Following the lives of two young kids who have grown up in the foster care system who will soon age out.. what path will their lives take when they don’t have the foster home as their security?

I finished this in less than an hour. And I quite liked it. I don’t even have abandonment issues or been abused but I feel for all the kids living in the home.🥺🥲 it tugged my heartstrings so bad. Maybe because I am also a mother and that the relationship of all the kids with their parents are not good. I hope I can read the second volume of this. I want to know what will happen with Yoru and Tenjaku. Thank you for the eARC, Netgalley and Kodansha Comics!

I enjoyed the art style and the story, though it was pretty sad and heavy. SOme think manga is something light hearted, but it ain't all that and this story is the perfect proof.
It can be triggering to some and inbetween volumes, even with a mean cliffhanger, you just need to a break to digest the story.

Sheltering Eaves turned out to be a tougher read than I thought it would be. Rie Aruga doesn't shy away from tough topics in their manga and didn't hold back on a page where a child has a flashback to how their parents told them they were unwanted. Our two main characters grew up together in the same group home (as it's called where I'm from) and are nearing the end of their time as wards of the state. This volume focuses more on their present circumstances while hinting at the future, but aging out of the system is a terrible reality a child can face when they've already gone through so much. Seeing the differences with how these kids are treated in the Japanese system was an interesting read as well. I'm not sure if this is for me, since I am very much a recreational reader, but I am glad there's manga that covers difficult topics like this.

3.5—4 ★

Thanks to Kodansha and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

• This was pleasantly surprising to me. I hadn't read the synopsis beforehand and only went in with my assumptions based on the cover. I could feel the melancholy and some kind of deeper feelings from it but I wasn't sure of what kind.

While there are some bones to pick with this first volume, I also can't find it in me to be harsh as this is only the first volume and I'd like to believe the following volumes will explore the parts that felt lacking in this.

For positive aspects, I really enjoyed getting a glimpse on how child services work in Japan, what support is there for children in neglectful and abusive households. The end notes also provided good points. It's refreshing to see a romance explore more of real life situations, and not only that but ones that aren't often talked about in mediums such as manga, reminding me of other titles like "My Girlfriend's Child" and such.

The few things I'm hoping to see explored more/better in the upcoming volumes would be the depth of the characters and the it would be very nice to see the mental side of trauma be explored and explained further.

I believe people who can't relate to certain things might think the female lead is somewhat shallow or that all there is to her personality is holding on to one person, but to many suffering from abandonment trauma things like that are unconscious attachments that mean everything to the person in question.

I think some people might misunderstand the main character if they find themselves in a position where they can't relate to her feelings, so for that reason and more, I hope these things get explored better in an educated way in the next volumes.

Overall this was a quick and interesting read, I enjoyed it and it made me want to read more!

Book Review: Sheltering Eaves Vol. 1 by Rie Aruga

Sheltering Eaves Vol. 1, by Rie Aruga, presents a tender yet raw exploration of love and coming-of-age within the fragile and often overlooked world of Japan’s foster care system. Known for her previous work, Perfect World, which tackled themes of disability and romance, Aruga once again excels at weaving a compelling narrative that mixes social realism with heartfelt emotion.

The story follows Yoru, a high schooler who was placed in a group home at the age of ten after enduring abuse from her mother. Her life changes when she meets Tenjaku, a boy who has lived at the home since childhood. As the two grow up together, they form an unbreakable bond, with Tenjaku becoming both a protector and confidant to Yoru. Now, on the brink of adulthood, Yoru is faced with a dilemma: she must prepare to leave the group home and start life on her own, all while grappling with her long-harbored feelings for Tenjaku.

At its core, Sheltering Eaves is about the intersection of emotional resilience and vulnerability. Aruga’s depiction of the foster care system in Japan—its challenges, bureaucratic indifference, and the instability it breeds in the lives of children like Yoru and Tenjaku—serves as more than just a backdrop. It is central to understanding the stakes for the characters as they navigate the precipice of adulthood. This isn't a typical romantic drama where the protagonists’ biggest hurdle is unspoken affection; instead, it's about the uncertainties that arise when both love and survival are intertwined.

