A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Dan was always a good child. a child who pays attention in class, assists his mother with her grocery shopping, and avoids mischief. Dan has low hopes when his parents send him on a class vacation to Europe since despite his exemplary behaviour, he still experiences bullying and feels ignored.
He is correct at first. He doesn’t understand why his instructor urged him to go on this trip because he is forced to travel with the same middle school ladies who love to tease him. The first Fanta, the first fondue, the first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers, and more firsts begin to affect him as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England.
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
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Firsts like drinking Fanta, eating fondue, stealing a bike from German punk rockers, and falling in love all start to shape him as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England. A First Time for Everything, a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on the awkward middle school years of New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat, is humorous, charming, and moving. It commemorates a period that is both universally difficult and profoundly transformative for many of us.
This book is flawless in every way! The images depict the journey so beautifully and catch the feelings of the characters! It contains all the awkward and embarrassing moments from junior high, but it also has a ton of heart! Dan’s painting is incredible, therefore it’s difficult to imagine him as a little, insecure child. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend is one of my all-time favourite picture books!
In this graphic memoir, Santat fictionalizes only a little bit of his own middle school trip to Europe, which featured noteworthy experiences like his first Fanta and first kiss. Finding out that Santat, Amy, and other travellers from this trip are still in touch after all these years was amusing.
It’s difficult to avoid drawing comparisons between this and Jerry Craft’s School Trip, which is about a different end-of-middle-school journey to France. In fact, I think the comparison would make a fantastic teaching activity. Craft’s is a fictional account as opposed to Santat’s, which is more autobiographical. Because it takes to set in a more ancient era, Santat’s tale appears to be easier.
Recall the days when loved ones would actually accompany you to your departure gate at the airport. All of his adventures, including how he infiltrates the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament, will be enjoyed by children. Fans of middle school graphic novels should check this out.
