This book is less about avoiding the cringey disastrous moments and more about finding out in your soul that they don't matter. That those stories that shape us when we are young will still have some hold on us, but that getting out of your comfort zone can help put things into perspective in a beautiful way. I loved this book -- the travel, the awkward teens, the way things really do change when you get out the in the world, the adventures that become epic memories (some of them terrible). Charming, funny, sweet, authentic. ( )

A solid graphic novel that comes out looking really nice but plays it too safe.

Nobody is an extreme bully yet The bullying is supposed to be long-term. Everybody who's mean to him he's still friends with and they become better people via no character growth at all just little moments. He's awkward and disliked yet has several friends and is well liked by everyone.

His friends are well meaning but also the most calloused mean jerks I've ever seen be friends.

Everything is so safe it's cute but it's nothing more than safe. There's no risk the reward is there but he barely does anything to accomplish it. I felt like at no point was anyone inconvenienced or incumbered. There's no point reading this that I felt anyone was at risk of a consequence or long-term damages.

There's nice tidbits about the time period and how people could smoke on planes among other things but outside of that the book is not that interesting.

I still gave it a high rating because it's basically an autobiography graphic novel and since it's based off of real events with little adjustments I decided I couldn't really fault it, if real life is boring sometimes, so be it.

Not exactly a thrilling read but safe for all ages.

4 stars. ( )

Gr 5–9—A heartwarming memoir about an awkward student who emerges from his self-imposed shell over the
course of a trip to Europe in 1989. Humor and sentiment take center stage as the expressive artwork demonstrates
his world expanding and his identity emerging. A poignant self-discovery story.

I loved this portrayal of Santat's middle school experiences. Great illustrations and I thought he nailed middle school (pre Internet). The memoir is a nice way for a reader to "arm chair" travel with a group of kids. I wish the other languages were translated because some good dialog might be missed (I used google translate, but not sure a middle school read would). ( )

Dan had a rough road in middle school, teased by peers and frequently feeling like an outcast. He's an only child, his mom is ill. His parents sign him up for the class trip to Europe during the summer.
He deals with finding friends, his first romance, and changing his attitude and outlook.
It's a charming, coming of age graphic. ( )