Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D's, Volume 1

November 1, 2011

Gr 5 Up-Based on both the popular card game and a Japanese cartoon series by the same name, this book continues the story of dueling Yu-Gi-Oh! players. Yusei, one of the toughest Turbo Duelers in the Satellite District, fights while riding a Duel Runner motorcycle. Unlike in the game, the cards the characters play summon the monsters into the real world to battle one another. The community of Turbo Duelers believes that, when summoned, the Skeleton Knight will come to life and grant a player a special card. After Yusei beats his friend Sect in the arena, Sect summons the Skeleton Knight. This terrifying character refuses to grant the wish of a "loser" and prepares to take Sect's life. Yusei steps in and offers himself, instead. The Knight and Yusei duel while Yusei's soul stands in the balance. Jack Atlas, The King, and Akiza, The Queen of Queens, who has only been defeated once...by The King, wish to duel Yusei and see him compete in a City Turbo Duel Tournament. The illustrations are standard manga fare, but the pages are almost overwhelmed with images to match the duels, the monsters, and the characters' emotions. As this book is part of a lengthy series, it's worth purchasing only where there is an existing Yu-Gi-Oh! fan base.-Sarah Knutson, American Canyon Middle School, CA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.