There are times when you struggle with your self-esteem and feel ashamed of your appearance. You seek love and support to build your confidence, and you look for something that reflects that journey and fills the void you couldn’t have. If you’re looking for a story that offers gentle encouragement and shows how people help each other build confidence, My sweet girl is a story for you. It is very light-hearted and will not give you a headache with heavy drama. Unlike many stories with 20 chapters full of misunderstandings and poor communication, this one is light and heartwarming. If you like gentle stories that warm your heart without heavy drama and that you can read in one go, then My sweet girl is definitely the perfect choice for you.

My Sweet Girl is a manga written and illustrated by Rumi Ichinohe. Originally published in Kodansha’s Bessatsu Friend The series was serialized in the magazine from 2015 to 2021 and received generally positive reviews, with many praising the art style. Kodansha has also licensed it in English and describes the plot as follows:
“Love is not for me.” That’s what Tsugumi Koeda, a first-year high school student, has always told herself. Her small, flat body has given Koeda a serious complex, so she can’t imagine falling in love at all. That is, until one day Masamune Sena, a boy from the next class, happens to see her thin, boyish body… Since then, whenever Tsugumi is with the natural and open Masamune, the feelings she has held back until now become stronger and stronger. The feeling that she wants to be “a girl” like everyone else… This is a pure and slow love story dedicated to all the girls who feel uncomfortable in love!

My Sweet Girl – Review

I looked through my reading list and remembered that I had read the first two chapters of My sweet girl a few months ago. I decided to pick it up again a few days ago and I devoured the whole story. This story made me so soft inside and with each chapter I wanted more. I’ve read so many mangas full of misunderstandings and drawn out story arcs that drive me crazy but this story is different. There is drama but it’s not overly drawn out which I really appreciate.

My sweet girl follows a typical shojo high school romance structure, with the male lead being popular and the female less so. What’s striking is how the story addresses the female lead’s body complex. She believes no one will love her because she’s very thin, which is in contrast to society’s preference for a curvier body type. When she meets the male lead, they develop a connection that initially starts with him teasing her, but not bullying her. The romance develops quickly, and the two characters are together for most of the story, which I enjoyed. I love seeing couples in a relationship and how they grow together, which makes me giggle and a little bit jealous.

Being in my early twenties and having a similar body type to the female lead, I can relate to her struggles. It’s hard to find people in real life who help you build confidence. Reading this story made me wish I had a friend like the male lead to help me grow. Although the story made me jealous, it also filled a void in my heart. It’s not that I hate my body, but reading stories that reflect what I wish I had is comforting.

The romance in My sweet girl is adorable. The male lead encourages the female lead to see herself as more than just “bones,” and she helps him through his conflicts as well. This mutual support and character development is rare in manga, and I really enjoyed it. There are characters and dramatic moments that might make you want to punch someone, but the story quickly resolves these arcs and focuses on the sweet moments between the leads.

While some parts of the drama don’t have a convincing conclusion, it didn’t bother me because I was so captivated by their cuteness. Overall, the story shows character development and mutual support, making it a rare gem. I just finished reading it, and taking the time to write this recommendation means that the story really touched me.

My Sweet Girl – Should You Read This Manga?

My sweet girl is a refreshing shojo high school romance that stands out for its heartwarming and authentic story. The plot revolves around a popular male lead and a less popular female lead who struggles with her body image. Unlike many manga full of misunderstandings and drawn-out drama, in this story the romance develops quickly and the focus is on the couple’s mutual growth.

The female lead’s journey to building confidence with the male lead’s support is touching and relatable, especially for those who have faced similar challenges. The story balances light drama with plenty of sweet, feel-good moments, making it a wonderful read. If you like stories with mutual support, character development, and enchanting romance, My sweet girl is a must.

My sweet girl finished with 13 volumes: 54 chapters; you can only read it in an e-book version on the Kodansha US website.

Looking for more finished romance manga? Check out 6 Ready-made, Silly, Heartwarming Romance Mangas That Will Make You Melt.
© Rumi Ichinohe / Kodansha Ltd.