This One Summer

(4/5 Stars) The first thing that strikes me in this story is the fabulous blue illustrations. The illustrations feel like you're remembering a memory.
Again, one of my favorite genres of reading summer story that involves coming of age. This one is a little on the depressing side of arguing parents and questioning sexuality. There is a lot of things to think about such as..babies! Yes, kinda a weird theme but it is pretty dominate in the story. Our main character is an only child and there was a stress in her family where they wanted/didn't want another one, Her friend is adopted, and a girl finds herself pregnant that they don't personally know but talk about. It's interesting to think how these things are related and tied into the story.

I think this would be a great conversation starter for parents and young adults to read and discuss together. There is a lot of emotion and you could discuss that natural curiosity and feelings will occur, to defiantly stay away from duds, discuss pregnancy and how to have safe sex, consent, and I thought one of the things they did a nice job of doing is discussing sexism and slut shaming. Excellent read and I recommend it highly if you want to have a conversation about growing up with your kid and have it be a discussion instead of an awkward “Bird Bee” type of classroom speech. ~Ashley