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My Hero Academia Light Novels #5
My Hero Academia: School Briefs, Vol. 5
It’s time for class 1-A to start getting ready for the end-of-the-year holidays. As excited as everyone is for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the New Year itself, preparing means undertaking a big winter cleaning. The unsuspecting students get a big surprise when their cleaning leads to a crazy discovery. There’s only one way to find out where the mysterious entrance they uncover leads to—and that means rustling up some Plus Ultra spirit and venturing inside!
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2020
29 people are currently reading
492 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 26, 2022
The current manga arc has been a constant stab in the heart, it was so nice to read about the gang being dumb high school kids again, and the teacher's being so kind to Eri <3
February 22, 2022
Note to Self: Recommends finishing Season 5 to understand the overall story arc this book brings. In short, it's not for kids below 13 years of age due to minor adult instances.
This volume is pretty much wholesome and the reason why fans of My Hero Academia should give these light novel series a try! I've been collecting them ever since its first release.
Certain things were at least shown and further explored in this one because we get to see how some subplots were interconnected with one's conflict or characteristic throughout.
Plus, not a single Class A student was left out in these stories. It's a good opportunity to understand them more a little better about themselves and their way of coping about people and life in general.
May 27, 2025
I picked this up on a whim since I didn’t think I would like it due to my…complicated feelings and dealings with light novels, but I was surprised and delighted to end up really enjoying it!
For context on those “complicated feelings and dealings”, the biggest problem I’ve been having with light novels is that when I read I can’t “see” what’s happening in my head—the words just remain words on a page rather then bringing the story to life in my mind like a movie (even if it’s a hazy movie, haha), which makes it next to impossible to picture what’s going on or even remember what happened after closing the book, which then makes me not want to pick it back up. All that to say I didn’t have that problem with this one and whether that’s because I’ve “seen” everything in the manga and anime already and therefore can picture it or this author just managed to have a writing style that clicked for me, I don’t know.
This cover is super cute and while I liked all the stories the first two—the first being some of the Class-A boys accidentally finding a hidden “dungeon” while everyone else is cleaning their dorms (I find it utterly hilarious that Bakugo is a neat freak, lol), and the second being the teachers sneaking Christmas presents into Eri’s room becoming way more dangerous then they bargained for (plus all of them being jealous that Aizawa’s the favorite was the best and just solidifies his dad role to the kids, heehee)—were my absolute faves and made me laugh and snort over their antics.
Most enjoyable light novel I’ve read so far and now I’m going to go pick up and read the rest!
‼️Content‼️
Language: dang; darn; heck; gah; freakin’; half-assed; holy cow; freaking; crud; hell; what the; what the heck; crap; pisses; what the hell; dammit; geez; goddamned (1); golly gee; dumbass; pissed-off; shtick; screwing up
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons, superpowers, and hand to hand (not detailed); mention of a past event of boiling water being thrown on a character’s face and burning them (not detailed)
Sexual: a teen guy is a pervert; a teen boy has a lewid magazine; a guy is hit with a pail in the “scrotum” (word used several times)
Drugs/Alcohol: characters are accidentally poisoned
Other: superheroes/supervillains/superpowers; mentions of an abusive husband/father
For context on those “complicated feelings and dealings”, the biggest problem I’ve been having with light novels is that when I read I can’t “see” what’s happening in my head—the words just remain words on a page rather then bringing the story to life in my mind like a movie (even if it’s a hazy movie, haha), which makes it next to impossible to picture what’s going on or even remember what happened after closing the book, which then makes me not want to pick it back up. All that to say I didn’t have that problem with this one and whether that’s because I’ve “seen” everything in the manga and anime already and therefore can picture it or this author just managed to have a writing style that clicked for me, I don’t know.
This cover is super cute and while I liked all the stories the first two—the first being some of the Class-A boys accidentally finding a hidden “dungeon” while everyone else is cleaning their dorms (I find it utterly hilarious that Bakugo is a neat freak, lol), and the second being the teachers sneaking Christmas presents into Eri’s room becoming way more dangerous then they bargained for (plus all of them being jealous that Aizawa’s the favorite was the best and just solidifies his dad role to the kids, heehee)—were my absolute faves and made me laugh and snort over their antics.
