Book Review of A first time for everything by Dan Santat

 

1.     Bibliography

Santat, D. 2023. A first time for everything. First Second. ISBN: 9781626724150

2.     Plot Summary

Dan Santat is in middle school and has always tried to be invisible.  His mother suffers from Lupus, and he was always helping her, so his family never really traveled anywhere.  His last summer before high school he gets the chance to take a trip to Europe and he is a little hesitant.  Even though he knows some of the kids he never really put himself out there with people.  This summer would be a lot of firsts for Dan.  On his adventures he meets a girl named Amy and the more they talk the more they like each other.  The live in different states so when the summer is up, they write letters to each other for a few years.  Even though Dan is a little reserved he ended up finding more of himself on this trip than ever.

3.     Critical Analysis

This book highlights students in middle school who are taking risks in their lives and trying to make the best of it.  Middle school can be hard for a lot of students, it’s full of emotions and drama, this book shows students that you can have a hard time putting yourself out there in front of people and taking risks but the rewards of doing so can be wonderful as well.  I love how this book is a true story about the author, it gives a whole different perspective, and students can put themselves in his shoes if they are having a difficult time in school.  The emotion portrayed in the book is felt in the illustrations, from the red cheeks to the tears coming down his face, you can tell exactly what he is feeling.  At the back of the book Santat gives his own personal note about his experience and gives the readers some additional information about what happened after his summer in Europe.  He also includes real pictures from his trip and gives the reader a real connection to his story.  In this story we truly see the transformation of a person who hasn’t experienced much to someone who is trying to live their lives to the fullest and take risks that you don’t know if they will pay off or not.  You see the character change and grow as a person into someone they truly want to be. 

4.     Review Excerpts

Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature-2023

"[A] great read among a crowded field, especially for sensitive middle-grade boys." ―Booklist, starred review

"A thoughtful memoir with lots of humor and heart." ―School Library Journal, starred review

5.     Connections

*I would have students write a personal narrative about a time they took a risk or put themselves in a situation they typically wouldn’t have.

*I would challenge students to write a poem about a time they felt vulnerable, and they overcame it.