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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, and he's been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it's up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own. At first it's a lot of guitar playing, boredom, and bad TV, but things look up when she finds an unlikely companion in Austin's older sister, who enjoys music just as much as Bina. But then Austin comes home from camp, and he's acting even weirder than when he left. How Bina and Austin rise above their growing pains and reestablish their friendship and respect for their differences makes for a touching and funny coming-of-age story.
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, and he's been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it's up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own. At first it's a lot of guitar playing, boredom, and bad TV, but things look up when she finds an unlikely companion in Austin's older sister, who enjoys music just as much as Bina. But then Austin comes home from camp, and he's acting even weirder than when he left. How Bina and Austin rise above their growing pains and reestablish their friendship and respect for their differences makes for a touching and funny coming-of-age story.
176 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
81 people are currently reading
9082 people want to read
About the author
Hope Larson
141 books719 followersHope Larson is an American illustrator and comics artist. Hope Larson is the author of Salamander Dream, Gray Horses, Chiggers, and Mercury. She won a 2007 Eisner Award. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 861 reviews
August 10, 2018
Reading this coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel about summer and friendships back-to-back with Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared made for a great reading experience, since both revolve around similar adolescent themes that naturally occur with the peak of summertime.
Thirteen-year-old music-loving 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, and he's been acting kind of weird lately anyway. So it's up to Bina to see how much fun she can have on her own.
I'll start off by noting that I was a tiny bit thrown off from the start with the author's choice to include "Infiniflix" and "Filtergram" (aka Netflix and Instagram) as I personally prefer not to have social media in books if it's made up names. But once I gradually got used to it, I was yet again left scratching my head upon seeing Bina rip CDs from her friend... Does Spotify not exist in this world then??
Aside from that minor hindrance, I did have an enjoyable time reading about Bina's summer adventures, so I'd like to highlight some of the noteworthy moments (both random and not) that I gathered from All Summer Long :
A band called "ASMR" was worth it all.
Bold artwork that shows itself in show-stopping panels like the above.
I highlighted the above because having Bina call someone out on their act by acknowledging the important distinction between being nice and appearing nice was grand.
He probably got fired from Del Taco because they got a new thing called FR E SH A VOCA DO.
And true to the comparison I presented at the start of my review with Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared, this graphic novel ended on a sweet note for more and more.
ARC kindly provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication: May 1st, 2018
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June 4, 2018
this was a quick, summery read with really cool/unique/interesting/choose-your-own-adjective art. like a lot of graphic novels, the main cool thing about this was the art, and everything else was pretty meh.
the characters didn't feel full (understandable, i guess - it's a graphic novel - but that seems like a major flaw of the genre???). the story was a lil quick. could get pretty trope-y (claaaassic story of a middle school summer where the protagonist is, gasp, growing apart from her friends!!!).
also, there was this thing i hate of fake names for social media??? "infinitiflix" or something = netflix. "filtergram" = instagram. mehhhh. no thank u.
but everything ended happily, and again: that art tho.
bottom line: sure why not. this was fine.
thanks to the publisher for the arc!
the characters didn't feel full (understandable, i guess - it's a graphic novel - but that seems like a major flaw of the genre???). the story was a lil quick. could get pretty trope-y (claaaassic story of a middle school summer where the protagonist is, gasp, growing apart from her friends!!!).
also, there was this thing i hate of fake names for social media??? "infinitiflix" or something = netflix. "filtergram" = instagram. mehhhh. no thank u.
but everything ended happily, and again: that art tho.
bottom line: sure why not. this was fine.
thanks to the publisher for the arc!
August 24, 2019
This is a great coming-of-age story about 2 neighbors one summer. Bina is now 13 and about to start Junior high. She expected this summer to be like other summers, but her best friend, Austin, is going off to soccer camp and nothing is right this summer. Bina gets more into music and new friends and learning who she is and more about life.
The colors are black, white, and orange for this story. It’s a great middle grade story for kids looking for older themes. It’s hard to leave childhood behind and to grow into something new. This book is a pretty good exploration of that.
It was a good read and a nice reminder of those summer days between school.
The colors are black, white, and orange for this story. It’s a great middle grade story for kids looking for older themes. It’s hard to leave childhood behind and to grow into something new. This book is a pretty good exploration of that.
It was a good read and a nice reminder of those summer days between school.
May 18, 2018
A book about growing pains with zero plots about boyfriend jealousy or crushes? Oh, heck yes. Instead of dating drama, we get a great story about a girl navigating friendships, finding your "thing" in life, and the switch to high school, where the measure of a truly excellent summer is no longer supposed to depend on how many different cats you got to pet(It totally does, though).
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
March 20, 2019
I'm not a big graphic novel reader. However in search for great upper-elementary/YA books for my library's summer reading list I discovered Hope Larson's ALL SUMMER LONG. Is it life-changing? No. But as a casual, beach book it hits the mark.
