Girl Giant and the Monkey King

(Hardback)

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Description

Eleven-year-old Thom Ngoh is keeping a secret: She's strong. Like, suuuuper strong. Freakishly strong. And it's making it impossible for Thom to fit in at her new middle school. In a desperate bid to get rid of her super strength, she makes a deal with the Monkey King, a powerful deity and legendary trickster. Thom will help him get back his magical staff if he'll take away her strength. Soon she is swept up in a centuries-old world where demons, dragons, and Jade princesses actually exist. But Thom quickly discovers that magic can't cure everything, and dealing with the trickster god might be more trouble than it's worth.

Reviews

"A fantastic tale of adventure, humor, and mischief." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Debut author Hoang's fast-paced fantasy is sure to resonate with middle-grade readers. . . . Realistic character portrayals blend together with fantastical elements as Thom travels on her journey, discovering more about her culture--and herself--while also finding out that legendary gods, much like navigating middle school, can be tricky. --Booklist (starred review)

This entertaining blend of the mundane and fantastical is packed with emotion and sure to strike a chord with readers. --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Girl Giant and the Monkey King is the best kind of fantasy- compelling in equal parts because of the magic and adventure and the heart of the characters. --Amber Reed of Copperfield's Books

A tale that deals with important issues of fitting in and cultural understanding, while soaring into the realms of myth and magical adventure. --School Library Journal

Author Bio

Van Hoang earned her bachelor's degree in English at the University of New Mexico and her master's in library information science at San Jose State University. She was born in Vietnam, grew in up Orange County, California, and now resides in Los Angeles with her husband and two dogs.