The First State of Being was a great trip down memory lane. I think students will enjoy learning about the Y2K panic and will enjoy the visioning of what our world could look like in the future. The characters were likeable and the plot kept me interested throughout the book. Good choice for middle grade students!

Not my favorite book by this author. It started out promising but I thought it got bogged down with science terms. I think I would have a hard time selling this to my students who are looking for books that aren't densely detailed and convoluted.

First sentence: Peaches, Michael Rosario thought. That's what we need. His mother loved peaches. If the world came to a standstill at midnight on January 1, 2000, at least she would have two things she cherished: peaches and Michael.

Premise/plot: The year is 1999. Michael Rosario, the narrator, struggles with worry and anxiety. His biggest anxiety at the moment is the end of the world, aka Y2K. He is secretly hoarding food and supplies. Since he doesn't have money to pay--he's a kid, after all, just twelve--he's picked up the habit of shoplifting. His second biggest anxiety is that his mom will lose another job--just like before. Right now they are living paycheck to paycheck, he fears what would happen....if. There are so many 'ifs' of the future. He does have friends in the apartment complex, and, I believe he's friends with some--at least one--of the adults as well. But it is his new friend, Ridge, a friend who claims to be from the FUTURE and even has a book in hand that details historical events, who may just change his perspective and help him come into 'the first state of being' (aka living IN the moment, IN now).

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I am so glad I finally read it. It had been on my want to read list for months. It recently won the Newbery Medal. I thought the premise of a time traveler was interesting. It is more usual, more typical, to read books from the point of view of the time traveler, that is not the case here. Michael is tempted--incredibly tempted--by trying to find out anything, everything, something--about the future. Here is his opportunity to KNOW what the future holds...but would knowing change things for the better or the worse? And what if the theories of how damaging knowing could be if it leads to changes.

It's 1999 at an apartment complex in Delaware. Michael is turning 12 and is worried about Y2K. His single mom works a lot so he spends his days with the maintenance man for the apartment complex and a teenage girl who gets paid to watch him/hang out with him on occasion. Then a stranger appears and says he's from 200 years in the future. I liked the 1999 setting and references. The time travel was a bit simplistic but intriguing. This discussable book should have wide appeal for 5th and 6th graders.

The First State of Being was a gift to read and to pass onto my readers. I loved it and am so happy it has been awarded this season.

I am writing this review right after hearing the news that Kelly has won her second Newbery, I had read this book last year and enjoyed it but after the Newbery win wanted to come and evaluate it once again. The story combines history, social angst and the ability to discover what truly matters to you in one wonderful middle grade book. Highly recommended

My son and I gave this one a try on a recent road trip, but after 25% we called it quits. We couldn't get into the story, it was slow-moving and to be honest, rather boring compared with Erin Entrada Kelly's other work.

I was engaged with this book throughout the read. The characters were interesting and engaging, and the story was unique.

Erin Entrada Kelly masterfully blends time travel, friendship, and self-discovery in The First State of Being, a heartwarming and thought-provoking middle-grade novel. Set against the backdrop of the late 1990s and the Y2K frenzy, the story follows twelve-year-old Michael Rosario as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, an overwhelming crush, and the unexpected arrival of Ridge, a mysterious teen claiming to be the world’s first time traveler.

Kelly’s vivid prose effortlessly captures the nostalgic charm of 1999, complete with malls, microwaves, and the quirks of pre-internet life. Michael’s yearning to uncover future secrets through Ridge’s book of events is both relatable and poignant, highlighting the universal desire to control what lies ahead. However, the novel’s real strength lies in its exploration of trust, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to embrace the unknown.

The characters are richly developed, from Michael’s shy, introspective nature to Ridge’s bold and carefree demeanor. Their dynamic creates a compelling contrast that drives the story forward while offering valuable lessons on self-worth and authenticity. Gibby, Michael’s babysitter and secret crush, adds depth and heart to the narrative, showing that mentorship and kindness can profoundly impact young lives.

Fans of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me will find a kindred spirit in Kelly’s novel. The First State of Being is a perfect blend of science fiction and heartfelt storytelling, making it a must-read for middle-grade readers and anyone who cherishes stories about friendship, family, and finding one’s place in the world.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐









Humanize 254 words

I think the message of this book will land with students about being in the presesnt and not worrying about things that did not happen. I felt like there were too many characters and some unresolved conflicts that took away from the central message. Otherwise, I know many students will enjoy this book.

A fun time travel book. I liked getting to know this character. I appreciated the character's growth and blossoming. Quite the page turner. I was amazed at the depth of feeling in such a fast paced book. I think this would be one that reluctant readers (especially boys) would like.

It's the fall of 1999 and Michael is terrified of Y2K and the scaremongering that was happening in the world at that time. Having moved to a new area in town so he could attend a new school to get away from bullies, he worries about his mom working three jobs, he worries about not having food, and he worries about his new school. Gibby, a teenager who lives in his apartment building, babysits him occasionally and offers friendship. One day, Ridge appears literally out of nowhere. Ridge is a time traveler who used a time traveling device on somewhat of a dare from his siblings. As the children worry that Ridge might be changing the future, Ridge worries that he may never be able to go back to his time.