Summer is supposed to be one of the best parts of the year. But it’s not turning out that way for our main character Bina whose summer begins by being caught breaking into her best friend’s house after locking herself out of her own. Then, her best friend, Austin, leaves for soccer camp and she’s faced with being alone for the entire summer. Left to her own devices, Bina discovers new interests including rocking out on her electric guitar and making friends with Austin’s cool older sister. But what will happen when Austin returns?
In a nutshell ALL SUMMER LONG is basically a coming-of-age story. Austin's clear desire for separation leaves Bina struggling. Left on her own, Bina must navigate the tenuous position between childhood and adolescence. A desire to be in a band yet still complete her childhood Summer Fun checklist.
One thing I didn't like: the wholly orange graphics. I get that it's supposed to represent the hot California weather, but it didn't work for me. It just became monotonous and annoying to read. This ain't THE GIVER. GIMME SOME COLOR, folks.
Summary: Give to Raina Telgemeier fans.
Summer is supposed to be one of the best parts of the year. But it’s not turning out that way for our main character Bina whose summer begins by being caught breaking into her best friend’s house after locking herself out of her own. Then, her best friend, Austin, leaves for soccer camp and she’s faced with being alone for the entire summer. Left to her own devices, Bina discovers new interests including rocking out on her electric guitar and making friends with Austin’s cool older sister. But what will happen when Austin returns?
In a nutshell ALL SUMMER LONG is basically a coming-of-age story. Austin's clear desire for separation leaves Bina struggling. Left on her own, Bina must navigate the tenuous position between childhood and adolescence. A desire to be in a band yet still complete her childhood Summer Fun checklist.
One thing I didn't like: the wholly orange graphics. I get that it's supposed to represent the hot California weather, but it didn't work for me. It just became monotonous and annoying to read. This ain't THE GIVER. GIMME SOME COLOR, folks.
Summary: Give to Raina Telgemeier fans.
May 7, 2018
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I was sent this by the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
13 year old Bina's best friend Austin is leaving for the summer to attend soccer camp for a month. When Austin leaves, she begins hanging out with Austin's older sister, Charlie. When Austin returns, he is acting strangely and Bina doesn't know what to do. This is the story of Bina finding herself, and trying to reconnect with her childhood best friend.
This was a cute and fast read. I liked watching Bina grow into herself and realize that she can do thing on her own. She was slightly annoying in my opinion and whined about everything, but it is hard to forget that she is only 13, so it is understandable behaviour for that age. Charlie really made me angry, she could have been such a great role model for Bina, but she was a complete jerk throughout the story. I did like the overall message that boys and girls can be friends without any needed romantic connection. I also enjoyed how straight up Austin was with Bina when he explained that they were growing up and things change.
Overall, a cute and quick summer read!
I was sent this by the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
13 year old Bina's best friend Austin is leaving for the summer to attend soccer camp for a month. When Austin leaves, she begins hanging out with Austin's older sister, Charlie. When Austin returns, he is acting strangely and Bina doesn't know what to do. This is the story of Bina finding herself, and trying to reconnect with her childhood best friend.
This was a cute and fast read. I liked watching Bina grow into herself and realize that she can do thing on her own. She was slightly annoying in my opinion and whined about everything, but it is hard to forget that she is only 13, so it is understandable behaviour for that age. Charlie really made me angry, she could have been such a great role model for Bina, but she was a complete jerk throughout the story. I did like the overall message that boys and girls can be friends without any needed romantic connection. I also enjoyed how straight up Austin was with Bina when he explained that they were growing up and things change.
Overall, a cute and quick summer read!
October 17, 2021
This is a slice-of-life graphic novel that deals with the issue of elementary school friendships growing into something different in junior high school. It portrays the sense of loss as old friends find new interests and new groups to hang out with. The story is fine, but the art was a bit too static.
May 16, 2018
Hope Larson realizes all the hopes I had for her and then some since my wonderful experience reading her adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel (which remains the single best graphic adaptation of a novel I've come across) with her new book All Summer Long.
This is a wistful tale of a thirteen year old girl named Bina left to her own devices for the summer while her best friend Austin is off at soccer camp. Not exactly a full blown teenager but no longer a little girl she takes a few tentative steps toward adulthood and embracing who she is, rather than what the "rules" say she should be. She begins a tentative friendship with Austin's older sister, a saavy junior named Charlie who she's surprised to learn has the exact same taste in obscure up and coming rock bands that she does. Then Austin starts acting super weird and won't return her texts and Bina begins to think that Charlie's overtures of friendship are really just a way to get Bina to do things for her and suddenly she's wondering if she has any real friends at all!
I really, really loved this. Larson takes the simple story of a girl growing up and turns into something beautiful and sad and hopeful. Its a story you really want to read. Then she couples it with equally lovely, languid looking drawings in varying shades of orange and black. Everything feels just a touch dreamy and romantic, just like the mind of a teenage girl might be. Music is a huge part of Bina's world and Larson lets us see the way it flows through Bina and almost transforms the world when she listens to it. Its what makes her happiest and Larson's drawings reflects that joy.
