Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Time-travel tale is gripping, funny, and tinged with grief.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In THE FIRST STATE OF BEING, it's 1999 and 12-year-old Michael is worried about the future. In a big way, like, is the world coming to an end? When an older teenager named Ridge, who seems a little off somehow, suddenly appears in Michael's apartment complex, Michael and his babysitter, Gibby, quickly learn that Ridge claims to have traveled from the year 2199. If that's true, Ridge could have the answers Michael's looking for about the future. But it can't be true, can it?
Is It Any Good?
This is an engaging, funny, and bittersweet sci-fi story that packs a lot into it without being overwhelming, especially for bigger kids and tweens. The First State of Being shows what life was like in 1999 and some of the important world events of that year, and offers glimpses of what the world might be like in 2199. But veteran author Erin Entrada Kelly also skillfully paints two different portraits of family life, creates believable characters, and brings heartfelt emotion to Michael's story as he starts to mature. This truly endearing novel about accepting the unknown, friendship, and found family has plenty of appeal even for readers who aren't sci-fi fans—yet.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about role models in The First State of Being. How does Michael show empathy? How do the Sabios work together as a team, and how do they show perseverance?
Michael is very worried about the future, but is he too worried? How does that affect his behavior? Are there times when it's helpful to worry?
How do you handle it when you hear about scary events that happen in real life? Do you have someone you can talk to? What makes you feel better?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , History , STEM
- Character Strengths : Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Greenwillow Books
- Publication date : March 5, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : Common Sense Selection , Newbery Medal and Honors
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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