Yoru and Tenjaku’s relationship is portrayed with a refreshing subtlety, balancing affection with the complicated emotions of teenagers who have grown up facing hardship. Yoru's internal struggle is especially poignant as she questions her feelings for Tenjaku. Are they based on love, or is she simply attached because he’s been her emotional anchor for so long? These questions add a layer of psychological depth to what could have been a straightforward romance.

Rie Aruga’s art is another strength of the series. Her illustrations are delicate yet expressive, capturing not only the characters' inner turmoil but also the quiet moments of connection between them. The use of light and shadow often mirrors the emotional tension in the scenes, enhancing the narrative’s atmospheric quality.

One of the standout elements of Sheltering Eaves is its portrayal of adolescence under extraordinary circumstances. Yoru and Tenjaku aren’t just two teenagers in love—they are two teenagers struggling to grow up in a system that hasn't given them many tools to succeed. The manga touches on the harsh realities of what happens to foster children once they turn 18 and are no longer under the state’s care, adding a ticking-clock tension to the narrative. This adds a deeper sense of urgency to Yoru’s decision-making process, forcing both the characters and readers to confront the unfairness of the system they’re trapped in.

That said, Sheltering Eaves might feel slow-paced for some readers, especially those used to fast-moving romance plots. The story takes its time unfolding, with a strong focus on emotional development rather than external action. However, this pacing serves the story’s introspective nature well, allowing readers to become fully invested in Yoru’s and Tenjaku’s journey.

In conclusion, Sheltering Eaves Vol. 1 is a poignant, emotionally rich work that shines a light on an underrepresented corner of society while delivering a beautifully nuanced love story. Aruga's masterful balance of realism and romance makes this manga a must-read for fans of josei and anyone looking for a thoughtful exploration of young love amid adversity. With its strong debut, Sheltering Eaves promises to be a series worth following as Yoru and Tenjaku continue their journey toward independence and emotional healing.

This was such a sweet read. There were so many bittersweet moments where we experience the pain of living in a children's home. You get to understand the pain of never coming to terms with being abandoned. Always searching for love and always remembering the 1 percent of happy memories you have with your parents despite the rest being miserable memories you get nightmares about.

I love Twnjaku's caring personality. Not only is he a sweetheart for always standing up to Yoru but he's also cool and responsible. I get why Yoru is so attached to him. However as much I loved how hard the boy was working to build his future I felt annoyed Yoru only wanted to never be separated from him. I get where she's coming from but she's not even working towards what she wants. I only see her clinging to Tenjaku and getting anxiety about Tenjaku leaving. Sure that's a big worry but it's kinda sad seeing her so attached that she doesn't think for herself.

Tenjaku is a wonderful boy and I only wish the FL could be the same. Like even a little bit cool or helpful would be good cmon.

Overal it's a pretty good read! Want to read the sequel soon.

A beautifully crafted story that explores the complexities of love, loss, and growth in the often harsh realities of the foster care system.

Meet Yoru, a resilient high schooler who has navigated more than her fair share of struggles since being placed in a group home at just ten years old. Her backstory is heavy, yet Aruga’s sensitive portrayal ensures that it’s handled with care. Enter Tenjaku, her steadfast companion who has been by her side since day one. Their bond is as warm as the eaves of their sheltering home, but it’s also layered with unspoken feelings and youthful uncertainty.

As Yoru and Tenjaku face the reality of aging out of the system in just one short year, the urgency to confront their feelings adds a delicious tension to the narrative. The art is simply stunning, capturing the emotional nuances of each character with expressive line work and a delicate colour palette that enhances the story's bittersweet tone. You can almost feel the weight of their circumstances in each beautifully illustrated panel.

What makes Sheltering Eaves truly special is how it blends realism with romance. The manga doesn't shy away from addressing the challenges faced by teens in the foster care system, making it not only a love story but also a commentary on vulnerability and resilience. The characters are relatable and real, embodying the struggles many face while still holding onto the hope for love and belonging.

The pacing is just right, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Yoru’s internal dilemmas and her evolving relationship with Tenjaku. You’ll find yourself cheering for them to take that leap—because love in such a fragile situation is both beautiful and terrifying.

