This One Summer is a graphic novel that tells the story of Rose, a young girl who spends the summer at a lakeside cottage with her family. Set against the backdrop of a quiet, rural town, Rose experiences a period of emotional and social upheaval as she grapples with the complexities of growing up. The story focuses on Rose’s relationship with her friend Windy and their interactions with the older teenagers around them, especially the romantic and personal challenges they face. The novel explores themes of puberty, family dynamics, friendship, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. Rose’s coming-of-age journey is marked by the emotional weight of learning about the complexities of love, loss, and identity. The detailed artwork by Jillian Tamaki complements the introspective narrative, capturing the nuances of Rose’s emotional state through visual storytelling.

This One Summer has faced censorship and challenges due to its mature themes and depictions of adolescent sexuality, which some consider inappropriate for younger readers. The graphic novel includes discussions of topics like abortion, sexual awakening, and family conflict, which have led to objections from some parents and school boards. Its portrayal of sensitive topics, such as the complexities of teenage relationships and the emotional struggles of growing up, has been seen as too explicit by some. Despite the controversies, the book has also been praised for its authentic and nuanced exploration of adolescence, making it an important contribution to young adult literature. It has won numerous awards and continues to be a widely discussed graphic novel in educational and literary circles.