Publishers Weekly
06/12/2023
A determined tween trains to battle an ancient Japanese warrior threatening present-day Tokyo in this mythical fantasy adventure by Abe (Alliana, Girl of Dragons). Twelve-year-old Tessa Miyata, who has been raised by her Gram in California following her parents’ deaths, has been labeled a “weirdo” by her classmates for her ability to see things others can’t. Once summer begins, Tessa is excited to visit her paternal grandparents in Japan with her two older sisters, hoping for a break from her mysterious visions and a chance at a fresh start. Except she still sees things, including a strange glow emanating from the glass-encased daruma doll that Ojiichan sends her to deliver to an antique shop. When the case breaks, Tessa learns that it was binding the spirit of Taira Masakado, a thousand-year-old samurai lord who almost overthrew Japan. Accompanied by Jin Uehara, a neighborhood boy and martial arts whiz, and Kit, a magical fox spirit, Tessa must do whatever it takes to save Tokyo from the escaped lord. Otherworldly beings and ethereal landscapes, inspired by Japanese mythology, fill this energetic tale of acceptance and friendship that centers a compassionate, loyal protagonist. Ages 8–12. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Aug.)
From the Publisher
"Yikes and Yakult! Julie Abe has done it again. Brimming with heart and humor, Abe takes us on a fantastical adventure into the heart of magical Tokyo. Gods! Trials! Japanese mythology! Full of action and emotion, I was gripped to the edge of my seat until the very last page. The start of a thrilling new series you don’t want to miss."—Graci Kim, bestselling author of The Last Fallen Star
"A delightfully spirited Japanese mythology–inspired adventure that’s full of heart."—Kirkus
“Tessa Miyata Is No Hero is my favorite combination of fun, heartful, and kick-butt. It's the girl-led shounen anime tween-me always wanted!"—Kaela Rivera, author of Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls
“At once heartrending and heartwarming, this thrilling, magical tale of finding one’s inner strength will show that Tessa Miyata is more than a hero—she is a legend!”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Xiran Jay Zhao
“Abe skillfully builds a world, drawing on elements of Japanese religion, art, food, and architecture in an energizing wash of sensory descriptions….readers will be thrilled by the dramatic and epic stakes imbued into action sequences. Looping repeatedly around the Japanese proverb, ‘After the rain, the earth hardens,’ Tessa’s journey provides young readers with a new heroine whose emotional core is rock solid.” —BCCB
Praise for Alliana, Girl of Dragons: "Alliana, Girl of Dragons made my heart soar! This beautiful and moving story celebrates internal strength, enduring familial love, and the life-changing power of friendship."—Alyssa Colman, author of The Gilded Girl
“Abe proves herself a master at creating worlds both exciting and comforting as she takes readers on whirlwind adventures. Alliana’s indomitable spirit will delight and excite as she courageously embraces her dreams and encourages readers to do the same."—Adrianna Cuevas, author of the Pura Belpré honor book The Total Eclipse of Nestor Lopez and Cuba in My Pocket
#1 New York Times bestselling author Xiran Jay Zhao
At once heartrending and heartwarming, this thrilling, magical tale of finding one’s inner strength will show that Tessa Miyata is more than a hero—she is a legend!”
bestselling author of The Last Fallen Star Graci Kim
Full of action and emotion, I was gripped to the edge of my seat until the very last page. The start of a thrilling new series you don’t want to miss.”
School Library Journal
12/08/2023
Gr 4–7—Meet Tessa Miyata, the definitely-cursed protagonist of Abe's ("Eva Evergreen") new middle grade series. Gran sends Tessa to spend the summer after sixth grade with Obaachan and Ojiichan in Japan. Tessa has always had extraordinarily bad luck (which surely doesn't have anything to do with her invisible kitsune charm bracelet) but when she and Jin, a neighbor boy, find themselves the last line of defense against the manifestation of an ancient samurai keen on absorbing all the life-force in Tokyo, her misfortune may turn deadly. Secret identities, lost memories, legendary warriors, and mythical creatures abound in Takamagahara, the City of Legends. Abe balances humor, action, and identity in this first series installment. Kit, the (potentially) powerful kitsune, provides delightful banter as a quest guide for Tessa and Jin. While Tessa's story will feel familiar to seasoned fantasy readers, she is notable in her choices and perseverance; Tessa is willing to do what needs to be done, even when the (literal) gods won't. This blending of chance and choice makes Tessa a lovable and inspiring heroine. A rich Japanese glossary and small illustrations supplement the text well. This is a great series starter and an easy recommendation for fans of myths, legends, and fantasy-adventure. VERDICT Action with myth and heart. Recommended as a general purchase.—Taylor Worley
OCTOBER 2023 - AudioFile
Narrator Sura Siu creates a youthful, determined voice for almost-seventh-grader Tessa--who is heading to Japan for the summer to visit her paternal grandparents after getting in trouble at her summer camp in San Francisco. Before leaving, Tessa was visited by a mysterious figure who gave her multiple warnings of imminent danger. With great zeal, Siu establishes unique voices for all of the characters Tessa encounters, including new frenemy Jin, while trying to save her family and the world from peril. Listeners will cheer Tessa on as she overcomes her insecurities and finds the strength to defeat the evil villain in this story about the importance of family and friendship. M.D. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine
Kirkus Reviews
2023-05-24
Thrown into a world of Japanese gods and spirits, Tessa must find the courage and strength to defeat an evil samurai spirit.
Tessa Miyata is cursed. At the beginning of sixth grade, she began seeing a masked woman who’s invisible to everyone else, leading to her being shunned socially. A year later, an incident gets her expelled from summer camp. Gram, the maternal grandmother who has cared for Tessa and her sisters since their parents died, sends her to spend the summer in Japan with Ojiichan and Obaachan, her paternal grandparents. But Tessa’s grand Tokyo vacation plans get shut down when she’s forced to hang out with neighbor boy Jin, who is clearly reluctant too. The kids finally get to run an errand for Ojiichan in Tokyo, but it turns disastrous when bullies break the precious heirloom daruma doll entrusted to them, releasing the spirit of legendary samurai Taira Masakado, who died over 1,000 years ago. With the help of a kitsune, or nine-tailed fox, Tessa and Jin must work together, train to battle monsters, and try to save Tokyo from Lord Taira. In this exciting, action-packed story, Tessa struggles with loneliness and feels like she doesn’t belong anywhere, but she discovers true strength, bravery, selflessness, and resilience. The magical world of Japanese spirits is beautifully crafted, with cultural elements seamlessly woven throughout. A glossary and interspersed black-and-white illustrations provide additional context.
A delightfully spirited Japanese mythology–inspired adventure that’s full of heart. (Fantasy. 8-12)
