Review: My Tokyo Summer

Based on a real-life friendship, this graphic novel memoir for young adults takes us back to the 1990s to Abby in New York who loves zines and punk music, and to Yuuko in Tokyo who is into American films and making art.

They form a connection when Yuuko visits New York and happens to buy a handmade comic made by Abby and decides to get in touch. Their international friendship builds through letters until they meet in person when Abby comes to Tokyo for a university summer art program. 

Solidifying their firm friendship, Abby and Yuuko decide to join forces and collaborate on a comic together to show at an upcoming convention.

It’s Abby’s first visit to Japan and we see Tokyo through her eyes as a newcomer with her observations and experiences providing interesting insights into Japanese culture and customs. 

With detailed and engaging illustrations, exploration of the creative arts, and a powerful story of a friendship that criss-crosses the oceans, this was a truly delightful read.

Title: My Tokyo Summer
Author: Abby Denson
Illustrator: Utomaru
Publisher: Graphix, Scholastic Inc, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 August 2026
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761816529
For ages: 12 years+
Type: Young Adult