Scan barcode
erinsbookshelves's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
shaybrawner's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
fast-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? No
4.25
"That was my Handshake of Doom." The name had come to me on the spot, and I was pretty proud. It was inspired.
"Handshake of--excuse me?""
This book is for you if... you're looking for a really good middle grade that is based in Chinese Mythology.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed reading Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend, it was charmingly funny but also had it's emotional moments that ultimately pulled the book together. I found myself with a smile on my face a majority of the time while reading, it just felt warm and easy to fall into.
Katie Zhao's writing was amazing, reading it was smooth and light but also just fun. I'm a sucker for an author who can make me laugh so effortlessly and that was majorly accomplished with Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend. I'm really interested in reading more by Katie Zhao, and probably will soon.
Overall this was super fun to read, and it probably pulled me out of my reading slump(at least I hope it did). I'm obviously not in the age category this book is targeted towards but I think anyone could find this enjoyable to read if they just give it the chance. I highly suggest that people give this one a read.
Stars: 4/5 Stars
One of my favorite middle grades!
"Handshake of--excuse me?""
This book is for you if... you're looking for a really good middle grade that is based in Chinese Mythology.
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children's, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed reading Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend, it was charmingly funny but also had it's emotional moments that ultimately pulled the book together. I found myself with a smile on my face a majority of the time while reading, it just felt warm and easy to fall into.
Katie Zhao's writing was amazing, reading it was smooth and light but also just fun. I'm a sucker for an author who can make me laugh so effortlessly and that was majorly accomplished with Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend. I'm really interested in reading more by Katie Zhao, and probably will soon.
Overall this was super fun to read, and it probably pulled me out of my reading slump(at least I hope it did). I'm obviously not in the age category this book is targeted towards but I think anyone could find this enjoyable to read if they just give it the chance. I highly suggest that people give this one a read.
Stars: 4/5 Stars
One of my favorite middle grades!
antonique_reads's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
notteson's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's for an ARC of this book.
This was a very sweet coming-of-age story that beautifully wove Chinese mythology into its story. I'll be highly recommending this to my readers that love fantasy.
becca_willie04's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
whitneysun's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
princessreadsalot's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
4.0
This book is so much fun. I love how Winnie faces normal middle school and fantastical conflicts. And this will appeal to kids who like to bake and Fantasy lovers!
chelsaat's review
adventurous
fast-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
My mythology focus this month is Chinese mythology, so getting the ARC for this middle-grade novel was serendipitous. I’m loving the expansion of Percy Jackson-like middle grade novels across many different cultures.
This book follows 6th grader Winnie Zeng, a Chinese American who has a lot on her plate - keeping her grades up at school, pleasing her parents, and besting her rival David in piano competitions. When making mooncakes for a school bake sale, the old family recipe unlocks her grandmother’s spirit who’s there to tell Winnie that she is a shaman who now has to protect the world from wayward, evil spirits!
This was super cute and fun. I adored Winnie and sympathized with her struggle to be perfect all the time. The added responsibility of being a shaman on top of all that? I understand why she hesitated. But Winnie rises to the occasion, using her knowledge of Chinese folklore to save her town. And through all this, she learns that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her heritage.
Middle grade books are sometimes a struggle for me since I’m not the intended audience, but I think kids these days will enjoy this. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of Percy Jackson.
This book follows 6th grader Winnie Zeng, a Chinese American who has a lot on her plate - keeping her grades up at school, pleasing her parents, and besting her rival David in piano competitions. When making mooncakes for a school bake sale, the old family recipe unlocks her grandmother’s spirit who’s there to tell Winnie that she is a shaman who now has to protect the world from wayward, evil spirits!
This was super cute and fun. I adored Winnie and sympathized with her struggle to be perfect all the time. The added responsibility of being a shaman on top of all that? I understand why she hesitated. But Winnie rises to the occasion, using her knowledge of Chinese folklore to save her town. And through all this, she learns that she shouldn’t be ashamed of her heritage.
Middle grade books are sometimes a struggle for me since I’m not the intended audience, but I think kids these days will enjoy this. Definitely recommend if you’re a fan of Percy Jackson.
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