MMGM: 90s Gems: The First State of Being and The Kid Who Ran for President

 

What’s not to love about the 90s? A return to more subdued hair styles and clothing after the over-the-top styles of the 80s. (I’m looking at you, Wall-a-Bangs.) Great music. And some of my favorite movies of all time. 

When I read the premise for this year’s Newberry winner, The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly (Time travel during Y2K!), I had to check it out. Also, I recently read a book written during the 90s, The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman. The Homework Machine was a huge hit at my house when my kids were in middle graders, and Gutman did not disappoint on the humor.

Although these books couldn’t be more different, they are both thought-provoking reads.  If you’re love time travel, are nostalgic for the 90s, or you like funny books about class clowns running for president, check either of these out.

 

The First State of Being by Erin Entrada Kelly

When twelve-year-old Michael Rosario meets a mysterious boy from the future, his life is changed forever. From bestselling author Erin Entrada Kelly, also the winner of the Newbery Medal for Hello, Universe and a Newbery Honor for We Dream of Space, this novel explores themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness. The First State of Being is for fans of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me.

It's August 1999. For twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, life at Fox Run Apartments in Red Knot, Delaware, is as ordinary as ever—except for the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his sixteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby. But when a disoriented teenage boy named Ridge appears out of nowhere, Michael discovers there is more to life than stockpiling supplies and pining over Gibby.

It turns out that Ridge is carefree, confident, and bold, things Michael wishes he could be. Unlike Michael, however, Ridge isn’t where he belongs. When Ridge reveals that he’s the world’s first time traveler, Michael and Gibby are stunned but curious. As Ridge immerses himself in 1999—fascinated by microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael discovers that his new friend has a book that outlines the events of the next twenty years, and his curiosity morphs into something else: focused determination. Michael wants—no, needs—to get his hands on that book. How else can he prepare for the future? But how far is he willing to go to get it?

A story of time travel, friendship, found family, and first loves, this thematically rich novel is distinguished by its voice, character development, setting, and exploration of the issues that resonate with middle grade readers.

Finalist for the National Book Award and Winner of the Newbery Medal.(From Amazon)

My Take:

This book definitely deserves all the praise it got. It does remind me of When You Reach Me, but has its own twists on time travel, including using documents, audio recordings, and manuals from the future time and a different take on the whole butterfly paradox. I also liked how Kelly portrayed poverty in a realistic way and showed there can be still be love and joy in a family whatever its circumstances. Michael (not Mike) was a great main character. His loyalty and care for his mama, his desire to be older than he was, and his curiosity about the world won me over from the start. I loved how Michael learned about being thankful and grateful for the moment he’s living in, and that we can’t control the future.

 

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

Bestselling author Dan Gutman's sharp, funny farce about the youngest candidate to ever run for President of the United States!

""Hi! My name is Judson Moon. I'm twelve years old and I'm running for President of the YOU-nited States."That's how I introduced myself to about a zillion people. I must have kissed a zillion babies, said a zillion hellos, shaken a zillion hands . . . Will I get a zillion votes? The answer might surprise you.Can you picture a kid as President? Imagine what we can accomplish -- together -- in a country where parents listen. Where teachers give no homework. Where every lawmaker obeys a single kid -- me! How am I going to pull this off? Who knows! Read the book to find out." (from Amazon)

My Take:

This book requires a huge suspension of disbelief. It reminded me of School Story by Andrew Clements, which chronicles a kid getting a publishing contract. Like that book, there were a lot of things that couldn’t possibly happen. But if you don’t take it too seriously, this book is super fun. Judson Moon is the kid I wouldn't want to have in class, but was so fun to read about. I really enjoyed the contrast between his easy-going, careless attitude and his serious campaign manager. His character arc is very rewarding. There were too many funny moments to count, and it'd make for great discussion for studying President’s Day (today!) or during Election Season in the classroom or homeschool.

Max’s Take (on a five bone 🦴scale):

The First State of Being:

🦴More cats! I can't believe you picked another cat book. C'mon! What's with the focus on the future? I live in the eternal now.

The Kid Who Ran for President:

🦴 🦴 🦴There was a bird, Snot, renamed Cuddles for the campaign. He sounded tasty! Plus, this was really funny.

 If you'd like to read more middle grade reviews or join in the MMGM fun, go to Greg Pattridge's Always in the Middle blog.

Your Turn:

Have you read either of these books? What is your favorite thing from the 90s? If you could time travel, where would you go?