Shouta Kuzumiya is shy and aloof. When he was a child, he never liked to participate and he never liked to deal with people. Now, seventeen years old and moving through high school unnoticed and practically invisible, Shouta wishes more than anything to be noticed by the girl who doesn't even know he's there. Before high school ends, Shouta is determined to ask her out, but in his current situation it seems like it would never happen. That is, until, he meets an unlikely instructor... One day Shouta comes across a tanuki in the woods where he goes to think, but the strange thing is that this tanuki can talk to him, and it wants to help him win over his girl. Denying it at first, Shouta decides to take the tanuki's advice, and along the way, learn about who he is. ----------------------- *Note: I have been studying Japanese for about three years, and for as much Japanese as I know - I did not get very deep into all of the kanji and am hoping that the kanji on the cover and in the story are correct. Since this story is based on real life, I would need it to be proofed by others to make sure everything is accurate and correct if I am ever to get it published, but I have decided to upload it here for critique and opinions. This is my first ever written slice-of-life type story that was not really full of action packed scenes and fantasy monsters so it was an interesting adventure. I hope you enjoy it - I am open to any suggestions or corrections.

This story is about Tom Nook's life. About the years, he had spent in the town. And also about the deep blows that had left bad scars on him. It's about friendship, love and betrayal. About hard times, but also beautiful, unforgettable moments. From the cheeky little tanuki to the rich, famous businessman - you can find out his whole story in this book. (Cover is drawn & edited by me)

Siena can heal wounds with a touch of her hands. A captive since birth, she is used as a tool of war by a Plainsmen tribe. A chance escape into the forest proves successful... and deadly. Rescued by the Forestfolk--a group of people she always thought were nothing more than bedtime stories--Siena remains on edge. Trust does not come easily when persecution is all she's ever known. Keeping her abilities a secret seems like the right thing to do, until a tragic accident renders two Forestfolk spiraling toward death. If she chooses to reveal her abilities, she risks being subjugated again. Treated as no longer human. Maybe even sent back to the Plainsmen. But keeping her talent to herself means ignoring the injured around her, even allowing them to die. The choice seems obvious to Siena, but living with the repercussions of that choice is another matter altogether. A journey of self-discovery, a bit of adventure, and a splash of romance. On the Wattys 2017 Shortlist!