Bibliographic Information:
Takaya, N. (1998). Fruits Basket, Vol 2. Tokyopop Manga, Inc. ISBN: 1591826047
Book Awards:
2001 Kodansha Manga Award in the shōjo manga category
2007 American Anime Awards "Best Manga" award
Plot Summary:
The Fruits Basket series is the story of Tohru, a high school girl who is orphaned and goes to live with the mysterious Sohma family. She learns the family secret: when they hug someone of the opposite sex, or become stressed, each member of the family turns into a different animal of the Chinese zodiac. In this second volume, Tohru becomes determined to lift the curse on her new friends. Tohru is a ray of sunshine and a peacemaker in the tumultuous household. She and her friends participate in an onigiri cooking contest, meet the Sohma family's doctor, and decide where to celebrate the New Year.
Critical Evaluation:
This series has an interesting plotline, but it is disjointed like much manga is, and is hard to follow. Readers get an insight into Japanese pop culture through the actions and thoughts of the characters, who, although they are drawn Caucasian, are definitely not. The author writes little notes about her online gaming and thoughts about writing and drawing.
Reader's Annotation:
The New Year is approaching; does Tohru spend it all alone? Will she be permitted to keep her memories of the secrets of the Sohma family?
About the Author:
Natsuki Takaya was born in 1973 in Japan. She grew up in Tokyo, and always knew she wanted to draw manga. She is an avid Final Fantasy player, and spends most of her time either drawing or playing video games.
Genre:
manga
Curriculum Ties:
art
Booktalking Ideas:
Sohma family turns into Chinese zodiac animals, plus there is another mysterious curse, that Tohru is determined to break.
Interest Age:
12+
Challenge Issues:
Crossdressing
Defense: Read the book. It is done as a joke, not a statement.
Reason Included:
Popular girls manga.
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