The Gods Lie

Gr 4–7—Natsuru is an 11-year-old boy who gradually becomes friends with a shy girl in his class, Rio Suzumura, when she agrees to take care of a stray cat he's rescued. Previously, Natsuru's life was filled with going to school, playing soccer, hanging out with other boys, and coming home to his mother. But once she entrusts Rio with Tofu the cat, his life and his priorities start to change. He begins spending more time with Rio and her little brother and less time with his mother and friends. He calls out sick from soccer camp and spends several days living at Rio's house instead. Much of this story is sweet and uplifting, as Natsuru and Rio form a new kind of family unit and they grow to love and trust each other. But there is also an undercurrent of sadness because Natsuru's father is dead, Rio's father is gone, and Rio is holding a secret that can break her world apart. This is a delicate, sweet, and poignant story that will make readers think about what they would do if they were faced with the same challenges as these characters. Ozaki's artwork further enriches the story, sometimes ethereal and sometimes realistic, but always skillfully done.