An interesting graphic novel about the summer between 7th and 8th grade and a girl finding herself and her confidence. I love a representation of a tattooed mom. Ours is classified in JG, but I think a better fit for middle grade or YA. ( )

The drama in this story might be a little understated for the tastes of some middle schoolers, but plenty of kids will find bits to relate to. I loved it for the range of characters that felt fully formed even if they were on the sidelines, and Bina reminded me of so many middle school kids who are feeling unsure now, but they're on the verge of turning into really awesome teenagers. ( )

Bina and Austin spend every summer together, doing their "fun meter." Austin, instead, is going to soccer camp. Bina's summer yawns in front of her.

Bina practices guitar and hangs out. It's fate that one day she loses her key. Realizing Austin has a key, she sneaks into Austin's house and his sister catches her. Austin's sister seems to be all over the place me; she struck me as very unreliable. Nevertheless, Bina realizes that they have some common interests. In fact, it's through the sister that Bina meets makes some money babysitting.

It's not a terrible summer, but Austin finally comes home and seems distant. The best way to figure out what's wrong is to ask. Because they can communicate, they will be okay. Also, the summer helped them find themselves and grow individually instead of finding themselves in their friend relationship.

I liked it. ( )

Austin and Bina have been inseparable friends since they were in diapers. The summer going into the eighth grade everything changes. Austin is headed for soccer camp and Bina has no idea how she is going to fill those, quite suddenly, boring days of summer. This is a coming of age type journey of self-discovery and Bina stretches out of her comfort zone to new experiences and new friendships. She learns to deal with her changing relationship with Austin now that they growing up and she finds a world that is just a little bit bigger than she had been expecting.

Somehow or another I have been inundated with graphic novels this summer. My son, a budding graphic artist, of course, insists that they are as legitimate literature as any book could be. After this book and the others that have found their way to me, I have to agree. While I might have avoided All Summer Long, given its format, I actually found it quite easy to read and the story is perfect for middle school teens. The art perfectly captures the feeling of a 13-year-old's summer of change


Let's talk about books at I Read What You Write ( )

Summer for the tween rock nerds -- are rock nerds a thing? I think so. Aaaaaallllll about uncomfortable 13, learning the new dynamic with your friends and their siblings and finding out your things and how bored is ok. Nothing profound, but a great representation. ( )