Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 17

My third young-adult (YA) compilation post for this year features The Gilded Wolves trilogy. Prior to this YA set, I’d only read middle-grade books written by the author.

The Gilded Wolves (Jan. 15, 2019) by Roshani Chokshi.

<This is the first novel in a trilogy.>

The wealthy hotelier of L’Eden is a treasure seeker, heir of House Vanth, which was declared a dead line 10 years ago. Séverin Montagnet-Alarie wants his House back. In order to reclaim his birthright, he needs the Babel Fragment for the Order of Babel. To help him is a diverse group of rapscallions: Laila is an Indian cabaret dancer whose ability to read unforged objects that she touches has a sinister backstory, Zofia is a Jewish engineer kicked out of university for being Jewish with a Forging affinity for solid matter (mostly metals and crystals), Tristan Maréchal is Séverin’s brother-in-arms with a Forging affinity for liquid matter (specifically, that present in plants) who has an enormous pet tarantula named Goliath, and Enrique Mercado-Lopez is a Filipino historian banished from his home who wishes he could Forge, but no ability manifested by his thirteenth birthday. Helping with the heist is Hypnos, patriarch of House Nyx, the son of Haitian slaves and a French aristocrat, who, for all of his handsome bluster, really could use some good friends. They’re going to pull off a grand heist that’ll place them all in danger.  They need the Horus Eye, which mysterious rival Roux-Joubert does not want them to have, but to find the Fragment, they will need to locate Fallen House’s meeting place, and no one knew of it even before it was Fallen and had an actual name. Séverin wants the Fragment to become patriarch of the House he grew up in, but the Fragment can wield unimaginable power. Perhaps, even, the power of godhood, but they might lose themselves and break the world in the process.

            Having read Chokshi’s six middle-grade novels from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, I decided I was overdue to try one of her YA novels. The first in The Gilded Wolves trilogy is a YA fantasy with an alternate, magical history that’s tantalizingly dark yet extravagant, multiethnic and inclusive. It’s a confection of sumptuous prose, glittering (mis)adventure and dazzling imagination. The story is evocative and immersive, the characters devilishly charming, and the writing smartly takes on colonialism and cultural appropriation without bogging the story down. We’ve got societal outcasts saving the world, and I expect it’s going to be epic.

            Favorite line: “Secrets keep my hair lustrous.” --Séverin, p. 13

The Silvered Serpents (Sept. 22, 2020) by Roshani Chokshi.

<This is the middle novel in a trilogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

The Fallen House has been thwarted, but it’s come at a terrible price. It haunts all of them, Séverin most of all. He’s obsessed with finding The Divine Lyrics, a legendary book which would grant him immortality and godlike powers. Laila seeks it also, but she’s kept her true reason for wanting it a secret. They all think the garnet ring Zofia Forged for her is counting down the days until her birthday, which it is, but it’s way more than that. Séverin, Laila (acting as his mistress), Enrique (a historian), Zofia and Hypnos (House Nyx patriarch) miraculously calculate the coordinates of the Sleeping Palace near Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia. They go with Delphine Desrosiers, matriarch of House Kore, Ruslan Goryunov the Bald, patriarch of House Dazbog, which historically trades “in secrets and parchment,” and Eva Yefremovna, “blood Forging artist of impeccable skill” and Ruslan’s cousin. The Sleeping Palace is a near-forgotten mansion of crystalline, ice-Forged animals, broken Muses, mutilated statues without hands and a string of unsolved murders. Secrets are carried by ghosts of the past, and they’re coming to light. The path is gilded with diamonds and treasure, but it’s also inlaid with freezing cold and booby traps.

            The middle novel in The Gilded Wolves trilogy is alluringly dark and dangerous, exquisitely grand and glamorous. The center YA fantasy is a complex filling of smart writing, detailed worldbuilding and epic plotting, making what could be thorny and overwhelming into a story that’s fluid and graceful, even in its horrific moments. Chokshi doesn’t simply place words on the pages willy-nilly, but with the distinct skill of an artisan. It is sleek and diverse, but beware, it’s sometimes bloody, too.

The Bronzed Beasts (Sept. 21, 2021) by Roshani Chokshi.

<This is the final novel in a trilogy.>

<Alert: Potential spoilers ahead.>

Godhood is coming, Séverin Montagnet-Alarie can feel it, but the group is fractured. Séverin has seemingly betrayed his friends: Enrique Mercado-Lopez, Hypnos Leclair, Zofia Boguska and Laila. Laila thinks the others are dead until they stir to life, and Hypnos’ face falls when he sees the Mnemo bug smashed. Without those clues, they must locate Delphine Desrosiers’ safe house and wend their way through the twisted waterways of Venice on their own. They will find each other, Séverin is determined that this will be so. He’s in possession of the Divine Lyre, and he’s balancing the unhinged whims of Ruslan Goryunov, Patriarch of the Fallen House. They know that the location of the temple where the Divine Lyre can be played is Poveglia (a.k.a. Plague Island), but they don’t know how to access the temple. Laila’s time is winding down. 10 days and counting and already there are times where she can’t feel – not the breath in her, sometimes not even a cut deep enough to cause blood to course down her arm. There are gondola rides on the canal, cemeteries, hidden masquerade balls (courtesy of House Janus), explosions (courtesy of Zofia), siren skeleton songs and shining ziggurat steps. There’s making and unmaking, possible remaking, and there’s always a price to pay.

            Readers return to the darkly alluring, intriguing world in the final installment in The Gilded Wolves trilogy. It’s a beautiful YA fantasy with sparkles and blood, elegance and manipulation, love and angst, mythology and realism, fantastical truths and harsh realities. “The Bronzed Beasts” wraps up a dazzling and dangerous treasure hunt with clues, introspection, history, diversity and inclusion. There’s colorism and its lasting effects on their characters, though readers see that all of these main characters are beloved and worthy of love. To immerse oneself in this trilogy is to have one’s heart wrenched, feel the enduring power of emotion and laugh aloud at Hypnos’ comic relief. What a compelling farewell to a masterfully-imagined, thoughtful fantasy series.

"The Court of the Dead" by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

The Court of the Dead (Sept. 23, 2025) by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro.

