Written by Katie Zhao
Winnie Zeng has two goals: survive middle school, and finally outdo her arch nemesis David Zuo. Luckily for her she has read all the books on middle school survival, and is now ready to attend. However, one day while baking mooncakes she calls the spirit of her grandmother. Now the poor girl not only has to please her parents by being in the top of piano and school curriculum, but also must appease her grandmother, who insists on following her around, even to school. To top that off, Winnie also finds out that she is the chosen Shaman from the family, and that her grandmother was one of the greatest. How is one sixth grader supposed to balance all these expectations and save the world from the from the evil spirits that have infiltrated her sleepy town? With the help of her grandmother’s magic cookbook and a talking white Rabbit, Winnie must embrace her new found powers and vanquish the demons, or the world will end up in total chaos.
This book was vey enjoyable to read. It is based on Chinese Mythology, much like the Rick Riordan books and his Greek and Norse Mythology. This would be a great read for children who enjoyed those books, or for fans of any fun adventure where even your arch nemesis may end up as an ally. I would recommend this book for grades 4-5, and even high reading 3rd graders.
Reviewed by Jalene Magee, Media Clerk, Redwood Elementary
Review shared in June 2022
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend
Written by Katie Zhao
Random House
279 pages
Release Date: April 26, 2022
ISBN: 9780593426579
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
