Kasumi, Vol. 1
Grade 7–9—Kasumi, 16, lost her mother when she was very young, and her father, a plant researcher, has moved frequently in an attempt to ward off his unhappiness. Exploring a new forest with him, the teen encounters a mysterious glowing tree that gives her the ability to become invisible when she holds her breath. This attracts the attention of Ryuuki, a moody, attractive student at Kasumi's new, snobby school. He has special powers, too, and may be the answer to Kasumi's questions about hers. Kasumi is a likable character, and her growing crush on Ryuuki, as well as her interactions with the cruelly exclusive students and Otaku Ken, her nerdy new admirer, will resonate with younger teens. The skillful illustrations are drawn with flowing, confident lines and often spill out of angular panels, effectively heightening the drama. This humorous fantasy with elements of realistic young adult fiction should find wide appeal among fans of shojo and fantasy.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library, NYCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.