Will I love A First Time for Everything?

The author-illustrator spoke at our library, showing both movingly and hilariously how his life informed his books.

He said middle school is the worst, but exhorted the young people in the audience that they can thrive even after humiliation. In this graphic novel, he offers up the 1989 group tour he took to Europe after becoming a laughingstock at school. It’s astonishing how much freedom these young teens have exploring Paris, Munich, London, and more. 

I enjoy his visual style, from facial expressions to iconic tourist sights. Dan gets into scrapes (he steals a bike from punks!) and tries new… show more.

I absolutely adore Dan Santat and generally devour his books as soon as they come out. Known more for picture books, this one was different—a graphic memoir for middle-grade readers.

The story follows a trip he and some classmates took to Europe and all the “first times” they experienced while traveling as ‘tweens with minimal supervision. Santat had a few of his friends from that trip as guests at his virtual book launch, and it was so much fun!

The book, which explores insecurities, peer pressure, friendships, first loves, embarrassing parents, and discovering new cultures, also shows a young man… show more.

Set in the year 1989, this graphic memoir is a classic coming-of-age story.

Not only did the author do a great job representing the '80's—which I lived—but he also shows readers how taking risks, going on adventures, and letting loose enough to be one's true self can be a transformative experience.

Every reader, every human, has the power to reinvent oneself. With winning humor and relatable emotion, this one really resonated with the teen girl who still lives inside me.

If I leave a graphic novel around the house, it will certainly be read.

This one, a memoir about the author’s student trip to Europe in the summer of 7th grade, hits just the right tone for middle schoolers making that break from childhood to teenager. The story takes place in the eighties (and Europe!), and the author has experiences that involve a level of freedom that’s rare for kids these days.

There are also the highs and lows of the first crush, and I love to know that my son has read this, even if he didn’t discuss… show more.