Bina is also a woonnndderrrrfulll character, just the kind of young woman you want other young woman to read about or meet for themselves. She's smart and funny and part of the reason she has so much trouble with the people around her kind of blundering around not being honest about who they are and what they want is because she's already got it figured out! She unflinchingly honest about who she is, not because she's especially brave, but just because it doesn't occur to her not to be. That kind of self assurance is so attractive and admirable because its just an innate part of her. Its not a lesson she has to learn. Her journey is more about understanding that other people haven't gotten there as quickly or comfortably as she has.
This is such a lovely, hopeful book where for once growing up is something to embrace rather than survive.
Rock on Hope Larson!
This is a wistful tale of a thirteen year old girl named Bina left to her own devices for the summer while her best friend Austin is off at soccer camp. Not exactly a full blown teenager but no longer a little girl she takes a few tentative steps toward adulthood and embracing who she is, rather than what the "rules" say she should be. She begins a tentative friendship with Austin's older sister, a saavy junior named Charlie who she's surprised to learn has the exact same taste in obscure up and coming rock bands that she does. Then Austin starts acting super weird and won't return her texts and Bina begins to think that Charlie's overtures of friendship are really just a way to get Bina to do things for her and suddenly she's wondering if she has any real friends at all!
I really, really loved this. Larson takes the simple story of a girl growing up and turns into something beautiful and sad and hopeful. Its a story you really want to read. Then she couples it with equally lovely, languid looking drawings in varying shades of orange and black. Everything feels just a touch dreamy and romantic, just like the mind of a teenage girl might be. Music is a huge part of Bina's world and Larson lets us see the way it flows through Bina and almost transforms the world when she listens to it. Its what makes her happiest and Larson's drawings reflects that joy.
Bina is also a woonnndderrrrfulll character, just the kind of young woman you want other young woman to read about or meet for themselves. She's smart and funny and part of the reason she has so much trouble with the people around her kind of blundering around not being honest about who they are and what they want is because she's already got it figured out! She unflinchingly honest about who she is, not because she's especially brave, but just because it doesn't occur to her not to be. That kind of self assurance is so attractive and admirable because its just an innate part of her. Its not a lesson she has to learn. Her journey is more about understanding that other people haven't gotten there as quickly or comfortably as she has.
This is such a lovely, hopeful book where for once growing up is something to embrace rather than survive.
Rock on Hope Larson!
July 26, 2019
3-3.5 stars. Entertaining, though slightly disjointed story of a girl trying to fill her summer when her best friend heads off to camp. Bina moped around and watched too much of her favourite show, while she worried that she was losing her best friend Austin, who was ignoring her texts while he was at camp. Eventually, Bina slowly begins finding things to do and meeting new people.
I liked how Bina begins defining who she is (music was a big part of this), without Austin. The disjointed parts of the story concerned the other members of her family, and what was happening with them that summer.
I liked how Bina begins defining who she is (music was a big part of this), without Austin. The disjointed parts of the story concerned the other members of her family, and what was happening with them that summer.
June 9, 2018
Super cute! I need more!!!
September 21, 2018
I didn't care for this one much. There wasn't a whole lot to the story, and Bina was annoying most of the time. The mention of her brother and the adoption seemed pointless, since its impact on Bina's life really wasn't explored the way I expected it to be. I also did not care for the illustrations; they desperately needed more color, as the shades of orange were not pleasing to the eye. In a couple of places, the characters looked like they were possessed because of their eye color.
The one positive thing I will mention is the ending - I really feel like Bina was embracing what makes her unique from her friends.
The one positive thing I will mention is the ending - I really feel like Bina was embracing what makes her unique from her friends.
January 2, 2019
Cute!
I’m here for all the transition graphic novels. 13 is an important year! This is a nice celebration of that.
I’m here for all the transition graphic novels. 13 is an important year! This is a nice celebration of that.
August 20, 2019
This YA graphic novel follows 13-year-old Bina as she makes a new friend and discovers new things over the summer break when her best friend goes away to camp. The art is gorgeous! The orange colouring reminds me of the sunset, perfect for a story set during the summer. And I love that the author avoids the usual cliches about teenage friendships and show that they can endure changes.
July 23, 2018
"For, like, veracity."
"You use a lot of big words."
Thirteen-year-old Bina is looking forward to getting the hang of the guitar, bingeing British TV, discovering indie bands and palling around with her sporto best friend Austin all summer long.
Until it comes to her attention that Austin scored a spot in an exclusive soccer camp and will be gone a whole month of their summer. She's disheartened when Austin thinks they're getting too old for their Summer Fun Index, and when he won't text her back but has time to post on Filtergram with his jock friends, Bina has a sinking feeling that she and Austin might be growing apart.
