A First Time for Everything

Dan Santat's 'A First Time for Everything' is a National Book Award-winning graphic memoir that chronicles his challenging middle school years and a pivotal class trip to Europe in 1989. Readers meet 13-year-old Dan, who feels invisible and is bullied at school, while also dealing with the quiet stress of his mother's lupus at home. His parents send him on a three-week European adventure, where a series of 'firsts'—from trying new foods to finding first love—help him shed his insecurities, embrace his artistic passion, and forge genuine connections. This heartwarming and humorous story is perfect for middle schoolers navigating their own awkward phases, offering a relatable journey of self-discovery and resilience.

*Winner of the 2023 National Book Award for Young People's Literature* A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life. 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. Praise for After the Fall “The author gives wings to both his protagonist and his message about the importance of getting back up after a fall and the realization that recovering from a trauma takes time.” —Booklist, starred review “Santat’s precise illustrations and sensitive text combine for more emotional depth than the typical nursery rhyme remix. A terrific redemptive read-aloud for storytime and classroom sharing.” —School Library Journal, starred review