comment on language / style

Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki tell their novel “This One Summer” in language that is simple and straightforward, and in illustrations printed in shades of purple. This is done for three reasons. First, the illustrations in the novel reflect the fact that the book is a graphic novel, and requires illustrations to be told. Secondly, the simple and straightforward language used in speech balloons and panels is reflective of the young age and education of Rose. Third, the simple and straightforward language is also reflective of the fact that the novel’s target audience is geared toward older children and young adults – and the language employed is reflective not only of their age, but their level of education as well.