<This is the second novel in a series.>

Months have passed since Nico di Angelo and Will Solace returned from the depths of Tartarus. Life at Camp Half-Blood has been filled with initiating new demigod campers and doing breathing exercises with Mr. D (a.k.a. Dionysus). When Nico’s half-sister Iris-messages from Camp Jupiter on the West Coast, they jump at the chance to help Hazel Levesque manage a situation that can’t be explained via message and must be seen. It should only take a couple days. (Famous last words.) It turns out that Nico and Will showed some of the Underworld’s denizens that they don’t have to be inherently evil. These reformed monsters are calling themselves mythics. There’s Asterion (the minotaur whom Percy Jackson has a past with and which Asterion would like to rectify his past actions), Semele (an eidolon made of smoke), Johan (a blemmyae, a headless monster with a chest-face), Orcus (a griffin, mocked by his family for his diminutive size), Arielle (an empousa, a winged, bloodsucking monster) and Quinoa (a karpos, a grain spirit, who dares you to call him a pseudo-grain).

            These mythics are seeking refuge at Camp Jupiter, but the legionnaires are having trouble accepting outsiders whom they’ve been trained to kill on sight. The mythics begin disappearing, but it isn’t until one of their own demigods is threatened that the other legionnaires admit that, perhaps, these mythics are the exception and really do want a non-demigod-killing life. Between the mistreatment of the mythics and the mysterious dark force threatening to punish monsters for their past crimes, Nico feels in over his head. He’s so tempted to summon an army of undead skeletons to kick some legionnaire backside. Fortunately, Will is there as “the balm to his scattered soul.” And he packed Kit Kats.

            Collaborating, bestselling authors Riordan and Oshiro send readers on another dynamic, fast-moving adventure involving shadow travel, begging Cocoa Puffs (a.k.a. cacodemons, manifestations of a person’s worst memories) and battle dancing Lavinia-Asimov-style (Fifth Cohort leader and a daughter of Terpsichore, the Muse of Dance, so “...be prepared to square-dance at a moment’s notice!”). It is a riot of chaos that only Riordan can help create, thoroughly entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny that isn’t without self-doubt and a lot of empathy. This middle-grade fantasy, action novel is inclusive, and while it’s surely not going to be to everyone’s liking, I flew through the story. It’s still a must-read for mythology fans and dedicated Riordan readers.

            P.S. My new favorite character is Johan. I would happily drink tea with him.

            P.P.S. Asterion is another new favorite. He could start up a knitting group. And don’t be alarmed. He’s the Minotaur, but he’s reformed!

            Book 1: The Sun and the Star

"Hangry Hearts" by Jennifer Chen

Hangry Hearts (Mar. 18, 2025) by Jennifer Chen.

<This is a standalone novel.>

Move over Capulets and Montagues, because the Taiwanese American Wus and Korean American Hurs are here (here being Los Angeles) with their five-year-old feud that the families treat as though happened last week. The matriarch grandmas (ahma = grandma in Chinese and halmeoni = grandma in Korean) don’t talk about The Incident, but when Julie Wu and Randall Hur realize they’re crushing hard on each other, the divide the feud fuels feels even more gargantuan. Their families’ constant bickering at the Pasadena Farmers Market on Saturdays – easily the most coveted day to sell – briefly finds the Wus and their Yum Yum Dim Sum stand moved to Sundays, much to the Wus’ anger, placing full blame on the Hurs and their Sebae stand. Julie and Randall are paired together on a community-service project for school with ultra-rich London Kim, whose family sells the most popular soju (a Korean alcoholic drink that is clear like water). London is clearly crushing on Julie, but with Julie’s interest in Randall, she knows she’s got to let him down kindly. The drama comes to a head when Julie’s almost criminally snoopy brother discovers her and Randall’s relationship. Can these hangry hearts be mended or has the rift boiled over for so long that anything salvageable has long since melted?

            Food feuds and family-friend fallout simmer through much of this YA contemporary romance featuring Asian Americans, second chances and so many foods that I want to consume (like tteokguk, twisted taro buns, hakka mochi, scallion pancakes and ALL of the dumplings). Julie and Randall have a history, but it is complex. Julie knew Randall before he was trans, and they don’t want to disappoint their grandmothers, whom they love so much. This tale of star-crossed lovers will appeal to romance fans looking for transgender and/or POC representation. Young romance, family and food combine to create a lush story that’s made with skill, drama, and, oh yeah, love.

            P.S. I need to experience fan tuan (sticky rice rolls that are classically savory, but can be made sweet).

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 6

I’m adventuring through chapter books in this compilation. They all happen to be library books, too.

Astrid & Apollo and the Ice Fishing Adventure (Aug. 1, 2022) by V.T. Bidania.

   Evelt Yanait, illustrator.

<This book is part of an unnumbered series.>

They’re well into winter, and the ice is thick, so twins Astrid & Apollo and their little sister, Eliana, are all excited to fish in an icehouse. Dad shows the kids how to drill a hole, clear it away, bait the hook and reel in their “fish friends.” Everyone’s having a good time, except for Mom. Even fully dressed for winter plus wearing a blanket, Mom is cold, and she’s worried about something going wrong. When an uninvited guest pops up and causes a little chaos, it’s Mom who ends up having the biggest laugh.

            Another spirited story from the Astrid & Apollo series, this realistic fiction adventure showcases a wintertime hobby for many. The story teaches the basics involved in ice fishing and discusses the patience typically involved of fishing in general. As always, the stories are overall easy to understand, though there might be some words that beginning readers may need help with.

See also: Rutabaga’s Reads 2024: Part 6

Rutabaga’s Reads 2024: Part 3

Rutabaga’s Reads 2023: Part 3

Llama Quest: Danger in the Dragon’s Den (Jan. 7, 2025) by Megan Reyes.

   Kay Davault, illustrator.

