Bleach

Title: Bleach

Author:Tite Kubo


ISBN: 978-1421525761

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

 Copyright: 2004

 Plot Summary:

Ichigo Kurosaki, a teen capable of seeing and communicating with ghosts has a chance encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who is responsible for guiding spirits back into the Spirit Realm. Trouble soon follows as evil spirits, known as Hollows, begin attacking the two. Unable to defend herself, Rukia transfers all of her powers to Ichigo in order to combat the evil spirit. As a result Ichigo becomes a substitute Soul Reaper and must learn to control his new found powers in order to combat other hollows that attempt to disrupt the balance of spirits in both the physical and spirit world. 

Critical Evaluation:  The art within the manga is what creates, and holds the stort. Kubo does an amazing job showing battle scenes as well as small emotions on Ichigo's face. Kubo also shows the spirits in a very interesting way some who are not familiar might not know they are spirits at first. 

Reader's Annotation: Ichigo was just given a huge power, will he be able to handle it?


Genre: Manga

Author Information: Tite Kubo is primarily know for Bleach he also worked on Zombiepowder. Some of Tite Kubo's work is featured on this website: http://shonenjump.viz.com/

Book talks:Spirits, Manga, Fighting

Reading Level/Interest Age: Middle School/High School/Adults. 11+


Challenge: There is fighting and violence in this Manga but it is not very explicit and not drawn very graphically.
 
Why was this book chosen?: This is one of the more popular mangas within the young adult manga reading group.

Naruto

Title: Naruto

Author: Masashi Kishimoto

ISBN: 978-1569319000

Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

Copyright: 1999
 Plot Summary:

In a universe where nations are constantly at war, trouble-maker Naruto Uzumaki is an aspiring ninja warrior attempting to make his mark in his home village by claiming the strongest warrior in the country, known as the Hokage. Unfortunately Naruto exhibits no natural talent for fighting or deception and repeatedly fails to graduate from the village's training school. Making matters worse, Naruto is constantly isolated by the village of Konohagakure as he is the vessel for a spiritual beast known as the Nine-Tailed Fox that attacked the village on the day of his birth. Luck begins to change as Naruto is finally permitted to pass from his training school and begin missions as an official ninja. However Naruto is forced to team up with his rival and the village standout Sasuke Uchiha, a talented ninja from a prestigious clan with a troubled past. Along with their third teammate, Sakura Haruno, and mentor and leader Kakashi Hatake, Team 7 begins their official training, learning to put their differences aside and come together to accomplish their missions.

Critical Evaluation: The images are what make a manga and these are done superbly Kishimoto makes it possible to discern the story and what is happening and even unspoken emotions just by the artwork that accompanies his manga. Kishimoto also allows for breaks in the seriousness and action with humorous portions of the story.

Reader's Annotation:  Will Naruto and Sasuke put aside their differences and learn to fight together?

Genre: Manga 


 Author Information: Masashi Kishimoto is associated primarily with all of the Naruto manga. For more information on Masashi Kishimoto follow this link:http://www.narutohq.com/masashi-kishimoto.php.

Book talks: Manga, ninja, fighting, team work

Reading Level/Interest Age: Middle School/High school/adults. 11+


Challenge
Why was this book chosen?: