a first time for everything, written and illustrated by Dan Santat. First Second, Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $18.99 ages 10 and up

 

"Tell you what ... 

If you want, you can just give 
me a friendly peck on the cheek
and we can move on. 

What? No, we don't have to do that.

Then I go home and brag to all my 
friends that a boy kissed me in 
Switzerland. It's no big deal. Just a
harmless little peck on the cheek. I'm 
sure you've kissed plenty of other 
girls. 

Me? Yeah. Lots."

Here's another awesome graphic novel about a school summer trip for students. It's 1989, and Dan Santat is finishing eighth grade. He has rarely experienced life beyond his small California town. His parents encourage him to take part in the three-week study program with other students from his school. Dan is not the cool student, and is concerned about how things will go. He would prefer to stay home. He is awkward with the girls who are going, and feels out of place. 

With encouragement from a teacher and a few friends, Dan begins to enjoy all they are doing, seeing and learning while away. A crush on a girl, who also shows an interest in him makes it even better. The experiences are numerous: he discovers Fanta in all its many flavors, hears rap songs sung in another language, is introduced to an almost embarrassing fondue tradition, and even gets lost in the middle of the night when alone. Who knew he would be okay with all that is happening to him? 

As he discovers much about himself because of his travels and interactions with others, he gains comfort and confidence. Dan's memories of awkward times in his past are shared in blue hues that are different from the full color of the rest of the novel. All in all, it is entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt. An author's note and some personal photos give readers a closer look at the adventure of a lifetime ... one that changed Dan for the better, and left him with memories to help him write a very appealing novel. 

It's a story filled with strong and supportive characters, including Amy who is his first crush and makes the trip itself far more enjoyable. Being a teenager is not an easy passage. Middle grade readers will relate to Dan's look back at a wonderful, scary, life-changing trip in this honest portrayal of that summer.