But Austin's cool big sister Charlie is there for Bina to bounce off of when a chance encounter involving breaking and entering (technically just entering. After all, the bathroom window was unlocked) leads to them becoming fast frie(enemies?)nds, and the two have adventures vastly different than the ones indoorsy, music nerd Bina ever had with the athletic Austin.
Growing up is hard to do, even when you're as carefree as free-spirited, burger sock-wearing Bina.
"Are you allowed to be an aunt when you're thirteen?"
"They made an exception for me."
Everything changes.
But the more things change-
"I think we'll always be friends."
The more they stay the same.
"Like, on a cellular level."
All Summer Long was exactly what I needed with my last coffee before work on this scorching summer Saturday. I left things like Summer Fun Indexes (no shit, I had a very similar thing...) behind me a long time ago, and Hope Larson looks back on transitional thirteen with Popsicle-colored glasses with this short, imprinting little comic.
...You think I jest?
THAT ^ is fucking Dreamsicle orange. How much more quintessentially summertime can it get, folks?
Larson's a celeb in the comic community, but this was my first read by her. I loved the characters right away. Bina and Austin's parents are snarky adults with their own personalities in a middle-grade geared book, and they're all as delightful as the teenypeople. Bina's older brother Davey, too, was a funny 'adult' in sense he seemed to be older than twenty-one, but had the jest of someone Bina's age. I loved their interaction. So many brother-sister relationships in fiction, especially with an older brother, are forced way too much on protection and big brother bear syndrome. Davey and Bina reminded me of my big bro, especially in that it seemed like he isn't a constant in her life, and that's okay.
The non-forced, non-driving inclusiveness was rad as well. Having gay characters (Bina's oldesr brother and his husband had a small subplot about adopting a baby) without having a one-track about 'tHE strRUggle', otherwise known as the indisputable notion that being gay is not only a personality trait but also a physical disorder that makes men z-snap compulsively and women only able to obtain crew haircuts, (*hairflip*) is like stupidly refreshing. I'd love for this trend to continue. Been seeing it more and more the last couple years in comics.
Oh, and Bina and her brothers are biracial. In my generation especially, that's extremely reflective of our peer group. Also no bashing over the head. Just perfectly normal.
Art specs
Like I said, I adore the color scheming. White, shades of orange, and black. Very pleasing, aesthetically speaking. Besides that, it has a really good grip on age. Bina and Austin definitely look thirteen, and the older characters are designed to show their ages without just wrinkles and dad pants (example: Austin's mom and her tattooed arm flab).
I also love how Austin describes Bina as tall, and then besides just being drawn obviously taller than Austin's sixteen-year-old sister, she's drawn long and lanky.
Overall the art is five stars, easy.
All Summer Long may be short and sweet, but it has the same bitter afterimage as Dazed And Confused in its insistence that things have always have to change, but that you don't have to be sad about it.
"We're gonna have so much fun together."
"You use a lot of big words."
Thirteen-year-old Bina is looking forward to getting the hang of the guitar, bingeing British TV, discovering indie bands and palling around with her sporto best friend Austin all summer long.
Until it comes to her attention that Austin scored a spot in an exclusive soccer camp and will be gone a whole month of their summer. She's disheartened when Austin thinks they're getting too old for their Summer Fun Index, and when he won't text her back but has time to post on Filtergram with his jock friends, Bina has a sinking feeling that she and Austin might be growing apart.
But Austin's cool big sister Charlie is there for Bina to bounce off of when a chance encounter involving breaking and entering (technically just entering. After all, the bathroom window was unlocked) leads to them becoming fast frie(enemies?)nds, and the two have adventures vastly different than the ones indoorsy, music nerd Bina ever had with the athletic Austin.
Growing up is hard to do, even when you're as carefree as free-spirited, burger sock-wearing Bina.
"Are you allowed to be an aunt when you're thirteen?"
"They made an exception for me."
Everything changes.
But the more things change-
"I think we'll always be friends."
The more they stay the same.
"Like, on a cellular level."
All Summer Long was exactly what I needed with my last coffee before work on this scorching summer Saturday. I left things like Summer Fun Indexes (no shit, I had a very similar thing...) behind me a long time ago, and Hope Larson looks back on transitional thirteen with Popsicle-colored glasses with this short, imprinting little comic.
...You think I jest?
THAT ^ is fucking Dreamsicle orange. How much more quintessentially summertime can it get, folks?
Larson's a celeb in the comic community, but this was my first read by her. I loved the characters right away. Bina and Austin's parents are snarky adults with their own personalities in a middle-grade geared book, and they're all as delightful as the teenypeople. Bina's older brother Davey, too, was a funny 'adult' in sense he seemed to be older than twenty-one, but had the jest of someone Bina's age. I loved their interaction. So many brother-sister relationships in fiction, especially with an older brother, are forced way too much on protection and big brother bear syndrome. Davey and Bina reminded me of my big bro, especially in that it seemed like he isn't a constant in her life, and that's okay.
