A First Time for Everything

This graphic memoir follows a middle schooler named Dan throughout a three-week class trip to Europe during the late 1980s. Before the flight, Dan experiences social isolation and frequent bullying at his school in California. The narrative tracks his experiences in France, Switzerland, and Italy as he tries new foods, navigates the complexities of a first romance, and confronts his fear of public performance. Specific events include fondue dinners, a mishap with a runaway tennis ball in the Alps, and a transformative encounter with a local disco.

Middle-grade readers and adults alike find value in this honest depiction of transitioning from childhood insecurity to newfound independence. The book serves those looking for a realistic portrayal of how unfamiliar environments and physical travel can alter a person’s self-perception. Readers finish the story with a clear understanding of how small personal risks lead to social confidence. It provides a blueprint for navigating the awkwardness of puberty while highlighting the importance of openness to the world beyond one's immediate community.