Most enjoyable light novel I’ve read so far and now I’m going to go pick up and read the rest!
‼️Content‼️
Language: dang; darn; heck; gah; freakin’; half-assed; holy cow; freaking; crud; hell; what the; what the heck; crap; pisses; what the hell; dammit; geez; goddamned (1); golly gee; dumbass; pissed-off; shtick; screwing up
Violence: injuries and blood (not detailed); fighting with weapons, superpowers, and hand to hand (not detailed); mention of a past event of boiling water being thrown on a character’s face and burning them (not detailed)
Sexual: a teen guy is a pervert; a teen boy has a lewid magazine; a guy is hit with a pail in the “scrotum” (word used several times)
Drugs/Alcohol: characters are accidentally poisoned
Other: superheroes/supervillains/superpowers; mentions of an abusive husband/father
October 19, 2021
Lighthearted stories about class 1-A celebrating the holidays.
From the Teachers all trying to be Santa claus for Eri to the side storys of students going home to see their families and behinde the scenes with Midoriya and Bakugou during Endeavors internship.
Its nice to see so many happier sideline stories.
With the sad final line of " perhaps they wouldn't have been quite so excited for spring if only they'd known of the horrors that fast approached."
(Sidenote: Endeavor changing the entire menu at his agency's cafeteria to have cold soba for every side dish because he learned it was Shoto''s Favorite at his last internship.. 🤣 was hands down my favorite)
5 stars!
From the Teachers all trying to be Santa claus for Eri to the side storys of students going home to see their families and behinde the scenes with Midoriya and Bakugou during Endeavors internship.
Its nice to see so many happier sideline stories.
With the sad final line of " perhaps they wouldn't have been quite so excited for spring if only they'd known of the horrors that fast approached."
(Sidenote: Endeavor changing the entire menu at his agency's cafeteria to have cold soba for every side dish because he learned it was Shoto''s Favorite at his last internship.. 🤣 was hands down my favorite)
5 stars!
October 12, 2024
Like usual, this light novel was simple and fun. I really enjoyed the short homecoming stories dividing each main story that followed Kyoka, Asui, Uraka and Momo. The homecoming stories provided a cute insight into each of the characters' family dynamics and how they spent their New Years Eve, as well as some in depth views on their personalities and motivations for becoming heroes.
The first main story in the book was enjoyable, I loved seeing the secrets underneath UA and the hidden facilities there. We got another small appearance from Prinicpal Nezu, who is still a mysterious character in my opinion.
The second story was probably my favourite, since it followed Aizawa and Eri celebrating Christmas. It was so adorable seeing how he cares for her, and I found it so funny when all of the teachers at UA accidentally thought of the same idea; dress up as Santa and deliver little Eri a present. The teachers' interactions were hilarious and seeing them bicker and work together was so fun.
Another story focused on the Todoroki family, who of course aren't perfect and their dynamics are so bittersweet. The mentions of Toya were so sad, and seeing the siblings all try to bond and piece themselves together for the holidays was so emotional. It's still sweet seeing them try for each other, especially with Natsu and Shoto playing ball together and talking about their childhoods.
There was another bittersweet story that followed Midoriya and Bakugo helping two kids (who are similar to themselves in terms of personalities and dynamics) play a card game to heal their friendship. I enjoyed the descriptions and hidden hints at Midoriya and Bakugo's own turbulent bond, and how even after everything the pair are inseparable in their own way.
The final story was much more funnier and lighthearted, with a hot pot cooking competition between classes 1A and 1B which soon goes wrong. I always enjoy reading about their rivalry and bickering. The last line of the book brings readers back to the reality with the reminder of the main plot to come. These slice of life novels are definitely a nice dose of simplicity compared to the usually serious and emotional storyline.
4/5 🌟
The first main story in the book was enjoyable, I loved seeing the secrets underneath UA and the hidden facilities there. We got another small appearance from Prinicpal Nezu, who is still a mysterious character in my opinion.
The second story was probably my favourite, since it followed Aizawa and Eri celebrating Christmas. It was so adorable seeing how he cares for her, and I found it so funny when all of the teachers at UA accidentally thought of the same idea; dress up as Santa and deliver little Eri a present. The teachers' interactions were hilarious and seeing them bicker and work together was so fun.
