THE LEGENDARY MO SETO

A 12-year-old Chinese American girl discovers an ancient martial arts book that could make her dreams come true.

Modesty “Mo” Seto has dreamed of finally winning a taekwondo tournament and making her father—her biggest supporter—proud. But at her latest tournament, she loses to her archrival, Dax Washington, just as her dad heads out to take a phone call. If only she were stronger, faster—and taller than 4 feet, 6 1/2 inches. When Mo discovers that her martial arts idol, Cody Kwok, is holding open auditions for his latest film, The Protégé, she knows this could be her moment. She might be able to finally beat Dax and show the world that her height doesn’t define her abilities. After finding a book in her basement depicting Xiăoxi Fu, a secret martial art, Mo trains to set herself apart from her competition with the help of her best friend, Ignacio “Nacho” Garcia. As she learns more of this ancient, dancelike style, strange things begin to happen. Mo’s father vanishes, someone seems to be sabotaging the auditions, and a mysterious figure starts to follow her around. Chan has created a brave, athletic girl whose realistic struggles with her identity and what she’s capable of will resonate. Readers will find themselves rooting for Mo’s success and enthralled with the relatable characterization that fills the pages.

An exciting mystery-adventure story that packs a punch.