Samurai Deeper
Kamijyo Akimine
ISBN-13: 978-1591822257
TokyoPop; 8th printing edition (June 10, 2003)
Plot Summary: Volume one begins in the 17th century during the “Edo Era” in a time when there were civil wars and the world was in a state of havoc and flux. From this chaos “a man emerged from the greatest battle,” he was nicknamed, “the unconquerable” but his name is, Mibu Kyoshiro. Although he has the ability to kill like an assassin, the protagonist, Kyoshiro, is also a kind and gentle holistic medicine provider. In fact at times Kyoshiro is wimpy and even complains acting the exact opposite of a warrior. There are times however when he emerges as “the unconquerable,” and is frightening. Kyoshiro meets a bounty hunter and tries to flirt with her, but she reveals who she is and turns the tables very quickly. They decide to travel together and set out on a quest to find a murderer. In this quest he also seeks the truth about his identity, even though the answers he seeks might be devastating.
Critical Analysis: The background story on Kyoshiro is exciting but in reality he seems average and even wimpy. The meeting between Kyoshiro and the bounty hunter is cute and for teens the reading is easy, but fun. This story would be good to get someone interested in fantasy but also reluctant readers and readers not reading at their developmental age level. The samurai theme is exciting and the artwork is attractive to the reader. Kyoshiro's journey with the bounty hunter is a good basis for an adventure especially since the underlying truth about Kyoshiro's identity is intriguing to the reader and their chemistry is playful.
Readers Annotation: Kyoshiro is a dangerous warrior but is also a meek medicine peddler. He complains, and whines, and is flirty and awkward with his bounty hunter sidekick. He follows her on a quest and the secrets regarding his identity lay waiting on the journey.
Author Info: born September 13, 1975, Kanagawa Prefecture) He is best known for creating Samurai Deeper Kyo. The name 'Akimine Kamijyo' is the pen-name he uses. His doujinshi work was done under the name 'Meika Hatagashira' (伯明華?).
His next series is Shirogane no Karasu also known as Silver Crow. The series started on May 30, 2007 in Weekly Shonen Magazine and end after 3 volumes.
He started work on Code: Breaker in 2008.
Age Level Interest: 15 and up, 9th grade and up (mature themes)
Genre: Manga/ fantasy
Curriculum ties: There are no curriculum ties, but it there is some reference to Japanese history.
Challenge Ideas: None
Reason for selection: This series is a popular manga, its story is fun and entertaining, and even with the sexual innuendos it is still tame. It is a series that can appeal to a reluctant reader as well as either boys or girls. The female bounty hunter outwitting Kyoshiro is very exciting for female readers.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Naruto
Naruto
Author/artist Masashi Kishimoto
Publisher: Shonen Jump Graphic Novel Ed edition (August 6, 2003)
ISBN-10: 1569319006
ISBN-13: 978-1569319000
Plot Summary: In this story the village, Konohagakure was tormented by a nine-tailed fox spirit, and the village champion defeated him by imprisoning the nine-tailed fox spirit within the body of a baby boy. As the boy grows, he studies to be a ninja. The boy, Naruto, wants to be the best ninja in the village, and he trains hard and does well, but in addition he is very mischievous. It is his mischievous spirit within him that makes him a strong opponent when he channels his energy positively. Alongside his friends, Sasuke and Sakura Naruto works to eventually be the best in all of Konohagakure.
Critical Analysis: In this manga, the story appeals to both genders as Naruto is the focus hero, but the fact that his sidekicks are girls, makes it for a story where either female or male readers will enjoy it. Naruto is prankster and while talented he stirs up trouble in his village in spite of his potential. He is also an orphan. Naruto is a hero appealing to readers having difficulties in school as he is on the fringe, but still capable, like so many students in school facing the stringent classroom expectations with increasing budget cuts.
Annotation: Prankster Naruto holds the spirit of a nine tailed fox spirit, but seems on the surface just your average mischievous boy. He faces the challenge of passing the difficult test to enter ninja school.
