A First Time for Everything

*Winner of the 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 A First Time for Everything:

"This is Santat at his best."
―Horn Book

"[A] relatable story of self-discovery... the perfect balance of humor and poignancy."
―Kirkus, starred review

Author: Dan Santat
Publisher: First Second
Published: 02/28/2023
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.25lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.50w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781250851048
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 2.6
Point Value: 2
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 519984 / First Time for Everything


Award: National Book Awards - Winner
Award: Golden Kite - Honorable Mention


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 01/01/2023
Kirkus Reviews 12/15/2022
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2023 pg. 108
Booklist 02/01/2023 pg. 40
Shelf Awareness 11/21/2023
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2023 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Dan Santat has published over 100 books for children. His most notable works include A First Time for Everything (A National Book Award winner), The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend (Caldecott Medal winner), Are We There Yet? (#1 New York Times bestseller), and After the Fall (New York Times bestseller). His artwork is also featured in the bestselling series The Misfts by Lisa Yee, Detective Duck by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, and Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets.