Psalm 101:3
Quick Answer: Avoid
Concern Level: Medium
This is another of the increasingly popular ‘graphic memoirs’ that we are not at all a fan of. Here an adult author attempts to remember and retell a... → Continue reading below
A First Time for Everything
VERDICT: Avoid
Concern Level: Medium
Christian Parent Review
Concern LevelMedium
Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content
This is another of the increasingly popular ‘graphic memoirs’ that we are not at all a fan of. Here an adult author attempts to remember and retell a part of their time growing up (in this case middle school) in a ‘cute’ graphic format that inevitably leads to it being put in front of very young kids who we would never target with a biography. This leads to very young children reading content that we Christians would never want them to. All while the secular world gives these books awards. There is quite a bit of focus on romantic content as a crush develops over a European trip. To make things worse, early we hear a girl saying she intends “to have a summer romance with some hot Euro boy” and later pointing out cute boys in a crowd. Boys turn on a TV and begin gawking at full nudity (not shown), closing with the reading seeing “Bom-chikka-wow-wow” as the scene fades. In one country kids can drink at 14. Main character is not quite 14, but still drinks. A drunk character in public is shown getting sick due to drinking too much (somewhat graphically shown and discussed). Many kids are shown smoking. Group of kids sneak into a nightclub. Main character sneaks into a Tennis event and steals a bike. While handled tastefully and leading to a sweet response by the main character, there is a flashback where a girl from school has “an accident”, which we find out is “girl stuff”. This may be something some parents won’t want coming up from a graphic novel. Graphic memoir content leads to strange older references being put in front of children. In this case we see references to James Dean, Knight Rider, John McEnroe, Disco, Saturday Night Fever and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We see a buddha necklace and a reference to karma (“this isn’t how karma is supposed to work”). We see the terms idiot, shut up, this sucks, oh my God, good Lord and crotch. A couple instances like “chop off your head” and “shut your face”. We hear a reference to someone being called “the ugliest girl in school”.
VerdictAvoid
Our Thoughts
You could say that this is a bit cleaner graphic memoir (compared to titles like “Hey Kiddo” and the ‘modern retelling’ of Little Women we recently reviewed), but we think it’s important that we point out that we really don’t see anything ‘good’ and redeeming in this title and others like it for the young readers who will end up being the audience. And this is the big issue. You could maybe make a case for adults reading books like this and reminiscing, but adults will not be the vast majority of readers. Children will. This is our issue with the format communicating a different audience and intent than the content. Here we see an interesting point reinforcing this, where an author’s note tells readers they really don’t think kids should be doing much of what he showed them doing in the story, but it is included because it is what happened in their life. Taking that into account… we consider this an Avoid.
Plot SummaryNote: This information is typically from the publisher.Use with caution
A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life. Dan's always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn't stop him from being bullied and feeling like he's invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe. At first, he's right. He's stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn't know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him―first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers... and first love. Funny, heartwarming, and poignant, A First Time for Everything is a feel-good coming-of-age memoir based on New York Times bestselling author and Caldecott Medal winner Dan Santat's awkward middle school years. It celebrates a time that is universally challenging for many of us, but also life-changing as well. Praise for After the Fall “The author gives wings to both his protagonist and his message about the importance of getting back up after a fall and the realization that recovering from a trauma takes time.” ― Booklist , starred review “ Santat’s precise illustrations and sensitive text combine for more emotional depth than the typical nursery rhyme remix. A terrific redemptive read-aloud for storytime and classroom sharing.” ― School Library Journal, starred review
Purchase LinkAbove Reproach: We intentionally do NOT use referral links on this site.No purchase convenience link provided for 'Avoid' books
Other Reviews for this Book
Plugged In
While we REALLY wish it wasn’t true, this is a perfect example of the main problem we see with Plugged In’s reviews, especially with books. Often a decent amount (although usually not all) of the concerning content gets ‘mentioned’ in various category boxes, but very rarely do you get a real feel for just how concerning the content is. Often the concerns are extremely downplayed. This is very much the case here.
Read ReviewRedeemed Reader
This site shows this as a book for teens and up right up front, which at least helps parent realize it is not a kid’s book. There is still the obvious question on whether it SHOULD be read by teens (we don’t think so). Review does a decent job about warning about giving a sampling of the potentially concerning content.
We feel like this review still gives a more positive takeaway than this book deserves, but there is plenty to like about this one as well.
Read ReviewCommon Sense Media
Oh boy. Another great warning on why Christians need to rely on Christian reviews. Right up front you see that this site actually awarded this book as good for families (yes, families), describing it as a “delightful details of the author’s first Euro trip and kiss”. Very little concerning content is even mentioned and when it is it feels downplayed. While we want more for Christian reviews, this main secular review site often actually promotes highly concerning content.
Read ReviewScripture Reflection
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Listen! The Lord is calling to the city—and to fear your name is wisdom—'Heed the rod and the One who appointed it.'
— Micah 6:8
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