Otomen, Vol. 1, by Aya Kanno. Viz Media, LLC; San Francisco, California, 2009.  978-1421521862

Summary: Asuka is a boy who loves girly things, but feels that he has to hide his true self, especially from the girl he is falling for, who says she only likes manly men. Conveniently, Ryo can't cook to save her life, and wants to plan a birthday dinner for her father. Asuka to the rescue!

Analysis: Yes, this is terribly cliche'd. But it's cute and funny, and comes down strongly on the side of being comfortable in who you are regardless of how society says someone of your gender should act. There's a convenient key at the back explaining the significance of some events and objects that may be unfamiliar to non-Japanese readers. There are some parts which may be trans-phobic, but I'd want to read the next couple of volumes (a total of 2 are out so far in English, with 2 more coming later this year) to see how -- if ever -- that bit of backstory gets fleshed out.

Illustrations: Manga-style (right-to-left) shaded pen-and-ink cartoons.

Rating: 4Q/4P

Curricular connections: Good for a middle school discussion of gender roles and relationships.

--SLH