The First State of Being, by Erin Entrada Kelly

     Newbery-winning Kelly submits her newest, latest book, and like her others, it is full of science!. But unlike Hello, Universe and We Dream of Space (my favorite of hers!), The First State of Being deals with time travel. In this sense it dips its toe into fantasy as well as science fiction, which she works pretty well.

    In this new release, Michael Rosario meets a strange new boy hanging out at his apartment complex. Strange for the way he's dressed and strange for the way he acts (like someone is following him, when there doesn't appear to be anyone there). Ridge is different, that's for sure. You'd dress and act differently, too...if you were from the future!!! While Michael is trying to navigate his own life, he becomes part of Ridge's life, too. Is this new kid a little crazy, because he can't really be from the future...can he?

    Kelly again creates a wonderful cast of characters - Michael, his babysitter/crush Gibby, Ridge, Mr. Mosely, the custodian at the apartment complex - and a believable, realistic setting. But she also relies on transcripts of sorts, to share information from the future, which is a little like using text messages in a book to make a story work. That drives me a little crazy, to be honest, and seems a little...easy. That doesn't mean this isn't a good book, because it is, and Kelly is a strong storyteller. First State of Being takes place a few months before the calendar turned to the year 2000, which was a pretty big deal in many places of the world. no one knew if computers were going to make that transition from 1999 to 2000 without shutting down. That would mean everything in the world that uses computer technology to function - and that is a lot of things! - might stop in January 1st, 2000. This setting added an exciting element to the story as well.

    This books reminded me of The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty, who is another good science fiction writer. Both books are good - not quite great - but still worth your time, especially if science interests you in any way. 4 paws!