A First Time for Everything Summary and Analysis

A First Time for Everything is a heartfelt middle-grade graphic memoir by Dan Santat, blending humor, adventure, and self-discovery. Set in the summer of 1989, it follows 13-year-old Dan on a transformative school trip across Europe. 

Shy and insecure, Dan embarks on the journey unsure of himself, but through a series of “first-time” experiences—new friendships, awkward moments, and cultural exploration—he gains a new sense of confidence. Santat’s vibrant illustrations and nostalgic storytelling make this coming-of-age memoir a touching reflection on the joy and challenges of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Summary

Dan Santat’s memoir recounts his first major trip abroad as a 13-year-old, during the summer of 1989. Living in California with his parents, Dan is a shy junior high school student, burdened by insecurities and past humiliations. 

Though he loves art, a past critique left him unwilling to show his work, and an embarrassing public speaking incident still haunts him. His mother, struggling with lupus, urges him to go on a school trip to Europe, hoping it will give him new perspectives. Although nervous, Dan agrees, worried about leaving his comfort zone but also hopeful for change.

Once the trip begins, Dan quickly makes friends with two classmates, Braden and Darryl. Their first stop is Paris, where Dan is overwhelmed by the sights but enjoys his first taste of independence. 

He befriends Amy, a girl from another group on the tour, after an awkward mix-up with their luggage. Although still unsure of himself, Dan begins to experience Europe with more excitement, exploring the city and even managing a climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

As the group moves on to Lucerne, Switzerland, Dan’s nervousness strikes again during an uncomfortable fondue dinner. A playful misunderstanding results in Dan accidentally kissing Amy’s ear instead of her cheek, leaving him embarrassed but drawing them closer. 

Memories of past mishaps with girls resurface, making him even more hesitant about letting anyone in. In the meantime, Dan and Amy’s friendship deepens as they bond over shared experiences, though Dan is wary of his feelings.

When the group travels to Munich, Germany, Dan finds himself the victim of a messy situation—literally—after an unfortunate encounter with beer and vomit. Amy’s kindheartedness helps him through the ordeal, and for the first time, Dan lets her see him draw, something he hasn’t shown anyone in years. 

Their budding connection grows during a long bus ride, with Amy resting her head on his shoulder, sparking Dan’s conflicted emotions about what their relationship means.

The adventure continues in Salzburg, Austria, where the students live with host families. Dan, Braden, and Darryl stay with an elderly woman named Helga, who speaks little English but connects with Dan through shared moments watching tennis. Dan loosens up, enjoying the local culture, even sneaking out to a club. 

After a romantic evening with Amy, Dan begins to confront his fear of rejection, but struggles to balance his growing feelings with the emotional armor he’s built over the years.

In Vienna, Dan’s emotional walls begin to crumble. He confides in his teacher, Mrs. Bjork, about his fear of embarrassment and rejection, realizing that holding back to avoid pain isn’t the answer. 

After a heart-to-heart, he and Amy share a dance in a quiet park, contemplating the uncertainties of life and relationships.

By the time the group reaches London, Dan has transformed. On the trip’s last day, Mrs. Bjork shares a poignant poem by A. A. Milne, encouraging him to embrace life’s unpredictability. 

Dan reconnects with Amy, and they share a final romantic afternoon. Their farewell is bittersweet but hopeful, with Dan returning home more confident, ready to face high school and whatever comes next.

Characters

Dan Santat

Dan is the central character of the memoir, a 13-year-old boy who is on the cusp of entering high school. Shy and insecure, Dan has a quiet, introspective nature, which stems from past experiences of bullying and rejection.

At the beginning of the memoir, he is depicted as a boy who hides his passion for drawing, avoids confrontation, and is deeply affected by the fear of being judged and embarrassed. His internal struggles are evident in his reluctance to open up to others or share his art, as he still holds onto painful memories of being publicly humiliated during a school speech.

Dan’s home life adds another layer to his personality. He is caring and responsible, helping his mother with errands due to her illness, which suggests a level of maturity and sensitivity.

Throughout the memoir, Dan embarks on a journey of personal growth. He faces his insecurities head-on, learning to embrace new experiences and gradually stepping out of his shell.

