The Manga Guide to Physiology

Gr 9 Up—Conversations between a student and a professor, in manga format, offer the lighthearted lead-in to a detailed exploration of human physiology. Kumiko is a nursing student who has just failed physiology; Kaisei is the young and dreamy assistant professor who tutors her during the summer. His lectures to Kumiko are full of information, couched in back-and-forth dialogue that also reveals a bit about the student's personality, including an unreciprocated crush on Kaisei. These scenes are rendered in black-and-white paneled illustrations with simple but useful diagrams. The second half of each chapter contains "even more" material, relying on smaller print, fewer illustrations, and diagrams that are more detailed but still accessible. Some concepts introduced earlier are explored more fully in the second half. Other ideas are dealt with exclusively within the second section. Kaisei uses effective analogies, relying on anything from earthworms to rice paddies to help Kumiko (and readers) make sense of complex ideas, and relates physiology concepts to Kumiko's own experiences, such as marathon training and touching a cup that's too hot. The lack of a glossary is unfortunate, but a thorough index and occasional footnotes are useful. The mixed levels of depth, layered presentation of information, and conversational style work well with a topic as complicated as physiology, while the fun interpersonal dynamics provide a bit of breathing space for readers who might be overwhelmed by the parade of facts.