do and is determined to do it, regardless of the cost. With powerful language and keen insight, the story explores the male perspective of teen pregnancy and the challenges of making responsible choices.
Character compass
Bobby
Feather
Nia
Bobby'S Mother
Discussion points
How did Bobby's life change after becoming a father, and how do you think you would handle similar responsibilities at his age?
What role do friends and family play in Bobby's journey, and why is their support important?
How do Bobby's thoughts and feelings about fatherhood evolve throughout the book?
What can we learn from Bobby's relationship with his daughter, Feather?
How might the story be different if it were told from Nia's perspective?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in Bobby’s shoes, and discuss the emotions and challenges they might feel.
Highlight the support system around Bobby and discuss with your child the importance of seeking help and advice from loved ones during challenging times.
Focus on the growth and change of Bobby’s character, prompting your child to think about how people can grow and learn from their experiences.
Discuss the portrayal of young parenthood in the story to understand your child's perceptions and inform them about the realities and responsibilities it entails.
Compare and contrast the different viewpoints in the story to help your child understand the importance of perspective in understanding people's actions and decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Bobby, becomes a teenage father, illustrating the challenges and responsibilities of parenthood at a young age.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of being responsible for their actions and understanding the consequences that come with important life choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As readers follow Bobby's journey, they see his struggle and growth, teaching empathy by putting themselves in another person's shoes.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate and understand others’ feelings and situations, fostering kindness and social understanding.
Example Lesson: The value of family support
Explanation: Bobby relies on his family for help and guidance, showing the importance of family during challenging times.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and seek support from their own families and appreciate the role of a supportive family environment.
Example Lesson: The reality of adult responsibilities
Explanation: The book does not romanticize teen parenting but presents realistic challenges, emphasizing the weight of adult responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can gain insight into the real-life implications of adult responsibilities, enhancing their understanding of maturity and preparation.
Example Lesson: Personal growth through adversity
Explanation: Bobby matures significantly through the novel as he navigates fatherhood, showing that personal growth often comes through overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing and overcoming personal challenges is a crucial part of growing up and developing character.