Today I get to share with you a new middle school graphic novel. It is about the summer the author went on a three-week tour of Europe and experienced many firsts in his life. The book is A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat. It is recommended for ages 10 to 14.
From the Publisher:
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.
From Me:
Now middle school is an awkward time for everyone. I am getting to remember how awkward it is by watching Hazel and her friends go through it. I see it even more since I teach Hazel and a few of her peers in a high school course. At least at our school there is not the fear of bullying, but there is the girl drama as well as the foolish behavior of them all. In this book Dan shares his own memories and experiences in this new graphic novel. From those embarrassing moments to the exciting firsts they are all in this book.
The graphic novel is done in such a fun way, and it is very easy to follow. Dan shares personal thoughts and experiences with us, but he also explains how the world was a bit different during his middle school years. From smoking on airplanes and some of the teens he meets in Europe smoking to the freedom these teenagers were given both at home as well as in Europe it was a different world. He shares some of this in the Author's Note and some on the pages of the story. He also admits that some of the experiences have been changed for the story as well as because it is based on memories. The trip as well as many of the experiences are real though. He even shares some photos from the trip at the end of the book.
I love how Dan shares his memories from the embarrassing moment of his almost first kiss to the real first one. The story is entertaining and an easy read. I think kids will be drawn to it as they wonder about their own firsts are probably experiencing some each day! Now to go with this book, I was challenged to share a photo of myself doing something for the first time with the book. I decided to share my first time using an air fryer. I recently bought a pressure cooker with an air fryer feature and tried it out this week.
I decided to try air frying some zucchini sticks to go with our pasta dinner. We enjoyed them! I can't wait to try it with something even crispier!
Be sure to check out this fun book and find something new to try!!
