My clueless first friend vol 1 by taku kawamura

Takada is a 5th grade transfer student, and Nishimura is a bit of a gloomy girl that everyone else calls "The Grim Reaper." Takada is determined to figure how what makes her so special to get such a cool nickname, and what he finds is an awesome friend and someone who makes him happy to be around. Other classmates try to make fun of Takada for being around Nishimura, but Takada's carefree attitude turns all their jabs around and makes everything backfire. Nishimura finds herself with a friend at last, but can't help feeling like her first friend is a little clueless to all the bullying going around. ​Takada likens several bully tactics to video game or RPG storylines, and the two also find out that they could have been childhood neighbors had things gone differently.

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There is so much positivity going on despite the undercurrent of bullying that follows Nishimura, and the sweetness between the two friends has a beautiful message of acceptance. Takada is constantly building up Nishimura, but none of it rings hollow. This story has some nice, short chapters which are great for younger readers. Some of the beginning chapters have repeated information due to the original serialization of the story, but once readers get passed that, it's on to some hilarious comebacks to bullies from Takada, an adorable kitten, and some summer adventures for the friends.  There are some growing pains of childhood friendships that might resonate with young readers who are probably navigating some of their first major friendships as well.

Sara's Rating: 8/10 
Suitability Level: Grades 4-10

Publisher: Square Enix
Publication Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781646092048 (Paperback)

​Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: Elementary School, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Friendship, School Life, Square Enix