Author Information:
"Born November 8, 1974 Okayama, Japan.
Who is Masashi Kishimoto you ask? He is the creator of the hugely popular manga series known as Naruto.
Born in the Katsuta county of Okayama, Japan Kishimoto has been drawing from a very early age. But it wasn't until he was older that he recognized his dream to become a Mangaka (Mangaka is the Japanese meaning for cartoonist).
While in art college Kishimoto created a manga called "Karakuri" which he then submitted to the Hop Step award (Monthly award given by Shonen Jump for amateur Mangaka). Karakuri wins the award and sets Kishimoto on the path to his dream of becoming a Mangaka.
Upon graduation of art college, Kishimoto works hard on his next manga "Naruto" which is then published in Akamaru Jump. Two years down the line and a new final version of Naruto is published in the weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and becomes the Naruto you know and crave today."- Interview with Masashi Kishimoto: http://www.narutohq.com/masashi-kishimoto.php
Genre: manga, fantasy
Curriculum ties: none
Booktalking:
1.) How does Naruto's mischievous spirit make him a better ninja, even with his pranks?
2.) The story opens with Naruto playing a prank, what tone does that send? It is similar to the opening scenes of the new Star Trek when we see Captain Kirk, and it seems that there is a type of hero that is both trouble and talented all at once, what does that say about how we should consider our "troubled" students?
Reading Level Interest Age: 7th Grade and up
Challenge issues: none
Reasons for choosing the book. This is a high demand series, but in addition to that, I like the unhero as it gives students/ teens that do not fit into the education box a chance to feel empowered for being different.
Author/artist Masashi Kishimoto
Publisher: Shonen Jump Graphic Novel Ed edition (August 6, 2003)
ISBN-10: 1569319006
ISBN-13: 978-1569319000
Plot Summary: In this story the village, Konohagakure was tormented by a nine-tailed fox spirit, and the village champion defeated him by imprisoning the nine-tailed fox spirit within the body of a baby boy. As the boy grows, he studies to be a ninja. The boy, Naruto, wants to be the best ninja in the village, and he trains hard and does well, but in addition he is very mischievous. It is his mischievous spirit within him that makes him a strong opponent when he channels his energy positively. Alongside his friends, Sasuke and Sakura Naruto works to eventually be the best in all of Konohagakure.
Critical Analysis: In this manga, the story appeals to both genders as Naruto is the focus hero, but the fact that his sidekicks are girls, makes it for a story where either female or male readers will enjoy it. Naruto is prankster and while talented he stirs up trouble in his village in spite of his potential. He is also an orphan. Naruto is a hero appealing to readers having difficulties in school as he is on the fringe, but still capable, like so many students in school facing the stringent classroom expectations with increasing budget cuts.
Annotation: Prankster Naruto holds the spirit of a nine tailed fox spirit, but seems on the surface just your average mischievous boy. He faces the challenge of passing the difficult test to enter ninja school.
Author Information:
"Born November 8, 1974 Okayama, Japan.
Who is Masashi Kishimoto you ask? He is the creator of the hugely popular manga series known as Naruto.
Born in the Katsuta county of Okayama, Japan Kishimoto has been drawing from a very early age. But it wasn't until he was older that he recognized his dream to become a Mangaka (Mangaka is the Japanese meaning for cartoonist).
While in art college Kishimoto created a manga called "Karakuri" which he then submitted to the Hop Step award (Monthly award given by Shonen Jump for amateur Mangaka). Karakuri wins the award and sets Kishimoto on the path to his dream of becoming a Mangaka.
Upon graduation of art college, Kishimoto works hard on his next manga "Naruto" which is then published in Akamaru Jump. Two years down the line and a new final version of Naruto is published in the weekly Shonen Jump in 1999 and becomes the Naruto you know and crave today."- Interview with Masashi Kishimoto: http://www.narutohq.com/masashi-kishimoto.php
Genre: manga, fantasy
Curriculum ties: none
Booktalking:
1.) How does Naruto's mischievous spirit make him a better ninja, even with his pranks?
