Sakura, Saku, Volume 1

December 1, 2023

Gr 7 Up-On a fateful day coming home on a crowded subway, Saku is saved by a stranger after she falls ill, and once he departs, she is only left with his name and number. She waits too long to thank him, and the number is disconnected, but from that day forward, she vows to not be one of the faceless in a crowd, but instead to help those in need. As she enters high school, she follows through on this vow by getting to know her classmates and continuing her small kindnesses, and soon discovers her Good Samaritan is the older brother of her classmate and begs for a meeting between the two of them. They grow close, and perhaps a budding romance could be the result of helping others. This coming-of-age story is about finding yourself, discovering first crushes, and being a good friend and person. VERDICT Fans of Sakisaka's other works, Ao Haru Ride and Love Me, Love Me Not, will certainly want to devour this likewise sweet romance and coming-of-age story.-Sara Smith

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