A Shocking Monologue from Non-Attending Youth: A Heartfelt New Sensation Youth Mystery! 'Why Do I Have to Go to School?' Released by Bunken Publishing!

Shinko-Keirin Publishing Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Osaka City; President and CEO: Satoshi Sato) has released 'Why Do I Have to Go to School?' (Bunken Step Novel) under its children's book brand 'Bunken Publishing' at bookstores nationwide starting today.

Synopsis

In a near-future world where virtual spaces have advanced, the protagonist Yun, who has no place in reality, joins 'WonderNest,' a virtual space where non-attending youth gather. However, after a certain incident, suspicion arises among them, and their hidden secrets begin to unravel.

Editor's Note

This is a bold new mystery from popular YA author Haruma Kobe, who calls it her 'challenging work.'

Through the first-person narratives of children who have become non-attenders, the real struggles and pains of teenagers are revealed—culminating in an unpredictable twist!

A deeply moving story depicting youth with diverse struggles sharing their pain and taking their first step toward the future. This is a gift to every child living today.

Author

Haruma Kobe – Writer

Novelist. Debuted with 'Spin Girl!' (MediaWorks Bunko). Winner of the 5th Shueisha Mirai Bunko Award Excellence Prize. Awarded the 45th Japanese Children's Literature Association Award for the 'Koi Pote' series (Kodansha). Recipient of the 21st Chiba City Art and Culture Newcomer Encouragement Prize. Won the Reiwa 5 Children's Welfare Cultural Award for 'Sasamori-kun's Skirt' (Kodansha). Member of the Japanese YA Writers Club and full member of the Japanese Children's Literature Association.

Kashiwai – Illustrator

Illustrator and manga artist. Active across various fields including book illustrations and cover art. Notable works include 'Online Friends @ Yuna' and 'Online Friends @ Sakura' (Kodansha), 'That Girl's Secret' and 'Tell Me Your Story' (Froebel-kan), and 'Po the Reincarnated' (Kin no Hoshisha).

Product Information

'Why Do I Have to Go to School?'

Series: Bunken Step Novel

Target Age: Upper elementary school and above

Format: Yonkoban (B6 equivalent)

Price: ¥1,760 (¥1,600 + 10% tax)

ISBN: 978-4-580-82742-4

Website: https://www.shinko-keirin.co.jp/bunken/