The non-forced, non-driving inclusiveness was rad as well. Having gay characters (Bina's oldesr brother and his husband had a small subplot about adopting a baby) without having a one-track about 'tHE strRUggle', otherwise known as the indisputable notion that being gay is not only a personality trait but also a physical disorder that makes men z-snap compulsively and women only able to obtain crew haircuts, (*hairflip*) is like stupidly refreshing. I'd love for this trend to continue. Been seeing it more and more the last couple years in comics.
Oh, and Bina and her brothers are biracial. In my generation especially, that's extremely reflective of our peer group. Also no bashing over the head. Just perfectly normal.
Art specs
Like I said, I adore the color scheming. White, shades of orange, and black. Very pleasing, aesthetically speaking. Besides that, it has a really good grip on age. Bina and Austin definitely look thirteen, and the older characters are designed to show their ages without just wrinkles and dad pants (example: Austin's mom and her tattooed arm flab).
I also love how Austin describes Bina as tall, and then besides just being drawn obviously taller than Austin's sixteen-year-old sister, she's drawn long and lanky.
Overall the art is five stars, easy.
All Summer Long may be short and sweet, but it has the same bitter afterimage as Dazed And Confused in its insistence that things have always have to change, but that you don't have to be sad about it.
"We're gonna have so much fun together."
May 17, 2018
Check out this, other reviews, and more fun bookish things on my young adult book blog, Here's to Happy Endings!
Hello, perfect summer read!
I'm really loving all of the perfect-for-summer graphic novels that are popping up recently. They're really helping me to get into the mindset for summer (which I typically hate, by the way), with lazy days, friendships, and characters that really pop off the pages. Also, in the case of All Summer Long? There's cats. A lot of cats. And they're all freaking cute.
Thirteen year old Bina and her best friend (and luckily next door neighbor, Austin) spend pretty much all of their time together. In fact, they've been spending every summer together for as long as they can remember (back to when they were three years old!), even coming up with a Summer Fun Index, which logs points for all the awesome stuff they do in the summer (such as how many cats they've pet!). So why should this summer be any different? Bina is super excited for another lazy summer hanging with her best friend and trying to outdo last year's summer fun score.
That's when Austin drops his news on Bina - he's going to soccer camp for a month. But what about the Summer Fun Index? He also informs Bina that the two of them are just a bit too old to be doing that, and that he has no interest in continuing with it. Talk about a great way to start the summer!
Dreading the day Austin leaves, she tries to spend time with him and text him as much as she can, but Austin is acting weird and Bina has no idea why. Even after he leaves for camp and Bina settles in for a long month of playing guitar, binge watching British teen spy shows, and more or less being bored, he is still acting weird; he doesn't reply to her texts, yet still posts on social media, and he doesn't seem to want to talk to her.
One afternoon when Bina locks herself out of her house and breaks into Austin's house to grab the spare key, his sister older sister catches her, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship.
Told over the course of several weeks during the summer, Bina learns a lot of new things, including how to babysit, how to play some new songs on guitar, and to be open to new things, even if it isn't what she was hoping for.
I absolutely loved this book! The illustrations were charming and the characters were amazing - I loved Bina and Charlie and thought they were both full of personality. This is a book that is pure fun, and I think it would work perfectly for just about any age group. I can see this book really capturing the attention of bored middle graders in the summer time, and maybe even reluctant readers, because it has so much to offer. This is the kind of graphic novel I wish I could have gotten my hands on when I was thirteen!
If you want to add a little fun to your summer, All Summer Long by Hope Larson is the perfect book to pick up and read. Whether you are curling up on the back porch with some lemonade or hitting the beach, All Summer Long will keep you entertained with its exciting illustrations and fun story about music, friendship, and growing up.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!
Hello, perfect summer read!
I'm really loving all of the perfect-for-summer graphic novels that are popping up recently. They're really helping me to get into the mindset for summer (which I typically hate, by the way), with lazy days, friendships, and characters that really pop off the pages. Also, in the case of All Summer Long? There's cats. A lot of cats. And they're all freaking cute.
Thirteen year old Bina and her best friend (and luckily next door neighbor, Austin) spend pretty much all of their time together. In fact, they've been spending every summer together for as long as they can remember (back to when they were three years old!), even coming up with a Summer Fun Index, which logs points for all the awesome stuff they do in the summer (such as how many cats they've pet!). So why should this summer be any different? Bina is super excited for another lazy summer hanging with her best friend and trying to outdo last year's summer fun score.
That's when Austin drops his news on Bina - he's going to soccer camp for a month. But what about the Summer Fun Index? He also informs Bina that the two of them are just a bit too old to be doing that, and that he has no interest in continuing with it. Talk about a great way to start the summer!
