You and I Are Polar Opposites, Volume 1

December 6, 2024

Gr 7-10-Suzuki is friendly, boisterous, and always mindful of how others perceive her. Meanwhile, her desk neighbor Tani is reserved, truthful to the point of being blunt, and seems to not care at all how others feel about him. Those attributes are exactly what Suzuki admires about him, though she does her best to conceal her feelings with silly questions and gentle teasing. After Tani agrees to walk home with her, following a series of misunderstandings, Suzuki confesses her feelings and decides to pursue what she wants instead of focusing on what others would think is best. Thankfully, Tani returns her feelings, setting up this series featuring a pair of opposites. There is no external push for the characters to conform or change, which sets this story apart from other romance titles. Both characters are simply themselves and try their best to understand where the other is coming from to meet them halfway. Their story is rounded out by a supporting cast of fellow students, who often end up involved in their quirky antics. Agasawa's art highlights the characters' differences, emphasizing Suzuki's energy and magnified emotional responses, while Tani tends to remain mostly stationary and understated. VERDICT A sweet and simple story about high schoolers falling in love, perfect for younger romance readers. Recommended.-Lisa Rowland

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.