The points of issue
Australian true first: Lothian Books (Hachette Livre Australia), Sydney, 2006, wordless sepia-toned graphic novel, hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7344-0694-1. First US edition: Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic), New York, 2007, hardcover, identified by a complete number line on the copyright page. The Australian first is identified by the Lothian imprint and 2006 date.
Is this the true first?
The Lothian (Australia) 2006 edition is the true first. The Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic 2007 edition is the first US edition ('first thus'). Distinguish the Australian true first from the US first by imprint, date, and number line.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
No book-club edition. Verify the Lothian (Australia) versus Scholastic (US) imprint and date. Later printings are identified by a shortened number line.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Arrival a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Australian true first: Lothian Books (Hachette Livre Australia), Sydney, 2006, wordless sepia-toned graphic novel, hardcover, ISBN 978-0-7344-0694-1. First US edition: Arthur A. Levine Books (Scholastic), New York, 2007, hardcover, identified by a complete number line on the copyright page. The Australian first is identified by the Lothian imprint and 2006 date.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. The Lothian (Australia) 2006 edition is the true first. The Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic 2007 edition is the first US edition ('first thus'). Distinguish the Australian true first from the US first by imprint, date, and number line.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
No book-club edition. Verify the Lothian (Australia) versus Scholastic (US) imprint and date. Later printings are identified by a shortened number line.
I have a first edition of The Arrival — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.