This One Summer
ISBN 978-1-596-43774-6
Bibliography:
Tamaki, M., & Tamaki, J. (2014). THIS ONE SUMMER (FIRST EDITION). First Second.
Plot Summary:
Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening.It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.
Critical Analysis:
Tamaki’s novel is a story that captivates its readers and relates to a wide variety of audiences. It’s take on teen pregnancy, suicide, and family issues makes it a relatable and relevant piece to those who have experienced those types of problems as well as an eye-opener to those who have lived the “good life.” Her use of a monochrome color throughout the entire novel helps set the mood and tone of the story. The colors evoke a feeling of sadness, gloom, and despair, which unfortunately applies to many of our students and many adults as well. The author’s use of simple, easy-to-read vocabulary is a big plus as it helps the story unfold without the hassle of having to look up any higher-level academic words in every other sentence. As with any graphic novel, the dialogue boxes make it easy to keep track of who’s saying what and the pictures definitely help with following the story. Because of its sensitive material, I would recommend this book to anyone in high school or older as I feel that they would be a bit more mature to understand and handle the delicate topics that are presented.
Review Excerpt(s):
“This captivating graphic novel presents a fully realized picture of a particular time in a young girl's life, an in-between summer filled with yearning and a sense of ephemerality.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW
“A summer of family drama, secrets and change in a small beach town . . . Keenly observed and gorgeously illustrated - a triumph.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“With a light touch, the Tamakis capture the struggle of growing up in a patchwork of summer moments . . . Wistful, touching, and perfectly bittersweet.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW
Connection:
*Students can Compare and contrast how Rose, Windy, Jenny, and Dunc each deal with issues of teen pregnancy. Discuss real-life options kids have under these circumstances.
*The students can create a Venn diagram representing how Windy and Rose’s personalities, likes, and dislikes overlap. Discuss the similarities and differences between the two while discussing what makes theirs such a solid friendship.
Other similar books:
ANYA’S GHOST By Vera Brosgol ISBN 978-1250040015
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