Miso Magic by Moni Ritchie Hadley

Illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa 5 stars A sweet story of traditions, family, and patience. Join Chiyoko as she learns how to make miso with her father. At first Chiyoko is bored with the chore, but soon she finds the magic in the process, enjoying the tradition and her family history. Nicely written and cozy with…

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In the Name of the Mermaid Princess, Vol. 1 by Yoshino Fumikawa

Illustrated by Miya Tashiro Translated by Junko Goda 4 stars A beautiful manga with sweet characters and wonderful messages about calling out injustice and fighting for your beliefs. In a kingdom that doesn’t allow the so-called Unhuman, beings born with magical powers, Princess Mio prepares for her betrothal to Prince Chika. But Mio has a…

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Donutella Hamachi and the Library Avengers

by Kim Chi and Stephan Lee Illustrated by Utomaru 5 stars This was absolutely adorable. One of the best books I’ve read all year. I was pulled in by the beautiful and energetic cover and the story inside did not disappoint. The only place seventh grader Jae Han Kim feels he belongs is the Firkus…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 5 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 3 stars The conclusion of Kilala’s adventure. While there were definitely ups and downs in this series, the ending was pretty satisfying. Kilala and her friends make it to Agrabah and meet Aladdin and Jasmine. They must defeat Jafar to earn the sixth gem to get Kilala…

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 3

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another great volume that continues the story nicely. Summer has come to a close and a new school year begins. And with it, March comes ever closer along with the deadline to find the key. Continuing the events from the previous…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 11

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars A bittersweet ending to a beautiful series. After learning how he was cursed and where Shiva came from, Teacher grapples with a difficult decision: keep his soul and retain his memories or give it up in the hope of reuniting with Shiva. This was such a satisfying…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 10

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars Another fascinating volume. Haunting artwork, memorable characters, and a story that will stick with you. Teacher takes the lead in this volume and we learn more of his backstory. This one takes on a more sorrowful tone in contrast to the hopeful themes at the start of…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 4 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 2.5 stars Kilala and Rei continue their request to collect the gems for the tiara and save Paradiso, visiting different Disney princesses. But this time they are joined by Sylphy, a woman claiming to be Rei’s fiancée. Will she help or hurt their cause? We get two…

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 3 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Christine Dashiell 2.5 stars Rei has gone back to Paradiso, leaving Kilala with the tiara. But when Kilala gets a lead on the seventh princess, she ventures off to find out more. On her adventures, she has some fairy encounters, meets a new princess, and learns of a betrayal….

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Disney’s Kilala Princess, Volume 2 by Rika Tanaka

Illustrated by Nao Kodaka Translated by Kathy Schilling 3 stars The second volume takes Kilala under the sea. She and Rei are separated and she must journey through the ocean with the help of some new friends to find him. Another fun fast-paced adventure. Adorable artwork. I’m really enjoying getting new storylines with Disney princesses…

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