I'm going to shout this book birthday out a little early (it hits the shelves on the 5th) and am looking forward to diving into Rayven's second adventure. I did read the first one in the series (amazing, right?).
So, I have a pretty good idea where this might be heading and am looking forward to it.
So, I have a pretty good idea where this might be heading and am looking forward to it.
Let's see if Rayven is able to overcome whatever this book might hold!
YOUNG GRANDMASTER CHOI II
by Shequeta Smith
Shero Comics
Middle Grade Graphic Novel
ages 7 to 12
After earning her yellow belt in Hapkido, Rayven is chosen to do a short stick solo at the upcoming Cultural Festival in Seoul. Rayven is excited about her good fortune until a jealous classmate bullies her for not being Korean. Rayven loses confidence in herself until she attends the Cultural Festival and finds a bit of Korean history that directly connects to her African American heritage.
MY TIDBITS
Rayven has earned her yellow belt in Hapkido and has been chosen to do a stick solo at the next event. She's already nervous , but when a girl at school insists that, as an African American, Rayven can never be a true part of the Korean culture, Rayven feels uncertain. This soon affects her practice. Her family and friends insist that the girl is only jealous, but Rayven isn't so sure there isn't some truth to her words.
This is the second book in the series, but it's no problem to dive right into this one. Rayven is trying to find her place in Korean, now that she's moved from the the US. Especially the food is throwing her for a loop, and readers will feel for her as there isn't even pizza available. She has a lovely friend group, which offers support, too. When the bullying comes in, this is only for a few frames twice. It hits with the needed potency but pulls back before overwhelming. Still, it's just enough to leave the needed impression. There's a clever twist to bring everything together, and Rayven grows as a person and character in inspiring ways. She's easy to connect with and root for.
The illustrations offer enough details to make each situation clear and even bring across the Korean culture. They are colorful and work well with the speech bubbles. The text carries the story in the speech bubbles, which are fitting to the age group.
While the main message comes across clearly, and Rayven is obviously a character, who will experience many more small adventures, there is also quite a bit about the Korean culture. Readers learn various aspects about the people, habits, and country, which will have them seeing Korea differently. It will be fun to see what Rayven will deal with next.
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