Another story focused on the Todoroki family, who of course aren't perfect and their dynamics are so bittersweet. The mentions of Toya were so sad, and seeing the siblings all try to bond and piece themselves together for the holidays was so emotional. It's still sweet seeing them try for each other, especially with Natsu and Shoto playing ball together and talking about their childhoods.
There was another bittersweet story that followed Midoriya and Bakugo helping two kids (who are similar to themselves in terms of personalities and dynamics) play a card game to heal their friendship. I enjoyed the descriptions and hidden hints at Midoriya and Bakugo's own turbulent bond, and how even after everything the pair are inseparable in their own way.
The final story was much more funnier and lighthearted, with a hot pot cooking competition between classes 1A and 1B which soon goes wrong. I always enjoy reading about their rivalry and bickering. The last line of the book brings readers back to the reality with the reminder of the main plot to come. These slice of life novels are definitely a nice dose of simplicity compared to the usually serious and emotional storyline.
4/5 🌟
December 15, 2024
Oh this one is definitely up there as one of my favourites of the light novels now.
Particularly loved the dungeon story, the Todoroki siblings, the Childhood Friends™️ and the hot pot/sauna contest.
In typical fashion for these light novels Shoto continues to behave like he has a big crush on Izuku in this one, but we actually also get some BakuDeku moments here. I welcome it all with open arms.
Particularly loved the dungeon story, the Todoroki siblings, the Childhood Friends™️ and the hot pot/sauna contest.
In typical fashion for these light novels Shoto continues to behave like he has a big crush on Izuku in this one, but we actually also get some BakuDeku moments here. I welcome it all with open arms.
March 17, 2023
Part 4 ✨
August 20, 2024
overall really enjoyed the stories, but my favs were with todoroki shoto and his siblings :’((( eri and the teachers and lastly, also midoriya and bakugo’s (it’s nice to see (kind of) how their relationship has progressed)
October 10, 2021
This was quite enjoyable! Horikoshi mentions in the end note that, with the seriousness of the manga arc around this time, it was nice to have the light novels for some levity. Agreed!
This story follows the kids around the holidays. The story where the teachers all try to make Eri’s Christmas special was so cute! I love how much they all care for her!
I enjoyed Momo and Jiro’s holiday stories! Asui’s and Todoroki’s were also really sweet!
I wished there had been more centered around Midoriya and Bakugo’s story because this point in the story is my favorite for their relationship. It was when Bakugo started to realize he’d misjudged Midoriya all those years. Hopefully the next one digs into it more
This story follows the kids around the holidays. The story where the teachers all try to make Eri’s Christmas special was so cute! I love how much they all care for her!
I enjoyed Momo and Jiro’s holiday stories! Asui’s and Todoroki’s were also really sweet!
I wished there had been more centered around Midoriya and Bakugo’s story because this point in the story is my favorite for their relationship. It was when Bakugo started to realize he’d misjudged Midoriya all those years. Hopefully the next one digs into it more
November 14, 2021
4.5
I liked this one a lot!
The chapter with all the teachers wanting to give Eri a gift was the cutest!
I always love any Midoriya and Bakugo one on one interactions and all the family scenes with the other characters at home were really sweet!
I liked this one a lot!
The chapter with all the teachers wanting to give Eri a gift was the cutest!
I always love any Midoriya and Bakugo one on one interactions and all the family scenes with the other characters at home were really sweet!
November 26, 2022
[5/5] I just want Deku and Kacchan to get along....
April 26, 2023
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
I always enjoy the spin-off stories of My Hero Academia. They're fun and innocent, giving us combinations of characters we don't get to see in the main series, and they provide more screentime to characters who tend to fall into the background in a slice of life setting.
This volume is set after season 4 of the anime, or just after the School Culture Festival arc of the manga, and it consists of several short stories divided up by lovely artwork.
First we have the students cleaning their dorms and a handful of students getting themselves into a mini adventure, and then an adorable story featuring the school faculty trying to make Eri's first Christmas a good one. Then there's a short story about Bakugou, Midoriya, and Todoroki's work study with Endeavor, and a classic 1-A vs 1-B story. Each story is split up by mini snippets of students going home for New Years Eve, accompanied by teachers, which was also lovely to see and gives us more insight into the characters' homelives. It's light-hearted and fun, and adds some depth to characters.
