Erin Entrada Kelly’s second Newbery win has her and her fans (old and new) jumping for joy!
The First State of Being is a novel about twelve-year-old Michael dealing with anxiety while preparing for doomsday scenarios of Y2K. There are lots of throwbacks for adults who grew up in the 90s, like hanging out at the mall and going to Kaybee’s and Waldenbooks. Along comes a stranger, Ridge, who says he’s from the future but doesn’t want to tell of upcoming events in fear of changing timelines, but problems arise when Ridge’s sumbook (a book that details major events of the past)is taken and a common cold wreaks havoc on Ridge’s immune system. It is up to Michael, and his babysitter, Gibby, to help Ridge find a way back to the future. Readers also get a glimpse of what the future is like with Ridge's family of scientists trying on their end to get Ridge home safe and sound.
This novel celebrates a little bit of everything: time travel, friendship, an inside look of how Michael handles his thoughts through good and bad, and found family. Erin Entrada Kelly proves over and over that her writing is essential for kids to see themselves in the now and the importance to have dreams for the future.
The First State of Being is the winner of the John Newbery Medal for most outstanding contribution to children’s literature. Read more about all the 2025 ALA Youth Media Award Winners here.
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