Get to Know Siouxland Libraries' Manga Collection!
Published on October 21, 2025
By Alexa O.
I’m excited to tell you about what is probably my favorite collection in the library: manga!
Style
Manga is a style of graphic novel from Japan. Its influence has spread to South Korea and China, where the style is imitated by the names of Manwha and Manua, respectively.
Because of its culture of origin, manga tends to draw inspiration from Japanese mythos. Symbolism and imagery play a big part in many stories. Manga can still be enjoyed without this knowledge base, but learning more will make for a richer reading experience. Try one of these books to enhance your understanding.
Content
It’s a style increasingly popular with young people, but just like graphic novels in the ‘West,’ not all manga is meant for kids. Perhaps you’ve wondered if something is appropriate for your child.
First and foremost, flipping through or even reading a book in question is a good start. Being a part of your child’s discovery and enjoyment of reading is critical to their development. If they see you reading, they will be more inclined to read themselves.*
An easier way to navigate the library’s hundreds of manga volumes is to check the back of the book (what would be considered the front of the book for Western readers—more on that later) for an age rating box. It may have a rating like “T” for Teens 13+, or “OT” for Older Teens 16+. It may even list reasons like “language” or “violence.”
At the library, you can find manga within the Children, Middle, and Adult graphic novel collections. In the Teen area, manga has its own section and ‘manga’ sticker on the spine—similar to how some books will have a ‘fantasy’ or ‘mystery’ label to let you know the genre.
Tip for Reading
There is a “trick” to reading manga, as the majority read right-to-left instead of left-to-right. Many manga will have instructions in the back—what you may see as the front—of the book. A good rule of thumb is to start in the upper right box and read the boxes and speech bubbles right-to-left in the order they appear. Then turn the page and repeat the process until you’re done with the book!
What’s a guy to do about having romantic feelings for his childhood friend, Honeko Akabane, when she’s being hunted by assassins? Be her protector, of course!
This manga details the behind the scenes lives of the boy band 4*Town from the film Turning Red. Get to know each of the five members leading up to their big concert in Toronto, Canada.
A fluffy story about a young girl named Yuzu and how she assists patients, both human and animal, at her uncle’s vet clinic. She navigates issues like bullying and what it means to take good care of a pet, as well as harder topics like illnesses or death.
Librarians say there’s magic in reading. That’s literally true in this fantasy world where it’s one boy’s goal to become a librarian. This series showcases what it means to be a librarian and the work of promoting literacy to all. I can’t say enough great things about Magus of the Library.
Penelope Eckhart wakes up in a video game…as the villainess! Will she make it out of this game alive? Or will she have a ‘bad ending’?
Growing up in the slums as an orphan, Nina learned to rely on herself to get out of trouble. But when she’s discovered to have unique blue eyes—reminiscent of the deceased princess of Fortuna—it’s up to her to take that princess’ place to be married off to another country. As princess, Nina is still a spunky girl that won’t let injustice stand. Follow her journey in this award-winning series.
Utage Kinoshita is, arguably, the BIGGEST fan of the J-pop group F/ACE; more specifically, the member Tamon. She works part-time as a housekeeper, and imagine her surprise when she picks up a shift—for Tamon! Though, he seems a little different from his boisterous and flirty public persona.
Haruka Sakura has been labeled an outcast due to his pugnacity, so he transfers to a school known for its brawls. But Furin High School isn’t all it appears to be.
Arguably the world’s greatest spy, Loid Forger’s latest mission requires him to get married and have children. He adopts a daughter and somehow convinces a woman to marry him. However, unbeknownst to him, his daughter is a telepath and wife is a skilled assassin. See where their adventures take them in this comedic action series.