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A review by chelsaat
Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao
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.