By Maureen Tai, 9 January 2024

In this humorous and heart-warming middle-grade graphic memoir, a first time for everything, Dan Santat recounts the life-changing and awkward “firsts” of his middle school life: first time being ridiculed, first party, first school trip to Europe, first Fanta, and of course, first love. It is impossible not to get swept into Dan’s story, and to root for the hapless and quiet “good boy” as he navigates complicated relationships in a European setting in the late 1980s: the illustrations are rich with action, expression and detail and the storytelling is masterfully paced and never predictable. Both kids and adults alike will find much to relate to and enjoy in this endearing, feel-good read about embracing life’s challenges, no matter how dire they may appear to be. A well-deserved 2023 National Book Award winner.

For ages 11+.