I've always been fascinated by time travel, and Kelly brings the excitement of "what if" and couples it with the moral and ethical dilemmas of this hypothetical possibility. Excellent middle grade book and very deserving of all the accolades and awards it has achieved. I anticipate seeing it on many more awards lists!

Though it had a slow start, The First State of Being expertly dives into the way anxiety and identity profoundly affect teens and tweens in any decade, any century. Entrada Kelly is magnificent at viewing the world through a child's lens and creates characters authentic to the time period. Give to tweens and their grown-ups, who would likely identify with the nostalgia of the Y2K phenomenon.

The beautiful prose we've come to expect from Kelly. Explores themes of family, trust, forgiveness, and grief. Recommend without reservation.

I've yet to read anything by Erin Entrada Kelly that I don't love. She is so good at storytelling and character development, and creating a core group of kids who are real and can carry the story. Even the sci-fi element of time travel in this book didn't feel heavy and just wove itself into the story in a way that made the reader feel like Ridge was just a regular kid. I loved how it included snippets of what was happening with Ridge's family in the future as well as news articles about the state of the world. I will also admit that I didn't see the twist coming at the end. The only thing that prevented me from giving it 5 stars was that I wanted one more check-in with Ridge at the end. Otherwise, I loved it.

Several weeks have passed since I read this book, and here is what sticks with me: Ridge time travels to the 1990's. He struggles to get back to his own time. I remember other details, but not why they were important. Michael's new shoes, the scent of Giby's shampoo, feeding cats, a building super who dies, Ridge's holodrip, the book that Ridge carried in his pocket. I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, but it didn't "stick." I am always looking for a book that will change me or make me grow or give me a new way of looking at the world. For me, The First State of Being didn't rise to that level.

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly is unlike any book I have ever read. It's difficult to review the book without giving away spoilers that are important to the experience of reading the story. I will do my best! The story is set in multiple times, both in the past (1999) and in the future. Kelly seamlessly takes the reader from the characters in the past to the future where their stories intertwine. The mysterious teenager who appears one day in the apartment complex of neighbors, 12 year old Michael and his 15 year old babysitter, Gibby, changes their lives forever. The reader is right alongside Michale and Gibby as their minds are flooded with questions: Who is he and why is he there all alone? What is he wearing and how can Michael and Gibby keep him from getting kicked out by their complex manager?

As the story unfolds, readers dive into the personal lives of the main characters. Themes of friendship, crushes, family and trust abound in this story. It would be fitting for a book club since there is so much to discuss with other readers. I would definitely add this book to my school library and gift it to the middle grade readers in my life.

Brilliantly written book about a boy in the past (the book takes place in 1999), a boy from far in the future, and an underestimated girl. Michael Rosario is 12 and carrying more than the weight of the world on his young shoulders. His single mom works 3 jobs while Michael reluctantly shoplifts canned food to add to his Y2K stockpile and worries about his future - both Y2K and middle school. His only friends are the apartment's maintenance man and his 15-year-old babysitter Gibby, who Michael has a crush on, but Michael is not as alone as he thinks.
When Ridge suddenly appears and says he is from the future, Michael and Gibby are suspicious, but are willing to take Ridge to the one place he came back in time to see - a shopping mall.
While there are certainly some laughs in this story, it is also suspenseful, poignant, mysterious, meaningful, and thought-provoking. The characters stayed with me long after I put the book down.
I love Erin Entrada Kelly's storytelling - everything happens for a reason, and I loved the way she tied certain plot points together. This book is unique, intriguing, emotional, and deserving of high praise.

Wow - this book has me reminiscing! 1999 was a pivotal year in my life. Graduation, travel, first teaching job, heartbreak. Thanks for taking me back while I read about Michael, Gibby and Ridge!

"I took every breath."

It’s August 1999 and twelve-year-old Michael is preparing for the looming Y2K crisis that’s just around the corner by keeping a small stockpile under his bed. His mom, nor his babysitter, Gibby, seem to be as worried. When a disoriented teenage boy appears out of nowhere, Michael’s life is turned around.

It turns out, the disoriented boy is named Ridge, and he’s the world’s first time traveler. As Gibby shows Ridge around the 1999s lifestyle - microwaves, basketballs, and the mall - Michael discovers their new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years. Michael wants - no, actually, he needs to get his hands on that book to find out the fate of the world in the next few months. But, how far is he willing to go to get it?

Oh to remember the Y2K crisis. I was seven and in all honesty, my memories don’t attach to computers crashing, but the world itself crumbling down?? I was probably overthinking it with the complete limited amount of knowledge I was given. My parents and my aunt and uncle weren’t concerned about it, so I just went with it.

This was cute and a fun introduction to the late 90’s for middle grade readers - and brings up the discussion of Y2K as well. It also gave plenty of shout outs to Millennials. I also enjoyed the twist(s) at the end - of course, not going to give them away.

I can see adults liking this just as much as kids because of the pop culture references and such. Again, this would probably open the discussion for kids to ask about the late 90s, early 2000s - especially Y2K and computer culture back in the day.

*Thank you Greenwillow Books and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review