I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 1

Being in love with your childhood best friend can be complicated, especially when, right before high school, she transitions to living as a girl. Printed for the first time in English, this manga series tells a thoughtful story about the complications of first loves, friendship, and what it truly means to be an ally.

“Takase explores gender identity, presentation, and acceptance in this gentle manga that feels comfortably grounded. . . . Sweet and engaging.” —Kirkus Reviews

A SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Hime has secretly been in love with her childhood best friend Akira for as long as she can remember. She was the first person who knew that Akira identified as a girl, and she made it her mission to be her Akira’s protector against the world. Hime is thrilled that Akira has finally decided to live as her true self now that they are starting high school.

However, as Akira starts to attract all types of attention, Hime takes it upon herself to aggressively stick up for Akira whenever necessary. Not wanting her to be singled out or bullied, Hime decides that her only option is to put herself in Akira's shoes. Hime dresses like a boy in support of the friend she loves...too bad her plan only backfires on them both."Takase explores gender identity, presentation, and acceptance in this gentle manga that feels comfortably grounded....Sweet and engaging." —Kirkus Reviews

"A manga about the complexities of gender, allyship, and adolescent romance....Perfect for readers who connected with Boys Run the Riot and My Love Mix-Up!." —Booklist

"This is for manga fans who love stories about ­LGBTQIA+ characters, the ups and downs of friendship, and secret crushes." —School Library JournalUmi Takase was born and is still living in the Toyama Prefecture. In 2016, she won an honorable mention at the 78th Shogakukan Newcomer Comic Awards where she debuted with her stand-alone short story "Ethnic Mirror" in the special issue of Flowers.