Percy Jackson meets Hayao Miyazaki in this critically acclaimed
contemporary Japanese folktale about a boy who discovers his latent
powers on a quest to save his father.
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, 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 a samurai warrior named Momotaro
that springs 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. To win at
this deadly serious game they will have to rely on their wits, courage,
faith, and especially, each other.
Praise forXander 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