<This is the first book in a series.>

The 12 Magic Stones are missing. Eight-year-old Dak Evans wants nothing more than to leave his family’s home on Mythic Island in the Kingdom of Ravenwood and visit the Mainland. Instead, he spends his days scooping up llama poop. One night, he’s awoken by drool on his face from a fashionable llama who always wears a scarf. It turns out, her name is Lucy, and she’s a magic llama. Lucy’s friend is a young girl named Fenn with purple hair who lives with the mysterious monks. After Lucy sniffs out the fire stone, she teleports them to the Dragon’s Den. They meet dragons suffering from fire flu and witness Moon Wizards casting spells to save the village, but can they find the red fire stone before the thief retrieves it?

            This chapter book is a fantasy adventure, a solid choice for readers who are too young for Tolkien. The grayscale illustrations are cartoonish, but the dragons do have a ferocity about them, and Lucy is a delight. Nothing in the story is shocking and new, but the pacing and prose are steadfast. The danger isn’t especially dangerous, but the quest continually moves forward, and there’s the mystery of the thief, which will continue, likely through the series. After reading this tale, young readers may picture themselves as Stone Seekers of Team Llama Quest.

Lucy Lancaster Has a Secret (Jan. 7, 2025) by Willow Coven.

   Priscilla Burris, illustrator.

<This is the first book in a series.>

Can hiccups make a classmate nicer? Can hiccups make someone into a butterfly whisperer? These are a couple of the questions Lucy Lancaster wonders to herself when mysterious outcomes occur after hiccupping. She’s never experienced this before, and she’s a second-grade student at Brewster Elementary. When Ms. Egli visits Mrs. Welli’s classroom, where Lucy’s a student, she knows what’s what with Lucy. Ms. Egli invites Lucy to the library and opens up a secret unlike any Lucy realizes could exist, and that’s saying something, because she already loves the library and knows the power of books.

            With many easy-to-read words and illustrations on every story page, this chapter book is a good choice for emergent readers. If the reader is reluctant, it’s an ideal story to team read aloud, so that way, an older reader can assist with any challenging words or give encouragement as new chapter book readers sound out longer words like character last names Lancaster or Heckelbeck or Bickerson. The simple story format is engaging and well-crafted, and Lucy’s star-framed glasses are adorable.

Rutabaga's Reads 2025: Part 5

We’re almost halfway through 2025, and here I am with only the first picture books compilation of the year. I’ve read many picture books already – including with/to my nephew – but I clearly haven’t been reviewing them consistently.

The Book That Can Read Your Mind (Mar. 12, 2024) by Marianna Coppo.

This is no ordinary book. As you can gather from the title, it’s a magical one. Lady Rabbit welcomes all “prestigious readers” to her show. Instead of pulling a rabbit out of a hat, she considers pulling an old guy out of her hat, but she concludes that that’s not convincing enough. It’s not magical enough. Eventually, Lady Rabbit elects to read our minds. Look at the members of the audience. Choose one and only one. Who’d you pick? Keep it to yourself and turn to the page as directed. TA-DA! Did she get it right? I dare you to go back and try again. Did you trick her that time?

            Inspired by a 17^th-century magic book and with vintage-style illustrations, this interactive story is modern-day, enchanting and fun. There are multiple choices, so readers can play again and again. It’s an experience and a magic trick all in a picture book. Although one-trick, it’s an ingenious story idea that absolutely works. Let’s get on with the show!

A Chest Full of Words (Mar. 18, 2025) by Rebecca Gugger & Simon Röthlisberger.

   Tim Mohr, translator.

There is a magnificent treasure chest, but the treasure within isn’t gold or jewels. There are words! Oscar doesn’t initially recognize the words as treasure. He tosses fluorescent aside and rather upsets a hedgehog scampering by, as its now a fluorescent yellow. He slaps another word on another object (an old oak with a new hairdo never before looked so fabulous). He’s soon flinging words about with abandon. But then he runs out of words. He’s … wordless. Oscar goes in search of new words, but no one has any good advice until he talks to Louise. She likes to keep words handy, reminding him that they can be found anytime and anywhere.

            “Words have magical powers. Use them with care and you can make the world blossom,” says Louise to Oscar. This story, with its whimsical, softly colorful, earthy illustrations is inventive, wholesome, original, playful and word-tastic. The story, a Swiss import, is vocabulary-centric, unique, eye-opening, ear-catching and absorbing. It makes adjectives the centerpiece of the story and will engage young readers, even if they don’t understand all of the words. Words are magic. They can transport readers by painting pictures with words.

Danbi’s Favorite Day (Apr. 25, 2023) by Anna Kim.

<This is a sequel story.>

It’s not her birthday. It’s not Halloween, but still, it’s Danbi’s favorite day! She’s hosting a Children’s Day party, a day that she tells her friends is the day “all your wishes come true!” After she invites her friends, she exclaims that there will be kites and magic castles, and they’ll only eat chocolate chip cookies! Her mommy reminds her that “it’s about celebrating all the children on Earth who will one day lead the world.” She encourages Danbi to host her friends at the deli, as both her parents need to work that day. She’s told that rain is in the forecast, but she is adamant that she wants a picnic outside. When it happens as her mom said, will the weather get her down? Or will she be reminded that, “We were the children of the world?”

            This follow-up to “Danbi Leads the School Parade” is a delightful concoction of Korean heritage, diversity, inclusivity, family, friendship and the power of creativity. It’s a celebration of children. The story’s beautifully detailed illustrations in their warm, neutral tones see splashes of color from the author-illustrator and complement the text like your favorite food combinations. This picture book is joyful, fun and full of youthful energy.

            Starts with: Danbi Leads the School Parade

We Are Immigrants (Sept. 17, 2024) by Carolina Fernandez.

   Alyssa M. Gonzalez, illustrator.

Immigrants. They’ve traveled from near. They’ve traveled from far. Their journeys are all different, their skin tones “a rainbow of kings and of queens,” their hair anywhere from pin-straight to super curly, they may pray differently from you, and their languages may be unlike any you’ve ever heard. But a language everyone can understand is the language of kindness and love. Other cultures mean a plethora of new food to taste and enjoy. Just like you, they have traditions that have been passed down in their families. They laugh and have fun, too. The best thing to remember is that, “We all make up one human race.”

