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+Anima - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This series shows the strength of friendship and how important it is for people to work together. It also has the underlying message that there are different people in the world, but that all of them are equally important and deserve our respect.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is some basic fighting in the series. There are also scenes with children as orphans and acting as pick-pockets.
The publisher’s rating on this book is Teen, 13+.
Abadazad Vol. 1 “The Road to Inconceivable” - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This is a non-traditional book that tells its story both as text and in graphic form. It is an engaging and fun adventure that takes the reader to an entirely new world.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: Some points of this book can be frightening. There is the disappearance of a child in this book, though it is nothing like a violent kidnapping.
Amelia Rules Vol. 1 “The Whole World’s Crazy” - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This book discusses the effect of divorce on a family without talking down to children. It also highlights how children transition in new towns and schools. It is also very funny.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: Amelia and her friends do get into some trouble, such as passing notes in class and staking out Santa at the mall.
Azu Manga Daioh - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This series shows some aspects of what schooling in Japan is like. It also has friendships amongst girls that one would not automatically assume were friends.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is some slight swearing in this series. There is also a male teacher who sometimes makes inappropriate comments.
The publisher’s rating on this book is Teen: Ages 13+.
Beet the Vandal Buster - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This series has the underlying message that you should believe in yourself. It also shows that families are created by the people in them.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is death in this book, as well as cartoonish violence.
The publisher’s rating on this book is All Ages.
Blade of Heaven - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: Shows strong friendships that start out under difficult conditions. This story also has people working together for the greater good.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is mild swearing and much violence in this book. Also some of the demons are rather frightening.
The publisher’s rating on this book is Teen: Ages 13+.
Bleach - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This series shows the importance of family. It also highlights the importance of caring for others, even when you do not know them.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: This book is filled with ghosts and monsters. There are also several fighting scene, though very little blood. It also includes extremely mild sexual references.
The publisher’s rating for this book is Teen.
Degrassi The Next Generation Vol. 1 “Extra Credit” - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This book focuses on the importance of friendship and shows how sometimes the greatest help can come from the people you least expect.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: This is definitely a book for older readers. It deals with issues like teen pregnancy, drug abuse and sexual harassment.
DNAngel - Vol. 1
Points to Consider - Positive: Points to Consider – Positive: This series highlights the changes that someone goes through when growing up, though some of those changes are more drastic than others. It also looks into the changing relationships of middle school
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: Points to Consider – Possibly Negative: One of the main plotlines in this story is the thefts of various objects. However, you are never told how any of them are carried out.
The publisher’s rating on this book is Teen, 13+.
Full Moon - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: Working to achieve your dreams, no matter what stands in the way. Friendships develop between unlikely individuals.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is family discord in this book, which results in the main character running away from home. There is also discussion of death and suicide, though the discussion of suicide is very slight.
The publisher’s rating for this book is Teen.
Fullmetal Alchemist - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This book shows an extremely close family relationship between Alphonse and Edward. It also tell the timeless story of good trying to triumph over evil.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is violence in this book, as well as some magic.
The publisher’s rating for this book is Teen.
Kamichama Karin - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: : This book explores the strong bonds of friendship. It also shows the importance of moving on with your life after you have lost a loved one.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is some very cartoonish violence in this book.
The publisher’s rating for this book is Youth: 10+.
Rebirth - 1
Points to Consider - Positive: This series shows the redemption that anyone can go through.
Points to Consider - Possible negatives: There is a lot of violence, as well as some supernatural elements in this book. There is also character death.
The publisher’s rating on this book is Teen: Ages 13+.