I will say, however, that I didn't enjoy this volume as much as I did the previous ones. I didn't enjoy the 1-A vs 1-B story, as it felt like they were running out of ideas and were stretching it a bit. They also make Monoma out to be a pretty horrible person, and perhaps I'm bias because I like the fanon version of him, but it didn't sit right with me. Neither did the writer reducing Uraraka to her crush on Midoriya. Everything she does involves her feelings for Midoriya. It worms its way into every scene of hers, which is incredibly irritating. Like, she's a strong woman who can do things because she wants to, not just because her crush would do it and so she should too. I wish they wouldn't keep doing that.
Overall, though, I did enjoy this book, and I'm eager to pick up the next volume to see more extra content about the U.A. kids and teachers.
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I always enjoy the spin-off stories of My Hero Academia. They're fun and innocent, giving us combinations of characters we don't get to see in the main series, and they provide more screentime to characters who tend to fall into the background in a slice of life setting.
This volume is set after season 4 of the anime, or just after the School Culture Festival arc of the manga, and it consists of several short stories divided up by lovely artwork.
First we have the students cleaning their dorms and a handful of students getting themselves into a mini adventure, and then an adorable story featuring the school faculty trying to make Eri's first Christmas a good one. Then there's a short story about Bakugou, Midoriya, and Todoroki's work study with Endeavor, and a classic 1-A vs 1-B story. Each story is split up by mini snippets of students going home for New Years Eve, accompanied by teachers, which was also lovely to see and gives us more insight into the characters' homelives. It's light-hearted and fun, and adds some depth to characters.
I will say, however, that I didn't enjoy this volume as much as I did the previous ones. I didn't enjoy the 1-A vs 1-B story, as it felt like they were running out of ideas and were stretching it a bit. They also make Monoma out to be a pretty horrible person, and perhaps I'm bias because I like the fanon version of him, but it didn't sit right with me. Neither did the writer reducing Uraraka to her crush on Midoriya. Everything she does involves her feelings for Midoriya. It worms its way into every scene of hers, which is incredibly irritating. Like, she's a strong woman who can do things because she wants to, not just because her crush would do it and so she should too. I wish they wouldn't keep doing that.
Overall, though, I did enjoy this book, and I'm eager to pick up the next volume to see more extra content about the U.A. kids and teachers.
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February 11, 2022
Once again, Yoshi-san has created a novel that captures the more mellow side of My Hero Academia. This time, Yoshi added some short stories to the regular narrative. 5 short stories describing how some members of class 1-A are enjoying their holidays with their beloved family. The short stories themselves were great to read, and even gave us some insight into what the family dynamic is like in the Jiro household or even the Uraraka house. I found them to be very enjoyable to read through, despite their short length. However, that being said, I didn't find much enjoyment in the main stories. Granted there were a few that I liked reading, but there were some that didn't hold my attention for long. Regardless, this installment of the School Briefs series seems to prove to be worth the read. I still found myself wanting to read the novel despite some of the stories not fully getting my attention.
June 8, 2025
Ah, winter with My Hero Academia, always packed with heartfelt stories.
Surprisingly, my favorite chapter ended up being Todoroki’s. Maybe because Endeavor wasn’t there, and it was just the siblings sharing a calm dinner together, for the first time in what feels like forever. That quiet moment carried so much weight.
I originally thought the work study chapter with Midoriya, Bakugou, and Todoroki would be the standout for me, but something didn’t fully click. I expected Bakugou to be loud and maybe even dismissive during downtime (as he tends to be), but it felt a bit too harsh here. I saw hints of that inner growth beginning in him, but his bite toward Midoriya was just a little too sharp.
Also... we’re giving Monoma way too much page time again. Just saying.
Surprisingly, my favorite chapter ended up being Todoroki’s. Maybe because Endeavor wasn’t there, and it was just the siblings sharing a calm dinner together, for the first time in what feels like forever. That quiet moment carried so much weight.
