🏠 New homes for the children. Those who get abandoned end up in foster care.

🏠 They bond over trauma. The main characters, Yoru and Tenjaku, connect with one another once they meet at the Home. They both have one thing in common: they've been abandoned after being subjected to some sort of abuse.

🏠 Pretty artwork and thought-provoking topics.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.

I requested and received this book from NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Every time I start writing this review I over share. It's difficult to explain why I loved this book without getting too personal. But I will try.

I loved "Sheltering Eaves vol.1" by Rie Aruga. It made me cry, enraged me, and gave me hope. It was disheartening to see how similar the foster system in Japan is to the one in the U.S. Even more so that the sentiment towards foster kids is also the same.

I knew when I requested the book that it was going to hurt, and I was right. However, it also gives me hope that it will inspire people to take action. Actions like giving kids in the system more protections. But, that feels like wishful thinking. I do hope, at the very least, that this story (and others like it) will help drum up social change. That the sentiment towards kids in the system will change for the better.

Overall, I loved the characters they're all realistic. The story itself is realistic. I want to read volume 2 and beyond. I want nothing more than to see the characters succeed in life and be happy. They've had a(n extremely in some cases) rough start. But they also have big dreams and hopes for the future. I'm excited and terrified for volume 2.

A sweet but quite sad series opener; lovely art. I don't know if I'll keep reading in this series, but it was an interesting introduction to the foster care system in Japan, which I wasn't at all familiar with.

A bittersweet intro to a story of two people who forge a connection after meeting and growing up in a childhood home. This is definitely a series that will deal with some heavy topics, though it does have some light hearted moments as well. Although it can be upsetting to hear and read about children who must be removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, etc., it unfortunately is the reality that many children face. I was quite drawn to the fact that the author sought to create a hopeful story for these characters, while still focusing on their experience as they navigate the very daunting situation in which they are about to age out of the system. Stereotypes are hurtful and also part of the reason why children who grow up in foster care are often perceived negatively. Nevertheless, I quickly grew to appreciate the way that Rie Aruga tries to approach such difficult topics with respect and makes an effort to conduct thorough research. In all honestly, that was one of the main aspects that hooked my interest in his first series Perfect World. Even after reading just a couple pages both Yoru and Tenjaku captured my heart, and I can't wait to see more of them in the upcoming volumes!
Content warning: Child Abuse, Child Neglect, Child Abandonment

Sheltering Eaves by Rie Aruga - A Thoughtful Review
Rating: 4.5 Stars

Sheltering Eaves by Rie Aruga, published by Kodansha, offers readers a heartfelt exploration of love and resilience within the context of Japan’s foster care system. This manga, from the creator of Perfect World, successfully blends a touching love story with an honest depiction of the challenges faced by children in group homes, making it a unique and impactful read.

The story centers on Yoru and Tenjaku, two teenagers living in a group home after enduring difficult childhoods. Their journey highlights the struggles these children face—from societal stigmas to the immense pressure of having to outperform their peers just to gain recognition. The depiction of how they are unfairly accused or judged simply because of their backgrounds is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. Yoru and Tenjaku’s bond, formed over years of shared experiences, provides a glimmer of hope amidst their hardships, making the love story all the more poignant.

One of the manga’s strengths lies in its ability to shed light on the systemic issues that foster children endure—being unfairly labeled as troublemakers and carrying a stigma they did not choose. It raises important questions about accountability, particularly concerning the parents who abandon their responsibilities without facing any significant consequences. This aspect of the story adds depth and realism, elevating it beyond a typical romance.

While it’s clear that Sheltering Eaves will develop into a love story, I hope future installments continue to delve into the societal and personal challenges these characters face. A happy ending for Yoru and Tenjaku would be satisfying, but it’s essential not to gloss over the obstacles they must overcome to achieve it. This balance of realism and hope is what makes the first volume so compelling.

I highly recommend Sheltering Eaves to anyone looking for a moving and thought-provoking read. It’s a promising start to what appears to be an ongoing series, and I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing how Rie Aruga continues to explore these themes.

Disclosure: Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha for providing me with a copy for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Oof, that was a tough read. The two MCs are foster kids in the system, with parents who were abusive due to alcohol abuse and mental health issues. They are in a foster home with other kids with their own issues as well, mostly stemming from parents who can't parent for whatever reason.

