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: Hardcover
Weight: 1.48lbs
Size: 8.22h x 5.84w x 1.11d
ISBN: 9781626724150
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
School Library Journal 01/01/2023 pg. 85
Publishers Weekly 01/09/2023
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2023 pg. 108
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2023 - Superior,Well Above Average

About the Author
Santat, Dan: - Dan Santat is the Caldecott Medal-winning and New York Times-bestselling author and illustrator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend and the road trip/time travel adventure Are We There Yet? His artwork is also featured in numerous picture books, chapter books, and middle-grade novels, including Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series. Dan lives in Southern California with his wife, two kids, and many, many pets.