2.) The story opens with Naruto playing a prank, what tone does that send? It is similar to the opening scenes of the new Star Trek when we see Captain Kirk, and it seems that there is a type of hero that is both trouble and talented all at once, what does that say about how we should consider our "troubled" students?
Reading Level Interest Age: 7th Grade and up
Challenge issues: none
Reasons for choosing the book. This is a high demand series, but in addition to that, I like the unhero as it gives students/ teens that do not fit into the education box a chance to feel empowered for being different.
The Shaman King
The Shaman King
Author/ Artist: Hirokuki Takei
Shonen Jump Manga, March 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1569319024
Plot Summary: Manta Oyamada walks through a graveyard late one night trying to take a shortcut. As he walks through, he meets an unlikely friend, a middle school aged Shaman. Yoh Asakura is a Shaman even in his young years and is a talented Shaman at that. Every year there is a competition to become the next Shaman King. Yoh is training to be the next Shaman King. Anna is Yoh's girlfriend and she is a strong and talented trainer and arrives to help Yoh train.
Meanwhile Manta and Yoh become very close friends, and Manta is Yoh's champion as Yoh feels compelled to win especially after he meets Hao Asakura. Hao wishes to end the world as we know it and create a new world for only Shamans.
Later with Anna's help Hao seeks the help of the Great Spirit in order to bring Hao's mother to him. Hao's mother pleads with him to forgive the human race for being responsible for her death.
Critical Analysis: With the character, Anna, The Shaman King, is a manga which proves enjoyable for both males and female readers. With Anna as the trainer and the one capable of helping Hao, she is promising heroine alongside Yoh. It is interesting that she trains Yoh, and she is also his girlfriend. This is a relationship where a strong and formidable male character relies on and even stronger woman. When Hao confronts his pain and sees his mother's spirit, the book holds the potential for catharsis.
Annotation: The battle to be the next Shaman King begins, and Yoh is training with Anna. In the process he and a Manta become friends and they must convince opponent Hao to forgive humans and refrain from destroying the world.
Author Information: Hiroyuki Takei started his career after winning the Hop Step Award and the Osamu Tezuka award. He was an assistant to Watsuki Takei and debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with his series, Butsu Zone which was a series about Buddhist mythology. In 1998 he debuted with Shaman King.
Genre: Manga/ supernatural
Curriculum Ties: none
Booktalking Idea:
1.) What do you think about Anna being the one to help Hao while Yoh is training to be Shaman King?
2.) What do you feel is the significance of Hao blaming the entire human race for his mother's death?
3.) Clearly Hao is angry, but what does this anger demonstrate about the effects of a loss of a parent?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 16 and up. While Manta is a younger student, the language in the book is harsh. I would advise parental consent.
Challenge Issues: Religious content, language
The overall message of the book is positive as Anna helps Hao. When Hao confronts his pain and sees his mother's spirit, the book holds the potential for catharsis. I would advise parents to consider these points.
In addition, I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:
http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Reasons for selection: In this text, there are several positive themes. Anna helps Hao despite the fact that he is a rival and has dangerous intentions. Also, Anna is a strong woman and is the trainer for Yoh, this is an example of a female which the males rely on for her skills and her mind. She is a great example or both genders. Lastly, when Hao seeks his mother's spirit, Takei gives dignity to the grief felt when one loses a parent.
Author/ Artist: Hirokuki Takei
Shonen Jump Manga, March 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1569319024
Plot Summary: Manta Oyamada walks through a graveyard late one night trying to take a shortcut. As he walks through, he meets an unlikely friend, a middle school aged Shaman. Yoh Asakura is a Shaman even in his young years and is a talented Shaman at that. Every year there is a competition to become the next Shaman King. Yoh is training to be the next Shaman King. Anna is Yoh's girlfriend and she is a strong and talented trainer and arrives to help Yoh train.
