44 pages • 1 hour read
This One Summer
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Book Brief
320
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Awago Beach • Contemporary
2014
YA
12-18 years
GN300L
Super Short Summary
This One Summer follows preteens Rose and Windy during a summer at Awago Beach as they navigate the complexities of growing up, encountering adolescent curiosity, family tensions, and local teenage dramas. The story captures their experiences with friendship, discovery, and the realization that adulthood is more complicated than it seems. The book discusses sexuality, suicide, a miscarriage, and includes profanity.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
88,732 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki captures the nuances of adolescence with its beautiful illustrations and poignant storytelling. Critics praise its handling of complex themes and the realistic portrayal of teenage emotions. However, some readers feel the pacing drags and that the ending lacks resolution. Overall, it’s a compelling, visually stunning graphic novel.
Who Should Read This One Summer?
Fans of Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi or Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden will enjoy This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki. Ideal for young adults who appreciate nuanced coming-of-age stories, it explores themes of friendship, family, and adolescence with evocative illustrations and a summer setting.
88,732 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Windy
Windy
Rose's 10-year-old summer friend, known for her passion for music and swimming and her spirited nature as they explore growing up together.
Alice Wallace
Alice Wallace
Rose’s mother, who struggles with her own emotional challenges and the impact they have on her family during their summer vacation.
Evan Wallace
Evan Wallace
Rose’s father, who is a source of support for her amidst the familial tensions and is known for his lighthearted jokes.
Jenny
Jenny
A teenager in Awago Beach who faces significant personal challenges, serving as a point of curiosity and judgment from Rose.
Evelyn
Evelyn
Windy’s adoptive mother, a nurturing and supportive figure who provides comfort and advice to those around her.
Duncan
Duncan
A store clerk at Awago Beach who becomes a symbol of emerging interests for Rose and involves himself in a challenging situation with Jenny.
320
Graphic Novel/Book • Fiction
Awago Beach • Contemporary
2014
YA
12-18 years
GN300L
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