Spirited Away

• Genre: Fiction; YA graphic novel; fantasy
• Originally Published: 2002
• Reading Level/Interest: Grades 4-8
• Structure/Length: Approx. 172 pages
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: After accidentally entering the world of Japanese spirits, 10-year-old Chihiro’s parents are turned into giant pigs by mysterious spirit Yubaba. Chihiro finds she is trapped in the spirit world and meets Haku, who helps her to survive and advises her on how to save her parents. Book 1 covers the story’s prologue and exposition.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Fantasy violence; scary creatures

Hayao Miyazaki, Author

• Bio: Born in Tokyo City, Empire of Japan in 1941; beloved Japanese animation director, producer, screenwriter, author, and manga artist; began animation career at Toei Animation in 1963; co-founded Studio Ghibli in 1985; Princess Mononoke (1997) was first animated film to win the Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year; many of his characters were inspired by his mother Yoshiko and memories from the bombing of Utsunomiya in 1945; has two sons with wife Akemi Ōta; named Person of Cultural Merit by Japanese government in 2012
• Other Works: Castle in the Sky (1986); My Neighbor Totoro (1988); Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989); Princess Mononoke (1997); Howl’s Moving Castle (2004); Ponyo (2008); The Wind Rises (2013)
• Awards: Miyazaki is the recipient of 31 awards, including Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film (2002), Japan Academy Prize for Picture of the Year (2002), and the Golden Bear Award (2002).