You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly masterfully explores the themes of friendship and resilience through relatable characters. Critics appreciate its nuanced portrayal of middle school challenges. While the emotional depth is praised, some find the pacing slow at times. Overall, it's an engaging and meaningful read for young audiences.

You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly would resonate with middle-grade readers who appreciate heartfelt stories about friendship, family, and personal growth. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai will enjoy its emotional depth and relatable characters facing life's challenges.

In You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly, Charlotte Lockard and Ben Boxer, friends who’ve only met through online Scrabble, face personal turmoil: Charlotte's father has a heart attack, and Ben's parents announce their divorce. Seeking solace in their virtual friendship, they support each other through the challenges of middle school, family dynamics, and bullying. The book discusses bullying and includes instances of derogatory language about mental health conditions.

Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Melancholic / Heartwarming

Erin Entrada Kelly

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore You Go First reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read You Go First | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore You Go First and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

You Go First Summary and Study Guide

Background

You Go First Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Monday”

Part 1 You Go First Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Tuesday” 

Part 2 You Go First Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Wednesday”

Part 3 You Go First Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Thursday” 

Part 4 You Go First Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Friday” - Part 6: “Saturday”

Parts 5-6

You Go First Parts 5-6 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

You Go First Character Analysis

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Themes

You Go First Themes

Symbols & Motifs

You Go First Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

You Go First Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

You Go First Essay Topics

You Go First

Before You Read

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Book Details