Silver Spoon Vol 4 by HIromu Arakawa

Hachiken is now everyone’s best friend as he has come into 50 kilos of pork meat. He asks one of the teachers to help him make bacon, and while it isn’t perfect, everyone agrees, it’s delicious. Hachiken’s brother shows up again and suggests he send some bacon home to the parents to prove that he is learning a lot at his school. Hachiken reluctantly does this, and we see a glimpse of his family and get a little insight as to why he’s avoiding them. The third years are finishing up their time at Ezo Ag, and it’s time for the Equestrian club leadership to pass the reins to the younger club members. Then, it’s time to start preparing for the autumn events - baseball tournaments, finals, and a festival!

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This volume had a little bit more in it about making delicious meals and the components of the dishes, and it always makes me hungry! Hachiken has another heart-to-heart with Ezo Ag’s principal, who always seems to show up at just the right time to help Hachiken through a difficult problem. There is a lot of Arawaka-style humor with the drawings of characters freaking out.  There was a bit of choppiness to the storyline around the club's activities and the Fall events that made the last third of this volume a bit disjointed. 
 
Sara's Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3

Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Slice of Life, Farming