I originally thought the work study chapter with Midoriya, Bakugou, and Todoroki would be the standout for me, but something didn’t fully click. I expected Bakugou to be loud and maybe even dismissive during downtime (as he tends to be), but it felt a bit too harsh here. I saw hints of that inner growth beginning in him, but his bite toward Midoriya was just a little too sharp.
Also... we’re giving Monoma way too much page time again. Just saying.
January 1, 2022
4.5 stars. This was definitely one of my more favorite light novels. Taking place through new years it shows a nice background into a lot of characters families and a fun class A and B hot pot night. I really like how the light novels show us so much more of A and B hanging out and competing with each other outside of the sanctioned matches shown in the manga. Horikoshi sensei mentions in his note about how the heavy content in the manga at present was offset by the light heartened stories in this volume, and I can't help but whole heartedly agree.
April 17, 2024
It took me a while to finally get through this one but I've done so at last and this means there's only one more light novel (in English) for me to read!
Honestly, this one wasn't bad per se, but it really feels like a weaker entry in the series. Perhaps it was trying to cover too much ground at once? Again, not bad, but it didn't keep me engaged all that well.
Honestly, this one wasn't bad per se, but it really feels like a weaker entry in the series. Perhaps it was trying to cover too much ground at once? Again, not bad, but it didn't keep me engaged all that well.
June 27, 2024
These were really cute my hero stories!
I’d never read any of the light novels before but after reading this one I definitely need to read the rest of them. They’re so fun and had me audibly laughing out loud while also offering insights to characters and their relationships. My favorite story was definitely Todoroki’s his soba… :(
I’d never read any of the light novels before but after reading this one I definitely need to read the rest of them. They’re so fun and had me audibly laughing out loud while also offering insights to characters and their relationships. My favorite story was definitely Todoroki’s his soba… :(
October 12, 2021
Expanding on Eri's first Christmas made this whole thing worth reading.
I also loved the side stories about some of the kids interacting with their families.
Even better Mineta got what was coming to him, thanks to Aoyama. About time his sparkle came in handy.
I also loved the side stories about some of the kids interacting with their families.
Even better Mineta got what was coming to him, thanks to Aoyama. About time his sparkle came in handy.
November 26, 2021
This remains one of my favorite BNHA spin-off (with Team-Up Mission); I love the slice-of-life. If only the author hadn't felt the obligation to remind the reader of the dark and angsty stuff that was happening in the manga around that time every once in a while! That's not what I'm here for, man.
January 19, 2022
A perfect january read with most of the stories set around new year 😊
I'll always love to read about happy slice of life moments with the mha characters... certainly needed when reading the manga these days... can't wait for the next one!
I'll always love to read about happy slice of life moments with the mha characters... certainly needed when reading the manga these days... can't wait for the next one!
January 16, 2023
Given how dark and serious things are in the manga, this light novel is the perfect way to get away from all that and enjoy the lighthearted and funny scenes between some of my favourite characters. I love the School Briefs light novels and I am excited to read more of these!
January 27, 2023
Super fun, fast, and entertaining read. I’ve read the other 4 and have thoroughly enjoyed them! Shows you a look into the characters’ lives outside of the show and gives you a good laugh. I love reading from Ida’s point of view!
December 8, 2025
a very chill book, good to read if you liked the show and want to see more of these characters, although I would like for the female cast to have a full short story instead of 5 pages in between the boys's story's ,hope the other books give them their deserved story's
October 25, 2021
i really liked this one, luckily mineta didn’t speak too much
December 20, 2021
1.5 stars.
December 30, 2021
Loved the Eri Christmas and the hotpot competition between Class 1A and 1B. The mini stories between chapters of the 1A girls were nice too.
January 19, 2022
I love that this light novel gave us an insight into some character families and paired characters together we didn’t normally see! Loved seeing Kaminari and Monoma interacting!
April 28, 2022
The Eri Santa story alone..... I'm begging for a filler episode adaptation season 6 is gonna be so traumatic I need some levity
June 1, 2022
After the previous one, this book was a much better improvement! Everything was great from start to finish and I would totally read it again!
June 21, 2023
I liked the girls going home story's and 2 of the main ones most ether dragged for me were boring or both. It was a fun way to pass the time but not sure I want to reread it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews