Silver Spoon vol 1 by Hiromu Arakawa

​Hachiken is a high school freshman who enrolled at Ezo (Ooezo) Agricultural high school simply because he wanted to live away from his family (for reasons, I'm sure, we'll find out later).  Hachiken is convinced with all his academic skill that he will be number one at this new school, but quickly finds out that he is no match for his classmates, all of whom were born and raised in agricultural areas.  Hachiken finds the hands on approach to be exhausting, and learns that he is woefully unequipped for the physical demand of learning at Ezo Ag.

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​This title is sweet, but the characters do not lack depth.  This title is shines a light on the difficult, and sometimes unfeeling, world of animal husbandry with accuracy and honesty.  Hachiken, and possibly the reader, is stunned to learn the fate of animals who cannot live up to perfection or optimal standards, mirroring the struggle Hachiken goes through himself academically.  The mangaka grew up on a dairy farm in Hokkaido, so the attention to detail is understandable and appreciated.  The story has Arakawa's signature art style and humor, and fans will notice the similarities between this and Fullmetal Alchemist.  

Yen Press has this title rated as Teen for language.  The swear words used are minimal and not the really offensive kind.  The minimal "violence" of animals being slaughtered for food is blurred (mostly for comedic effect). 

Sara's Rating: 10/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Slice of Life, Farming

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