Sara Smith
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smwordsmith.bsky.social
Sara Smith
@smwordsmith.bsky.social
District Librarian in CA, Graphic Novel reviewer & owner of The Graphic Library. Co-author of Manga Goes to School. Reviewer @ Booklist & School Library Journal. Esports coach. #GraphicLibrary, #EduSky #LibrarySky, #TLSky She/her. www.graphiclibrary.org
I reviewed 31 books this month between @ala-booklist.bsky.social, @slj.com, and posts on my own site, including lots of vols past #1! Tons of manga content coming at you! There's even a graphic novel or two in there. Check out the monthly newsletter:
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November 2, 2025 at 6:08 PM
I’m sitting on my porch, dressed as something I slapped together from the myriad of costume pieces I own, finishing ANGELICA AND THE BEAR PRINCE by Trung Le Nguyen… 1/5
November 1, 2025 at 1:50 AM
With the success of the DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE movie, thought it might be nice to dust this one off — “Manga Essentials: Demon Slayer,” where I reviewed every volume of the manga by arc to make buying in chunks easier
#manga

@ala-booklist.bsky.social
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October 25, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Me #AALS25 didn’t end how I wanted and I didn’t get to say goodbye to everyone, but I had a whirlwind of a time presenting FIVE TIMES with most of my #MangaGTS crew, meeting virtual friends IRL, and learning about valuable nonfiction & elem resources.
October 19, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Baki the Grappler was a super fun read with plenty of over-the-top fight scenes and amazing illustrations. I had a lot of fun reading this manga, and your readers probably will too!
#GraphicLibrary
October 14, 2025 at 11:53 PM
I’m gonna be a busy lady this #AASL2025! Along with my co-presenters @mangalibrarian.bsky.social, @bespokelib.bsky.social and Emily Ratica, were presenting on 3 of the conference days! Come say hi and learn about some fabulous manga in your libraries. #MangaGTS
October 14, 2025 at 1:20 PM
I’m well on my way to my goal of 250 for the year. Thanks to @thestorygraph.com, I also have some really cool data to look at for my reading habits so far as I’m 80% of the way to my goal. How’s everyone else looking for their reading goals? (No shame, all reading is good reading!)
October 14, 2025 at 1:25 AM
I’ve just finished my 200th book of the year! I might have done something more consequential if I had realized I was at a milestone, but I suppose it’s fitting that #200 is one of the most checked out books in our elementary libraries.
October 14, 2025 at 1:25 AM
42% of people are apparently stupid as hell. Or they surveyed literal children.

Either way I’m not fully surprised this number is so high, but I’m also surprised every time I learn people don’t know where their food comes from.

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October 12, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Ripple Effects from @fanbasepress.bsky.social is about George’s moral dilemma to use his near invulnerability to become a superhero or to remain in the shadows, managing his Type 1 Diabetes and budding writing career.
#GraphicLibrary
October 9, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Red Flower from FairSquare Graphics is beautifully illustrated and has a fascinating story about a young prince trying to prove himself and often failing miserably because of his impatience. This manga would be great for Elementary+ libraries.
#GraphicLibrary
October 8, 2025 at 3:50 PM
We did a thing! @katiejmcnamara.bsky.social made a podcast! Welcome to Beyond Books & Bonbons, the show where we’re gonna talk about the ins and outs of being a teacher librarian, and we can’t promise to be proper about it. Join us!

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October 8, 2025 at 1:44 AM
This month's @ala-booklist.bsky.social features my Crafts & Hobbies article with reviews of TWO @saturdayam.bsky.social manga drawing books - MAKING MANGA: THE SATURDAY AM WAY and SATURDAY AM PRESENTS: HOW TO DRAW DIVERSE MANGA.

www.booklistonline.com/products/981...
October 7, 2025 at 5:18 AM
The #MangaGTS team is headed to #AASL25 and presenting ALL OVER THE PLACE!! We’re bringing so much manga content to y’all, it’s gonna be EPIC!
October 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
My "monthly" newsletter is out! I say that because somehow August didn't get sent like I wanted, so this one's a double-dose. Sorry but congrats?
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October 3, 2025 at 1:22 PM
I stayed up waaaayyy too late reading Baki: the Grappler vol 1 from new-to-us publisher Nakama Press. It was super dope!! I’ll post more about it obvs but I wanted to shout it out because sleep deprivation deserves to be recognized.
October 3, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Today’s review is from @katiejmcnamara.bsky.social and highlights the newest offering from Check Please author Ngozi Ukazu. FLIP features a “Freaky Friday” situation but between a girl and her crush! 🫣
#GraphicLibrary #TLSky
September 18, 2025 at 2:01 AM
Lu and Ren’s guide to Geozoology by @hisiheyah.bsky.social has adorable magical animals but also has a beautiful, healthy friendship and a heartfelt adventure story. This is a great MG #GraphicNovel!
#GraphicLibrary
September 17, 2025 at 1:37 PM
In Aw, Nuts, volume 1, Peanut aspires to become part of the top of the food pyramid, the Toppings, but he and his best food dude get into some trouble with a Crumb Feeder escape the crumb dump! This pun-tastic, colorful adventure is hilarious and fun for elementary & MG audiences
#GraphicLibrary
September 16, 2025 at 12:42 AM
In the Bounce Back series by Misako Rocks!, Lilico and friends tackle tough topics of growing up, adjusting to a new country & new school, and fitting in, amongst others! Beautiful color illustrations as well!
#GraphicLibrary #Manga #SchoolLibrariess #TLSky
September 8, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The Otherside Picnic has a little bit of action, is definitely creepy, and a little suspenseful, and it has the building blocks of a yuri romance that sources say will develop in later volumes.
#GraphicLibrary #Manga #TLSky
August 19, 2025 at 1:15 PM
Continuing reviews of American Manga Awards nominees: A Smart and Courageous Child. This book could spark some really thoughtful conversations about the impact of global events.
#GraphicLibrary #Manga #TLSky #AMAs2025
August 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Ramping up coverage for the AMAs this weekend: Hikaru in the Light vol 1 - a cute full-color manga about best friends doing their best to become Japan's next hit idol sensation. This series is super cute & good for Elementary!
#GraphicLibrary #TLSky
August 17, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Reprinting their out-of-print and before-their-time line of UDON Kids manga, like Majoko. YAY!
#SDCC #Manga
July 27, 2025 at 8:37 PM
I was honored to be a guest on today’s panel, “Manga For Kids: Why is it So Hard to Find?” where I added some context for the school libraries. On the panel I learned about some of @udonentertainment.bsky.social’s plans for more kid books, including more MUFOSAND😍 in Let’s Go Kitty Bros…
#SDCC
July 27, 2025 at 8:37 PM