If you’re on the lookout for a manga that delicately navigates themes of love, loss, and the journey to self-discovery, Sheltering Eaves is a must-read. Rie Aruga has delivered a thoughtful and enchanting story that resonates long after you turn the last page. It’s a rare gem that reminds us that even in the most unfair circumstances, the heart can find its way to love.

This new manga from Perfect World writer Rie Aruga is more than just a coming-of-age story. Sheltering Eaves is an in-depth look into group homes and the foster system in Japan. Told through the eyes of teenagers Yoru and Tenjaku, the series provides uncommon insight into the struggles that orphans and abandoned children face, even in the kindest of living environments.

After being discarded by an emotionally abusive mother, Yoru finds her footing at a new group home. There she meets Tenjaku, who was physically abused by his father. As they approach the age at which they must go out into the world, they navigate a “normal” high school life. From the misconceptions of classmates to the changing emotions of the parents who abandoned them, the pair cling to each other through their difficulties. It’s an emotional and important read.

Prepare thy tissue for potential eye dabbing. Or at the very least, prepare to have something to mentally chew on because Aruga never creates a work of art that is a story that doesn't point out something significantly lacking in the current world. The fact that it has to do exclusively with children this round makes my heart sore.

Sheltering Eaves follows the story of Yoru, a girl who is sent to a Japanese Children's House at the tender age of 10. She was taken away from her mother who neglected and verbally abused her. She meets Tenjaku shortly after her arrival. Tenjaku comes to Yoru aid when an bigger child at the home is picking on her, taking away the one possession her mother ever bought her.

All the children at the home have experienced various levels of neglect and/or abuse. The home is supposed to serve as something similar to a 'normal' home environment for the children. But throughout the manga it becomes quite apparent that though there are adults looking after them and they get to go out on seasonal trips, it's not a true home filled with love. It's a poor simulation of a functioning, normal family. There is no real love. It serves mostly as a safe place where they can get 3 square meals a day and learn healthier life habits. And that, my friends, is depressing.

Again and again it's shown how various kids handle the insecurity and stress this way of living puts upon their young shoulders. How some kids hope and pray to never go home, others hope and pray their super flaky parents will at least show up for a visit, and how even though they were abused, some hope they will go home. It also shows how each time a parent fails to show for their kid, a parent suddenly decides they want a piece of their child's life for the wrong reasons, it chips away at something in the child. Makes me sad to think about and Aruga even tacks on some statistics exclusively for Japan that makes it even more uncomfortable for any reader with a big heart.

I absolutely love Rie Aruga for bringing issues like this to light via her manga. This is the type of story telling I live to read. Definitely going to be looking for the next volume. Definitely going to read it. Definitely going to be buying this for my library.

Sheltering Eaves is about two orphans Yoru and Tenjaku. We mostly focus on Yoru and what’s she’s going through. They have only a year and a half before they are able to leave the orphanage they see as home. I felt like crying as I reading this manga. Yoru was through a lot emotionally. I felt for what she was going through.

I hope that we get more of a background story for Tenjaku. It seemed to me that he is also going through so much emotionally as well. He comes off as someone who doesn’t care but really does. We also got a glimpse of what his childhood was for him when he was still with his father.

the file was unable to be downloaded. Not sure if this was a netgalley issue or what, but I tried repeatedly.

Was very excited for this but will be trying it physically when it releases.

Solid first volume by Rie Aruga, mangaka of Perfect World. Sheltering Eaves covers an emotional topic of neglected (physical, verbal, emotional) children in group homes and what happens after they outgrow the system. Our two main leads, Yoru and Tenjaku, are both in the same group home. Having gotten close after Tenjaku stood up to Yoru's bully, they both face the reality of what happens after they reach the legal age to part with the group home. Tenjaku seems to have a plan, and Yoru can't see a future without Tenjaku. There were many moments that made me sad, from the parents letting down their children to the trauma the children relive daily. But it's well written just like Perfect World, and I will be adding this series to my collection. If you give this series a read, please read the trigger warnings.

I was a bit sceptical about the realism because I've read this author in the past, but I was really curious about the setting of this story.

