48. Fruits Basket: Volume One by Natsuki Takaya

Fruits Basket: Volume One by Natsuki Takaya

ISBN: 1-59182-603-9

TOKYOPOP Inc., Los Angeles, 2004

204 p.

Plot Summary

After her mother dies in a car accident, high school student Tohru Honda moves into her grandfather’s house.  When her grandfather has the house remodeled in preparation for his daughter and her family moving in with them, Tohru decides to live in a tent and support herself, not wanting to burden her friends.  One day, while walking to her tent, her classmate Yuki Sohma and his cousin Shigure spot her and bring her back to the house, inviting her to stay with them until the renovations are complete.  When another member of the Sohma family, Kyo, enters the picture, the conflict between Yuki and Kyo leads them to constantly fight each other, causing Tohru to worry because she likes them both.  Soon after Kyo comes to the estate, Tohru discovers that the Sohma family is plagued with an ancient curse and she vows to keep their secret and earn their trust.

Critical Evaluation

This shojo manga is a quick, fun read that incorporates elements of several different genres.  The story has a lot of dramatic moments, but the use of comedy and a bit of romance helps break up the tension.  It also helps the story appeal to readers of all types, giving everyone something that they will enjoy.  Also, the wide range of characters creates the opportunity for readers to find someone to which they relate.  Some may associate themselves with Tohru’s kind heart and ditzy qualities, while others may recognize themselves in Yuki’s confidence in his abilities, but low self-esteem in social situations.  Even more may relate to Shigure and his calm and mature nature mixed with sarcastic humor.  In addition, just as every character has a different personality, the Sohma all are different signs of the Chinese zodiac, giving readers the chance to relate to the character that represents the sign they were born under.  While I do not have much experience with manga, I found the illustrations in the novel incredibly effective at conveying the emotions in the scene.  For instance, explosions are used to coincide with fights or someone losing their temper and the shadowing of the characters’ faces tell what emotions they are feeling, especially the shadowing used for Tohru’s eyes.  The content may seem a bit too immature for some older teens, but the exciting storyline and interesting characters will definitely appeal to many.

Reader's Annotation

Tohru Honda moves in to the Sohma estate, discovering the ancient family curse that haunts them.

Information About the Author

Natsuki Takaya is the pen name for the Japanese manga artist best known for creating the series Fruits Basket.  Born on July 7, 1973 and raised in Tokyo, Takaya has wanted to be a mangaka (author of manga) since she was in the first grade. 

Takaya has created several manga series after her debut in the early 1990s.  Her series include Phantom Dream, Tsubasa: Those with Wings, Fruits Basket, Hoshi wa Utau, and her current series, Liselotte to Majo no Mori.  Fruits Basket has become the second best-selling shojo manga of all time in Japan and the top selling shojo manga in North America.  In 2001, Takaya received a Kodansha Manga Award for shojo manga for Fruits Basket. (information from author’s Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natsuki_Takaya)

Genre

Manga – Shojo/Drama/Romance/Fantasy

Curriculum Ties

N/A

Booktalking Ideas

1. Focus on the importance of the Chinese zodiac to the story.

2. Discuss Tohru’s sense of independence.

3. Identify Tohru’s relationship with each of the Sohma boys that she meets.

4. Talk about the conflict between Yuki and Kyo.

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Challenge Issues

I do not believe that there will be any challenge issues with this selection.  There are a few instances of violence, but they are not graphic.

However, should complaints about this novel arise, librarians should become familiar with the material and its content.  Turn to reviews from publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist, as well as reviews from teens that have read it.  Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the ALA in support of intellectual freedom.  As stated in the Library Bill of Rights:

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Why Include Book in Selection? 

Having included a manga directed toward teenage males, I wanted to include one that would interest teenage females.