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DORONODA, Inuhiko. Spacewalking with You, Vol. 1. Kodansha. ISBN 9798888774380.
Gr 7 Up–Kobayashi has trouble making friends, accomplishing school tasks, and believing in himself, but when new student Uno enters his class, the two boys gravitate towards each other in ways they’d never have expected. A fantastic look at neurodivergence, handled with care and accuracy, in the manga medium.

HIMEKAWA, Akira. Kamudo, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974757800.
Gr 6 Up–As the pulse of the life-giving dragon dwindles, the demi-creatures of Hinoaruchi tremble. Ushering in this new era is Kamuna, the first human in existence. The lore, individualized dragon designs, and plot of prophecy will enthrall fans of high fantasy. Yet it is Kamuna’s relatable quest for belonging that etches inward.

HYEON, A & Yu Han-ryeo. My Life as an Internet Novel, Vol. 1. Random House Graphic/Ink Pop. ISBN 9780593901281.
Gr 7 Up–Dani, 14, wakes to find herself in an internet novel—but as the beautiful main character’s sidekick, destined to be used as a plot device and forgotten. As she navigates this world, readers are treated to a metafiction with attractive character designs and highly dramatic moments. With satirical humor at every step, this self-aware tale peels back the tropes to reveal a tender ode to friendship.

HYUUGA, Natsu. The Failure at God School, Vol. 1. illus. by Modomu Akagawara. Yen Pr. ISBN 9798855404593.
Gr 6 Up–Ordinary Nagi rescues a lost boy and suddenly finds herself with an invitation to god school. Discovering powers is a common trope, but Nagi’s journey is unique as her abilities stubbornly remain hidden, giving the narrative time to develop intriguing characters and rounded storylines.

IWAMUNE, Haruo. The Color of the End: Mission in the Apocalypse, Vol. 1. Yen Pr. ISBN 9781975397227.
Gr 7 Up–In a world ravaged by an unearthly pandemic, Saya and her creature companion drift through ruins, searching for life. When a research institute discovers a rare ability stirring inside Saya, her quiet survival becomes something far greater. Filled with intrigue and intricate art, this beautiful and haunting sci-fi is a slow-burn meditation on humanity.

KAMBA, Yuki. Sheeta’s Little Big World, Vol. 1. Kodansha. ISBN 9798888775479.
Gr 5 Up–When Sheeta and his friend Nala venture beyond their village of log-dwelling littlefolk, they discover a vast world brimming with danger and mystery. Kamba’s detailed artwork brings this miniature realm to life with a Borrowers-like charm as obstacles are overcome through ingenuity and cooperation.

KAWAMATA, Chiaki. Dragon Quest: The Mark of Erdrick, Vol. 1. illus. by Kamui Fujiwara. Square Enix Manga. ISBN 9781646094035.
Gr 6 Up–A century after the legendary hero Erdrick defeated the forces of evil, the world’s hard-won peace is once again under threat. Now his descendant, Prince Arus, sets forth with his companions to challenge the darkness reborn. With kinetic action and a classic manga art style, this epic adventure promises to keep readers engaged and will resonate with fans of Dragon Ball.

KENT. GAEA-TIMA the Gigantis, Vol. 1. Kodansha. ISBN 9798888774366.
Gr 9 Up–Ten years after the giant monster GAEA-TIMA drowned her town and expelled a mysterious sphere, Miyako watches in terror as another kaiju strikes. Then, impossibly, GAEA-TIMA returns; but this time, it seems to be fighting on behalf of the town. With a compelling blend of unique kaiju designs, vicious action, and gorgeous perspective shots, the artwork captivates, while a lighthearted tone paired with deep human themes make this an instant classic.

MATSUDA, Mai. Hikaru in the Light! Vol. 1. Scholastic/Graphix. ISBN 9781546140993.
Gr 4 Up–Timid Hikaru has a great singing voice but only sings into a mop at her after-school job. When her friend Ran, who already found fame as a member of a girl group, invites her to join a new singing competition, Hikaru steps toward the spotlight. A memorable and instantly endearing protagonist, Hikaru carries this funny and emotional manga as she conquers her nerves, showing bravery in daring to try. A perfect tale for middle graders who love stories about music, friendship, and stepping out of one’s shell.

NABETA, Yoshio, Hiroshi Takano & Jiro Nitta. The Climber, Vol. 1. illus. by Shin’ichi Sakamoto. Viz. ISBN 9781974751525.
Gr 10 Up–Buntaro is a withdrawn loner in his new school, attracting both curiosity and concern from his classmates, especially from the loud, obnoxious Miyamoto. When Miyamoto inadvertently introduces Buntaro to solo climbing, the sport becomes a reckoning that reshapes their lives. With dynamic art and relentless energy, this book is unputdownable.

