Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Well-observed graphic novel charts transition to adolesence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Based on 17 kid reviews
Kids say that while the book offers a good story with relatable coming-of-age themes, it also contains inappropriate language and sensitive topics such as teen pregnancy and self-harm that may not be suitable for younger readers. Some reviewers appreciate its honesty and perspective on real-life issues, while others express concern about the potential negative influence on immature kids.
- inappropriate language
- sensitive topics
- coming-of-age
- mixed reactions
- reader maturity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Rose and Windy look forward all year to their summer family vacations at Awago Beach. But this year is different for the best friends, as Rose's mother is sad and withdrawn, and she and Rose's dad fight often. Rose develops a crush on "Dud," the older boy who works behind the counter at the local convenience store, and Windy is fascinated by the problems Dud is having with his girlfriend. The year-and-a-half age gap between Rose and Windy feels wider than it used to. When near-tragedy strikes, the girls get a glimpse of what lies beyond childhood.
Is It Any Good?
THIS ONE SUMMER perfectly captures the awkward transition from childhood to adolescence. Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Jillian Tamaki (who are cousins) are perfectly attuned to each other, with the expressive blue-washed artwork conveying both the unfocused energy of the protagonists and the subtlety of their story. The narrative is not action-packed, but the creators achieve powerful effects with economy and grace. It's also gratifying to find a graphic novel that speaks directly and realistically to the lives and dreams of girls in their early teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how comics and graphic novels tell stories differently from other media. What kinds of effects are available through the combination of words and pictures that aren't available from either method alone?
How do friendships change over time? Why do some people remain friends forever, while others drift apart?
How do you feel about "slut-shaming"? What does it mean when a young woman is called a slut?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Jillian Tamaki
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : May 6, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Awards : ALA Best and Notable Books , Caldecott Medal and Honors
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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