Momotaro Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

Momotaro Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

By Margaret Dilloway

15 ratings 21 reviews 14 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grade 4n/a3.968690
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

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
ISBN-13: 9781484746813
ISBN-10: 1484746813
Published on 3/21/2017
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 336

Book Reviews (22)

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jebby jebby

amazing

I like the book. The book is a adventure book. Lots of sword fighting, crazy monsters and a bit of betrayal. One of the best recipes for a book. I would rate it 4 stars.

Xander Miyamoto usually spends his time drawing comics while his sixth grade teacher lectures about world problems, and creating computer programs at home. He likes nothing better than when the dismissal bell rings, and get away from bullies like Lovey who won't leave him alone for being half Asian. At the start of Spring Break, Xander and his best friend Peyton are playing computer games when Xander's father interrupts and gives them a comic book about a samurai warrior. But then when there's an earthquake, and a giant flood, the kids find out the comic is real. Xander and his family are part of an ancient line dedicated to protecting the world. And when Xander's dad disappears in the flood, Xander's grandmother tells them of his legacy. So Xander and Peyton, along with Inu, Xander's dog, must set off on the adventure of a lifetime in order to save his father, and the rest of the world from unimaginable monsters and destruction. And Xander must do this while trying to figure out what his powers are, and if he really belongs in this adventure. I really liked in this book that a lot of Japanese culture is part of the story, and you learn a lot. I recommend this book to adventure book lovers. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

i wanted to be an artisit for awhile but theres so many people saying its not good. in this book he didnt give up his art came to life like my om says good art does for the right person. it was fun to read but i wasnt really in the story

I like this book it would be in my top 5. I think this was the best adventure book i read. Read this book !!!!!!!

Book reviewer Book reviewer

Good book but the end part can get confusing

I won this book from DOGO books and really enjoyed it! It is based off a real Japanese tale and has many strange monsters called Oni. In this book, Xander and his friend Peyton are sent on a strange and sudden journey to defeat the Oni who kidnapped Xander's father. Along his travels, Xander meets some threatening monsters and tries to figure out what else he is good at other than video games.

I just got this book and it is so cool because it is a comic and it has a bunch of action and adventures. It also has some cool drawings.

Pesonally, this book was boring. It has a lot of action, but its confusing and you dont get whats happening. The plot is strange as well. I wouldnt reccomend it.

A desperate boy, a sad cover. Ready for video games like usual. Then comes the biggest adventure of his life. I'm going to leave it to you to find out the rest, but let me warn you.. Its absoluety awesome!!

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