            Through Fernandez’s vibrant, rhyming, lyrical text and Gonzalez’s colorful, soulful, expressive illustrations, readers celebrate diversity, inclusion and heritage with this uplifting, inspiring picture book. I love rhyme, and the upbeat tempo of the story gives it a positive beat, a welcoming vibe. The storytelling matches strongly with the art of this book, and I’m so glad that I checked this out from my local library.

Will the Pigeon Graduate? (Mar. 4, 2025) by Mo Willems.

<This is part of the Pigeon series.>

Pigeon has the mortarboard hat. It has tassels. He’s overcome obstacles, noticed the little details and taken big steps. But will he graduate? Is Pigeon ready to take the brave plunge? And, asking the big questions here, will there be snacks?

            Despite my fairly regular reading of picture books, this is my first Pigeon series book, and what a delight it is! The story is simple in its illustrations and understandable in its text. There’s no grandiose verbiage, and Pigeon, despite being a pigeon, can be relatable to, say, the Kindergartner approaching Kindergarten graduation wondering about being a big First Grader next school year. This story is infused with wonderment, fun and humor.

"Fireworks" by Alice Lin

Fireworks (June 7, 2022) by Alice Lin.

<This is a standalone novel.>

Newly minted high school graduate Lulu Li has her summer all planned out before she and her best friends, Stephanie Nguyen (Vietnamese) and Ester Tan (Filipino), head to college. A culinary adventure in New York City and a day at Hersheypark are part of this plan. Avoiding her estranged father is also part of her summer plan. Not part of this plan? Kai Xu a.k.a. Kite. Lulu hasn’t seen Kite since junior high, when he left the U.S. for South Korea, eventually debuting with K-pop boy group Karnival. They’re now a major K-pop group, though they’re not at the megastardom level of BTS. Kite is supposedly home for health reasons, but there’s definitely more to it than that. Lulu is trying to find the easy friendship they once shared to balance the Firework (Karnival’s fandom) that she is but doesn’t claim to be. Lulu vehemently denies her feelings for Kite, which, naturally, only makes her feelings for him stronger. But how could a K-pop idol fall for an ordinary, everyday person like her?

            This YA romcom gives K-drama vibes and K-pop excitement with main characters who are Taiwanese American (Lulu) (or, more specifically, she identifies as Chinese by way of Taiwan, pp. 173-174) and Chinese American (Kite). The lighthearted moments balance the weightier themes present throughout: social media toxicity (including the very toxic fan behavior of sasaengs), mental health, and anger towards the divorced parent who cheated. The lack of privacy for K-pop idols is a topic, as is Korea’s workaholic culture for idol groups. For those who like to know, Lulu is bisexual. This standalone is engaging and contemporary, fast-paced and short enough for those with busy schedules (only 298 pages). I’d easily recommend it to anyone who enjoys K-pop. This teen romp has ups and downs and showcases the importance of connection and moving forward, because life often takes the squiggly path, not the straightforward one.

Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 6

It surprises me, too, that I have enough for a third chapter books compilation. While it’s true that they read very quickly, I don’t typically focus on them like I have this year.

Astrid & Apollo and the Happy New Year (Aug. 1, 2020) by V.T. Bidania.

   Dara Lashia Lee, illustrator.

<This is part of an unnumbered series of books.>

Twins Astrid and Apollo are excited to attend the Hmong New Year Festival in their home state of Minnesota. The celebration, complete with entertainment and vendors selling food and gifts/souvenirs, is noisy and crowded. When they let dancers pass in front of them, they lose their parents and Eliana, their little sister, but they find a lost little boy and help him to find his family. They may have to approach one of the stages and ask the host to announce that they’re lost, even if it means being mistaken for performers in their special Hmong New Year attire.

            This story showcases that the wonderful cultures and traditions of others can be found right here in the U.S., and Lee’s illustrations are vibrant and expressive. The story and pictures have me wanting to attend a Hmong festival to experience new things, eat new foods and learn! Emergent readers will likely need help with the Hmong words, but there is a helpful glossary of those words before the first chapter begins. This is another delightful story from the Astrid & Apollo series.

Escaping the Fire (Aug. 1, 2019) by Emma Bland Smith.

   Mirelle Ortega, illustrator.

<This is the first book in a series.>

With his parents taking a sabbatical year, Gavin McNally’s family is taking the year to travel around the country in an RV. Gavin has four goals to accomplish as set by his teacher. (1) Change someone’s life; (2) Get to know a family member better; (3) Be a friend to nature; (4) Seek treasure. This annoys him, because who likes homework? Chloe probably does. His older sister. The family thinks they’re settled in for the night at a California campground when Gavin notices smoke and the red glow of fire. Haste is a must to reach safety, but Gavin strays from his family when he hears a dog. Her owner isn’t home. Rescuing the dog is a no-brainer, but how will they escape the fire?

            I flew through this first in the Gavin McNally’s Year Off series. It is a hi-lo book (high-interest, low readability), meaning it’s designed to engage struggling readers. It’s a chapter book, in which there is mostly prose with illustrations, but it features simple sentence structure, controlled vocabulary, a lower page count and very short chapters. The theme is potentially complex and the story age-appropriate, but the reading level is lower. This would be a good option for emergent chapter book readers who are, perhaps, hesitant in their reading abilities.

Mindy Kim, Big Sister (Aug. 6, 2024) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

<This is the eleventh book in a series.>

There’s a pint-sized addition in the Kim family, and it’s Mindy’s newborn brother, Min-jae Wei. His American nickname is going to be Charlie, because her stepmom (Julie) thinks it’s cute. Mindy’s Korean name is Min-jung, and in Korean culture, it’s common for siblings to have similar names. Mindy’s worried about being a good big sister, for she’s never been a big sister before. When sleepless nights take a toll on all of them – even Theodore, the puppy – Mindy’s determined to find a way to help her dad and Julie get some much-needed rest.

            As if Lee’s Mindy Kim stories didn’t already bubble over with cuteness, she added an adorable addition to the family. She also focused on the harder parts of having a newborn, like those sleepless nights affecting all members of a household, but she tells it in a way that’s easy to understand and thus is an accessible story for young chapter book readers. The story shines with authenticity, and Ho’s accompanying illustrations continue to be top-notch complements to Lee’s word pictures.

Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 3

My second chapter books compilation of 2024 is already complete. My first set of chapter books for this year featured Mindy Kim, and this set features twins Astrid & Apollo. I checked all of these out from my local library.

Astrid & Apollo and the Awesome Dance Audition (Aug. 1, 2022) by V.T. Bidania.
   Evelt Yanait, illustrator.

<This is part of a series of books.>

The spark is lit after Astrid & Apollo Lee watch their cousin Lily in a winning dance competition performance. Lily tells her dance instructor, Teacher Yang, that Astrid & Apollo want to try out for the Number One Dance School. The twins aren’t actually sure they do, though Astrid enjoys dancing and Apollo likes gymnastics. They attend rehearsal so they can learn the routine they must perform for the audition that’s only a week later. Apollo faces a setback and has to make a split-second decision, even as he knows Teacher Yang doesn’t like surprises. Will his creative quick-thinking be the ticket or cost him his chance to be on the dance team?
        These stories are not in the order in which I read them. I continue to appreciate the positive vibe of these stories as well as the cultural traditions it incorporates so seamlessly. The energy in this story is effervescent, the writing is strong, and the plot is easy to follow along with and perfect for emergent chapter book readers. Yanait’s illustrations are vibrant, and the attention to detail on the Hmong costumes is beautiful. It’s a dynamic tale.
        Also in the series: Tae Kwon Do Champs

Astrid & Apollo and the Brilliant Book Report (Aug. 1, 2023) by V.T. Bidania.
   César Samaniego, illustrator.

<This is part of a series of books.>

Twins Astrid & Apollo are big readers. When their teacher, Mrs. Lor, assigns her students a book report, Apollo knows which book he’ll pick for the assignment. Then he discovers that Kiran, his best friend, has chosen the very same book! Mrs. Lor told the class that she “will give extra points for originality.” Apollo takes this to mean that he can’t choose the same book as his classmate, so he scrambles to find another, going so far as to checkout 25 books from the family’s local library! How will Apollo’s book report turn out?
        I know I’ve been gravitating toward stories with Asian/Asian American main characters because those stories weren’t around during my childhood, but these stories are very age-appropriate. I remember being in elementary school having to write book reports (and yes, I loved being assigned book reports). Bidania’s writing is fairly uncomplicated and would be strong choices for chapter book readers to try (they may need help with unfamiliar words like bánh mì). The text is accompanied by colorful illustrations by Samaniego, and the story as a whole is full of energy.

Astrid & Apollo in Concert (Aug. 1, 2021) by V.T. Bidania.

   Evelt Yanait, illustrator.

<This is part of a series of books.>

The solo isn’t a solo, but a duet! Astrid & Apollo are overjoyed to have been chosen to play a duet at their school’s recorder concert. They’ve put in a lot of practice, especially in the two weeks leading up to the concert, but their little sister, Eliana, keeps getting in the way. She thinks to create music like her older siblings with her paper party horn, but her music isn’t so lovely. It’s clear that she wants to be included. On show night, there’s double the disaster. The show must go on, but what will the twins discover?
        For anyone who’s ever had a younger sibling who’s wanted to do what you’re doing and have felt annoyed by it, this story will be relatable. Eliana’s choices garner negative attention, but it still resulted in the family, particularly Astrid & Apollo, noticing her. That Bidania used it as a gentle teaching moment is something to value. Yes, there’s frustration and upset, but after time has passed and awareness enters the twins’ minds, it opens up understanding and inclusivity of their little sister. That’s a sweet moment. The story overall is as dynamic as the others, and now I’ve been craving pho gao (“steamed rice rolls made from rice flour and water and filled with ground meat, onions, and other seasonings”).
        Challenge: The recorder song titles are based on real songs. Do you know which classic children’s songs they’re based on?

1. ‘Sparkle, Sparkle Giant Moon’
2. ‘Cold Round Rolls’
3. ‘Mario Had a Huge Sheep’
4. ‘The Icky, Biggy Buggy’

Rutabaga's Reads 2024: Part 1

Here marks my first chapter books compilation of 2024. It features three books from the same series. If interested, I’ve attached links to the previous posts at the end of the eighth novel’s write-up.

Mindy Kim Makes a Splash! (July 5, 2022) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

<This is the eighth novel in a series.>

Swimming in P.E. class. What fun! Or it would be, if Mindy Kim knew how to swim. She’s never taken swimming lessons and thinks she’s too old as a nine-year-old in a class with six-year-olds. But Mindy is determined to learn so she can:

                        “1. SWIM WITHOUT FLOATIES

                          2. LEARN TO SNORKEL

                          3. MAKE FRIENDS WITH MANATEES AND DOLPHINS.”

She’s also been challenged by Brandon, the meanest kid in her class, to a swim race. The bully’s challenge will push her to learn quickly, but will it be enough? Will she splash to success or find a belly flop in her wake?

            It’s another delightful tale from Lee with complementing illustrations from Ho. While I love that this series features a main character who is, specifically, Korean, it’s a wonderful series for any chapter book readers, including emergent readers. The text is mostly simple, though adults may need to be on hand for occasional words like harrumphed. Lee’s Mindy Kim series puts a little more positivity into this world, and as long as she keeps writing them, I’ll keep reading them!

            Mindy Kim Books 1-5: A compilation post

            Mindy Kim Book 6: Mindy Kim and the Big Pizza Challenge

            Mindy Kim Book 7: Mindy Kim and the Fairy Tale Wedding

Mindy Kim and the Summer Musical (July 4, 2023) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

<This is the ninth novel in a series.>

Auditioning for the community theater’s summer musical, Cinderella, is new and nerve-racking, but it helps that her friends, Sally and Lindsey, are auditioning, too. She remembers the lyrics of her chosen song, and Ms. Maria Kamper, children’s musical director at Sunshine County Community Theater, laughs when Mindy reads lines for both Cinderella and an evil stepsister. Mindy really wants to be Cinderella, and she’s horrified when she’s cast as stepsister. She worries that being cast as an evil stepsister means that Ms. Kamper noticed meanness in her during her audition, which means she might not be a good, big sister in the future. With her dad’s reassurances that she doesn’t look like a bad kid and that the stepsisters’ roles are the comic relief, Mindy’s ready to “make the best of being an evil stepsister” by being funny.

