Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

Gr 6-10–Anzu feels lost and alone in her new hometown. She’s sad about being teased because of her Japanese name and traditions, and misses being consoled by her late obaan (grandmother). While out walking, Anzu hears a voice that whispers comforting words about finding the place where she belongs. Distracted by the voice, she is surprised by a dog who snatches her necklace—a gift from Obaan—and runs off with it. Anzu chases the dog and falls through a portal into the underworld. She discovers the dog is actually the gatekeeper to the underworld, and that comforting voice has not so comforting plans for her. So begins Anzu’s perilous journey through the underworld, in search of a way home and to understand who she wants to be. This action-packed story explores young people’s struggle with identity and fitting in. The kami (deities and spirits) and yokai (tricksters and shapeshifters), Anzu meets as she traverses the otherworldly realm enhance the narrative. Dialogue in untranslated Japanese along with the helpful guide to kami and yokai in the back matter are a plus. The art is so dynamic, readers will practically see movement and hear sounds. The spare use of color—shades of green, purple, and orange—is effective in showing intensity of both action and emotion.