Meanwhile Manta and Yoh become very close friends, and Manta is Yoh's champion as Yoh feels compelled to win especially after he meets Hao Asakura. Hao wishes to end the world as we know it and create a new world for only Shamans.
Later with Anna's help Hao seeks the help of the Great Spirit in order to bring Hao's mother to him. Hao's mother pleads with him to forgive the human race for being responsible for her death.
Critical Analysis: With the character, Anna, The Shaman King, is a manga which proves enjoyable for both males and female readers. With Anna as the trainer and the one capable of helping Hao, she is promising heroine alongside Yoh. It is interesting that she trains Yoh, and she is also his girlfriend. This is a relationship where a strong and formidable male character relies on and even stronger woman. When Hao confronts his pain and sees his mother's spirit, the book holds the potential for catharsis.
Annotation: The battle to be the next Shaman King begins, and Yoh is training with Anna. In the process he and a Manta become friends and they must convince opponent Hao to forgive humans and refrain from destroying the world.
Author Information: Hiroyuki Takei started his career after winning the Hop Step Award and the Osamu Tezuka award. He was an assistant to Watsuki Takei and debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with his series, Butsu Zone which was a series about Buddhist mythology. In 1998 he debuted with Shaman King.
Genre: Manga/ supernatural
Curriculum Ties: none
Booktalking Idea:
1.) What do you think about Anna being the one to help Hao while Yoh is training to be Shaman King?
2.) What do you feel is the significance of Hao blaming the entire human race for his mother's death?
3.) Clearly Hao is angry, but what does this anger demonstrate about the effects of a loss of a parent?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 16 and up. While Manta is a younger student, the language in the book is harsh. I would advise parental consent.
Challenge Issues: Religious content, language
The overall message of the book is positive as Anna helps Hao. When Hao confronts his pain and sees his mother's spirit, the book holds the potential for catharsis. I would advise parents to consider these points.
In addition, I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:
http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf
Reasons for selection: In this text, there are several positive themes. Anna helps Hao despite the fact that he is a rival and has dangerous intentions. Also, Anna is a strong woman and is the trainer for Yoh, this is an example of a female which the males rely on for her skills and her mind. She is a great example or both genders. Lastly, when Hao seeks his mother's spirit, Takei gives dignity to the grief felt when one loses a parent.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer Omnibus, Volume 1
by Joss Whedon, Others, Others (Artist), Joe Bennett (Artist), Eric Powell (Artist)
Published: Darkhorse Comics July 2007
ISBN-13: 9781593077846
Plot Summary: Buffy Summers is the Vampire Slayer. She ruined her old school and now she and her mom move to Sunnydale. Named ironically as Sunnydale is crawling with "vamps." Buffy arrives at Sunnydale High and takes a different path than the Buffy created by Joss Whedon for his movie. In this Volume, Buffy meets Giles, librarian/ Watcher, Willow, and Xander. They are eventually the "Scoobies." This group forms her alliance at beating all things "evil-y." In addition there is a lurking and handsome vampire hanging around which we learn later has a soul for some reason, and the chemistry between Angel and Buffy is dynamic to say the least. Giles works to convince Buffy that she needs to take up her role as Slayer and protect Sunnydale.
Critical Analysis: Whedon creates a witty and powerful heroine in Buffy. Whedon is one of my favorites because of his construction of a dark plot employing smart writing and irony, along with the macabre, as well as using powerful confident females as his lead. Buffy holds the world's safety in her hands and she is only a high school girl. Whedon also introduces Xander also possessing the wit, but he is no match for Buffy's strength and she remains the heroine and he is merely a sidekick. The gender roles are often not what people expect in a Whedon book where men are dependent on females to save them.
