Momotaro Xander and the Lost Island of Monsters

Momotaro is a Japanese folktale. An Asian American boy named Xander has powers, but he doesn’t know it yet. Xander’s in sixth grade, but you’d never know it because he’s still the height of a second- or third-grader.

He was in social studies class with his best friend Peyton, and it was the day before spring break. No one was even paying attention to the teacher, Mr. Stedman.

When they were cutting out articles about climate change, Xander was just daydreaming when he didn’t know he was drawing something. It was a mean picture of a girl named Lovey. Mr. Stedman had to keep him after school. The first two hours of spring break were wasted in a classroom.

Later, he went to find Peyton. He was at the bus stop eating a bag of flaming hot Cheetos. They walked back to Xander’s house and ate dinner. But in the middle of dinner, there was a bunch of shaking. Then there was a big wave. Also known as a tsunami. And Xander’s father decided to run into the tsunami. Now Peyton and Xander have to find Xander’s dad because he’s been captured by the oni.

I rate this book five stars because it’s funny and adventurous. I recommend this book for kids ages eight to twelve.