Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE FIRST STATE OF BEING

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THE FIRST STATE OF BEING

Erin Entrada Kelly

In 1999, a 12-year-old meets a time traveler from 2199. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers: the story involves time-travel danger, Y2K anxiety, family concerns, and questions of identity, but appears low in violence and sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • LGBTQIA characters2/5
  • Alcohol or drugs1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Historical period-specific branding is minimal and incidental.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Themes of mortality and loss are present in the context of family history.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild language consistent with middle-grade fiction.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Subtle mentions or attributes regarding a character's presentation.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Age-appropriate friendships and emotional connections.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Mild suspense related to the time-travel mission and Y2K fears.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Brief/incidental references to adult behaviors of the time period.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor, non-graphic conflict and the inherent tension of the time-travel narrative.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage in facing unknown futures and personal growth.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Time travel, a future society, a time machine, and solving how to return home strongly encourage imaginative thinking and problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of characters with unique backgrounds.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the Y2K era and technological history.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and friendship are core drivers of the plot.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of empathy, individual choice, and responsibility.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate growth, persistence, and kindness.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE FIRST STATE OF BEING would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE FIRST STATE OF BEING, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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