Annotation: Just arriving from her old city, Buffy moves into Sunnydale and no sooner is she here that she meets Giles and he does the best he can to convince here to fulfilling her role as the only slayer. Excitement immediately begins but with the help of Willow and Xander, Buffy settles in just fine.
by Joss Whedon, Others, Others (Artist), Joe Bennett (Artist), Eric Powell (Artist)
Published: Darkhorse Comics July 2007
ISBN-13: 9781593077846
Plot Summary: Buffy Summers is the Vampire Slayer. She ruined her old school and now she and her mom move to Sunnydale. Named ironically as Sunnydale is crawling with "vamps." Buffy arrives at Sunnydale High and takes a different path than the Buffy created by Joss Whedon for his movie. In this Volume, Buffy meets Giles, librarian/ Watcher, Willow, and Xander. They are eventually the "Scoobies." This group forms her alliance at beating all things "evil-y." In addition there is a lurking and handsome vampire hanging around which we learn later has a soul for some reason, and the chemistry between Angel and Buffy is dynamic to say the least. Giles works to convince Buffy that she needs to take up her role as Slayer and protect Sunnydale.
Critical Analysis: Whedon creates a witty and powerful heroine in Buffy. Whedon is one of my favorites because of his construction of a dark plot employing smart writing and irony, along with the macabre, as well as using powerful confident females as his lead. Buffy holds the world's safety in her hands and she is only a high school girl. Whedon also introduces Xander also possessing the wit, but he is no match for Buffy's strength and she remains the heroine and he is merely a sidekick. The gender roles are often not what people expect in a Whedon book where men are dependent on females to save them.
Annotation: Just arriving from her old city, Buffy moves into Sunnydale and no sooner is she here that she meets Giles and he does the best he can to convince here to fulfilling her role as the only slayer. Excitement immediately begins but with the help of Willow and Xander, Buffy settles in just fine.
Author Information: Whedon was born on June 23, 1964 in New York, NY. His full name is: Joseph Hill Whedon. Whedon has some quirky trademarks know by his fans. IMBD mentions some: "Trade Mark:
Plans storylines far in advance for all his television series, allowing for remarkable long-term continuity.
Frequent use of nouns as adjectives, by adding the suffix "-y"
Features tough, strong female characters
Kills off characters who are among his most popular, to keep his audiences surprised.
Supernatural and science fiction themes
Often gives his characters names that are later revealed to be their last names and/or based on an unusual abbreviation for their full name. For example: only after the character Oz had already left "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (1997) did the show reveal that "Oz" was an abbreviation of his full name, Daniel Osbourne; on "Angel," they did not clarify that Doyle was actually the character's last name for many episodes; "Xander," the name of a main Buffy character, is a much less usual nickname for "Alexander" than the much more common "Alex;" and likewise for the name "Topher," the name of a main "Dollhouse" (2009) character, which is a much less usual nickname for "Christopher" than the much more common "Chris." (IMBD, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0923736/bio).
Genre: YA Graphic Novel
Curriculum Ties: none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Joss Whedon uses a great deal of irony, did you notice example such as Buffy's name. She is Buffy Summers, a very Southern California bubbly name for a girl that kills vampires. Also, she lives in Sunnydale, a place that is sunny but also holds an unusually large population of demons, vampires, etc.
2.) Joss Whedon writes strong females and supportive but somewhat vulnerable males, how does that differ than what we usually see? And why does it work so well for Buffy?
Challenge Issues: None
Grade Level/ Interest age: 14 and up/ 9th grade and up
Selection Reasons: As previously mentioned, Joss Whedon's writing is a favorite of mine. He is creative, witty, daring, and the fact that there is usually a strong woman is empowering for young women. The camaraderie amongst the Scoobies is a great example for teens and also the way they all support one another.
YuGiOh
Yu Gi Oh
Concept:Kazuki Takahashi Story/Artist: Naoyuki Kageyama
Shonen Jump Comics, 2004
ISBN-13:978-1-4215-1378-2
Plot Summary: Yugi, a tenth grader is a gifted game player and he succeeds in solving the Millenium Puzzle. The puzzle is an ancient Egyptian Artifact. After solving the puzzle, he becomes Game Master, Yu Gi Oh. He challenges “evil- doers” to games. These games are the Shadow Games and they are difficult and hold tremendous stakes and danger. For teens the game master theme is highly relevant and in addition that a teen has the power to protect through such game playing is empowering to the current generation. For some, Jaden is simply a slacker but his abilities allow him to challenge teachers and students.
