This One Summer is a graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by Jillian Tamaki. It follows the story of Rose, a young girl who spends her summers with her family at a lakeside cottage. This particular summer, Rose is dealing with the complexities of growing up and navigating the changing dynamics of her relationships with her family and friends.
The artwork in This One Summer is beautifully done, with detailed illustrations that capture the essence of a lazy summer at the lake. The colors are muted and dreamy, adding to the nostalgic feel of the story. The writing is equally impressive, with Mariko Tamaki delving into themes of adolescence, family dynamics, and the bittersweetness of growing up.
One of the strengths of This One Summer is its portrayal of the emotions and struggles that come with adolescence. Rose is at a crossroads in her life, caught between childhood and adulthood, and the story beautifully captures the confusion and uncertainty that often accompanies this stage of life. The relationships between the characters are also well-developed, with moments of tension and tenderness that feel authentic and relatable.
Overall, This One Summer is a poignant and beautifully crafted graphic novel that explores the complexities of growing up. It is a coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages, and a reminder of the power of storytelling to capture the essence of a particular moment in time.