Elementary Book List: Manga All the books in this list have been read by either Jenn (proprietor of Comics in the Classroom), or one of her staff. They are certified to be appropriate for the elementary age group and have been chosen for their benefit to classrooms and libraries. Some books on the Elementary List are also available on the Intermediate List. This is because we feel these books have a wide-ranging appeal. We have noted where books are targeted for older readers at the Elementary level. All books will be reduced by 25% at time of ordering.
Astro Boy Collected Editions
Volumes: 2; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Osamu Tezuka
Genre: Manga, Science Fiction
Black and White
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: $18.00 each
Synopsis: Astro Boy was the first manga series to be adapted to animation and receive worldwide recognition, leading the way for the current manga phenomenon. Astro Boy is a jet-powered, super-strong, evil-robot-bashing, alien-invasion-smashing robot. In a civilization founded on Asimov's robot principles, Astro works to stop injustice wherever he finds it, in stories that touch on themes of acceptance, selflessness, and environmentalism.
Fairy Idol Kanon
Volumes: 3; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Mera Hakameda
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Black-and-white
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: $9.99 each
Synopsis: Kanon is a fourth-grader whose voice has the power to save fairies. Along with her friends Kodama and Marika, the three form a singing group in order to save the fairies, for the distinct harmony of their voices is very powerful. The fairies return the favour by transforming the girls in preparation for an important singing contest. But first, the girls have to convince Kanon's mom to let them try out, and they eventually succeed by working hard at school and singing for Kanon's mom. The girls succeed and move on to the next round and begin getting into cute adventures as they work to touch people's hearts with their beautiful harmonies. But they must also defeat the power of a singing rival, who has dark forces on her side and wants to stop the super group from becoming idols.
Gon
Volumes: 7; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Masashi Tanaka
Genre: Manga
Colour
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: Vol.1-3 $7.95, Vol.4-7 $6.99
Synopsis: Gon is the only dinosaur left, unfortunately, he's also the smallest dinosaur. In stories told without words, Gon travels across the wilderness protecting those in need of help from other animals that wish to harm or eat them.
Hikaru No Go
Volumes: 20; ongoing
Written by: Yumi Hotta
Illustrated by: Takeshi Obata
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Black-and-white
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: Vol.1 $10.95, Vol.2-3 $11.95, Vol.4-5 $10.99, Vol.6 $10.99, Vol.7 $10.99, Vol.8-12 $9.99, Vol.13-16 $9.50, Vol.17-20 $12.99
Synopsis: Hikaru is a sixth grader who finds an old Go board in his grandfather's attic. Trapped inside the board is the ghost of the ancient Go master who originally taught the game to the emperor of Japan. Hikaru and the master become one in order to compete in Go tournaments against veteran players, ever seeking the "Divine Move" that will allow the Go master to finally rest.
Naruto
Volumes: 49; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Masashi Kishimoto
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Black-and-white
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: $9.99 each
Synopsis: One of the most anticipated series in North American manga release history, Naruto is the story of a young boy trying to prove himself to his entire village. Each village has its own ninjitsu style, and to be a true member of society, the children must study and pass many exams to become full-fledged members of their home village's style. Naruto is the black sheep of his village. He is an orphan and none of the adults will acknowledge his existence. This is because he houses the spirit of a nine-tailed fox-demon that tried to destroy the city before he was born. This hasn't stopped Naruto though. Instead he tries twice as hard as every other student to become the best ninja in his class. He is usually unsuccessful, and that is where this action series gets its comedic relief. A good book for boys, containing exciting action sequences.
Ninja Baseball Kyuma
Volumes: 3; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Shunshin Maeda
Genre: Manga, Adventure
Black-and-white
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: $9.99 each
Synopsis: Kyuma is a ninja training in the mountains waiting to be summoned to battle, along with Inui, his ninja dog. Kaoru is the captain of the Moonstar City Baseball team, which is perpetually beaten by bigger sixth-graders. Kaoru goes into the mountains to recruit Kyuma to play on his team so they can beat the sixth-graders, otherwise they won't be able to play on the field anymore. Unfortunately, Kyuma doesn't know anything about baseball, and as a result, much mayhem ensues in the first game, but Kyuma's determination to improve himself and be the best results in building the team's confidence so that they begin to win games. Along with the help of baseball coach Tamori, the Moonstar City team is destined to become great.
Shaman King
Volumes: 29; ongoing
Written and Illustrated by: Hiroyuki Takei
Genre: Manga, Fantasy
Black-and-white
Softcover, digest-sized
SRP: Vol.1-2 $10.95, Vol.3-24 $9.99, Vol.25-29 $12.99
Synopsis: This series, based on the popular cartoon, delves into the spiritual world of the shaman. Manta Oyamada is leading a perfectly ordinary life until he meets teenage shaman Yoh Asakura who can tap into the swordfighting powers of a ghost samurai. The two quickly find themselves in action-packed situations.
