After losing his first and last volleyball match against Tobio Kageyama, "the King of the Court," Shoyo Hinata swears to become his rival after graduating middle school. But what happens when the guy he wants to defeat ends up being his teammate?!
Rated: T
December 1, 2016
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
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