Critical Analysis: Focus on a game with ancient artifacts presents an interesting concept and this manga is cerebral while enjoyable for those not interested in puzzles and games. The collective group of Jaden Yuki and his friends is emblematic of the collective attached to gaming, even if it might be online for he most part with today's teens.
Annotation: Jaden Yuki is known for his battles using the Ancient Egyptian Artifact in the game. He is known as Yu Gi Oh and was admitted to the Duel Academy. Now he and his friends from Obelisk Blue battle others in an effort to win at the Shadow Games.
Author Information: Takahashi: Tried to join the manga scene, but did not make it until he created Yu Gi Oh. Takahashi is a gamer and enjoyed the themes of friends working together and imaginative monsters transforming into a real world game.
Kageyama born April 12th, 1969 and is from Tokyo, Japan. He is a recipient of an honorable mention for Weekly Shonen Hop Step Award. He is a baseball fan.
Genre: manga
Curriculum Ties: There are no curriculum ties
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What are your opinions on gaming in a group?
2.) How is it that often the hero is seen as a "slacker" until they find their niche, like Jaden, and then are heroes?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 15 and up, 10th Grade and up.
Challenge Ideas: There are no Challenge Issues
Reasons For Selection: I chose this title due to popularity, because gaming is popular, so it is important offer titles which represent the interests of the patrons.
Concept:Kazuki Takahashi Story/Artist: Naoyuki Kageyama
Shonen Jump Comics, 2004
ISBN-13:978-1-4215-1378-2
Plot Summary: Yugi, a tenth grader is a gifted game player and he succeeds in solving the Millenium Puzzle. The puzzle is an ancient Egyptian Artifact. After solving the puzzle, he becomes Game Master, Yu Gi Oh. He challenges “evil- doers” to games. These games are the Shadow Games and they are difficult and hold tremendous stakes and danger. For teens the game master theme is highly relevant and in addition that a teen has the power to protect through such game playing is empowering to the current generation. For some, Jaden is simply a slacker but his abilities allow him to challenge teachers and students.
Critical Analysis: Focus on a game with ancient artifacts presents an interesting concept and this manga is cerebral while enjoyable for those not interested in puzzles and games. The collective group of Jaden Yuki and his friends is emblematic of the collective attached to gaming, even if it might be online for he most part with today's teens.
Annotation: Jaden Yuki is known for his battles using the Ancient Egyptian Artifact in the game. He is known as Yu Gi Oh and was admitted to the Duel Academy. Now he and his friends from Obelisk Blue battle others in an effort to win at the Shadow Games.
Author Information: Takahashi: Tried to join the manga scene, but did not make it until he created Yu Gi Oh. Takahashi is a gamer and enjoyed the themes of friends working together and imaginative monsters transforming into a real world game.
Kageyama born April 12th, 1969 and is from Tokyo, Japan. He is a recipient of an honorable mention for Weekly Shonen Hop Step Award. He is a baseball fan.
Genre: manga
Curriculum Ties: There are no curriculum ties
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What are your opinions on gaming in a group?
2.) How is it that often the hero is seen as a "slacker" until they find their niche, like Jaden, and then are heroes?
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 15 and up, 10th Grade and up.
Challenge Ideas: There are no Challenge Issues
Reasons For Selection: I chose this title due to popularity, because gaming is popular, so it is important offer titles which represent the interests of the patrons.
XXXholic
XXXholic
Publisher: Del Rey April, 27, 2004
Author: Clamp Artist: Nekoi Tsubaki
Plot Summary: This is a cross over “seinen manga,” with a manga called, Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicle. In this manga, lead character, Kimihiro attracts spirits. They are unseen by others but for Kimihiro, he feels tormented by them. One day he accidentally enters a shop owned by a witch, and when I say accidentally, I mean his feet are out of his control and he unwillingly enters the shop as if her were under a spell. Once inside what appears to be two little girls, take him to an enchanted woman. She is it turns out, a witch. The witch, Yoko grants wishes. She is captivating and a little mischievous too. Kimihiro asks her to free him from the spirits and she agrees to help him at a price. Kimihiro agrees to work in her shop as payment, and the series follows them in their adventures and as their friendship develops.
