“Bye!”

From Hope Larson’s All Summer Long.

Bina and her lifelong neighbor and best friend Austin have just finished seventh grade and are looking forward to a fun summer of freedom together… at least, that’s what Bina was expecting. However, when Austin announces that he’ll be going to a soccer camp for several weeks, Bina is left bored and alone. After her parents cut her off from all video streaming services, Bina is left with nothing to do except struggle through the assigned summer reading. When she gets locked out of her house after going to the grocery store, Bina decides to sneak into Austin’s house through the bathroom window to get his cat-sitting key. However, while Bina thought the house would be empty, she is shocked to find Austin’s older sister, Charlie, home. Though the two have never spent much time together, Austin’s absence and Charlie’s recent broken arm pages then to discover their similar taste in music. Things go well with Charlie for a while, but as Austin goes more radio silent, Bina’s summer quickly begins to fall apart, and Austin’s return home from camp does little to ease the tension that’s formed in their friendship.

The graphic novel focuses on struggles many young readers will relate to. The monochromatic illustrations offer an interesting view to the story. Bina sometimes comes off a bit whiny, but overall her character is easy to connect with and will attract readers to All Summer Long.