A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Product Details
Web ID: 15419836Coming of Age While Traveling in Europe
This is the first book that I have read by Dan Santat. I was drawn to this book because he was a recent National Book Award Winner. I have read his other book called Misfits which he illustrated with author Lisa Yee. A First Time for Everything was an enjoyable read for several reasons. First of all, I have a young teenage son, that is getting ready to start high school soon. He is close to the same age as the main character in this book. I found a lot of Dan’s experiences and feelings very relatable to what my son is going through now. I would love for him to have an experience like this, seeing all of Europe with your friends. Some of the experiences that Dan had, definitely would not be happening in today’s age, but they were still priceless. I found the book very nostalgic. I remember what life was like back in 1989, mixed tapes, Sony Walkman, Fanta soda, family being able to walk you to the airport gate. Traveling without cellphones or being in constant contact with your parents, what freedom. But, now as a parent, the thought of not being able to get in touch with my kids frightens me. I have to say that Mrs. Bjork, Dan’s speech teacher, was my favorite character. She was so sweet and seemed to know what Dan was going through. However, she did set him up for disaster when she had Dan practice his speech in front of the entire school. Since this book was so personal (a graphic novel memoir), this was what made the story so good and compelling. I definitely cannot wait to see what Dan comes out with next.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Dan Santat is the BEST!!!
I freakin adore Dan Santat!! This graphic novel is everything I wish I'd had as a teen! I love seeing more Asian rep in books!! I'm Japanese and it's fun to read books with Asian MCs so my kids can see themselves in books! I love Dan Santat's art!! It just draws me in and hooks me! And this book - absolute perfection!! The pictures show the trip so well and captures all the characters emotions! It has all those awkward and cringy moments you remember from Jr High but it also has so much heart!! It's hard to imagine Dan as a young insecure kid as his art is amazing!! One of my all time favorite picture books is The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend!! As in my mom, neighbors, friends, nieces and nephews all got a copy of it! This will be the next book they all get! This is a fictional take on his actual middle school trip to Europe. I laughed out loud at some of the shenanigans he gets into and wholeheartedly rooted for him to get the girl!! I hope he continues to write middle grade books as well as his picture books since I'll love them all!!! Thank you MacKidsBooks for my review copy!! Opinions all my own!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com