Dreading the day Austin leaves, she tries to spend time with him and text him as much as she can, but Austin is acting weird and Bina has no idea why. Even after he leaves for camp and Bina settles in for a long month of playing guitar, binge watching British teen spy shows, and more or less being bored, he is still acting weird; he doesn't reply to her texts, yet still posts on social media, and he doesn't seem to want to talk to her.
One afternoon when Bina locks herself out of her house and breaks into Austin's house to grab the spare key, his sister older sister catches her, and the two strike up an unlikely friendship.
Told over the course of several weeks during the summer, Bina learns a lot of new things, including how to babysit, how to play some new songs on guitar, and to be open to new things, even if it isn't what she was hoping for.
I absolutely loved this book! The illustrations were charming and the characters were amazing - I loved Bina and Charlie and thought they were both full of personality. This is a book that is pure fun, and I think it would work perfectly for just about any age group. I can see this book really capturing the attention of bored middle graders in the summer time, and maybe even reluctant readers, because it has so much to offer. This is the kind of graphic novel I wish I could have gotten my hands on when I was thirteen!
If you want to add a little fun to your summer, All Summer Long by Hope Larson is the perfect book to pick up and read. Whether you are curling up on the back porch with some lemonade or hitting the beach, All Summer Long will keep you entertained with its exciting illustrations and fun story about music, friendship, and growing up.
Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review - Thank you!
May 11, 2018
You're more you every day. That's going to draw people to you, and it's going to scare some away.
I adore Hope Larson. The last books I've read from her were adventures (the fantastic Four Points duology and A Wrinkle in Time), so it was fun to read a slice-of-life story from her.
This middle grade graphic novel is a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Larson nails pre-teen realism: the importance of friendship, the blend of confidence and insecurities, the desire to be seen as cool while also possessing uncontainable passion.
Bina is a character that's easy to relate to. When her best friend leaves for the summer, she's positive that she'll die of boredom. But instead it turns into an opportunity to dive deeper into her love of music and to make friends in unexpected places.
The ending highlights how being yourself encourages others to do the same, and I really loved that message. Overall, a great book to spend a sunny afternoon with.
I adore Hope Larson. The last books I've read from her were adventures (the fantastic Four Points duology and A Wrinkle in Time), so it was fun to read a slice-of-life story from her.
This middle grade graphic novel is a sweet and heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Larson nails pre-teen realism: the importance of friendship, the blend of confidence and insecurities, the desire to be seen as cool while also possessing uncontainable passion.
Bina is a character that's easy to relate to. When her best friend leaves for the summer, she's positive that she'll die of boredom. But instead it turns into an opportunity to dive deeper into her love of music and to make friends in unexpected places.
The ending highlights how being yourself encourages others to do the same, and I really loved that message. Overall, a great book to spend a sunny afternoon with.
July 14, 2018
I'm not quite sure I understand what the overall point of the graphic novel was about. There seemed to be a random assortment of relationships, action, and exploration on Bina's part that were loosely related but never fully connected back.
Larson showcased a platonic male/female relationship between two middle school kids that have spent summer glued to each other creating a fun index for summer- but they're older and he's going away to soccer camp, leaving Bina directionless. There's a mix of her music, her parents randomly appear, Austin's sister develops a relationship after Bina breaks into their house to get her other house key, etc. etc. Again, seemingly random and loosely connected.
And while I think I understand the reason behind the cool, warm colors as a summer-time read with kids on summer vacation, the artwork was more vivid on the front cover than throughout the story with a font size that could have been a few degrees larger to be easier to read.
Larson showcased a platonic male/female relationship between two middle school kids that have spent summer glued to each other creating a fun index for summer- but they're older and he's going away to soccer camp, leaving Bina directionless. There's a mix of her music, her parents randomly appear, Austin's sister develops a relationship after Bina breaks into their house to get her other house key, etc. etc. Again, seemingly random and loosely connected.
And while I think I understand the reason behind the cool, warm colors as a summer-time read with kids on summer vacation, the artwork was more vivid on the front cover than throughout the story with a font size that could have been a few degrees larger to be easier to read.
May 15, 2018
What a super-fun graphic novel! I wish this book had been around when I was a tween. Aside from Bina being just a fantastic, interesting, nuanced character, I love her friendship with Austin, and how realistic it is. Books like this give me hope for the future of young adult literature.
May 16, 2018
Yes. Not a crazy interesting story, not a toooon of drama, but definitely felt really good. I would absolutely pair this with First Rule of Punk.
May 10, 2018
This was really cute!
A lot of the subjects and themes presented in this book were portrayed really well: gay marriage and adoption being presented as completely normal and not creating any drama in the book; friends growing up but not necessarily apart just because their interests aren't the same anymore; feeling like friends are leaving you behind; discovering new music or pouring love into hobbies.
