A review by starrysteph
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

A charming memoir that will both comfort and challenge middle grade readers. 
 
A First Time for Everything follows author Dan Santat’s first time traveling internationally as a 13-year old - on a 3-week class trip to Europe. He’s a sweet, awkward 8th grader dealing with bullies, quietly exploring his growing artistic talent, and feeling invisible among his peers.
 
He’s pushed into this trip by his well-meaning mother … and can’t help but have low expectations. But his journey ends up expanding his worldview for the best & becoming a highlight of his childhood.
 
Dan experiences his first flight, his first coffee, his first time attempting to communicate in a new language … and his first love. Throughout all this, we get flashbacks to specific events with his fellow students, giving insight into his current fears (and giving us readers even more to celebrate as he knocks down old barriers). 
 
The stories are incredibly relatable and the messaging is earnest. The illustrations were perfect: capturing both the wonder of famous destinations and the intensity of teenage emotions. Each character was drawn in a memorable, defined style. 
 
I can definitely see this story inspiring young readers to step outside their boundaries and try something new. They’ll be comforted to know that they aren’t alone in their middle school misery .. but also that new experiences are right around the corner, and braving the unknown can be quite amazing.
 
CW: bullying, chronic illness, alcohol (Dan tries his first beer)
 
(I received a free copy of this book; this is my honest review.)
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