NEOSHOCO. Phantom Busters, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974757831.
Gr 7 Up–This high-spirited, comedic story follows four boys who form an exorcist club. Each teen brings something unique to the table, from a curious nonbeliever to an exorcist who can consume spirits but cannot see them on his own. The quick pace, atmospheric artwork, and concerning final twist will draw readers to this quirky group.

NODA, Satoru. Dogsred, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974748921.
Gr 9 Up–When champion teen figure skater Rou loses both his mother and his reputation, he relocates from Yokohama to Hokkaido to live with his grandfather. There, he discovers an alternative to skating—ice hockey. And while he has no idea how to play, his extraordinary skating skills could be his redemption on the ice. High-impact, kinetic artwork propels this dramatic sports journey of pride, rivalry, and second chances.

POM. Senpai Is an Otokonoko: My Crossdressing Classmate, Vol. 1. Kodansha. ISBN 9798888773611.
Gr 9 Up–Just one classmate’s confession of love gives Makoto, a cross-dressing boy, the nudge he needs to grow. While genuinely navigating the topic of gender identity and school life, Pom’s full-color illustrations bubble with youthful moments, both silly and serious. Familiar friendships comfort, bestowing hope that Makoto will find acceptance.

SETO, Kazuyoshi. Minecraft: The Manga, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974747146.
Gr 3-6–Zombies attack Nico in the mine, awakening his family’s mod power. With his abilities unleashed, it’s finally time for Nico to start his own adventure, just like his father. Minecraft is always in demand, but this series can also be an introduction to the franchise, perfect for younger readers discovering manga.

SHINDO, Masaoki. RuriDragon, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974738311.
Gr 8 Up–When Ruri wakes up with dragon horns, she must contend with the upheaval of her new half-dragon identity while wrestling the trials of being a regular high schooler. The horns spark little change beyond forcing awkward Ruri out of her shell with newfound attention and popularity from curious classmates. More slice-of-life than fantasy, Shindo’s book sparkles with contemporary art and dry humor as each panel turns Ruri’s (mostly) ordinary life into an irresistible read.

SOUP, Tomato. A Witch’s Life in Mongol, Vol. 1. Yen Pr. ISBN 9798855414219.
Gr 7 Up–Ringing with wisdom, this volume imparts how knowledge can change one’s life. Soup’s disarming blend of Tezuka and Satrapi tracks Sitara’s journey from slave to witch, not shying away from tough realities. Drawing inspiration from 13th-century cultures and figures, this is a soundly researched and respectful gateway into Persian and Mongol history, featuring identities seldom seen in manga.

TAKASE, Umi. I Wanna Be Your Girl, Vol. 1. Random House Graphic/Ink Pop. ISBN 9780593902929.
Gr 7 Up–Hime has loved her best friend since childhood and was the first to know Akira identified as a girl. When Akira transitions publicly, Hime takes it upon herself to become Akira’s protector, even dressing like a boy to support her friend. But Hime must untangle her complicated feelings and motivations to truly understand what it means to be an ally and friend. Big questions and deep conversations explore topics of gender identity, expression, and friendship in a safe space through this tender manga.

TAMURA, Ryuhei. Cosmos, Vol. 1. Viz. ISBN 9781974754649.
Gr 8 Up–A cosmically delicious dark horse! When aliens arrive on earth, there is one thing they need—insurance. It’s up to Kaede, the Cosmos Insurance Agency’s newest hire, to weed out fact from fiction with his unique ability to smell lies. Weirdness, thrills, and meditations on the meaning of life coexist in this sci-fi-set piece.

UMAR, Huzayfa. Orisha, Vol. 1: With Great Power. Quarto/Rockport. ISBN 9780760390320.
Gr 7 Up–Dynamic artwork powers Aboki’s tale as he discovers an Orisha seed that merges with him, granting abilities and making him a target of both creatures and other Orisha. Nigerian author Umar crafts a robust, action-packed world based on West African mythology for Aboki to train and survive in, and shounen readers will devour it.

XIU, Mo Xiang Tong. Heaven Official’s Blessing (The Comic), Vol. 1: Tian Guan Ci Fu. illus. by STARember. Random/Inklore. ISBN 9780593984369.
Gr 10 Up–Devotion drives the swoonworthy love story of this bestselling danmei series. For its abridged adaptation, STARember adorns the affable Xie Lian’s third ascension to godhood with a gown of gorgeous paintings. The Crown Prince’s first ghostly interference investigation is just a taste of the slow-burn romance, tragedy, and mysterious heavenly politics to come.