Whispered words

Volumes 1 and 2 of Ikeda's "Whispered Words" series has here been translated into English for readers looking for fresh manga in the yuri genre. The central plot revolves around Sumika and Ushio, best friends and high school classmates, and their trials in love and acceptance, as well as their secrets from each other. There isn't much new to the genre in these titles, but fans of yuri will be satisfied. There are some spelling errors and mistranslations but nothing that is too distracting. The illustration is the typical quality of black-and-white drawings found in manga. These books comprise a compilation of several initial installments, which, when reading straight through, is repetitive owing to the reintroduction of characters and story lines. Verdict Ideal for junior high and high school readers and those who enjoy formulaic and modest yuri.-Michelle Martinez, Sam Houston State Univ. Lib., Huntsville, TX (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 9 Up-Best friends Sumika and Ushio have hidden feelings for each other, and because neither wishes to risk their bond, a rift forms between them. At first, Ushio is oblivious to her heart's desire, and Sumika is unwilling to reveal her own feelings, but with new friends complicating their daily lives, they are forced to reevaluate themselves. Gradually, their revelations, coupled with genuine bonding moments, bring them much closer. Character forms morph frequently to visually match the tone of the situation; poignant moments are shaded and highlighted in comparison to the normal gently cute mode, while comedic scenes are simplified and exaggerated. By keeping such elements as happiness and sadness, tension and lightness balanced, the author delivers a well-rounded emotional experience. A few hiccups in the text do not detract from the work. This shoujo-ai (light girls love) is a pure-hearted romance with minimal fanservice that establishes itself as a female friendly environment. Through both characters eyes, readers can feel the affection they have for each other and hope that their feelings can bridge the gap between them. VERDICT A sweet romance between two female teens told in the manga format.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ontario, Canada (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.