L'effet manga

by Jacqueline Pearce

On her school trip to Japan, Dana learns about Japanese culture and about herself.

Genres: Young Adult

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Jacqueline writes historical and contemporary fiction for children and teens, and is also a haiku poet. Her kids' books include Discovering Emily, about the childhood of artist, Emily Carr, Manga Touch, an easy-to-read YA novel that follows a teen girl's exchange trip to Japan, The Truth About Rats (and Dogs), a multi-cultural middle grade story about a boy who struggles against stereotypes and family expectations when he fosters a pet rat and prepares for a BMX bike competition, and Weeds and other stories, a short story collection in which the lives of urban teens intersect with nature in often unexpected ways. Jacqueline's non-fiction book, What Animals Want (written in consultation with the BCSPCA), is out fall 2021.

Jacquie's poetry can be found in a number of group collections, including A New Resonance 11: Emerging Voices in English-Language Haiku (Redmoon 2019). She is also editor of Last Train Home, an international collection of haiku, tanka, and rengay about trains and train travel (Pondhawk 2021). (Last Train Home, was written for adults, but middle grade and young adult readers will find many intriguing small poems within.)

Jacqueline lives on the edge of a ravine with her husband, daughter, dog and two cats, perched between nature and the city.

Reviews

[Jacqueline Pearce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmm. I seem to have given my own book five stars. I don't remember doing this, but no bias there (lol). Thank-you to everyone who has read, reviewed, or rated the book. The story is based on many of the experiences I had on my first visit to Japan (though the main character, Dana, is not like me and responds to things in her own way!). It's meant to be an easy-to-read novel for young teens who might be reluctant readers, but I hope it will interest others who'd like a quick read involving a trip to Japan and a character who tries to tell herself she cares more about manga than what people think of her.

[Gina Schaarschmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover might indicate that manga is central to the story, but it really isn’t. It’s a sweet little story about a group of students on a trip to Japan. The main character bonds with her host family over manga, and manga helps her navigate her way in a strange country. It’s a nice addition to our hi lo collection

[Errica · Rating 2 out of 5]

White pick-me discovers cultural differences exist.

Despite the name and cover, anime and manga don't play a major role, so it was a lot better than I expected. The main character shows some growth and reflection, although there is clearly still some underlying misogyny in her brain.

I'm definitely not the intended audience (young teens who are interested in but know nothing about Japanese culture), so while I physically cringed every three pages, I do think some people might get something more out of the book.

[George Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked about my book is that I identified with her because in her country she feels strange but when she moved to another city she felt free and she is the protagonist of the book and her name is Jaqueline Pearce

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reluctant / quick read for teens. Ideal for those interested in Japan / Japanese culture.

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read.

[Keyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

that it its anime because it manga touch

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book a 4 star because i really liked it, it was a book that i weren't going to expect with a problem and a solution also what i liked about it is that it gave details about each character so specific. Also i liked that Dana was scared going to the trip because it was exciting to see what the kids where going to say about her since she is Japanese. Another thing is that all the books i have had read was like it which was good. Also another thing i really liked about the book is when i was reading it over the weekend it was surprising it was exciting i really liked it. Also the book was about a girl Dana is excited going on a school trip but all her friends make fun of her for being Japanese and because of her culture/language.

[Lily Fernandes · Rating 2 out of 5]

i had to read it for school, i think that because i had to read it for school that made me like it a little less.

[Kathy Meulen Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone who is interested in Japanese culture and needs a quick, fun read will find this appealing! I especially liked main character Dana's moments of culture shock. The bathroom scene is particularly fun.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting about an exchange student in Japan, but there is not much depth and the characters are unremarkable.

[g h]

good cute book i wish more happened

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try to only offer literature that I myself can wholeheartedly endorse to students. However, I'm thinking about giving this to them as an option and seeing how they respond to it.

[Paige · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh...it was okay.