In this sports manga, Fujimaki introduces the fictional "Miracle Generation," a middle school basketball team of six players, each of whom was an exceptional sports talent. Now scattered to different high schools, they're trying to take their respective teams to the national championships. The unsung hero was Kuroko, master of passing and deflection. His strategy now is to be a shadow that supports others, but each old friend he meets in battle requires him to step up to his own challenges on the court and off it. The story, which strongly recalls the hit volleyball series Haikyu, does have its own charms, including the sentiment that winning isn't everything. The story, unlike most sports manga, feels very personal. However, the ball movement language is hard to read, and there are a lot of blank spaces to save on drawing time. It's an ambitious, successful piece for a first-time author, but that newness shows here and there. (Aug.)

Gr 5 Up- Fujimaki's debut graphic novel takes its place at the sports manga table as the start of a promising new series that will hook readers and leave them wanting more. Kuroko always seems to go unnoticed, so when the basketball club receives his application, they aren't sure what to do with him. Curious about this mysterious guy, they soon discover that he used to play on an elite team. However, when Kuroko is put on the court, it's soon revealed that he's mediocre at bestor is he? Kuroko has the ability to slip by, stealing the ball before other players even notice. The team members realize that they have the potential to go far, and Kuroko eventually learns that playing to win isn't everything. Readers will be drawn into the hilarious friendship between Kuroko and fellow player Taiga Kagami. The art gracefully pulls readers into the narrative, providing a sense of the main character's ability and deftly portraying tense moments. VERDICT This delightful manga series starter is an attention grabber. Even those who aren't fans of basketball will be absorbed by this tale. Hand it to those who enjoy Haruichi Furudate's "Haikyu!!" or Kazune Kawahara's "My Love Story!!"- Chantalle Uzan, New York Public Library