This is NOT a walk in the park, la-la-la we are so happy read. Lots of drama, some of which could be triggering to some readers, but might also be cathartic as well. I'm no expert, just be aware going in.

It is thought provoking and informative and you SO BADLY want the MCs to be happy. There is some hope, but very muted. I did not finish this volume feeling uplifted, though I don't think that was the point for this volume. Recommended for those who like dark realism in their manga.

3, not bad but serious and not quite what I was looking for, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for an eARC of this book to read and review.

An interesting start to a manga series and I will definitely be continuing it as the next volumes are released!

I don’t tend to read straight romance all that much so went into it a bit apprehensive, but I’m so glad I did!

Thank you to Netgalley for my digital arc!

From the creator of Perfect World comes Sheltering Eaves: a romance manga illustrating the cruel and unfair world of the foster care system. Yoru and Tenjaku, who met and bonded in the foster care system are about to age out. We follow their story as they are forced to grow up in a sort period of time.
Fans of Perfect World will fall back in love with the mangaka's phenomenal storytelling. I really enjoyed this first volume. I am impatiently waiting for the second volume so I can gush over Yoru and Tenjaku just like I did with Tsugumi and Itsuki from P.W.

Thank you to Kodansha and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this manga in exchange for an honest review!

5 stars

Rie Aruga is a well-known manga-ka in the josei space. I have read one volume of Perfect World and I absolutely loved it. It's quite intense, so I haven't worked up the mental courage to continue yet, but I own all of the volumes for when I'm ready to. I saw Sheltering Eaves on Netgalley and I decided to throw in my hat and download it. I'm so happy I did because this was spectacular.

This follows Yoru, who is in a foster home due to the parental abuse and neglect inflicted on her by her mother. She meets Tenjaku when he stands up for her and they become the best of friends. This volume follows the start of their friendship as they find solace in a world without family and grow up to be ready to leave the system. This is a heartbreaking look into the complexities and trauma that young children face in these custodial circumstances when they are in the foster care system in Japan. I was moved to tears multiple times and I found this to be an accurate portrayal of multiple perspectives inside of the Japanese foster care system. I can't recommend this one enough.

Thank you, Netgalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing me with a copy of this manga in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun story. I loved the take with the background of the main characters and how they ended up together. Would highly recommend.

I absolutely enjoyed this first volume of Sheltering Eaves. The art style of this manga was beautiful, the translation excellent and the overall story and pacing for this volume was wonderful. It was fast paced enough to keep your attention without getting too bogged down in establishing the history of the FMC and MMC. I look forward to continuing the series and have recommended it to my manga loving friends.

This was so much better than I was expecting! Definitely going to read the rest of the series once it becomes available, hopefully through netgalley! So glad I decided to request this solely because this is the author who wrote Perfect World, and that's one of the few mangas out there with good disability representation...
Can't wait to read through rest of the series!

This is a sad yet sweet story of two children who are given up by their parents to foster homes. We see the emerging protectiveness and sweetness of their relationship as childhood friends.

This story was fine and had some cute moments but it was a bit on the sadder side than what I wanted. I'm not sure if I will continue with the series. Lots of flashbacks in this one (setting up their backgrounds) and I wanted more of them together in present day.

"Why does anyone abandon their children? Are there circumstances I can't understand because I'm a kid? Is it... our own fault that we were abandoned?"

Thank you to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics for letting me read this ARC!

Sometimes when you read a story, you can tell it will be special. It is something so unique and beautifully written and you just know it will stick with you for a long time. This is that type of story. I have not seen a story like this told before in manga and I am glad I haven't because it makes this story even more special than it already is.

Sheltering Eaves shows us the lives of Yoru and Tenjaku, kids that were sent to a children's home due to a rough home life. As if things weren't already difficult enough, they are forced to grow up quick because they have to leave the home when they turn eighteen.

Yoru is timid and soft-spoken while Tenjaku is extremely courageous and strong. This series does a phenomenal job at showing how each child is different in terms of how they got there, how they react to their situation, and how they handle it growing up. It accurately portrays how children in these situations feel when it comes to being abandoned and how they try to come to terms with it.

