THE FIRST STATE OF BEING

This time-travel adventure from Newbery Medal winner Erin Entrada Kelly masterfully blends historical fiction with contemporary middle-grade concerns, following twelve-year-old Michael as he encounters a mysterious visitor from the future named Ridge. Set against the backdrop of Y2K anxieties in 1999, the novel explores universal themes of friendship, family dynamics, and the anxiety of uncertain times through Michael's eyes as he navigates school challenges and his single mother's financial struggles. Kelly's signature ability to capture authentic tween voices shines through in dialogue that feels both timeless and perfectly pitched for today's young readers, creating an emotional bridge between generations that makes historical context feel immediate and relevant.

What sets this novel apart is how it transforms complex philosophical concepts about time, reality, and human connection into accessible, heartfelt storytelling that never talks down to its audience. The developing friendship between cautious Michael and enigmatic Ridge becomes a vehicle for exploring how we face uncertainty—whether technological fears from the past or personal challenges in the present—making this particularly resonant for readers navigating their own anxieties about our rapidly changing world. Parents will appreciate the thoughtful handling of mature themes like economic insecurity and intergenerational understanding, while young readers will be captivated by the genuine emotional journey and the thrill of a friendship that transcends time itself.