All Summer Long
Hope Larson
Illustrated by Hope Larson
01 May 2018Synopsis
*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018!*
All Summer Long, a coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel about summer and friendships, written and illustrated by the Eisner Award–winning and New York Times–bestselling Hope Larson.
Thirteen-year-old Bina has a long summer ahead of her. She and her best friend, Austin, usually do everything together, but he's off to soccer camp for a month,...
Details
01 May 2018
9780374310714Reviews
*A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2018!*
*A 2019 YALSA Great Graphic Novel Reading List Selection*
*A 2019 Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection*
*An Eisner Award Nominee!*
"Whereas in early childhood friendships take shape by reason of proximity, later they alter as interests diverge and new bonds form, and Larson's story tracks this painful, exhilarating process." —The New York Times Book Review
"Larson's panels are superb at revealing emotional conflict, subtext, and humor within the deceptively simple third-person limited plot, allowing characters to grow and develop emotionally over only a few spreads. A coming-of-age story as tender and sweet as a summer evening breeze." —Kirkus starred review
"Most crucial is the portrait that Larson (Mercury) draws of Bina as a guitarist and songwriter, a musician whose deepest fulfillment comes from within herself. Larson’s graphic novel zeroes in on conversational encounters, with dialogue that’s fresh and funny (“You’re a stone-cold psycho and I kinda admire that,” Charlie tells Bina when they begin to hang out), and her close-up drawings of expressive faces add intimacy to the interchanges she captures." —Publishers Weekly
"With much of this tight-knit family’s backstory delivered visually or through brief exchanges of dialogue, characters’ diversity of race, lifestyle, and sexual orientation emerge organically through the tidily framed black, white, and gold artwork. Use this with Brosgol’s Be Prepared (BCCB 4/18) and Jamieson’s Roller Girl (BCCB 4/15) and All’s Faire in Middle School (BCCB 10/17) for an easygoing graphic novel take on how to spend summer vacation." —Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"This sensitive, relatable graphic novel explores many familiar touchstones of adolescence as Bina seeks her place in the world... A limited palette keeps the focus on the story and character development, and Larson’s expressive drawings add to the emotional resonance of the teen’s journey to self-discovery...Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Smile and Shannon Hale’s Real Friends will eagerly embrace this work. A charming addition to any graphic novel collection.—School Library Journal