From navigating awkward situations like accidentally kissing Amy’s ear to overcoming fears of rejection, Dan transforms as the story progresses. By the end of the trip, he is more confident and willing to take risks, both emotionally and socially.

His relationship with Amy serves as a turning point, symbolizing his willingness to be vulnerable. Dan’s growth is also reflected in his creative passion—by the end of the story, he is no longer hiding his art but sharing it with Amy and others.

Amy

Amy, a girl from Illinois who is also on the European tour, is depicted as friendly, outgoing, and supportive. Her interactions with Dan reveal her openness and kindness.

From their initial encounter at the airport, where Dan accidentally takes her bag and mispronounces her name, Amy’s reactions demonstrate her easygoing and forgiving nature. She plays an important role in helping Dan come out of his shell, particularly when she asks to watch him draw during the bus ride, giving him the validation he needs to be more confident in his artistic abilities.

Amy is also empathetic and patient, as seen in her response to Dan’s awkwardness, like when he nervously kisses her ear instead of her cheek. She is understanding, never making Dan feel bad for his social missteps.

Despite this, she has her own emotional complexity. When Dan suggests they should just be friends out of fear of getting hurt, Amy is visibly hurt but eventually forgives him, showing her maturity and depth of character.

Her interactions with Dan evolve from playful and lighthearted to more emotionally charged, culminating in a romantic connection by the end of the trip. Amy is an important catalyst in Dan’s transformation, encouraging him to step out of his comfort zone and helping him to experience a meaningful relationship for the first time.

Mrs. Bjork

Mrs. Bjork, Dan’s teacher, acts as a mentor figure throughout the memoir. She is wise, perceptive, and serves as a guiding force for Dan.

Early in the story, Mrs. Bjork encourages Dan to live more boldly, pushing him to engage with the world around him instead of sitting on the sidelines. She recognizes his hesitancy and introversion, and with a few well-placed words of advice, she helps Dan shift his perspective.

One of the most significant moments in the memoir is when Mrs. Bjork takes Dan to the house of A. A. Milne and introduces him to the poem “Spring Morning,” using it as a metaphor for life’s unpredictability and the importance of embracing the unknown.

Her mentorship helps Dan see that life’s experiences—whether good or bad—are what shape a person, and how he responds to them will ultimately define his growth. Mrs. Bjork’s role in the story is less about direct action and more about providing the emotional and intellectual tools Dan needs to come into his own.

Darryl and Braden

Darryl and Braden are Dan’s classmates and serve as his close companions on the European trip. Both boys are portrayed as more confident and socially active than Dan, and they encourage him to enjoy the trip more freely.

While they engage in the typical antics of middle school boys, such as trying alcohol and daring each other to take risks, they also serve as supportive friends who push Dan out of his comfort zone. Darryl and Braden’s friendship with Dan is significant because it provides him with a sense of belonging, which contrasts with the isolation he felt during junior high.

They are key to helping Dan let loose, especially during moments like the night at the discotheque, where Dan begins to embrace new experiences and enjoy his time abroad. They also provide comic relief throughout the story, making the more serious moments stand out against the backdrop of their carefree attitudes.

Shelley

Shelley is a minor yet important character in the memoir. She is a friend of Dan’s from back home who, in a flashback, Dan remembers helping during a particularly vulnerable moment in junior high.

When Shelley has her period unexpectedly and stains her dress, Dan offers her his sweater and helps her keep the situation private, demonstrating his compassion and sensitivity. Shelley is also one of the few people who seems to understand Dan on a deeper level, supporting him in his efforts to overcome his fear of rejection.

During the trip, Shelley encourages Dan to be more assertive and take steps toward developing his relationship with Amy. Her role is largely supportive, offering emotional guidance when Dan’s insecurities threaten to hold him back.

Though she doesn’t play a major role in the memoir, her presence is important in showing Dan that there are people who care for him and that his natural kindness is a strength, not a weakness.

Helga

Helga, the elderly woman who hosts Dan, Darryl, and Braden in Salzburg, plays a nurturing and grounding role in Dan’s journey. Though she doesn’t speak English, she quickly bonds with Dan over their shared love of tennis and John McEnroe.

Helga is a comforting presence, providing a sense of stability and home during the students’ stay in Austria. Her quiet, gentle nature stands in contrast to the chaotic energy of the trip, and her connection with Dan helps him feel more at ease.

