The First State of Being

Set in 1999 during the anxious lead-up to Y2K, this Newbery Medal-winning novel follows twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, a shy, worried kid stockpiling supplies for the feared technological apocalypse. His life changes when he meets Ridge, a disoriented teenage time traveler from the future, and together with Michael's babysitter Gibby (on whom Michael has a crush), the trio navigates questions about the past, present, and future. The book thoughtfully explores themes of found family, friendship, trust, first crushes, and forgiveness, while also prompting readers to reflect on humanity's trajectory through topics like health advances, animal extinction, and technological change. With its nostalgic 90s setting and heartfelt character development, it's a story about facing an uncertain future with courage and the people you love.