So far, I really liked it. It's interesting to read and see how foster care works in Japan. I liked how they portrayed the children and the relationships they form with each other, as well as how they feel about their parents.

It deals with heavy topics but it is not a dark read at all. I'd say it does offer comfort after presenting hard truths.

This was an incredibly interesting first volume. We are dealing with 2 kids in a foster style home who formed a special and unique bond with one another. Is this bond healthy? Not really. Will this magaka address it in future? I'm pretty sure that they will, since they are unafraid of doing so in their other series.
The triggers in this one are plentiful. I would have appreciated a list at the beginning of the volume personally, but I was able to handle them ok.

I was interested in this because I know of the author and her other series (of which I have read the first volume only, but I liked it). I think this is a case of me not being in the right mood/mindset for this. I don't really have much to say about this yet, since it's only the first volume. There were things I didn't like, but these things seem to be discussed within the story, so it all depends on where it goes from here. I don't think I will continue this series however. The overall tone of the series is very serious and a little dark, and there is nothing wrong with that, but I am just not in the right headspace for it atm. I did like learning about the foster care system in Japan, and the little notes with updated information was useful too. I like that the author seems to put a lot of research into whatever topic she writes about, so there's that.

This isn't really what I normally read in terms of manga, but I thought I would try it since it's not considered shoujo. It's a lot of teenage angst and growth, so if you enjoy that, this is for you. The art is actually really nice and the storyline has good pacing. There's a little too much drama and tension for me. I also just end up feeling bad for these characters that I can't really enjoy the book. I know that they're just trying to make it on their own and that they don't really want to be treated that differently from other kids, but it's a little hard to see them have to take on so many obstacles. I think if I was younger and more similar to the characters' ages, I would've related more and enjoyed this manga. It was beautifully drawn and written though, so I recommend.

"Sometimes, just one extra drop seems enough to break what's holding our emotions together. We're constantly struggling to make sure that it never overflows."

How do you rate a manga like this?

I really have no idea.

It's hard because this story IS fiction, but at the heart of it, you can really see it's not. These characters are reflections of other real-life people with real problems, worries, and anxiety. It reminds me of My Girlfriend's Child in that this story is much larger than good or bad storytelling because it's one that grips you and pulls you into someone else's world, and in my case, is very different from my own.

I can say that based on my experience of reading Perfect World, the creator's other work in English, this volume definitely left on a very painful cliffhanger that made me want to get volume two. My only concern is that I would LIKE to read more, but with how deep and triggering this story is at points, I really want to know if it will have a "happy ending." That might come across as incredibly shallow, but seeing the effects of parental abuse on children is not something I would rush to pick up at any given point because that is extremely triggering and upsetting for me personally. (I foresee myself feeling unsettled for the rest of the day so it's something I need to think hard about on what I want to do.)

I can say that even outside of my struggle with what to do, this is a very meaningful read. It's not light-hearted or a "happy" one, but again, going back to My Girlfriend's Child, I think it's powerfully insightful in light of it being a fictional setting. The characters are very compelling and really found my heart went out to each one of them.

I think if you're looking for a story that is eye-opening and heart-wrenching, this is one I would recommend (but please don't forget the trigger warning I mentioned above).

*(I received a digital e-copy via NetGalley. All thoughts expressed are my own.)*

Two young kids meet in a group home and form a deep emotional bond. It's a very sweet, touching book that also gave me insight to how Japan's version of CPC operates. I look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing me with an arc for review.

As I get older I’ve been gravitating more towards josei manga instead of shōjo (but let’s be real, the shōjo nostalgia is very real.) Sheltering Eaves is heartfelt and something of a slow burn. And also, sad. Yoru and Tenjaku are two high school students in a group home, the foster care system in Japan. And they are both on the eve of graduating from high school and also being legally required to leave the group home that they’ve been in together for years. Friends, brushing on romance.
While I enjoyed the story in the first volume, I wish there was just a little bit more to grab me and make me immediately go to order and then preorder the second volume.
I appreciated the translation notes that provided extra context into this part of Japanese society.
All that being said, the art is beautiful and expressive.