            Lee’s writing is so naturally inclusive of all ethnicities, and they’re fun to read. They’re also relatable for the age; Mindy and her friends have recently finished 3^rd Grade in this installment. Being cast as an “evil” character may sound dramatic to Mindy when we as adults know the evil stepsisters are actually comedic in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. She and the cast must also deal with a bully. The story is delightful and resonates with realness.

Mindy Kim and the Mid-Autumn Festival (Sept. 26, 2023) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

<This is the tenth book in a series.>

After Mindy’s harabeoji (grandfather) passes away, Mindy, Dad and Julie travel to Korea to be with her dad’s family for the funeral. Korea’s annual, traditional mid-autumn festival – Chuseok – falls during their visit. Chuseok focuses on honoring one’s ancestors. Mindy is excited to participate in this celebration, which she’s never experienced in Korea. They’re gathered in Korea for a sad reason, but Mindy wants to figure out a way to celebrate her late grandpa. Will it be in eating his favorite kind of fish (cod)? Or setting out his favored fruit (apples)?

            I think it’d be an adventure participating in Chuseok in Korea. While one might call it Korea’s Thanksgiving, it isn’t like our American Thanksgiving, though there is also a lot of food involved. I love that, with this book, Lee is introducing a traditional festival that many may be unfamiliar with. I would’ve gobbled up these stories if they’d been present when I was a child and am happy to consume them as an adult. The story is uncomplicated, but still deals in life lessons (coping with the death of a loved one) and has a cultural theme. This 10th story is as adorable as the first nine.

"The Sun and the Star" by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro

The Sun and the Star (May 2, 2023) by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro.

*This is a standalone novel.*

There is a grumpy ball of darkness and a demigod Care Bear. Translated, Nico di Angelo, “Italian son of Hades,” and Will Solace, “Texan son of Apollo,” are the grumpy ball and the Care Bear, respectively. They have a quest to rescue an old friend from Tartarus where the weather is “always hellish with an 80 percent chance of noxious clouds and scattered monsters.” A voice has been calling out to Nico, and he’s almost certain it’s Bob, the reformed Titan formerly known as Iapetus. And Rachel Elizabeth Dare has been spewing the same prophecy a dozen times now. It’s clear to Nico that he needs this quest, whether or not Mr. D (Dionysus) and Chiron feel the same. Will, being Nico’s boyfriend, is adamant that he is coming along. How can a child of Apollo, a being made of light, survive in the deepest, darkest part of the (Under)world? Not only that, but how will they enter Tartarus without Hades knowing? After the Doors of Death “incident,” no one is allowed to enter Tartarus. But that is where Bob is. That is where she is. It isn’t only monsters that they must endure, for they will also encounter blood clouds, monster regeneration blisters (“zits” per Nico) and the River Acheron a.k.a. the River of Pain. They are a duo where a quest normally is a trio, but Will and Nico have each other. And Bob would make three. So, save Bob! And don’t become demigod coleslaw!

            A walk in the park this isn’t. A hair-raising, adrenaline-inducing journey through the death pit of eternal gloom it definitely is. Fortunately, it is chock full of Riordan’s signature goofy banter with superb writing from both Riordan and Oshiro. While the collaborators ground the Greek mythology-based standalone in humor, pulse-pounding action, death-defying adventure and imaginative world-building, they also skillfully weave an emotive plot containing tender romance with the complexity of self-identity and mental health. There is a plethora of diversity, and I’m not referring to diversity of monster types, though they are varied and multitudinous.  With a range of skin tones and relationships, there’s a good chance each reader can find herself/himself/themselves in at least one character. I was delighted by the Percabeth cameo and by the story as a whole. Still, I think I’ll bypass a visit to Tartarus and avoid geysers of suffering, acid-rain fields and the like. If you’re planning a trip down, down, down, remember to pack plenty of nourishing lizard jerky and top-rated SPF – that’s “skink protective fat” – used regularly by the innovative and delightful troglodytes.

            P.S. I want Persephone’s garden. It has bushes of diamonds, trees of glittering rubies and a special breed of night-blooming cereus that only opens in the presence of the darkness within others.

            P.P.S. I also want a spartos like Small Bob. A spartos is created from the fang of a saber-toothed tiger. When not in saber-tooth-tiger form, Small Bob looks like a calico cat.

Rutabaga's Reads 2023: Part 2

Hello to the first picture books compilation of 2023! This post includes picture books that I checked out from my local library.

The City Tree (Apr. 4, 2023) by Shira Boss.

   Lorena Alvarez, illustrator.

There’s a hole in front of Dani’s apartment building that is one day home to a city tree (or street tree). She loves the tree where birds now chirp and cheep, which she can also use as a weather vane (“…leaves fluttering said breezy today, its branches bending said bundle up.”). That city tree is Dani’s haven from noise and grime, but the tree sometimes needs tending to, as not every passerby is kind to the tree. Dani encounters more magnificent trees at the park, but this tree is the most special. In the spring, it’s a garden. In summer, an oasis. In fall, a treasure chest. And in winter, it’s starlight. No matter the day or the season of year, “the tree was a good friend.”

            This unfussy story is a beautiful celebration of the importance of greenery in cities, of community and of life and growth. Where Boss writes in praise of city green spaces with her immersive writing, Alvarez’s illustrations are what really bring the reader into the story. Her illustrations are lush, colorful and detailed. Dani and her community are a melting pot of skin tones, ages and body types, and the pictures teem with diversity. Back matter includes information on street trees. As someone who grew up rural and still lives rural, this book shows me that I definitely take for granted the nature all around me compared to one who may be closed in by large buildings and concrete, the noise of big cities and the pollution that can be more noticeable with them. This book is delightful, and I’m so pleased that it caught my eye at my local library.

Dim Sum, Here We Come! (Jan. 3, 2023) by Maple Lam.

