Bounce Back

This is Misako's best book! There's a lot of action and there are so many things to look for - it's a great story with great characters. The fashion and style is amazing for any children who love manga. Also, the story can be a little bit sad but ends in happy ways. :)

Reviewed by my 11 year old daughter:This book was awesome from the story to the artwork! I enjoyed it so much that I didn't want it to end. I would love to read more stories about the Bounce Back characters or any additional graphic novels from Misako. She actually visited my school and spoke with the students and faculty. I was intrigued by the things she said and amazed at how humble her personality was. I look forward to reading additional work form Misako.

This was such a good read. It touches on many important facets of life. It is a comforting word against so many of the troubles we face growing up and shows the merits of remaining brave and kind towards friends and enemies alike.It has some nice touches such as expressions of japanese culture and dialogue that offer a little bit of a learning experience as well. Bounce Back has something for everyone but is a must read for young readers interested in manga.

My daughter loved this book

Moving to a new country means a lot of changes for Lilico Takada. In Japan Lilico was popular and the captain of her school basketball team. In Brooklyn, Lilico has to start from scratch with her best friends on the other side of the world and a whole new school culture to figure out--all while working on improving her English. When Lilico's hopes of finding new friends on the basketball team ends with a painful rejection, Lilico finds unlikely help from her cat, Nico, who turns out to be way more than a regular housecat.With magical Nico dispensing advice and two new friends excited about Japanese culture (and talking cats), Lilico finally start to find her footing. As Lilico navigates a year full of changes for her entire family, she'll take any help she can to figure out where she fits in Bounce Back (2021) by Misako Rocks!Bounce Back is a standalone graphic novel filled with sports, friendship, and some magic. The book reads in the Western (left-to-right) style with artwork in Misako's typical manga-infused style. The pages include quick asides, footnotes, and even back matter with a guide to draw Nico, create some of the characters' signature fashions, and learn Japanese. Nico's transformation from beloved pet cat to talking guardian spirit also makes this a great stepping stone from magical girl stories to more contemporary fare.Lilico comes from a close-knit family and Bounce Back does a great job of showing the upheaval for both Lilico and her parents as they adjust to the move--especially Lilico's mom who has to work even harder to make her own friends and learn English since she doesn't work outside of the home. With a strong focus on basketball this graphic novel blends sports with Japanese culture and even fashion as Lilico and her new classmates find intersecting interests.Full color illustrations are easy to follow and bring Lilico and her semi-magical world vibrantly to life. Bounce Back is a fun manga-style graphic novel perfect for anyone whose ever had to deal with being the new kid.Possible Pairings: Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas, Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year by Nina Hamza, Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai, Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, Front Desk by Kelly Yang

Our family came to America from Japan this year .Recenty we read Bouce Back.This manga’s illustrations are every Kawaii.It’s easy to read for me and I learned English conversation. Especially I learned when to say awesome.My children (Ages 11&5)like Nicco. Nicco is Kawaii Cat.Age 11 child says I recommend this manga to those who are interested in Japanese manga and Japanese. Becouse this manga has sometimes Japanese.We enjoy it.We can’t wait the next!

My daughter loves this book! This book and the second book got her into basketball.

Children’s librarian here- it is so hard to find kid-friendly manga and this is a wonderful example. Librarians should get this one for their collections! My 8 year old daughter was a big fan. Here is her review:“This is a great manga graphic novel for kids. It’s a creative story with beautiful illustrations. Lilico moves to the US from Japan and struggles to find friends and a basketball team. A friendly cat spirit Niko tries to “protect” her but things don’t always go as planned… I’m 8 and this is favorite manga I’ve read yet.”

Ma fille a adoré ce livre.