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 things (disco!). He forges new relationships with harassers (“Barf. Look at how he kisses. I’m happy for him, though.”), new acquaintances, and a girl he likes. She likes him back.
At first, he's right. Stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, Dan 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 school…