Every Sunday, the main character’s multigenerational family meets at the local dim sum restaurant, because “sharing dim sum means I love you.” But what to eat? What will get stamped on the dim sum card? Pork dumplings, shrimp dumplings or char siu (sweet pork) buns? Taro dumplings, spring rolls or egg tarts? Chive dumplings, lotus leaf sticky rice or turnip cakes? What about rice noodle rolls? … How about all of the above?!

            If this story doesn’t have you wanting dim sum, I don’t know what will! Whether or not readers are familiar with dim sum, the author/illustrator’s love for dim sum and family is obvious and infectious in this mouth-watering cultural tale. Food transcends cultures, and that’s showcased in this ebullient story with its bustling illustrations. Those familiar with the customs will appreciate the cultural details woven seamlessly into the story, like tapping one’s fingers on the table to mean thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed the endpapers, too. The first set show 18 dishes to relish, while the back ones show the now-empty vessels with positive reviews. Now, who wants to go out for dim sum?

Dragon Noodle Party (Dec. 13, 2022) by Ying Chang Compestine.

   Paula Pang, illustrator.

Gather round for a party, friends! The 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac are coming together for a feast. Each animal comes bearing something, usually a food ingredient, including the dragon bearing long (or longevity) noodles. It’s a nod to celebrating birthdays, Lunar New Year and other festive occasions.

            A charming yet resourceful story that will resonate with those familiar with Chinese and/or Lunar New Year customs is also an excellent multicultural resource. The author’s simple writing and the illustrator’s bright, bold, full-page pictures craft a vivid, warm tale. An author’s note, note regarding the zodiac animals and a recipe for Dragon Beard Noodles are included at the story’s end.

Heart String (Dec. 20, 2022) by Brooke Boynton-Hughes.

No matter where someone is, in a bustling city or on a desert plain, surrounded by a multitude of people or going it alone, “There is a string, an invisible string, that ties my heart to yours.” In this story, readers follow the thread as it connects us to those we know and those we don’t and the world that we’re all a part of.

            This sweet story encourages the idea that all human beings are linked, no matter one’s age or skin color or socioeconomic status, etc. With its graceful verse and soft artwork, “Heart String” is heartwarming and positive. It promotes global citizenship. And while it’s a story to advance world harmony, without an actual plot, parents will find themselves wanting to craft their own teaching moment, should they so choose.

The Umbrella (Mar. 21, 2023) by Beth Ferry & Tom Lichtenheld.

It turns out that “Dreary./Weary,” “Dim./Grim” weather is no match for one young girl and her pup. After all, where there’s a dog, “Gotta go–/rain or snow.” When thunder sends them under the awning of a curios shop, they spot a tattered yellow umbrella. It’s “FREE!” and the cashier wraps it up. Unfortunately, their newfound treasure falls apart as they dash away, leaving a “Trail of tatters.” Days later, they discover that those tatters have magically grown into a field of yellow umbrellas. They pull them up and distribute them to the community, thus chasing the clouds away.

            Ferry’s concise, rhyming text is simple enough for young readers to sound out, and the words seem to have their own rhythm. Lichtenheld’s pencil and watercolor illustrations are uncomplicated while still coming across as expressive and complement the text perfectly. The story unfolds even in the inside covers: dreary purplish-gray at the beginning and a sunny yellow at the end. In the story, the only pop of bright color comes from the umbrella(s). This buoyant story encourages each of us to be bright lights to others, for eventually those gray days will turn to sunshine’s rays! And that is a good reminder for every age!

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 22

This was meant to be a compilation post, but I never got around to reading enough chapter books to compile a second compilation post. The year has almost gotten away from me, so I’m posting this solo chapter book.

Mindy Kim and the Fairy-Tale Wedding (Apr. 5, 2022) by Lyla Lee.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

*This is the seventh book in a series.*

Talk about the event of the year! Mindy Kim (Korean name: Min-jung) is about to attend her first wedding, and not only is she in it as the flower girl, it’s her dad and Julie that are getting married. Her dad’s relatives have flown into Florida from South Korea, including her school-age cousins, Sung-jin and Sora, while Julie’s family has flown in from New York and China. Mindy wants the day to be perfect, but a perfect day might not be in the picture. There’s rain in the forecast, and the wedding is planned to be outdoors with the ocean as the backdrop. Meanwhile, Theodore the Mutt, whom Mindy is determined will be the ring-bearer, completely misbehaves at the rehearsal. This fairy tale looks like it might be a fairy-FAIL.

            As long as this series continues, I will be one of its readers, because I love that this series features a Korean American character. I don’t care that this is a chapter book; what I care about is that there is representation of a young girl who looks like me, and I know I would’ve loved seeing a series like this when I was young. This is another sweet and fast-reading addition to the Mindy Kim series. It resonates with youthful vibrancy and blends cultures, as Mindy and her dad’s Korean American side joins Julie's Chinese American side. The wedding includes a Chinese tea ceremony, a western ceremony (in which Julie wears a white gown), and a Korean ceremony or paebaek (where they don their hanboks).

            Mindy Kim Books 1-5: A compilation post

            Mindy Kim Book 6: Mindy Kim and the Big Pizza Challenge

Rutabaga's Reads 2022: Part 21

Picture books need to be engaging to capture the attention of their young audiences, but they also need to engage those reading to/with them. This third picture book compilation of 2022 showcases one favorite author and four new-to-me authors. While they are all uniquely wonderful stories, what they have in common is that they are engaging in their prose and illustrations.

Cozy (Oct. 20, 2020) by Jan Brett.

Animals seek refuge from the winter cold, but instead of a cramped hideout, their refuge is a living creature, a young musk ox called Cozy. A family of lemmings, a snowshoe hare, a snowy owl, an arctic fox, a wolverine and a team of huskies with their sea otter musher join Cozy for winter in the Alaskan tundra. He got separated from his family, so is happy for the company. There are; however, house rules: “Quiet voices, gentle thumping, claws to yourself, no biting, no pouncing, and be mindful of others!” But when does a nibble become a bite? What constitutes a hoot that’s quiet or loud? When spring returns, Cozy is gleeful to find his herd, and his winter lodgers move onto their summer homes, but they promise to meet up again “when the snow flies.”

