Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki
High school best friends Zee and Dani have always dreamed of visiting New York City together. In Roaming, they reunite in Manhattan for spring break after their freshman year at separate colleges. Tagging along is Fiona, a glamorous new friend from Dani’s dorm who would rather see the “real” New York than visit the museums on Zee and Dani’s bucket list.
In strikingly detailed line art with pops of periwinkle and peach, Roaming captures the transformative—and sometimes frustrating—experience of traveling with friends. The threesome spends as much time exploring the city as they do bickering in their youth hostel. Fantastical illustrations of Times Square, the Met, and Central Park amplify the characters’ inner struggles as they face conflicting desires and hurt feelings.
This new collaboration by the award-winning Jillian and Mariko Tamaki (Skim, This One Summer) is an ode to New York, friendship, and figuring out who you are.
Reviewed by Emma Radosevich, collection development librarian, Whatcom County Library System
(Originally published in Bellingham Alive January 2024 issue.)