This One Summer

Mariko and Jillian Tamaki worked together to create a unified work in which text and images come together to evoke specific themes. Examine this relationship between text and images. How does the text sometimes serve as an image itself? Which types of comic-style text and dialogue techniques are used, and how do they contribute to a reader’s understanding of the graphic novel?

Rose and Windy are close in age, but at different stages of their childhoods; Rose’s childhood is ending, as she’s approaching adolescence, and Windy is clinging to the innocence of childhood. How does this juxtaposition create conflict between Rose and Windy? Is this conflict ever resolved?

Throughout the novel, it is slowly revealed that Alice is suffering from depression and trauma as a result of a miscarriage she experienced the year before. How does Alice’s conflict affect the rest of the family, illustrating The Permeative Effects of Mental Illness? How are Alice’s feelings of guilt and inadequacy influenced by The Socially Prescribed Obligations of Womanhood?

Awago Beach is an annual haven for Rose and Windy. What does the beach symbolize for Rose and Windy, and how do the various illustrations and perspectives of the beach change what it symbolizes? How is the beach used to advance the plot and reveal the truth about Alice?

Rose and Windy are verging on adolescence, and Rose is approaching it willingly and quickly. Together, the girls discover various aspects of the sexuality of womanhood, including discussions of their breasts, oral sex, and marriage. Rose also develops a preoccupation with Jenny, judging her for being pregnant. How does Rose and Windy’s exploration of sexuality help illustrate The Socially Prescribed Obligations of Womanhood?

This One Summer was the recipient of several awards, but also received criticism and was even banned in libraries in Florida and Minnesota. Do you agree or disagree with the idea of including sexual themes in a graphic novel aimed at young adults? Why? Might the answer depend on context and delivery, as well as intention?

As the summer progresses, Rose realizes she may have been hasty in deeming herself mature and knowledgeable. How does Rose show that she wants to be older? Which characters and events subvert Rose’s assumptions about adulthood? What is Rose’s attitude toward adulthood when the story ends?

In many ways, This One Summer is a coming-of-age story. Does it follow the style of a traditional bildungsroman? Why or why not? How does This One Summer challenge assumptions about preteens, and what purpose might this serve societally?