            The Alaskan tundra is no picnic, but Brett’s signature writing and clever illustrating create an idyllic story of sharing, friendship and living in harmony. Sure, it’s fanciful, but it’s a gently-moving tale that is comforting to read. Brett’s illustrations include those trusty side-panel vignettes that give readers hints as to what’s to come. She writes with a keen sense of her audience – the young and the young-at-heart – and illustrates with the finesse of an expert who’s comfortable in her skill and talent. This is another gorgeous tale, one that represents the importance of community, and it has a sequel, released November 2022.

            Oomingmak: Inupiaq word for musk ox, which translates to “the bearded one.” (Source: https://www.alaskazoo.org/muskox)

Danbi Leads the School Parade (July 7, 2020) by Anna Kim.

New to school is Danbi. Being the new kid is always hard, but it’s made more challenging for Danbi, as she doesn’t know English. She has recently emigrated from South Korea. She tries to engage with her classmates in participating in activities new to her, but she is unsuccessful. One thing she knows how to confidently do is pull out her lunch to eat! Her mom has packed her favorites – “Yams in honey, crystal dumplings, sweet-and-sour mini skewers, rainbow drops, and half-moon rice cakes dipped in sweet sesame!” – and her classmates are in awe. She tries to teach them to use chopsticks, which erupts into a cacophony-of-fun, musical parade.

            This is a wonderful story from Kim, who was once that little girl in a new classroom who didn’t yet understand English. Kim’s illustrations are multihued, but soft, and her text paints the story of a young girl who’s resilient and tries not to get discouraged even when no one plays with her. It’s a sweet, expressive story for any child starting at a new school or experiencing big, possibly overwhelming, changes. And it’s an enchanting, gentle and joyous story for all readers looking for something new to read.

            As an adoptee, I was never that child in a new school who didn’t understand English (and, in fact, remained in the same school district from Preschool all through my senior year of high school), but I knew what it was to stand out based on appearance, even though I also felt like my class was one of the more diverse in the rural community I grew up in. I would’ve wanted Danbi as a friend. Yes, because I would’ve seen myself in her with our similar physical, Korean features. But also because I was always taught to be a compassionate human being. I would’ve seen her needing a friend and so would’ve become one!

            Fun fact: According to the author, Danbi means “sweet rain.”

Eyes that Kiss in the Corners (Jan. 5, 2021) by Joanna Ho.

   Dung Ho, illustrator.

The Chinese-American girl in this story notices that her eyes are different from her peers. They have “eyes like sapphire lagoons” and “lashes like lace trim on ballgowns.” Her eyes “kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea.” They are eyes reflected in the face of her Mama’s, Amah’s (her grandmother) and Mei-Mei’s (her little sister). While her eyes are unlike those around her, that is winsome, for they are her eyes, and they are beautiful!

            While not in rhyme, this story is lyrical and reads with the expectation that it should be danced to with graceful movement. It is a story that exudes self-acceptance, a love of one’s ancestral roots and, in this character’s case, Chinese culture. Each of Dung Ho’s colorful and elegant illustrations are breathtaking landscapes that are exemplary complements to Joanna Ho’s prose. I love this story. It’s one I would’ve welcomed as a child. While I am well-loved by my family, I am an adoptee, and my family is entirely Caucasian. There was no one else in my family with “eyes that kiss in the corners,” and sometimes that was tough growing up. This story is poignant, but also strengthening, especially for anyone whose eyes “crinkle into crescent moons and sparkle like the stars.” Love your eyes, but most importantly, love your whole self!

Mommy’s Hometown (Apr. 12, 2022) by Hope Lim.

   Jaime Kim, illustrator.

A young boy is excited to visit his mommy’s hometown in Korea. It’s an area where the “mountains nearby stood like giants” and the “sky was filled with billowing clouds she [Mommy] could watch forever.” But when they arrive, the hometown isn’t what the boy expects. The small village has grown into a big city, new replaces the old, except for an old house on the corner that looks out of place surrounded by shiny new buildings. Fortunately, the river is the same. “Some things change, and some things stay the same.”

            Reading this sweet story that compares and contrasts past and present (rural and urban) with warm, digital illustrations tangibly feels tranquil and safe. The illustrations are lush and detailed; I especially enjoyed the spread of city buildings with shop names in Korean. The prose is gentle, yet full of imagination. The story caught my eye at the library, as it was up on display, one of many diverse books donated by the local Rotary Club. As soon as I saw the cover, I knew it featured Korean characters, and I checked the book out right away. So certainly, this story resonates with me because I share similar features to the Korean characters, but it’s a wonderful, intergenerational story for anyone. It shows readers of all ages that change can be bittersweet, but splendor and optimism arises, too, if one is open to finding it.

Wishes (May 4, 2021) by Mủợn Thị Văn.

   Victo Ngai, illustrator.

If you had to leave everything behind, what would you wish for? In the middle of the night in which the “night wished it was quieter,” a Vietnamese family leaves behind all they’ve ever known. They embark on a perilous journey with a destination in mind, but with knowing how so many things can go wrong between here and there. It’s observed through the eyes of a young girl who is traveling forward until “I didn’t have to wish … anymore.”

            Right away, I am struck by the simple beauty of the story. The prose is scant, but what’s there weaves a timeless tale of fear, hope, determination and resilience and is complemented by the artist’s detailed but soft illustrations. The author and illustrator are well-matched to this story, as the lyrical text and nuanced art are a lovely collaboration. This story is drawn from the author’s personal history, and reading her author’s note had me tearing up. It’s an experience to read, one that is both heartfelt and heart-wrenching. It’s emotional and elegant. The words are few, yet they speak volumes. I purchased the book, and I’m glad to own it. It should be in all libraries (and I’m happy to say that I know my local library has it).

            Personal story: For those that know me, they will know that I’ve never been a refugee. In a previous job, I sometimes worked with Karen-speaking patients. One time, through an interpreter, a patient inquired about my origin. I am always open to sharing that I’m Korean; I was born there, but adopted as a baby and have grown up in the U.S. This patient was a refugee, and sadly, our setting wasn’t one conducive to having a long conversation. She was intrigued by my happy demeanor, but especially, my flawless English. She had the interpreter tell me, “You’re a lucky one.” And you know what? I absolutely agree!