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.

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.

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

- This One Summer was awarded the Caldecott Honor in 2015, making it the first graphic novel to receive this honor, which traditionally recognizes distinguished American picture books for children.
- The illustration work for This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki received high acclaim and won the prestigious Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album–New in 2015.
- This One Summer has faced challenges and bans in some libraries and schools due to its portrayal of mature themes and language, sparking discussions about censorship and the scope of young adult literature.

Mariko Tamaki

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore This One Summer and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

This One Summer Summary and Study Guide

Background

This One Summer Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-65

This One Summer Pages 1-65 Summary & Analysis

Pages 66-169

This One Summer Pages 66-169 Summary & Analysis

Pages 170-259

This One Summer Pages 170-259 Summary & Analysis

Pages 260-319

This One Summer Pages 260-319 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

This One Summer Character Analysis

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Themes

This One Summer Themes

Symbols & Motifs

This One Summer Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

This One Summer Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

This One Summer Essay Topics

This One Summer

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read This One Summer?

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Book Details