CRESCENT MOON MARCHING, by Hamachi Yamada, Graphix, Aug. 4, 2026, Paperback, $11.99 (ages 9-12)
A new student dreams big and finds inspiration and friendship when she joins the ultra-competitive high school marching band in Crescent Moon Marching, by Hamachi Yamada.
Mizuki has never played a musical instrument. She’s never marched in time with a group (it’s harder than it looks!). And she’s never spent time on school activities when she could be studying. But after leaving behind her high-stress high school in Tokyo and moving to small-town Akita with her aunt, she’s looking for a fresh start. And when she crosses paths with Akira, a cute-but-grumpy trumpet player who introduces her to their school marching band, this may be just the chance she needs to take a leap and find herself. —Synopsis provided by Graphix
Crescent Moon Marching is my first foray into manga, and it has me wondering why I waited so long to read it.
Manga is similar to graphic novels in that the story is told through paneled pictures and sparse text. But in the case of manga, you read the story from right to left and back to front. And once you get used to that, it’s easy to get lost in the story.
Crescent Moon Marching is a beautifully illustrated story of self-discovery, following your passion and building friendships.
Readers will identify with Mizuki, a bright girl who wants school to be something beyond studying and grades. When she joins her aunt in a small town, she discovers the school’s marching band and falls in love. Through hard work and perseverance, Mizuki earns her place and finds the things that truly matter.
Hamachi Yamada’s expressive artwork captures all the emotions. And Yamada’s depiction of movement, particularly during the marching band scenes really brings settings to life. While Yamada’s artwork stands on its own, combined with text, the book becomes much more.
There’s real heart to Crescent Moon Marching, making it a great option for returning and new fans of the medium. I look forward to reading its sequel, which is slated for a November 2026 release.
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