A First Time for Everything

Poor Dan. His teacher obliviously setting him up for humiliation by making him practice his debate speech at the end of a middle school drug assembly (when everyone just wanted to go home!) was so relatable. Grownups just don't get it!Dan's just trying to fly under the radar, so when his parents decide he should go on the Europe trip in his summer before starting high school, he is less than thrilled. Especially since the only other kids going from his school are the girls who make fun of him all the time. But there are other nicer kids from other schools and the trip turns out to be the perfect blend of embarrassment and adventure that Dan needs to give him the confidence to start high school with a clean slate. He even has a chance to talk to that teacher who set him up for ridicule and let her know how he felt. Good for Dan for confronting her about it. I never would've had the guts to talk to a teacher who embarrassed me.This is such a satisfying story about first trips, first loves, first days of the rest of your life. I wish I'd had an adventure like this!

This is the first book that I have read by Dan Santat. I was drawn to this book because he was a recent National Book Award Winner. I have read his other book called Misfits which he illustrated with author Lisa Yee. A First Time for Everything was an enjoyable read for several reasons. First of all, I have a young teenage son, that is getting ready to start high school soon. He is close to the same age as the main character in this book. I found a lot of Dan’s experiences and feelings very relatable to what my son is going through now. I would love for him to have an experience like this, seeing all of Europe with your friends. Some of the experiences that Dan had, definitely would not be happening in today’s age, but they were still priceless.I found the book very nostalgic. I remember what life was like back in 1989, mixed tapes, Sony Walkman, Fanta soda, family being able to walk you to the airport gate. Traveling without cellphones or being in constant contact with your parents, what freedom. But, now as a parent, the thought of not being able to get in touch with my kids frightens me.I have to say that Mrs. Bjork, Dan’s speech teacher, was my favorite character. She was so sweet and seemed to know what Dan was going through. However, she did set him up for disaster when she had Dan practice his speech in front of the entire school. Since this book was so personal (a graphic novel memoir), this was what made the story so good and compelling. I definitely cannot wait to see what Dan comes out with next.

My son enjoyed this book. It was a very quick read for him. It was good for middle school young teen readers.

Dan Santat's wonderful new middle school GN memoir "A First Time for Everything" recounts his adventures on his first out of the country visit to Europe with some other students in the summer between middle school and high school. It was a super beautiful story about first kisses, first Fantas, and about finally finding yourself. It was a wonderful little book that put me in the frame of mind of both my summer my first and only visit to Europe, the summer in college I spent in Rome. It was fun to reminisce about the crazy misadventures I have had. But more than that, it reminded me to think back on the people I met in these adventures growing up. If you read this book as an adult, I hope it brings back a flood of fond memories, like it did for me. But if you read this as young person, I hope you take it as an invitation to try new things and take on new adventures...

This book is amazing for anyone looking for a nice slice of life book with a good romance plot as well. It also captures almost every emotion masterfully. I definitely would reccomend

I bought this graphic novel for my 14-year-old daughter for Christmas after reading about the award it received, and she loved it. She reads less and less for pleasure so it was good to see her absorbed in a book.

I got this for a grandson who just turned 13. He rarely texts me, but he sent a text saying that this book was awesome!

Great first love memoir. I wasn’t sure what expect but it grabbed me from the first page and pulled me forward all the way. Great story of traveling in Europe in a freer time. Seeing all the sights and being free range.

I loved this book as it inspired me to go on with life and try new things even if I am feeling sad