Furudate, Haruichi. Haikyu!!: Vol. 1. illus. by Haruichi Furudate. 192p. Viz Media. Jul. 2016. pap. $9.10. ISBN 9781421587660.

Gr 6 Up –Shoyo Hinata is a volleyball player who, despite his short stature, has the athleticism, ambition, and drive of the taller players he aims to defeat. After watching a smaller player known as the Little Giant compete with players a foot taller, Hinata is inspired to become a great player. He starts a volleyball club in his middle school and is outmatched and beaten by a team led by Tobio Kageyama; a 5’11” spiker derisively referred to as the “King of the Court” and a “diva.” Undeterred by the loss, Hinata vows to “break through the wall” and beat Kageyama (whom he assumes will be attending a different high school). When Hinata and Kageyama end up at the same school as teammates, Hinata’s focus changes from defeat to acceptance. With dramatic angles, typical manga-style artwork depicts scenes of thrilling action. This fast-paced, exciting manga is a story of sportsmanship, perseverance, and, above all, belief in oneself. VERDICT Recommended for fans of graphic novels and sports manga.–Tamela Chambers, Chicago Public Schools