ISBN: 9781591826033 Pages: 206
Publisher: Tokyopop, Inc, Los Angeles, 2004
Publisher: Tokyopop, Inc, Los Angeles, 2004
Readers Annotation:
Tohru Honda is alone in the world, with no place to stay until the Sohmu family takes her in. Tohru soon learns that the kind and generous Sohmu's are not exactly who she thought they were.
Tohru Honda is alone in the world, with no place to stay until the Sohmu family takes her in. Tohru soon learns that the kind and generous Sohmu's are not exactly who she thought they were.
Author Information:
Natsuki Takaya has worked for the Japanese publisher Hakusensha since the early 90's, writing short stories and series. Before she wrote the Fruits Basket series, she wrote Tsubasa O Motsu Mono and Geneimusou. Fruits Basket quickly gained notoriety, becoming a bestselling manga. As such, Takaya won the highest manga honor by receiving the Kodansha Manga Award. Subsequently, Fruits Basket was turned into a 26 episode anime series in 2001. By 2002, the anime was released in English, and eventually the manga was translated into English as well. Her Fruits Basket series is the second best-selling shojo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shojo manga in North America.
'Natsuki Takaya'' is actually a pen name for Naka Hatake. Takaya was born July 7, 1973 in Shizuoka, Japan, and was raised in Tokyo. She enjoys video games and working on her various manga series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsuki_Takaya
'Natsuki Takaya'' is actually a pen name for Naka Hatake. Takaya was born July 7, 1973 in Shizuoka, Japan, and was raised in Tokyo. She enjoys video games and working on her various manga series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsuki_Takaya
Plot Summary:
Tohru has not had an easy youth. Her father died when she was three, and after being orphaned by the death of her mother, she was forced to live with her distant and apathetic grandfather. He temporarily kicks Tohru out of his house so he can do some remodeling, giving her no alternative place to stay. But, Tohru is a strong girl, and builds a tent for herself in a nearby forest. She also works for a local diner to make some money. Not long after, Tohru's living arrangements are discovered by the owners of the land, the Sohma family.
The Sohma family are sympathetic to Tohru's plight, and although they are a household of three unmarried males, they offer her a place at their home. In return for their kindness, Tohru gratefully offers to cook and clean, something that was desperately needed in the Sohma home. While living there, Tohru learns a lot about the Sohma family, including their unusual infatuation with the signs of the Zodiac and their secret family curse.
The Sohma family are sympathetic to Tohru's plight, and although they are a household of three unmarried males, they offer her a place at their home. In return for their kindness, Tohru gratefully offers to cook and clean, something that was desperately needed in the Sohma home. While living there, Tohru learns a lot about the Sohma family, including their unusual infatuation with the signs of the Zodiac and their secret family curse.
Critical Evaluation:
This lighthearted but intelligently written manga focuses on a story of interpersonal relationships. The characterization is done beautifully, making the story relatable to the audience. Tohru Honda is depicted as somewhat naive, but in truth, she is a pure-hearted and caring person with courage and a positive attitude. Yuki Sohma is intelligent and handsome, but friendless and reserved. Kyo Sohma is volatile and headstrong, with a sensitive streak. Lastly, Shigure Sohma is gentle and kind with a sense of humor, which adds a layer of comic relief to the story. The action, romance, and dramatic elements of the manga, make the series entertaining and somewhat addicting. The historical aspect of Chinese mythology adds another level of interest and intrigue to the appropriately best selling manga series.
This lighthearted but intelligently written manga focuses on a story of interpersonal relationships. The characterization is done beautifully, making the story relatable to the audience. Tohru Honda is depicted as somewhat naive, but in truth, she is a pure-hearted and caring person with courage and a positive attitude. Yuki Sohma is intelligent and handsome, but friendless and reserved. Kyo Sohma is volatile and headstrong, with a sensitive streak. Lastly, Shigure Sohma is gentle and kind with a sense of humor, which adds a layer of comic relief to the story. The action, romance, and dramatic elements of the manga, make the series entertaining and somewhat addicting. The historical aspect of Chinese mythology adds another level of interest and intrigue to the appropriately best selling manga series.
Genre: Manga/ Romance-Comedy
Curriculum Ties: English - World Literature, World culture - Chinese zodiac
Booktalking Ideas:
1. Tohru Honda's grandfather temporarily kicks her out, and she bravely puts on a smile and learns to fend for herself. Do you think you could be that courageous and take care of yourself without any outside support?
2. The Sohmu's take in Tohru Honda as a favor, and she insists on returning their kindness by helping with the housework. Would you offer to repay another's kindness with a kindness of your own, or just accept their charity as it is?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issue: none
Why I chose this item: Due to the popularity of manga and graphic novels, and because this book format is great for reluctant readers, I felt it was important to include in my collection.
Further Reading: Fruits Basket, Volumes 2 - 23
Fruits Basket book trailer
Further Reading: Fruits Basket, Volumes 2 - 23
Fruits Basket book trailer
No comments:
Post a Comment