Natsume's book of friends

Orphaned at birth, Takashi Natsume has been constantly shuffled between relatives and since childhood has seen yokai (supernatural creatures). Considered creepy and distant, Natsume has transferred to a new school in the countryside, where his late grandmother lived. He learns that his grandmother, Reiko, also saw spirits. Ever the outcast, Reiko challenged yokai and wrote the defeated yokai's names in a book. Those yokai were sworn to obey the book's owner. A reluctant Natsume encounters yokai hoping to get their name back or take possession of the book. Readers may be surprised at Natsume's poignant and bittersweet world. Creepy and otherworldly, the yokai are well-developed, intriguing characters. Often articulate, lonely, or hard-drinking, the yokai offer a distinct perspective on the changing world and its human inhabitants. The light, wispy art imparts a surreal quality, befitting the yokai and their pastoral surroundings. Verdict Skillful and restrained, this manga puts an engrossing twist on the yokai. Readers will be drawn to its themes of loneliness, friendship, and the desire to connect.-June Shimonishi, Torrance P.L., CA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 7 Up-What appears to be a demon vs. boy story turns out to be a tame tale rich in Japanese folklore. Natsume has always been able to see the supernatural, but now the Yokai spirits and demons have been pestering him because his grandmother has trapped the creatures in "the book of friends" and they want to be released. Natsume makes a deal with Nyanko, a demon trapped in a Beckoning Cat sculpture, and agrees to help release the "Friends." If Natsume dies during the course of the venture, Nyanko will gain control of the book. Stand-alone chapters allow for the development of several supernatural beings. Natsume does not make friends easily at his new school but eventually meets Tanuma, who also has paranormal ability. This friendship, along with wondering who will gain control of the book, will keep readers interested in the series. The pace is slow at times, but the introduction of new characters will hold readers' interest. The black-and-white artwork has light lines that will cause readers to look carefully and pay attention to the action and drama of the story. Endnotes and short chapter summaries help them understand it.-Karen Alexander, Lake Fenton High School, Linden, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.