This volume as well as the complete series is an important purchase for public and school libraries alike. A full understanding of this series requires reading them from the beginning in order to avoid confusion, but it is worth the time. Wandering Son is a beautifully composed series with gorgeous art, and a moving storyline. Ultimately, the environment in which these characters grow is supportive and gentle. While Nitori-kun battles with his response, he also considers wearing a bra as Takatsuki-san begins to save money for a breast binder.Īlthough these two middle schoolers face tough questions Takatsuki-san and Nitori-kun have each other, and their friendship allows them to depend on one another for discussion, comfort and a sense of solidarity throughout their journeys. The main question that drives the narrative is asked of Nitori-kun by Chiba-san: “Do you like Takatsuki-san as a boy who likes a girl? Or do you want to become a girl and be loved by Takatsuki-san as a girl?” (Takako 015-016). However, neither Chiba-san nor Nitori-kun’s casting schemes come to fruition causing friction among the characters.

In this volume, the class brings Nitori-kun and Chiba Saori’s rendition of Romeo and Juliet to the stage which includes a gender twist: Romeo and Juliet wish to trade both names and genders with one another.Īlthough Nitori-kun and Chiba-san worked on the script together, they have two different thoughts when it comes to casting: Chiba-san wants to play Romeo and have Nitori-kun play Juliet while Nitori-kun wants Takatsuki-san to play Romeo to his Juliet. The boy Nitori-kun wants to be a girl while Takatsuki-san is a girl who longs to be a boy. This graphic novel continues the story of two middle-school students, Nitori Shuichi and Takatsuki Yoshino, who question their gender identities.

Wandering Son, Vol. 1 by Takako Shimura