A 12-year-old boy named Michael Rosario in 1999 meets a time-traveling teenager named Ridge, leading to a story of friendship, self-discovery, and living in the present moment amidst worries about Y2K and the future. Themes of family, friendship, and the importance of embracing the present moment are interwoven with elements of time travel and nostalgia for the 1990s, creating a rich and engaging middle-grade novel.

"The First State of Being" by Erin Entrada Kelly is a captivating and heartfelt middle-grade novel that seamlessly blends themes of family, friendship, trust, and forgiveness with the excitement of science fiction and time travel. Set in August 1999, the story follows twelve-year-old Michael Rosario, a Filipino American boy living in Red Knot, Delaware, as he navigates the challenges of his everyday life while also grappling with the looming Y2K crisis and his overwhelming crush on his fifteen-year-old babysitter, Gibby.

Kelly's writing shines through her well-crafted characters, particularly the endearing and relatable protagonist, Michael. Readers will empathize with his anxieties, insecurities, and desire to protect his hardworking single mother. The arrival of Ridge, a mysterious and confident teenage time traveler from the year 2199, adds an exciting and thought-provoking element to the story. As Michael and Gibby help Ridge acclimate to life in 1999, they learn valuable lessons about living in the present moment and not getting too caught up in worries about the future.

The novel's pacing is well-balanced, with engaging plot developments and poignant character moments. Kelly's attention to detail in capturing the essence of the late 1990s is commendable, from the pop culture references to the prevalent fears surrounding Y2K. The alternating chapters set in 2199 provide intriguing glimpses into the future and add depth to the time travel aspect of the story.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its exploration of meaningful themes that resonate with middle-grade readers. Through Michael's journey, Kelly touches on topics such as anxiety, grief, bullying, and the importance of kindness and empathy. The story's central message about focusing on the present moment and not letting fears about the future consume you is both timely and timeless.

The novel's conclusion is particularly satisfying, tying together the various plot threads and character arcs in a way that feels both surprising and inevitable. The epilogue provides a heartwarming glimpse into the long-lasting impact of the characters' actions and choices, emphasizing the idea that even small acts of kindness can have far-reaching consequences.

In terms of audiobook performance, the narration effectively brings the story and its characters to life, making for an engaging listening experience. The cover art is also striking and visually appealing, likely to attract the attention of potential readers.

Overall, "The First State of Being" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that successfully combines the wonder of time travel with the universal challenges of growing up. Erin Entrada Kelly has crafted a story that will appeal to fans of both science fiction and contemporary middle-grade fiction, offering a reading experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for young readers and adults alike, and it solidifies Kelly's position as a master storyteller in the world of children's literature.