Helga’s inclusion in the memoir also reinforces the theme of connecting with people across cultural and language barriers. She shows that kindness and shared interests can bridge differences.

Themes

The Intersection of Vulnerability, Self-Doubt, and Personal Growth

In A First Time for Everything, the primary theme revolves around the delicate interplay between vulnerability, self-doubt, and personal growth. Dan’s journey from a timid, self-conscious adolescent to a more self-assured individual is shaped by his constant struggle with self-doubt and fear of humiliation.

His negative experiences in junior high, particularly being ridiculed in front of his peers and rejected for his perceived unattractiveness, create a lingering sense of inadequacy. Throughout the memoir, Dan’s internal conflict between the desire to connect with others and the fear of being hurt or rejected is palpable.

His reluctance to engage with Amy, despite his evident affection for her, exemplifies this emotional tug-of-war. Mrs. Bjork’s advice about embracing both positive and negative experiences becomes a pivotal turning point.

Dan begins to understand that growth requires confronting and accepting vulnerability. His emotional maturation is marked not only by his ability to open up to Amy but also by his willingness to navigate the uncertainties of life without being paralyzed by fear.

The Role of Cultural Immersion and Novel Experiences in Self-Discovery

The European backdrop of the memoir serves as more than just a physical setting. It represents a transformative environment that pushes Dan outside the familiar boundaries of his suburban life in California.

The new experiences — whether it is climbing the Eiffel Tower, tasting fondue in Switzerland, or attending a discotheque in Salzburg — expose Dan to a broader world and a greater understanding of himself. Each of these cultural immersions acts as a metaphor for self-discovery.

Dan navigates not only unfamiliar landscapes but also unfamiliar emotions. His encounter with the freedom of European youth culture and moments like the kiss with Amy show him that living fully often requires embracing discomfort and unfamiliarity.

The cultural immersion acts as a mirror to Dan’s internal journey, reflecting how exploration of the external world can lead to profound personal insights.

The Struggle Between Emotional Reticence and the Desire for Connection

Dan’s internal tension between his instinct to withdraw and his yearning for meaningful human connection is another crucial theme in the memoir. His reluctance to engage with Amy, driven by a fear of rejection and emotional pain, serves as a microcosm of his broader struggle with relationships.

Throughout the story, Dan is depicted as someone who, despite his desire for companionship, has learned to retreat into himself due to past traumas. This emotional reticence manifests in his interactions with Amy.

Even after experiencing moments of connection, he pulls back, afraid of what deeper intimacy might bring. His fear is not simply one of rejection but of emotional exposure.

The development of his relationship with Amy illustrates the slow, painful process of learning to trust and let down emotional barriers. Dan’s journey is about connecting with others, but more importantly, reconnecting with himself and learning to embrace emotional fulfillment.

The Influence of Societal Expectations and Peer Pressure on Identity Formation

Dan’s identity formation is heavily influenced by the societal expectations and peer pressures he encounters both at home and during his trip. As a 13-year-old boy navigating the transition from junior high to high school, Dan faces a barrage of expectations regarding how he should behave and whom he should associate with.

The weight of these societal norms is evident in his interactions with his friends, who constantly push him to talk to Amy. This pressure to conform extends to cultural rites of passage he encounters during his trip, such as drinking beer for the first time.

Yet, as Dan progresses through the trip, he begins to question these external standards. His discomfort with smoking and his growing realization that his self-worth need not be contingent on the approval of others signal his evolving understanding of identity.

Mrs. Bjork’s guidance helps him recognize the importance of forging his own path, independent of societal and peer-driven expectations.

The Tension Between Past Traumas and Future Possibilities

Dan’s journey is marked by the tension between his past traumas and the future possibilities that lie ahead of him. The emotional scars from his experiences in junior high weigh heavily on him as he embarks on his European trip.

These traumas shape his worldview, making him cautious and hesitant to embrace new experiences. The trip presents a unique opportunity for Dan to reimagine his future, a chance to rewrite the narrative of who he is and what he can become.

The contrast between his past and his potential future is most vividly represented in his conversations with Mrs. Bjork. She encourages him to view the trip as a fresh start.

As the memoir progresses, Dan slowly begins to let go of the past. By the end, he is no longer bound by the traumas of his past but stands on the cusp of a future filled with possibility.