As Hikaru hits his teens and puberty strikes, Sachiko and Masato have to deal with his growing sexual awareness and rebellious attitude. But it’s Kanon that really needs the help as her entry into elementary school leads to teasing over her brother. There’s no rest for the weary though, as on top of these problems, Masato is transferred and the decision is made to move into the Mother-in-Law’s house, which comes with its own set of problems. By Keiko Tobe Publisher: Yen Press Age Rating: Teen Genre: True to Life Drama Price: $14.99 Normally, problems that involve Hikaru’s disability affect him directly and in turn those around him. In these two volumes though, Hikaru isn’t affected as much as those around him. Kanon feels the effect the most at the beginning. Hikaru’s growing sexual awareness causes her unease when her friend comes over, and then she has to deal with teasing that borders on bullying from classmates who see Hikaru, but don’t understand. It’s nice to see that Kanon isn’t going to take the bullying, though she does try to hide it from Sachiko and Masato by pretending nothing is wrong. Sachiko isn’t so lucky in dealing with her bully…
Sachiko’s trials continues in volume 5 as Hikaru moves into his final year in elementary school that comes with changes in both his teacher and classmates, neither of which he takes well, causing problems at home. Things only get harder when school administrators disagree with the family’s choice of junior high. In volume 6, Sachiko must deal with changes in Hikaru’s behavior, getting Kanon ready for elementary school, her mother-in-law who still doesn’t understand Hikaru, and her own mother’s falling ill. It’s a lot of stress for one woman to take.