You Go First summary

The Start of a Unique Friendship

In You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly, we meet Charlotte Lockard, a twelve-year-old girl who is dealing with the aftermath of her parents' separation. The story begins with Charlotte's best friend, Bridget, moving away. Charlotte is left feeling abandoned and lonely, and she struggles to find a new friend at school. She instead finds solace in online Scrabble games with a boy named Ben Boxer.

Ben, an eleven-year-old boy from Louisiana, is also dealing with his own set of problems. His dad is struggling with unemployment, and Ben's only friend, a boy named Dallas, is pressuring him to join the football team. Ben, however, is more interested in reading and learning about the presidents of the United States.

A Unique Connection

Despite the distance and their different lives, Charlotte and Ben form a unique connection through their online Scrabble games. They share their fears, their struggles, and their love for word games. They find comfort in each other's company, even if it's only through a computer screen.

The two friends decide to meet in person after Ben's school's annual spelling bee, which he has been preparing for. Charlotte is excited about the prospect of meeting Ben, but her plans are disrupted when her father has a heart attack. She is forced to put her plans on hold and focus on her dad's recovery.

Struggles and Growth

As the story progresses, we see Charlotte and Ben tackle their individual problems with resilience. Charlotte learns to cope with her parents' separation and her dad's health crisis, while Ben stands up to Dallas and follows his own interests, instead of succumbing to peer pressure.

When Charlotte's dad recovers, she finally gets the chance to meet Ben. The two friends hit it off instantly and spend a memorable day together. Their meeting helps them realize that they are not alone in their struggles and that true friendship can transcend distance and differences.

Life Lessons

Throughout You Go First, we witness Charlotte and Ben's growth. They learn valuable life lessons about friendship, resilience, and the importance of being true to oneself. The story beautifully captures the complexities of middle school life and the challenges that come with growing up.

In the end, You Go First is a heartwarming tale of friendship and self-discovery. Erin Entrada Kelly skillfully weaves together the lives of two unlikely friends, showing us that sometimes, all it takes is a shared love for words to form a deep and lasting connection.