Critical Analysis: Yoko is a captivating woman, and the fact that she is a witch makes her even more intriguing. It is important to note that she is a witch and is powerful as a female character. The supernatural tone and the fact that she is the only one capable of freeing Kimihiro from his demons is a fun twist. Kimihiro is completely beholden to her, and she knows it. The antagonism Yoko generates conveys a mischievous quality and also develops a chemistry between the two characters.
Annotation: While trying to escape the demons which follow him, Kimihiro finds himself walking into an enchanted shop run by a witch. He asks her to help him and rid him of the spirits tormenting hm, she agrees, but demands he work for her in return.
Author Information:CLAMP is a group of four women manga artists. The members at this time are Ageha Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, Mokona, and Satsuki Igarashi.
Clamp creates: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura, X, Wish, Suki Dakara Suki (Because I Love You) and many others.
Genre: Manga
Curriculum Ties: none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What makes Yoko so captivating?
2.) How long do you think it will take before Yoko frees Kimihiro?
Reading Level/ Interest age: 14 and up, 9th grade and up
Challenge issues: none
Reasons for selection: I really enjoyed this manga for the supernatural tone. Yoko is interesting and a strong woman. She is mischievous as well, but at the same time, the magic is tame, and the chemistry between Yoko and Kimihiro is fun. For a reluctant reader, the story is exciting and is engaging. This title was also recommended to me by Teen Librarian Denise Stutzman at La Mesa Library.
Publisher: Del Rey April, 27, 2004
Author: Clamp Artist: Nekoi Tsubaki
Plot Summary: This is a cross over “seinen manga,” with a manga called, Tsubasa: Resevoir Chronicle. In this manga, lead character, Kimihiro attracts spirits. They are unseen by others but for Kimihiro, he feels tormented by them. One day he accidentally enters a shop owned by a witch, and when I say accidentally, I mean his feet are out of his control and he unwillingly enters the shop as if her were under a spell. Once inside what appears to be two little girls, take him to an enchanted woman. She is it turns out, a witch. The witch, Yoko grants wishes. She is captivating and a little mischievous too. Kimihiro asks her to free him from the spirits and she agrees to help him at a price. Kimihiro agrees to work in her shop as payment, and the series follows them in their adventures and as their friendship develops.
Critical Analysis: Yoko is a captivating woman, and the fact that she is a witch makes her even more intriguing. It is important to note that she is a witch and is powerful as a female character. The supernatural tone and the fact that she is the only one capable of freeing Kimihiro from his demons is a fun twist. Kimihiro is completely beholden to her, and she knows it. The antagonism Yoko generates conveys a mischievous quality and also develops a chemistry between the two characters.
Annotation: While trying to escape the demons which follow him, Kimihiro finds himself walking into an enchanted shop run by a witch. He asks her to help him and rid him of the spirits tormenting hm, she agrees, but demands he work for her in return.
Author Information:CLAMP is a group of four women manga artists. The members at this time are Ageha Ohkawa, Tsubaki Nekoi, Mokona, and Satsuki Igarashi.
Clamp creates: Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicles, Chobits, Cardcaptor Sakura, X, Wish, Suki Dakara Suki (Because I Love You) and many others.
Genre: Manga
Curriculum Ties: none
Booktalking Ideas:
1.) What makes Yoko so captivating?
2.) How long do you think it will take before Yoko frees Kimihiro?
Reading Level/ Interest age: 14 and up, 9th grade and up
Challenge issues: none
Reasons for selection: I really enjoyed this manga for the supernatural tone. Yoko is interesting and a strong woman. She is mischievous as well, but at the same time, the magic is tame, and the chemistry between Yoko and Kimihiro is fun. For a reluctant reader, the story is exciting and is engaging. This title was also recommended to me by Teen Librarian Denise Stutzman at La Mesa Library.
