Girlhood and Growing Up

Hallie Melville

This One Summer

by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki

Every summer since she was a little girl, Rose and her parents have been going to Awago Beach. Her friend Windy is there too, acting as the little sister Rose never had. Rose and Windy previously had seen this trip as a relaxing getaway, however, this summer is different. Rose's parents won't stop fighting, and in an attempt to distract themselves from the drama, Rose and Windy find themselves witnessing tragedy unfold in the small town of Awago Beach. Themes like growing up, mental illness, and girlhood appear as the two girls trial through secrets and sorrow during the summer.

"My mom told me. Used to tell me all the time. That she dreamed of me before I was born" (296).

Rose's relationship with her mom is complex and interesting. She seems to have depression, but Rose finds it difficult to see what she is going through as she writes her off as lazy or uptight many times. It's moving yet heartbreaking at times to see Rose's feelings towards her mother shift throughout the book. Because this is a graphic novel and a fairly quick read, I would recommend this to anyone interested in art or anyone even a little bit interested in the story. The beautiful artwork brings the words to life, helping the story really flow.