A First Time for Everything
Written by Dan Santat
Illustrated by Dan Santat
Published by First Second
Dan’s always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn’t stop him from being bullied and feeling like he’s invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe.
At first, he’s right. He’s stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn’t know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him—first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers… and first love.
Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat’s awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well.
Primary ISBN: 9781626724150
Publication Date: February 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Graphic Memoir, Middle Grade, Age 10 or older
Community Represented: Thai/Thai American
Themes: Coming of Age, Cross-Group Dating, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Racial, Generation: 1st, Graphic Novel, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States (Camarillo CA), France
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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