Bina could be a little whiny, but she's 13, and I was super proud of her for calling Charlie out on her crap in one scene. Also good to see how Austin basically flat-out told Bina that they could do their own things/not do everything together all the time and still be best friends.
Austin and Charlie's mom was rad, as were Bina's parents and brothers. I liked the scene where Bina was just hanging out with her dad, playing mini golf and goofing around. Their family dynamic was really endearing.
I loved the ending, because it wasn't
A lot of the subjects and themes presented in this book were portrayed really well: gay marriage and adoption being presented as completely normal and not creating any drama in the book; friends growing up but not necessarily apart just because their interests aren't the same anymore; feeling like friends are leaving you behind; discovering new music or pouring love into hobbies.
Bina could be a little whiny, but she's 13, and I was super proud of her for calling Charlie out on her crap in one scene. Also good to see how Austin basically flat-out told Bina that they could do their own things/not do everything together all the time and still be best friends.
Austin and Charlie's mom was rad, as were Bina's parents and brothers. I liked the scene where Bina was just hanging out with her dad, playing mini golf and goofing around. Their family dynamic was really endearing.
I loved the ending, because it wasn't
Read
September 13, 2018If you’re looking to spend a sunny afternoon with a graphic novel, I’d recommend picking up Hope Larson’s latest. This is a slice-of-life story about a 13-year-old girl named Bina who is struggling to find herself. Bina expects that her summer vacation will be spent with her best friend Austin, but when he decides to go to soccer camp instead she’s convinced that she’ll die of boredom. Instead, she spends the next few weeks exploring her growing love of music and making new friends. There’s a wonderful message at the heart of this book about how being yourself encourages others to do the same. This is a great pick for anyone, but particularly for middle grade readers who can relate to all of the ups and downs of being thirteen. —Kelly (excerpted from Bookish's Staff Reads)
June 30, 2018
I recognize truths here from my own teenage daughter's recent summer vacations, but that doesn't keep this nice little slice-of-life meander through the hottest months of the year from seeming pretty slight in the end. I enjoyed it in the moment, but doubt I'll dwell on it or remember it for long.
September 1, 2018
An innocent look at change during the teenage years, and how that change can be identity defining.
October 14, 2018
Review to come.
August 22, 2024
"Lots of people spend forever looking for something they care about. Sometimes they never find it. But you already have, and you're doin' it, and you're gonna be great."
✼ ҉ ҉ ҉ ҉ ✼
Every year, I feel an urge to satisfy my child self by reading a graphic novel. I read this in two days while recovering from wisdom teeth surgery, and it definitely served its purpose for me as an easy read.
All Summer Long is a middle grade, coming-of-age, summery story following 13-year-old Bina. Her best friend Austin is going to soccer camp for a month, and has been acting weird lately, so she is left to spend the summer on her own. At first she binges bad shows and plays guitar, but things change as she finds an unlikely companion in Austin's older sister Charlie and they bond over punk rock bands. Once Austin comes home, he and Bina must rebuild their friendship and learn to respect their differences.
For me, any story that involves rock music and/or electric guitar is a recipe for a good time. I loved seeing Bina's dream of playing in a band slowly grow, and her budding friendship with Charlie. But of course, this is a middle grade graphic novel, so the characters weren't well developed and the story itself was simple. I especially thought the issues present in Bina and Austin's friendship were resolved too quickly, but they were realistic for young teenagers. The art style wasn't anything spectacular for me, but I appreciated the summer vibes and rock elements.
✼ ҉ ҉ ҉ ҉ ✼
Age Recommendation: 10+
Content: A few very mild suggestive words and comments
Pros: Short and summery, involves rock music, great for younger readers
Cons: Very basic plot and characters
✼ ҉ ҉ ҉ ҉ ✼
Every year, I feel an urge to satisfy my child self by reading a graphic novel. I read this in two days while recovering from wisdom teeth surgery, and it definitely served its purpose for me as an easy read.
All Summer Long is a middle grade, coming-of-age, summery story following 13-year-old Bina. Her best friend Austin is going to soccer camp for a month, and has been acting weird lately, so she is left to spend the summer on her own. At first she binges bad shows and plays guitar, but things change as she finds an unlikely companion in Austin's older sister Charlie and they bond over punk rock bands. Once Austin comes home, he and Bina must rebuild their friendship and learn to respect their differences.
For me, any story that involves rock music and/or electric guitar is a recipe for a good time. I loved seeing Bina's dream of playing in a band slowly grow, and her budding friendship with Charlie. But of course, this is a middle grade graphic novel, so the characters weren't well developed and the story itself was simple. I especially thought the issues present in Bina and Austin's friendship were resolved too quickly, but they were realistic for young teenagers. The art style wasn't anything spectacular for me, but I appreciated the summer vibes and rock elements.
