• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Dana is excited about her school trip to Japan despite the fact that she is surrounded by the Melly Mob, "in-crowd" kids who make fun of her.

Dana is certain she will be less of an outsider in Japan, home of manga and anime. But she soon discovers that it's just as difficult to fit in with a foreign culture as it is to fit in at school. And the only other manga fan that she meets refuses to talk to her. As Dana learns to meet people halfway and gains some friends in Japan, Melissa, leader of the Melly Mob, makes every effort to remind her that she's still an outsider.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! Also available in French as L'effet manga.

Jacqueline Pearce is the author of 12 books for children and teens. Her novels and nonfiction explore her fascination with local history, people, nature and animals, including Dog House Blues and The Truth About Rats, which were written for the BC SPCA Kids Club. Jacqueline has degrees in English literature and environmental studies. She has volunteered for the BC SPCA humane education program for many years and has both fostered and adopted many rescued animals with her family. She currently lives near Vancouver with her husband, daughter, dog and two cats.

Jacqueline Pearce's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
• Commended, Resource Links, The Year's Best Books

"Readers will easily identify with fish-out-of-water Dana, and travel-minded teens will appreciate the tourist's-eye view of Japan."

VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates) Magazine

"This is another excellent title in a superb series for older students with low reading skills."

Resource Links