The First State of Being by Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly is a captivating middle-grade novel about twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ridge, a mysterious teenage boy claiming to be the world’s first time traveler. Set in August 1999, with the Y2K crisis looming, Michael is fascinated by Ridge’s confidence and his book of future events. As Michael becomes determined to learn about his own future, he faces tough questions about trust, friendship, and how far he’s willing to go for answers. This novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and growing up, perfect for fans of time travel adventures like When You Reach Me.
