How does the author use nicknames to symbolize The Challenges of Navigating Friendship and Bullying in Middle School? What do Charlotte’s and Ben’s online avatars say about their self-perception and personalities?

Kelly’s novel We Dream of Space is set in 1986 and addresses some of the same themes despite the different time periods and settings. Citing We Dream of Space and You Go First, explore how technology affects family and friendship dynamics and what things are universal between the 1980s and now.

Kelly’s latest novel, The First State of Being, is science fiction and incorporates time travel. By contrast, You Go First is grounded in the real world. How do these genres work differently to explore the same themes? Is one more effective than the other?