A forbidden romance between a turn-of-the-century heiress and her devoted chauffeur! At an all-girls school during the Taisho era of Japan, rumors swirl that heiress Sayaka Yoshimura is having a forbidden love affair with her chauffeur, Shinobu Narutaki! Sayaka scoffs at the rumors, but could a romance between master and servant actually be brewing? Sayaka wears a crimson ribbon that signals she is at the top of her class, and her classmates all revere her. So when Narutaki ignores decorum and breaks school rules to protect Sayaka, will she stand by him or dismiss him as the school demands? Gr 6 Up—Ishihara debuts her first American-released manga, the first of two volumes, drawing readers into the complicated world of Japan's social hierarchy at the turn of the 20th century, the Taisho era. Sayaka Yoshimura is an heiress, and unfortunately, as the old saying goes, money can't buy happiness. She strives to win her father's affection by pushing herself to excel academically and socially. Sayaka is at the top of her class, in a young ladies' finishing school, and no one can question her rank. However, jealousy pervades, and soon unfounded rumors start swirling that she has done the unthinkable and fallen in love with her chauffeur, Shinobu Narutaki. Aghast, Sayaka attempts to restore her good name. But when trouble befalls her and Narutaki breaks social decorum, there may be no recovery for her reputation. Refreshingly, the story is set in a period of Japanese history seldom visited in popular manga. The illustrations tend to focus mostly on facial and body expression, which is helpful for English language learners and those who may have a different reading style. Historical romance enthusiasts are sure to indulge themselves in this lighthearted tale that hints at more serious themes about social class. VERDICT Fans of Bisco Hatori's "Ouran High School Host Club" and Maki Minami's "Special A" are sure to enjoy this title.—Chantalle Uzan, New York Public Library Born on April 14, Keiko Ishihara began her manga career with Keisan Desu Kara (It's All Calculated). Her other works include Strange Dragon , which was serialized in LaLa magazine. Ishihara is from Hyogo Prefecture, and she loves cats.