This One Summer
Written by Mariko Tamaki
Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki
Published by First Second, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-626-72094-7
Format: Graphic novel
320 Pages ~ Ages 12-15
Brief Summary
Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s This One Summer is the coming-of-age story of prepubescent Rose and her best friend Windy. She and her parents vacation annually in their cottage in Awago Beach. Every summer, when Rose is not partaking in family BBQs or collecting rocks with her dad, she is spending her time being a kid with Windy – a year and a half her junior. The two are typically found swimming in the lake, digging holes in the sand, playing MASH, and (this summer) watching horror movies. Yet, the inseparable pair of preteens – one basking in childhood and the other on the cusp of adolescence – seem to be growing slightly distant; evident in Windy’s silly banter and Rose’s periodic disinterest in it, focusing instead on a summer crush. Rose accepts Windy as a pleasant distraction from her parents incessant arguing and her mother’s depression, yet becomes intrigued with the drama of local teens. This summer looks to prove whether or not Rose is outgrowing her younger best friend and if her family can find a way to heal from the hurt of unsuccessfully having a new baby.
Blog, Don't Judge 