About this item
Xander Miyamoto would rather do almost anything than listen to his sixth grade teacher, Mr. Stedman, drone on about weather disasters happening around the globe. If Xander could do stuff he's good at instead, like draw comics and create computer programs, and if Lovey would stop harassing him for being half Asian, he might not be counting the minutes until the dismissal bell. When spring break begins at last, Xander plans to spend it playing computer games with his best friend, Peyton. Xander's father briefly distracts him with a comic book about some samurai warrior that pops out of a peach pit. Xander tosses it aside, but Peyton finds it more interesting. Little does either boy know that the comic is a warning. They are about to be thrust into the biggest adventure of their lives-a journey wilder than any Xander has ever imagined, full of weird monsters even worse than Lovey. To win at this deadly serious game they will have to rely on their wits, courage, faith, and especially, each other. Maybe Xander should have listened to Mr Stedman about the weather after all. . . . Praise for Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters "With phantasmagorical environments, flying white rats, a fire-breathing bird, a giant, a snow demon, and other creepy things, there is abundant action. This retelling of a Japanese folktale celebrates courage, friendship, and pride of heritage, while featuring unforgettable characters and leaving readers eager for the next installment in this new series. " -BOOKLIST "A breathless retelling of the Japanese legend of Momotaro, this is an Asian version of Percy Jackson; adventure fans will be waiting for more. " -Kirkus "Though the story of Momotaro is familiar to every Japanese child, Dilloway seamlessly weaves necessary background information into the fast, action-filled plot. Xander, a Japanese American boy, hardly knows the legend himself, so readers learn along with him. Xander's candid and straightforward first-person narration will instantly resonate with middle grade readers, as will his story's themes of self-acceptance and friendship. Yoon's comic-style illustrations evoke Xander's talent for drawing and bring welcome visual interest for reluctant readers. This fast-paced fantasy adventure with a foundation in Japanese culture is perfect for fans of Percy Jackson. " -School Library Journal
About the Author
Margaret Dilloway is the author of middle grade and women's fiction. Ancestry.com says she's 51% Asian, as well as Irish and Welsh, though she's not sure how the extra 1% is possible. Her fictional character analysis says she's half Dumbledore and half Audrey from Twin Peaks. Awards include the Children's Literature Council of Southern California's Award for Best Children's Literature (Summer of a Thousand Pies) ; ALA's Asian/Pacific Islander Honor Award for Children's Literature (Momotaro: Xander and the Island of Monsters) ; the ALA Literary Tastes Award for Women's Fiction (The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns) ; and the Pulpwood Queens' Bonus Book of the Year Award (The Care and Handling of Roses with Thorns) .Margaret is a long form improv performer and produces an online improv show, the Baby-Sitters Club Interactive Improv and Trivia show, a parody based on the book series, through the Pack Theater in Los Angeles every month. She's also on a house team at Finest City Improv in San Diego.
