This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki




With This One Summer, the Tamakis create a vivid summer memory. With a calm breezy atmosphere and a delicate art style, they beautifully capture a bittersweet coming-of-age. The transition to adolescence is often an awkward and confusing one, with a growing sexual awareness and emotional maturity that adults are unwilling to acknowledge. This story handles this transition with charm and subtlety. It consists of a sensitive exploration of girlhood and innocence, and a nuanced portrayal of friendship and familial relationships. The story also highlights the importance of creating a safe and welcoming environment in which young girls can grow and develop, where their curiosity isn’t met with ignorance.

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