Illustrated by Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 4 stars Noshiro and Sanada’s friendship continues to grow, but their relationships with others complicate things. In this volume, Ayumi reveals her own feelings and we meet Makoto who develops a huge crush on Noshiro. Now Noshiro and Sanada must reflect on what they want for themselves…
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Translated by Kathryn Henzler 4 stars What happens to a powerful sorceress after she defeats the Demon King? Referred to as the Witch From the Forest of No Return, Jeanne mostly keeps to herself in her home inside a tree. One day, she summons a guardian beast… who turns out to be a cat from…
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Translated by Adrienne Beck 2 stars Definitely weird but not in a way that worked for me. Chise is enslaved then sold to a mage, who takes her on as his apprentice… and also a future wife? Okay story. There were parts I liked. Cool fantasy world-building. The plot was a bit confusing. There are…
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by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith 4 stars A wonderful exploration of some of the different ways people can be part of a family told through rhyming narration. Each page spread introduces readers to a new family who represents different concepts. The book shows different types of…
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Translated by Jim Rion 5 stars An oddly fascinating collection of macabre tales featuring strange drawings and dark secrets. Well-constructed and deeply intriguing. Its format of interconnected logic puzzles paired with a dark tone really pulled me in. Mind-bending in the best of ways. Each tale invites the reader to solve the clues along with…
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Illustrated by Minnie Phan 5 stars A remarkable story of bravery, hope, and working toward a better future. Set during the 2020 California wildfires, the story follows Simone as she and her mother evacuate. Though Simone is scared, her mother helps calm her by recounting her own evacuation during a flood in Viet Nam. Using…
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Translated by Amanda Haley 3 stars A humorous behind-the-scenes look at working in the manga department of a Japanese bookstore. Filled with relatable customer-service woes, Honda pulls from real-life experiences and shares a variety of interactions and issues such as out-of-stock items, staff recommendations, customer service training, and seriously awkward customer requests. The artwork is…
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3 stars Detective Beans is the best in the business. Or he likes to think so at least. One day, Beans sets out to solve the mystery of who’s leaving him encouraging notes only to discover… his detective hat is missing. Before he can solve the note-giver mystery, he must track down his hat and…
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Translated by Kat Skarbinec 4 stars Wholesome and delightful. Welcome to Cafe Hachiware, a mysterious cat cafe that only presents itself to weary souls. Inside, you’ll find a cat barista, ready to make you the drink he thinks you need and offer some helpful advice. Each chapter presents a trouble human with their own problem….
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by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 4 stars Another haunting volume. Piece by piece we learn more about the curse and the strange inhabitants of the Outside. After a terrible loss, Teacher and Shiva face new challenges that seek to draw them apart and Teacher must contemplate what is best for Shiva. Adorable, eerie, and…
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