Dragonball Z
Dragonball Z
Shonen Jump Comics 1984
Author/Artist: Akiri Toryama
ISBN-13: 978-1569319307
Plot Summary:
A popular Manga turned series. It initiated in the 80’s as a Manga and turned in to an anime series… Volume one is about son Goku and the Z warriors defending the earth against evil. In the this Dragonball, Son Goku begins his adventures when he meets, Bulma. They crash into one another as she searches for the seven Dragonballs. SonGoku is not from Earth. He is a hero and a well trained martial artist making him a formidable opponent in the face of evil. The series illustrates a strong dichotomy between good and evil. According to The official DragonballZ website, Dragonball Z teaches valuable lessons on , “teamwork, loyalty, and trustworthiness.”
Critical Evaluation: Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors work with Bulma together and the demonstration of teamwork and loyalty are positive messages. This series would be good for younger readers, but teens enjoy the series as well. Dragonball Z is one of the most requested manga titles. It is a series with a positive message. Son Goku functions as a hero with values, and unlike Graphic Novels, this story is inspiring role model to teens.
Annotation: Bulma seeks the help of Son Goku to find the seven Dragonballs. Son Goku is a hero and a well-trained martial artist. Volume one follows Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors as they team up with Bulma to help on the quest.
About the Author:
Akiri Toryama was born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu, Aishi, Japan. He is a well known Japanese Manga Artist known mostly for his 1984, manga series, Dragon Ball Z. He entered the manga scene in 1980. He claims he likes to draw whatever he wants until he either "gets it or loses interest in it."
Genre: Manga
Curriculum Ties: none
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 7th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues.
Reason for selections: I chose this book because of the empowering team efforts demonstrated by Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors, and also because it is a highly demanded series. I believe if it is in demand, it is better to have it available for the reluctant older teen readers as well as the younger teens.
Shonen Jump Comics 1984
Author/Artist: Akiri Toryama
ISBN-13: 978-1569319307
Plot Summary:
A popular Manga turned series. It initiated in the 80’s as a Manga and turned in to an anime series… Volume one is about son Goku and the Z warriors defending the earth against evil. In the this Dragonball, Son Goku begins his adventures when he meets, Bulma. They crash into one another as she searches for the seven Dragonballs. SonGoku is not from Earth. He is a hero and a well trained martial artist making him a formidable opponent in the face of evil. The series illustrates a strong dichotomy between good and evil. According to The official DragonballZ website, Dragonball Z teaches valuable lessons on , “teamwork, loyalty, and trustworthiness.”
Critical Evaluation: Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors work with Bulma together and the demonstration of teamwork and loyalty are positive messages. This series would be good for younger readers, but teens enjoy the series as well. Dragonball Z is one of the most requested manga titles. It is a series with a positive message. Son Goku functions as a hero with values, and unlike Graphic Novels, this story is inspiring role model to teens.
Annotation: Bulma seeks the help of Son Goku to find the seven Dragonballs. Son Goku is a hero and a well-trained martial artist. Volume one follows Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors as they team up with Bulma to help on the quest.
About the Author:
Akiri Toryama was born on April 5, 1955, in Kiyosu, Aishi, Japan. He is a well known Japanese Manga Artist known mostly for his 1984, manga series, Dragon Ball Z. He entered the manga scene in 1980. He claims he likes to draw whatever he wants until he either "gets it or loses interest in it."
Genre: Manga
Curriculum Ties: none
Reading Level/ Interest Age: 7th grade and up
Challenge Issues: There are no challenge issues.
Reason for selections: I chose this book because of the empowering team efforts demonstrated by Son Goku and his Dragon Warriors, and also because it is a highly demanded series. I believe if it is in demand, it is better to have it available for the reluctant older teen readers as well as the younger teens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
