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Parents' Guide to

First & Then

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Predictable but engaging high school romance.

Book Emma Mills Romance 2015
First & Then Poster Image

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What's the Story?

FIRST & THEN introduces high school senior Devon, who's been secretly in love with her best friend Cas since forever and is always hoping that someday Cas will see her in the same light. When Foster, her freshman cousin, comes to live with Devon's family, he quickly befriends Ezra, the aloof, arrogant, all-American captain of the football team. Now it seems her irritating cousin and Ezra are everywhere Devon turns. So in the midst of deciding about college, trying to pad her extracurriculars, and endlessly rereading Jane Austen, how does Devon end up agreeing to go to homecoming with Ezra instead of Cas? As she learns to see things from others' points of view, she also learns to see herself more clearly. But can she figure out what she really wants?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

Debut author Emma Mills creates an engaging update to Pride and Prejudice that teen romance fans will enjoy. There's little suspense about the outcome for those familiar with Jane Austen's original, but Devon is a relatable character whose authentic voice keeps the pages turning. Although it lacks Austen's emotional depth, it's a solid, lively entry in the romance genre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why we love to read romances. Do you like escapist ones or more realistic ones such as First & Then?

  • Have you read Pride and Prejudice or seen any of the TV or movie adaptations? What similarities and differences do you notice in the story or the characters? If you haven't read any Jane Austen yet, would you like to now? What intrigues you about it?

  • Do you agree with Ezra about deserving to win because you're better? Are there times when the team or player who's not the best should win? Have you ever let someone win who wasn't as good as you? Why, or why not?

Book Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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