Pokémon Adventures

• Publisher: Viz
• Age: All Ages
• Publication Date: Variable
• Volumes: Variable

The Pokémon franchise has a few manga series, the most recent being Pokémon Adventures Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2023-present). On the whole the Pokémon manga are kid friendly and popular because of the trading card game, television show, and various video game releases.  All Pokémon manga are published under the “Adventures” subline, but restart volume counts with every new story arc. Once a story arc is complete, all the volumes of that arc are compiled into a box set.

The Pokemon manga series is a crossover series that works well for young kids as well as middle grade readers.

Alice in Kyoto Forest

• Author: Mai Mochizuki
• Publisher: Tokyopop
• Age: 10+
• Publication Date: 2021-2022
• Volumes: 2

Alice in Kyoto Forest is a manga spin on Alice in Wonderland in which Alice is transported to a very magical version of Kyoto. If Alice doesn’t want to grow old, she must discover her heart’s true calling. Alice in Kyoto Forest is complete at two volumes and is good for younger audiences who love fantasy or might want to dip their toes into romance.

Shonen Note: Boy Soprano

• Author: Yuhki Kamatani
• Publisher: Kodansha
• Age: Teen 13+
• Publication Date: 2022-2024
• Volumes: 8

Shonen Note: Boy Soprano is a complete eight volume series about a young boy with a beautiful soprano voice. When Yutaka Aoi joins his school choir, everyone welcomes his inspiring voice, but as he grows and hits puberty, Yutaka’s voice and world begins to change. Shonen Note: Boy Soprano is an interesting coming of age series set in a middle school.

The Legend of Zelda

• Author: Akira Himekawa
• Publisher: Viz Media
• Age: Variable
• Publication Date: variable
• Volumes: Variable

There are several Legend of Zelda manga series published by Viz Media, though The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess is the most recent republication in September 2024. Link’s adventures through the many landscapes of Hyrule are action packed and also work as crossover titles between younger and teen audiences. And, while the manga are popular in their own right, the highly anticipated sequel to The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom released in 2023. Conveniently, there are multiple box sets for whichever Zelda series you need.

The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick up Trash

• Author: Honobonoru500
• Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
• Age: Teen 13+
• Publication Date: 2022-present
• Volumes: 5

The Weakest Tamer is a manga adaptation of the popular light novel series of the same title. It currently has five volumes. This manga series follows Ivy, a young girl who was born with all her memories of her past life in tact. Unfortunately, she’s starless, which is seen as cursed in the world she lives. Cast out of her village, Ivy goes on a journey and meets all sorts of interesting characters, including an extremely strange slime.

When purchasing this series, be sure you don’t accidentally order the light novel instead. Also be sure to check out both the animated series and audiobook adaptations of the series!

Call the Name of the Night

• Author: Tama Mitsuboshi
• Publisher: Yen Press
• Age: Teen
• Publication Date: 2020-present
• Volumes: 4

Call the Name of the Night is a fantasy series that currently has four volumes. Reminiscent of titles like Witch Hat Atelier, Ancient Magus Bride, and The Girl From the Other Side; Call the Name of the Night tells the story of Mira, a young girl who has moved in with Rei, a kind doctor who might be able to cure her sickness.

This series is great for fantasy lovers. It’s magic system is whimsical and visually stunning. Yen Press suggests an age range of teen, but Call the Name of the Night would be great for younger audiences as well.

A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch

• Author: Hiro Kashiwaba
• Publisher: Seven Seas Entertainment
• Age: Teen 13+
• Publication Date: 2024-present
• Volumes: 3

For those interested in Frieren, but for younger audiences, A Cat from Our World and the Forgotten Witch is a good option. Currently three volumes long, this series is a fantasy isekai with a twist. Instead of a person being transported to another world, the main character and witch Jeanne summons a cat. As the cat and the witch get acclimated to each other, danger is brewing outside the forest in which they live.

Yuzu the Pet Vet

• Author: Mingo Ito
• Publisher: Kodansha
• Age: Teen 13 +
• Publication Date: 2020-2022
• Volumes: 8

Yuzu the Pet Vet is a completed series with eight volumes and follows the story of Yuzu, an elementary school student who has gone to live with family after her mother is hospitalized. Yuzu’s uncle runs a pet hospital and she soons finds herself helping out and learning all about animals and life. Yuzu is eleven, so the series reads young. It’s lighthearted at times, but also deals with some really difficult topics including the death of a pet, family illness, bullying, and fear.