Swan: Volume 1
Gr. 6-9.Swanis the story of Masumi, a young girl from a rural Japanese town, who dreams of becoming a prima ballerina. She is picked to take part in a national ballet competition but realizes that although she has the passion and talent to be a great dancer, her training lags behind that of her peers. During the competition and the subsequent professional lessons, she fights to improve her abilities and achieve her dreams.Swanis one of the most famousshoujo(girl's manga) ever published. Although it first appeared in Japan in the mid-seventies, the art and story hold up beautifully. The ballet scenes are fluidly executed, and the storytelling really allows the reader to root for Masumi and her dreams. This book and Sakura'sLand of the Blindfolded, reviewed below, are launch books for a new DC imprint, CMX, which is aimed at women readers.Tina ColemanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved