  | Shinji Takahashi and the mark of the coatl Author: Kagawa, Julie | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
To free himself from an ancient curse, thirteen-year-old Shinji Takahashi must team up with a secret organization of explorers, find a magical font hidden in the jungles of Mexico, and replace a stolen idol.
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: MG Reading Level: 5.50 Points: 11.0 Quiz: 519074 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (02/01/22)
School Library Journal (+) (00/05/22)
Booklist (02/15/22)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2022 Though orphaned Shinji is being raised by his aunt Yui, who is a collector and trader of all sorts of things, he’s bored with his life traveling from place to place. He’d rather be playing video games with friends instead of sailing towards Africa in the heat of summer. Shinji finally finds something to take an interest in—a glowing wooden statue of the mythical coatl—but then abruptly crosses paths with a trio of scary, suited men who want his statue and aren’t afraid to use violence to get it. What is the statue, and what does it mean? Why does it whisper Shinji’s name? Why does he feel like he has to protect it? As he finds answers to his questions, life definitely takes a turn that's more interesting than video games. Comparisons to Rick Riordan's books are inevitable, but in the hands of veteran YA author Kagawa (The Iron Raven, 2021), this memorable middle-grade adventure series starter shines brightly enough to make its own way. - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
Booklist - 02/15/2022 - Copyright 2022 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/01/2022 Gr 3–7—Shinji is no stranger to adventure. He has traveled the world with his Aunt Yui for as long as he can remember. While shopping in a market he finds a figurine of a Coatl, a feathered serpent creature from Mesoamerican lore. After purchasing this figure, he quickly discovers he got more than he bargained for. He is chased and captured by the Hightower Corporation who are trying to take the figurine so they can control its magic. It is then he discovers that this figure comes with a curse: the mark of the Coatl, which has now changed from a figurine to a tattoo on his arm. With the help of some new friends, he must return the idol to its temple home in Mexico in order to remove the curse before it is too late. This first in the series is a thrilling adventure with elements of magic and folklore, in the same vein as Rick Riordan's works. The fast-paced action and short chapters make this a great choice for reluctant readers. A surprising twist will have kids eagerly awaiting the sequels. VERDICT The perfect mixture of Indiana Jones meets Percy Jackson that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.—Kristin Williamson - Copyright 2022 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