The art in this manga is beautifully drawn and shows the deep emotions that the children feel. I also love how Tenjaku and Yoru's friendship develops as the story progresses. You can really tell how much they care about each other. The art during emotional scenes do a great job at making you feel what the character's are feeling and you can feel how intense certain scenes are.

I adored this volume and I couldn't stop reading. I really look forward to volume two and I am excited to see where Yoru and Tenjaku's story goes.

I loved Rie Aruga's previous manga "Perfect World" so I was really excited to read this one as well. The story follows two teens who have grown up together in a children's home and also looks at how society views them. I'm rooting for all of them to live happy and successful lives and I'm looking forward to the next volumes. Just like "Perfect World", I'm learning something new with each chapter, and the stories are not only good manga-wise but also enlightening on aspects of society and children's homes in Japan.

This is a very sad manga story, in my opinion. Main characters are somewhat abandoned or neglected by their parents. Both suffered a trauma as an aftermath.

The first volume is a solid introduction for the series. It piqued not just my interest but my most raw and fragile heart.

11/10 would recommend 👌

Thank you, Kodansha Comics, for the e-arc opportunity via Netgalley.

I am so hooked on this story and this is only volume one! Sheltering Eaves tells the story of Yoru and Tenjaku, two teenagers who met in a children's home when they were 10 years old. They both come from tragic pasts but come together to form a special bond. This story is very emotional with very heavy subjects like child abuse. That being said so far the story is beautifully written and illustrated. I can't wait to read more!

Sheltering Eaves is a captivating and deeply emotional josei manga that delivers an unforgettable blend of romance and social realism. Created by the visionary behind Perfect World, this manga explores the tender yet tumultuous lives of Yoru and Tenjaku, two teenagers navigating their final year in Japan's foster care system. It’s a story that doesn’t just pull at your heartstrings—it completely immerses you in its richly drawn world.

The manga’s greatest strength is its emotional depth. The bond between Yoru and Tenjaku is beautifully portrayed, and key moments like Tenjaku risking his life to save Yoru’s cherished Rubik’s Cube from a fire highlight the profound care they share for one another. It’s a simple, symbolic act, yet it captures the essence of their relationship—a mix of vulnerability, sacrifice, and unspoken love.

Equally heart-wrenching are Tenjaku’s struggles. His determination to save money for life after the foster home, only to be fired from his jobs after defending Yoru from a false shoplifting accusation, struck a powerful chord. These moments showcase not just his fierce loyalty but also the harsh realities faced by children aging out of the foster care system.

What sets Sheltering Eaves apart is its insightful portrayal of the Japanese foster care system, which feels very different from the Western systems many readers might be familiar with. The detailed and thoughtful translation notes provide a welcome layer of context, making the story even more accessible and impactful for international audiences.

The manga’s art style is another highlight. The expressive character designs and attention to detail perfectly complement the story’s emotional tone. Yoru and Tenjaku’s world feels alive, with each panel carefully constructed to evoke empathy and draw readers deeper into their journey.

In conclusion, Sheltering Eaves is a standout work that excels in storytelling, character development, and cultural insight. Its raw yet hopeful portrayal of love and resilience makes it a must-read for josei fans and anyone seeking a story that lingers in their heart long after they’ve turned the final page.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this ARC and to thank you to the publishers.

Yoru was sent to a group home at the age of ten and ends up making friends with Tenjaku who is the same age and he decides to take care of her. They go on a camping trip and one day when they come back they find the house on fire. Yoru realizes she left her rubix cube in the house and so Tenjaku who is scared of fire goes in to save it because he knows how precious it is to her.

Now they are in high school, Tenjaku has multiple jobs and is trying to do good in school so he can go to Uni. His dad messages him during the holidays because he wants him back and Tenjaku says no. It does mess with his head because it wasn’t the best growing up with his dad and that is why he ended up in a home. His dad decides to just show up one day out of the blue and the lady of the home tells them to go back to the house. Yoru feels that he wants to go back to his dad even though he is scared of the outcome but tells him that she will be there for him no matter what.

This was such a heartwarming manga that deals with real life problems. To me it kind of gave the vibes of Itasura na Kiss in the fact that she wanted to be around him all the time. I loved it. To see a friendship like that is always wonderful and I cannot wait to read volume 2.

This was cute. I would have loved this when I was 15 years old. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the free eARC in exchange for my honest opinions.