Scan barcode
lastblossom's review
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
tl;dr
Devastatingly accurate reflection of the diaspora experience, and the trials and tribulations of middle school.
Thoughts
Just the other day, my mom called to inform me that the guy who beat me in every piano competition of my childhood (over ten years ago) has now released his own album. So what I am saying is, 100 points for accuracy here. Thanks for all the flashbacks. Winnie certainly got into baking sooner than I did, though. Mooncakes are not easy to make! My journey through middle grade mythology novels continues with Winnie Zeng, a modern adventure based on Chinese folklore and starring a pop culture-loving girl who is just trying to make it through middle school. Middle school heroes seem to be spending less and less time in school these days (when the world needs saving, who has time for algebra?), so it was an interesting twist to see Winnie doing her best to maintain her grades alongside the world saving. She's a complicated and flawed hero with a lot of internal struggles, and I appreciated the very human aspect to her character. I also appreciated the time spent on the complexities of her relationship with her sister. Food descriptions abound, with recipes in the back for people to try. (If you've never had a red bean brownie, you should.) I think the only thing that I wish I could have more of is the shaman side of things. Very little is explained about her powers, and as a fellow anime fan, I don't actually mind a training arc. As a quick read, it's a fun start to what looks to be a fun series.
Devastatingly accurate reflection of the diaspora experience, and the trials and tribulations of middle school.
Thoughts
Just the other day, my mom called to inform me that the guy who beat me in every piano competition of my childhood (over ten years ago) has now released his own album. So what I am saying is, 100 points for accuracy here. Thanks for all the flashbacks. Winnie certainly got into baking sooner than I did, though. Mooncakes are not easy to make! My journey through middle grade mythology novels continues with Winnie Zeng, a modern adventure based on Chinese folklore and starring a pop culture-loving girl who is just trying to make it through middle school. Middle school heroes seem to be spending less and less time in school these days (when the world needs saving, who has time for algebra?), so it was an interesting twist to see Winnie doing her best to maintain her grades alongside the world saving. She's a complicated and flawed hero with a lot of internal struggles, and I appreciated the very human aspect to her character. I also appreciated the time spent on the complexities of her relationship with her sister. Food descriptions abound, with recipes in the back for people to try. (If you've never had a red bean brownie, you should.) I think the only thing that I wish I could have more of is the shaman side of things. Very little is explained about her powers, and as a fellow anime fan, I don't actually mind a training arc. As a quick read, it's a fun start to what looks to be a fun series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Bullying
Minor: Death
faerietalebooks's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend is exactly the kind of book I wish was available to me when I was growing up. I can really see myself in Winnie and the other characters. I love Winnie's spunk and attitude. Paired together with her flaws of her insecurities and a bit of magic, it made for a thrilling adventure that also touches readers. Katie Zhao did an amazing job in creating relatable characters and conveying messages of perfection/imperfection, generational burdens, and Asian American experiences. I am looking forward to where the rest of this series goes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Racism
utopiastateofmind's review
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I adored Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend on so many different levels. First of all, I related to the ways in which both Winnie and her sister Lisa struggle with their identity. How their differences are always at the forefront. Whether it be a packed lunch or family pressures, there's this distinct feeling that's difficult to put into words. My heart broke for Winnie and the cruelties born from ignorance that kids perpetuate.
Secondly, the feeling of Winnie of never being good enough? Knife to the heart. Not only does this fuel a rivalry, but it means that she feels like she will never measure up. That she will have to choose between being true to herself and fulfilling the expectations of others. Thirdly, the sister relationship was an element I wasn't expecting, but one I enjoyed. I have a thing for complex sister relationships, and this interaction between them and their perceptions of who's the golden child resonated hard.
I adored Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend on so many different levels. First of all, I related to the ways in which both Winnie and her sister Lisa struggle with their identity. How their differences are always at the forefront. Whether it be a packed lunch or family pressures, there's this distinct feeling that's difficult to put into words. My heart broke for Winnie and the cruelties born from ignorance that kids perpetuate.
Secondly, the feeling of Winnie of never being good enough? Knife to the heart. Not only does this fuel a rivalry, but it means that she feels like she will never measure up. That she will have to choose between being true to herself and fulfilling the expectations of others. Thirdly, the sister relationship was an element I wasn't expecting, but one I enjoyed. I have a thing for complex sister relationships, and this interaction between them and their perceptions of who's the golden child resonated hard.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
More...