My special one

This is an adorable romantic comedy about a high-school girl who has sworn off of ever falling in love--until an idol starts visiting her family's restaurant and turns her life upside down! When Sahoko makes her New Year's wish, it's for all the beautiful men to become bald. After a devastating rejection in middle school, Sahoko intends to avoid love and attractive men at all costs. But the appearance of Kouta Kirigaya of the idol group Like Legend quickly puts her into a tailspin, as he vows to turn her into a fan. Quickly, Sahoko is becoming more than a fan; she's falling for the kind and sincere Kouta. With adorable art, funny character moments, and familiar shojo manga tropes, this is a light and fun read that moves quickly within the first volume. Readers will be anxious to see how Sahoko and Kouta grow throughout the series. A great read for fans of idol romances like Yoshiki Nakamura's Skip Beat! or romantic comedies such as Fujimomo's Lovesick Ellie.

Gr 7--12--Average girl Sahoko has a biased view of beautiful boys. Her first crush crushed her desire for love, and she refuses to get hurt again. But then a chance encounter with the idol Kouta of Like Legend puts her on the defensive. The admirable lead singer and actor is nothing like she pictured; he's empathetic, professional, and determined to make her a fan. Sahoko's attraction develops quickly, even with the consistent conflict between her heart and her mind. While there are blush-worthy moments, this first volume leans more into the comedy. Whenever Sahoko is in denial or resists, the author employs a variety of exaggerated faces and internal dialogue to full comedic effect. For drama, some foils are also set up, especially for Kouta, whose nuanced expressions make his position clear. In this manga, the obstacles to overcome are both personal and social, but through Sahoko's realizations, the author encourages readers to take steps. Shoujo fans will gravitate towards this stubborn yet timid protagonist, and the promise the next volumes hold. VERDICT For those who enjoy idol manga, this is a confidence-boosting start that reminds readers that relationships require effort.--Rachel Forbes