Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
The First State of Being (Greenwillow Books, 2024) by Erin Entrada Kelly is a fun mix of historical fiction—Y2K—and time travel.
It’s 1999 and 11-year-old Michael is hoarding food that he’s stolen for when the world shuts down on January 1, 2000. (He has to help his single Mom who is struggling making ends meet. And she loves peaches, right?) And then he and the apartment maintenance man meet a weird teenager, who appears to be half Filipino like Michael. Ridge doesn’t even know what year it is and is dressed oddly. Something’s off about that kid. Despite all of Michael’s worries, he decides to help Ridge obtain his desire of going to a mall.
This is a story of hope and has great reminders of deciding how we want to be. The book came out in March.
Erin is a Newbery medalist and a NY Times bestselling author. Read about her and check out all her books here.
Ah yes, I remember the panic re the century change! What an interesting setting, and sounds an unusual story. I like the theme! Thanks for sharing!
I can’t believe that 1999 is historical fiction. REALLY? Another great review, Susan. I need to learn how to write as tight as you do!
I’m just not very wordy! 😉
I hadn’t heard too much about this book so thanks for the sneak peak. Such an interesting set of characters and time period. Happy MMGM!
This sounds like a great read. Thanks for reminding me to add it to my TBR list.
I love a good time travel book. and your review makes me think this is a good one. I’ll look for it. Thanks for the review.
So many people have been enjoying this book lately, and it sounds so compelling! I know Erin Entrada Kelly pretty much hits a home run with every book, although I’ve actually never read anything by her. Thanks so much for the great review, Susan, and enjoy your week!
What?! I can’t believe you haven’t read one.