The First Third
  • Published: 24 July 2013
  • ISBN: 9780143568179
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $19.99

The First Third

Formats & editions
Paperback
24 Jul 2013
EBook
24 Jul 2013
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A painfully funny yet poignant contemporary Australian story for young adults, The First Third is the witty sophomore novel from Will Kostakis, sure to appeal to fans of Nick Earls and Melina Marchetta.

Life is made up of three parts: in The First Third, you're embarrassed by your family; in the second, you make a family of your own; and in the end, you just embarrass the family you've made.

That's how Billy's grandmother explains it, anyway. She's given him her bucket list (cue embarrassment), and now, it's his job to glue their family back together.

No pressure or anything.

Fixing his family's not going to be easy and Billy's not ready for change. But as he soon discovers, the first third has to end some time. And then what?

It's a Greek tragedy waiting to happen.
  • Published: 24 July 2013
  • ISBN: 9780143568179
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 256
  • RRP: $19.99
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About the author

Will Kostakis

Personally, Will Kostakis is ready to catch a ball two seconds after it’s hit him in the face. Professionally, he’s thankful he’s chosen a career that requires little (if any) coordination. After dabbling in celebrity journalism and reality TV, he now writes for young adults.

His first novel, Loathing Lola, was released when he was just nineteen, and his second, The First Third, won the 2014 Gold Inky Award. It was also shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year and Prime Minister’s Literary awards.
The Sidekicks is his third novel for young adults.

Also by Will Kostakis

Stuff Happens: Sean
The Sidekicks
See all

Praise for The First Third

The relationships in this novel are gems, funny dialogue, wonderful characters, a story told with so much heart.

Melina Marchetta

The First Third has a warm, authentic voice ... just the right mix of humour and affection.

Good Reading Magazine

Filled with wonderful dialogue, engaging characters and bucket loads of humour and heart, The First Third is another fantastic YA novel from Australian author Will Kostakis.

Kids' Book Review

Awards & recognition

Red Dot Students Choice Book Awards

Shortlisted  •  2013  •  Mature Readers

Australian Book Design Awards

Shortlisted  •  2014  •  Best Designed YA Book

Prime Minister's Literary Award

Shortlisted  •  2014  •  Young Adult Fiction

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2014  •  Older Readers

Inky Awards

Gold medal  •  2014  •  Gold Inky Award for an Australian Book

Adelaide Festival Awards for Literature

Shortlisted  •  2016  •  Young Adult Fiction

Discover more

Teachers' notes
The First Third