A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING

A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat

If I say the words "junior high" to you, does your mind immediately go to uncomfortable memories? Do you think of sweaty gym classes, trying not to say dumb things, and attempting to act cool? If so, you are not alone! In Dan Santat's autobiographical graphic novel, A First Time for Everything, he shares what middle school was like for him, an absolute nightmare, until he goes on a school trip to Europe. On this trip he begins to realize the world outside of middle school. He experiences a whole lot of "firsts" (some that will really shock you that he was able to do on this trip) that open his eyes to what he really likes and dislikes. In the process of these discoveries, we, the readers, receive the benefit of watching the shoots of confidence begin to grow inside of Dan, and it takes us back to times I think we all can relate to.

HEADS UP- There are a couple of situations to be aware of that happen while on this trip. First, in France the boys turn on the TV and experience pornography. The book simply shows them turning on the TV and the boys remarking about no one having clothes on. Second, in Germany the drinking age is 14 with adult supervision. Parents were allowed to sign a waiver. Dan takes a sip even though he is 3 months shy of the 14-year-old limit with his teacher looking on. He detests the taste. He encounters teens smoking and tries a puff, and it doesn't go well for him. In Dan's Author Notes at the end of the book he talks about how "shocked" he is to think back on all the things he was able to get away with on this trip. He also states that he doesn't think kids should "drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes," etc.