The First State of Being

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The First State of Being
The First State of Being (Book Cover).jpeg
Author Erin Entrada Kelly
LanguageEnglish
Genre Time travel
Publisher Greenwillow
Publication date
2024
Publication placeUnited States
Pages272
ISBN 9780063337312

The First State of Being is a 2024 children's time travel novel by Erin Entrada Kelly. Set in the lead-up to Y2K, it follows a young boy who discovers a strange teenager who claims to be from the future. Kelly earned the Newbery Medal in 2025 for the book, her second medal and her third recognition. [1]

Summary

In 1999, 12-year-old Michael is preparing for Y2K when he meets the mysterious boy Ridge, an out-of-place teenager who dresses and speaks queerly and claims to be from the future. Incredulous, Michael changes his mind after Ridge accurately predicts an earthquake; Ridge has actually time-traveled backward from the year 2199 using a time machine invented by his mother and motivated by a dare from his siblings. Michael decides to help Ridge find his way back to the future by helping to locate the time machine. [2] [3] [4]

References

  1. "Association for Library Service to Children - Newbery Medal Winners & Honor Books, 1922 – Present" (PDF). ALA.org. Retrieved December 7, 2025.
  2. Kelly, Erin Entrada (January 15, 2024). "The First State of Being". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  3. Quay, Alexandra (2024). "KELLY, Erin Entrada. The First State of Being". School Library Journal. 70 (2): 94. Retrieved December 13, 2025.
  4. Quealy-Gainer, Kate (2024). "Review of The First State of Being, by Erin Entrada Kelly". Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. 77 (6): 218–219. doi:10.1353/bcc.2024.a917180 . Retrieved December 12, 2025.