Podcast
NPR News Now
The book was highlighted as the Newbery Medal winner, with Andrew Limbong noting its focus on a 12‑year‑old in 1999 who encounters a future time traveller obsessed with Y2K culture. He praised it as a standout title of the year. The discussion emphasized its award‑winning status and unique blend of time‑travel and family themes.
Episode: NPR News: 01-27-2025 2PM EST
The book was highlighted as the Newbery Medal winner, set in 1999 and following 12yearold Michael Rosario who meets a futuretime traveller obsessed with Y2K culture.
The big winner was The First State of Being by Aaron Entrada Kelly, which won the Newbery Medal.
The book takes place in 1999 and centres Michael Rosario, a 12-year-old boy fretting about the coming Y2K crisis, who then meets a time traveller from the future, obsessed with 1999 culture.