A First Time for Everything: List 1

by Dan Santat
In this graphic memoir the author recounts the struggles of middle school and how a three-week European group trip transformed his life in positive ways at the age of thirteen.

This list covers pages 1–165 in the 2023 First Second edition.

Here are links to our lists for the memoir: List 1, List 2
30 words 487 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. immune system
    the cells in the body that work together to fight disease
    My mom was sick with a disease called lupus, (a disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues) which usually left her feeling exhausted, so I often helped her with errands.
  2. stressful
    extremely irritating to the nerves
    Suddenly, being a kid felt stressful.
  3. speech
    a formal spoken communication to an audience
    We need to be prepared for the speech tournament this weekend. I've set some time aside for you to each perform your speeches in front of the students.
  4. karma
    effects of one's actions that determine his or her destiny
    All my life, up to this moment, I stayed out of trouble. I followed the rules, and I tried to always be a good kid. This all felt really unfair. This isn't how karma is supposed to work.
  5. enunciate
    speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way
    Don't forget to enunciate.
  6. detention
    a punishment in which a student must stay after school
    The next person who interrupts Mr. Santat's speech will see me after school and be written up to spend all next week in detention!
  7. dismiss
    end an encounter with someone by causing the person to leave
    Get back to your seats! I haven't dismissed you yet!
  8. complicate
    make less simple
    I didn't want them to worry. I didn't want to complicate things for them.
  9. delivery
    characteristic style or manner of expressing oneself orally
    We need to work on your delivery. You need to enunciate.
  10. technically
    according to the exact meaning; according to the facts
    We're invited since everyone in town is now "technically invited."
  11. board
    get on, as trains, buses, ships, aircraft, etc.
    Okay, kids, it's time to board the plane! Say goodbye to your parents! We're shipping out!
  12. embargo
    a government order imposing a trade barrier
    That was a product of World War II. After the US declared a trade embargo on the Nazis, they couldn't import syrup from the States and decided to make their own soda with only natural ingredients.
  13. import
    bring in from abroad
    That was a product of World War II. After the US declared a trade embargo on the Nazis, they couldn't import syrup from the States and decided to make their own soda with only natural ingredients.
  14. budget
    a sum of money allocated for a particular purpose
    You just went slightly over your budget today, so I'll help cover the cost. Just keep an eye out on your finances after this.
  15. finances
    assets in the form of money
    You just went slightly over your budget today, so I'll help cover the cost. Just keep an eye out on your finances after this.
  16. structure
    a complex entity made of many parts
    We'll be meeting at the tallest structure in the city. Wherever you go, it will always be in view. You'll never be lost.
  17. souvenir
    something of sentimental value
    Well, we all blew our money on souvenirs, so we'll have to join you guys.
  18. gravity
    the force of attraction between all masses in the universe
    I can't hold on much longer! I'm gonna fall!!
    That's called gravity, son!
  19. chaperone
    one who accompanies and supervises young people
    And you must be the chaperone?
    I'm Amy's mom. Pat...Glockenspiel.
  20. scramble
    move hurriedly
    And then the cops pulled up and everyone started to scramble.
  21. adventure
    a wild and exciting undertaking
    I never thought you were the type of guy who would ever go to a party.
    You're not the type of guy who likes to go out on adventures.
  22. fondue
    melted cheese or chocolate into which other foods are dipped
    Fondue. Although the food has its origins in Switzerland, the name is derived from the French meaning "to melt." It's essentially cheese and wine melted together, and you dip the bread into the pot with a stick...
  23. derive
    come from
    Fondue. Although the food has its origins in Switzerland, the name is derived from the French meaning "to melt." It's essentially cheese and wine melted together, and you dip the bread into the pot with a stick...
  24. essentially
    at bottom or by something's very nature
    Fondue. Although the food has its origins in Switzerland, the name is derived from the French meaning "to melt." It's essentially cheese and wine melted together, and you dip the bread into the pot with a stick...
  25. tradition
    a specific practice of long standing
    My memory is a little fuzzy, but there is a tradition that if you drop the bread into the cheese pot—
  26. culture
    the attitudes characteristic of a particular social group
    We're supposed to be learning about culture on this trip! I'd think you would want us to honor those traditions!
  27. trivia
    miscellaneous facts about a range of subjects
    It wasn't that bad. In fact, Hank got his trivia wrong.
  28. kidnap
    take someone away against their will, often for ransom
    I thought he was trying to kidnap you or something.
  29. pathetic
    inspiring mixed contempt and pity
    There's been this guy who looks exactly like me who's been following me around constantly for the last 13 years and doing embarrassing things to make look pathetic!
  30. mortified
    made to feel uncomfortable because of shame or wounded pride
    I'm glad you think it was funny. I was mortified.
Created on Fri Nov 17 11:05:21 EST 2023 (updated Fri Nov 17 13:47:51 EST 2023)

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