✼ ҉ ҉ ҉ ҉ ✼
Age Recommendation: 10+
Content: A few very mild suggestive words and comments
Pros: Short and summery, involves rock music, great for younger readers
Cons: Very basic plot and characters
July 2, 2018
Over one summer, Bina’s world totally changes. She liked her predictable world and she was feeling left out as everyone around her moved and she stood still. Her best friend went to camp without her and without him, she was lost. Bina tries to find things to entertain her, to make her days eventful, but things just weren’t the same.
I liked how this graphic novel dealt with friendships, both long-term and potential ones. Bina wanted to find some new connections but where exactly would they come from? What she really needed was to find some that would be beneficial for her. As Bina’s best friend found another means to spend his summer, she was lost as to what this meant, exactly. Where did that leave her? What happened to their relationship? Did she matter anymore? Communication and emotions were addressed in this novel, both great subjects that are usually difficult at this age. There were highs and lows in this topic and it all depended upon who you were, where you were and what you were doing.
The only issue I have with this novel is that I felt at times the language didn’t flow right for me. It felt choppy at times. I liked the ending, I thought that it was an indirect way of solving one of the issues. I think some readers will be able to see themselves in this novel which is a positive thing.
I liked how this graphic novel dealt with friendships, both long-term and potential ones. Bina wanted to find some new connections but where exactly would they come from? What she really needed was to find some that would be beneficial for her. As Bina’s best friend found another means to spend his summer, she was lost as to what this meant, exactly. Where did that leave her? What happened to their relationship? Did she matter anymore? Communication and emotions were addressed in this novel, both great subjects that are usually difficult at this age. There were highs and lows in this topic and it all depended upon who you were, where you were and what you were doing.
The only issue I have with this novel is that I felt at times the language didn’t flow right for me. It felt choppy at times. I liked the ending, I thought that it was an indirect way of solving one of the issues. I think some readers will be able to see themselves in this novel which is a positive thing.
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April 29, 2018Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Set in the summer before 8th grade, Bina is bored, lonely, and sulking after her best friend goes away to soccer camp. Bina and Austin have always had the best summers, complete with a Summer Fun Index scale and now everything is ruined. All Summer Long is all about how Bina fills her summer after her best friend messes up their plans. It's a fun graphic novel about growing up, summer nights, and letting friendships evolve.
This is a classic middle grade tale that focuses on those first stirrings of getting older. Bina is upset that Austin seems to be outgrowing her. He doesn't want to play the games they've always played or be silly with Bina anymore. She feels them growing apart and isn't sure how to handle it. Larson really captures how uncertain friendships can seem in the summer. Bina has to find something else to do when Austin leaves, whether she wants to or not. Bina befriends Austin's older sister and a summer of unexpected things begins.
This graphic novel is a fun exploration of summer and growing up. It's about starting fresh but also allowing yourself and your friends to grow. Austin and Bina discover they can be friends even when their lives take them in different directions.
Set in the summer before 8th grade, Bina is bored, lonely, and sulking after her best friend goes away to soccer camp. Bina and Austin have always had the best summers, complete with a Summer Fun Index scale and now everything is ruined. All Summer Long is all about how Bina fills her summer after her best friend messes up their plans. It's a fun graphic novel about growing up, summer nights, and letting friendships evolve.
This is a classic middle grade tale that focuses on those first stirrings of getting older. Bina is upset that Austin seems to be outgrowing her. He doesn't want to play the games they've always played or be silly with Bina anymore. She feels them growing apart and isn't sure how to handle it. Larson really captures how uncertain friendships can seem in the summer. Bina has to find something else to do when Austin leaves, whether she wants to or not. Bina befriends Austin's older sister and a summer of unexpected things begins.
This graphic novel is a fun exploration of summer and growing up. It's about starting fresh but also allowing yourself and your friends to grow. Austin and Bina discover they can be friends even when their lives take them in different directions.
August 3, 2018
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
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
September 4, 2018
A sweet coming of age story about young Bina and her friend Austin and one long summer. I’m trying to read more middle grade graphic novels for this month and this really hit the spot.
Austin goes to soccer camp and Bina has to deal with her first summer without him. There’s a music element here, with Bina being a guitar player. It’s really a story about that weird summer of just turning 13, just becoming a teenage, and the way that people change.
The art work was super cute and creative, and the plot was simple but held up.
Really an enjoyable read.
Austin goes to soccer camp and Bina has to deal with her first summer without him. There’s a music element here, with Bina being a guitar player. It’s really a story about that weird summer of just turning 13, just becoming a teenage, and the way that people change.
The art work was super cute and creative, and the plot was simple but held up.
Really an enjoyable read.
June 25, 2018
A funny, bittersweet, and deceptively wise graphic novel about changing friendships, finding your jam, and growing up over the course of a summer. Hope Larson avoids going straight to cynicism and angst which can be the usual trappings for coming-of-age stories, and focuses instead on embracing transition, individuality, and the power of music. Also refreshing is the ethnic ambiguity and the wide range of the characters' age, race, and orientation that surround Bina. Perfect summer reading!
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